Items tagged “Education & Development”

There are a great many kids who feel lonely and think they don’t fit in. Let’s face it, children like to be just like those around them and often don’t have the skills to understand and appreciate what makes them unique and special. In the book A Different Kind of Safari, by Helen C. Hipp, the story is inspired by a real African safari that the author took with her 14-year-old special needs son, Ray. On the trip, Ray spotted a hippo gone solo, standing apart from the herd. This particular hippo was not only alone, she was pink. Ray asked the guide why the hippo was a loner — the answer inspired the book.

The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market® - Atlanta, Georgia (1/6/15 - 1/13/15)

New York isn’t the only place for amazing trade shows. At this time of year, it makes sense to head south! The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market is an impressive forum for new and established businesses of all kinds to introduce their products and court new customers. This year’s show brought out hundreds of vendors and thousands of guests, setting new records for sales volume. In such a large venue that features businesses from so many industries, it takes a lot for a children’s product vendor to stand out. Indy Plush, Zoocchini, Paper Punk and Just Born all made their mark on the Atlanta scene this year.

When last we met JJ, the canine star of JJ The American Street Dog, he was pulled from the streets and had happily found his forever home with 6-year-old Maya and her family. Maya learned all the rewards of adopting a street dog in need. In JJ Goes to Puppy Class, Maya starts to realize just how much responsibility any dog requires, as she sets about trying to train JJ to be a good puppy. The beauty of this book is it illustrates many of the common issues young children face when a new pet enters the home. It also shows how Maya handles them with aplomb and learns to fix the problems rather than whine about them.

There’s no better way to kick off the new year of buying and selling than at the NY NOW show, once again bringing thousands of presenters from around the globe. While plenty of these companies are no strangers to the game, this year’s show shines a light on the best fresh faces in the business. Whether a hot up-and-comer or a veteran of the industry, each company showing their wares at the Javits Center this year will have something unique to offer. The Multiples, Dsenyo, Milly Green and Papersalt are among the standout presenters. These companies all do something interesting to make life more rewarding for their young customers.

You have a dream product you know will be a wow with retailers and their clients but how do you get it from your head to the world? You contact Source My Garment, a company that bridges the gap between designers in North America and manufacturers and factories overseas. The brainy team of Source My Garment associates can provide you with the whole shootin’ match — everything from the hows and whys of fair trade and ethical manufacturing to concept, labeling and packaging, to ways to save money and grow your business as you want it to.

Retailers looking for new and innovative children’s products will find our latest recommendations allow children to grow physically, cognitively and even artistically. They are excellent products to market to parents who take a keen interest in their children’s education and development. From a food cutter which makes nutrition more fun for picky eaters to a finger puppet that helps children navigate touchscreen technology; from rolling stamps for the creation of art projects to backpacks and trolleys for the busy child on the go, these products help make the process of growing up more fun: FunBites, DigiPuppets, Funnybone Toys, and Juratoys.

It’s tough to navigate feelings at any age, but especially when you’re little and can’t truly verbalize them. And there’s nothing worse than feeling misunderstood. Just ask the puffin. “Look at the funny little penguin!” and “What a silly-looking penguin!” Hearing this all day long is enough to make any little bird angry, especially when he is decidedly NOT a penguin. The Angry Little Puffin by Timothy Young is the story of a puffin who is upset that he’s constantly mistaken for a penguin. Even the zoo has placed him with his flightless brethren, with only a small sign to distinguish the two. And nobody reads the sign.

It wasn’t too long ago when children’s television and family sitcoms were full of teachable moments. Nearly every episode featured the characters encountering a situation that required them to make a moral or ethical decision of some kind. Soon, those lessons cloaked in humor faded out and “very special episodes” became a trope associated with the past. The new generations of kids were thought to be too savvy to be preached to; they wanted sarcasm, attitude, and chaotic comedy. But is that what kids really need? The Principles of Our World is a book series designed to help children develop a strong sense of character and ethics.

Budding entrepreneurs and the grown-ups who help nurture hands-on business skills will make a “shark” frenzy about these activity kits from Bizainy. Not strictly toys, these creative kits offer a way for kids to learn useful life experiences about business and money management. The three activity kits include projects for hands-on learning-as-fun, including DIY banners, books, decorate-your-own money boxes, stickers, sales pads, postcards and more.

Moms who have really done their homework know that one of the most important things they can do for their child’s development is breastfeed if they are able, and then start the child on a high-quality diet with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. This dietary transition can be a tough. Many commercially-made baby foods are not organic, thus running the risk of exposing a child to pesticides, or contain additives. That is why many mothers make their own baby foods at home, and Ruth Yaron’s book, Super Baby Food, gives great guidance on making baby purees and on what and when to feed babies to keep them healthy and support their growth.

Toys don’t always have to be large, noisy, expensive or digital. Some of the most entertaining options are right at your fingertips… in this case, quite literally. With Finger Puppets Inc., this notion is all too true. Kids will love the creative designs of these unique Peruvian puppets. Parents will appreciate teaching their kids about different places around the world and enhancing their social skills. Crafted in the high plains of Peru by local families, these puppets are a tribute to the ancient ways of entertainment. Lessons can be learned and remembered through fun stories.

In today’s world, many daily interactions are quick-paced and short-lived. As electronics and screen time take over lives, occasionally kids forget the most basic, natural part of childhood: play. Germany takes us back to the basics with wonderful, traditional toys that rely on brains, not batteries. HABA has branched out from its classic wooden toys to create modern versions with heirloom quality. sigikid takes its cue from children’s need for cuddling, and creates developmentally appropriate toys. Ravensburger produces puzzles that will forever change how people think of putting pieces together. Hape Toys focuses on wood toys made from natural materials.

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