Items tagged “Tweens (7-12 years)”

Retailers’ aisles are stocked with back-to-school accessories. The challenge is to find fun and unique styles that will last the year. Big Love got smart and based their collections on ideas that will never go out of style: Love, Peace, Happiness and Freedom. Based on these values recognized from Saint Francis of Assisi, Big Love packs inspiration on the backs of backpacks. Roomy enough to hold lunch, books, a laptop and even extra clothes, the durable backpack in crinkly nylon fits even tiny backs. With front nylon zippered pockets and top handles for easy carrying, this pack will hold up on the bus or on a weekend trip to Grandma’s.

In July 2004, in the lavish South of France, Bulle de BB was created by an expectant and fashion forward French mom, Samantha Lenient. She was eager to find quality clothing for her new baby that would be both charming, yet modern and trendy. She loved the idea of discreetly adding tiny, tender messages to make a statement. As Cedric Chauvet, Export Assistant explains, “Bulle de BB” is a play-on-words. “Bulle” means “speech bubble” and “BB” means “baby.” The company has grown at a rapid rate since its creation, and the little messages in French always resonate well with the customers.

Dubai is one of the most popular vacation spots among the rich, famous and influential. Its pristine white sands, striking contemporary skyline and top-notch resorts draw multitudes of tourists each year. Children growing up in Dubai have a fun and unique childhood experience. They’re exposed to sights and activities that most other kids can only dream of, and this proximity to an opulent lifestyle will no doubt shape their future fashion choices. Dubai-based children’s clothing company ShoSho Bella is a good example of the luxurious style frequently found in the Emirates.

When customers look for kids’ clothing, style and fit are high on their lists. But the material used to make the garments is also important. Organic growing practices employ approaches and materials that lessen the impact on our environment. This translates into clothing that is totally natural and toxic-free to farmers, workers, the eco-system and consumers. Doodle Do, Sapling Child, Little Gabies and NOCH are companies that are setting a precedent with organic products that are soft, stylish and eco-friendly.

Sometimes the simplest ideas become the most successful. When Lori Cohen’s 6-year-old daughter put on a pair of sneakers that were slightly too big she suggested putting something in the eyelets to make them tighter. “That night Shoeglits came to me in my sleep. I woke up and made my first prototype,” states Cohen. Originally the products were designed for girls ages 5-10 who wanted to “jazz up their sneakers.” Now the brand is growing to include boys, teens and moms.

On the evolutionary chain of children’s rain gear, there isn’t exactly a staggering amount of change. If you look at family photos and magazines from the 1950s up to today, you’ll probably notice that children’s rain gear looks very much the same, with a few minor changes and updates. Is there anything new under the sun when it comes to the rain? Maybe. Rain gear from Oil & Water gives new life to these everyday pieces and makes puddle-hopping more fun than ever. Sure, there’s the classic yellow slicker, but shoppers also discover some new wet-weather options like cozy field jackets, haute couture opera coats and pretty ponchos.

Sado Inc. is a vintage inspired clothing line for girls 12 months to 10 years. It is a mix-and-match line full of unique fabrics, ruffles and trims. It has a natural feel that is still fun and girly. Sado Inc. just released a women’s line too, so now mothers and daughters can dress alike. Owner Samantha Miller speaks on Sado’s success: “I feel like moms have been looking for a casual clothing line that can be worn on a daily basis, but is different from what you find at big box stores. Sado Inc. is unique, comfortable, affordable and lovely on every level.”

There are many reasons why American parents have a romance with European fashions for their kids. There’s the general allure of all things exotic and different, and the idea that European imports represent a chic, affluent lifestyle. The truth is that European clothing for kids is often high quality and stylish in its own unique way. Of course, Europe is a whole continent encompassing many cultures, each with its own particular style sense. Boboli is a company that represents Spain with its fun, colorful children’s clothing.

As the world of nature disappears faster than we appear to be doing enough to stop it, stories of this part of life teach important lessons. Squirt the Otter is a true story of an orphaned baby critter who was found, in all places, in a farmer’s field. Tracy, a zookeeper, together with her dog Muffin, befriended the baby otter and took her into their home, caring for her to enable her to grow into a healthy adult. This warm tale by Tracy L. Mikowsky, the actual Tracy of the story, shows how compassion and friendship transcend the species, giving concrete examples of the bond between humans and animals and the benefits to both of forming close, caring connections.

L’il Kitch is a line from Joie Shop which carries some of the most unique kitchen and household items. From wine stoppers to Christmas tree toppers, Joie Shop offers modern, charming designs. L’il Kitch creates kitchen tools aimed at kids to get them interested in cooking in a playful way. They designed their items revolving around that philosophy and trying to bring as much joy as possible to the process of making meals as a family.

Capitalizing on the importance of a child’s imagination, Box Play for Kids offers eco-friendly kids stickers to repurpose recyclables into fun, new toys. The company was inspired by owner Janette Harwell’s 2-year-old daughter and her love for stickers and a “penchant for playing with empty boxes.” Harwell continues, “I had an ‘aha’ moment that lead to the invention of Box Play for Kids.” Fortunately for Harwell’s daughter, both her parents are designers who have specialized in package design, branding and advertising for over 20 years.

With so many of today’s youth gravitating to electronics, the power of games that can be enjoyed face to face has never been more appreciated. Studies show that interconnectedness between people — an approach that cannot be reproduced in the online world — improves social skills and just plain makes people of all ages happy. Family game nights are seeing a resurgence in popularity and shoppers are on the lookout for clever, well-designed, high quality games. Get your customers on a roll with the latest and greatest games from Clued In Kids, Endless Games, Blue Orange Games, and Family Games America.

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