Items tagged “Furnishings & Decor”

I am looking forward to attending the ABC Spring Educational Conference at South Point, Las Vegas on May 7-9. After attending so many trade events over the last 30+ years, I enjoy learning more about the children’s business, and especially seeing new things that may take me by surprise. The ABC SEC is one event that allows buyers, manufacturers, reps and media to get to know more about each other. The element of surprise is always part of new experiences. That’s why I asked several exhibitors these questions: “What would someone be surprised to know about you?” and “What will buyers be surprised to see in your 2013 line?”

Display your customer savviness with products that add personality to children’s rooms. Anyone can carry lamps and lighting fixtures, but only Wall Sticker Lamp can make 3D lamps. Made of vinyl, the stickers come in fun styles featuring animals, places and flowers. As unique as a tattoo, Tatutina lets customers organize keepsakes and crafts with beautifully painted recipe boxes and whimsical, wooden crayon caddies. The sure cure for the summertime blues, Win Green playhouses let kids enter into their favorite fairy tale or sea adventure without having to leave the yard. Modern Moose takes a contemporary approach to the simple things in life with clocks and wall art featuring clever laser-cut characters.

When you walk into a classroom, you’re likely to notice many things: the way the children and teacher interact, class artwork on the walls, the books and materials available to the kids. In most cases, the classroom furniture and equipment tend to blend into the background, but they play an important role in the education process, particularly in the early school years. ECR4Kids produces high-quality classroom furniture and school supplies geared to children in preschool and elementary school. They offer a wide variety of products to choose from, most of which come in bright, kid-friendly, primary colors.

Sisters Krystal Kirkpatrick and Suzanne Knutson started their company, Bunnies By The Bay, as therapy after two tragic fishing accidents claimed the lives of their father, brother, uncle, cousin, and 11 other fishermen. Suffering almost unbearable grief, they took the advice of their grandmother to keep their hands busy and began sewing bunnies that were inspired by a childhood story. Bunnies By The Bay’s focus is on creating delightfully endearing gifts for little ones embarking on their first year of life. Through engaging art and playful wit, Bunnies By The Bay offers detailed designs and lush materials in timeless products that promise parents and grandparents a cherished heirloom in the years to come.

“Safety first!” is a caution that retailers cannot share with their new family customers often enough. Safety gates are a must in most homes, and Gatekeepers models come in wood or paint options to match existing décor. Mommy’s Helper carries every kind of safety gear, with stylish and simple solutions. Safety is not only a concern during waking hours — parents need reassurance that their children are safe sleepers too. The SafeToSleep breathing monitor and the Heaven Sent crib mattress by Secure Beginnings are two options.

A benefit of a global economy is that stores can offer beautiful and unique items from beyond their own borders. Having this kind of reach means you can be the hero for parents and gift-buyers by offering something nobody else can get. In apples-to-apples comparison, England-based Apples to Pears offers the cutest gifts, complete with their own decorative tin packaging (no need to wrap!). Tablets can be cushioned from child-like blows with tabCoosh direct from Australia. The Scottish can be so eloquent with adorable 2D and 3D gallery frames from The Articulate Gallery. From France, TAPIKID playmats by DEUZ stimulate imaginations to fuel the fun.

Many children are at least a bit afraid of the dark, which can make bedtime less peaceful. Kids are prone to nightmares and terrors, making it hard for them to either fall asleep or stay in a restful state. A lack of deep, restful sleep can lead to all sorts of health issues. How can parents help their children — and others less fortunate than themselves — enjoy a more restful sleep? SolPals, a company that develops solar-powered nightlights, not only harnesses the energy of the sun in a fun way for children, but also donates to those less fortunate

New York International Gift Fair - New York City, New York (1/26/13 - 1/30/13)

The Baby & Child division of the Winter 2013 New York International Gift Fair gave best new product awards to five exhibitors. The Giggle Guide’s own Leesa Valentino was among the judges who presented the awards. The Blogger’s Best award went to Benbini for Benbini Watches; the Toy award winner was Home Grown Books for Set 3; the Décor winner was 3 Sprouts for the 3 Sprouts Laundry Hamper; the Gear winner was MadPax for Blok Fullpack; and the Apparel nod was given to Zipit for their Happy Playsuit. Here are more details on offerings that caught the Giggle Guide’s eye…

Luv Chicken™ was featured in the January 2013 issue of Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine. The feature was called “What’s Hot Now” and Luv Chicken was one of three hot boosters featured!

Luv Chicken™ Booster Cushions for Kids are fabulous boosters that are both stylish and functional! Not only do they boost children ages 18 months - 7 years squarely up to the table, they are also portable, easy to clean and grip the bottom of any chair. Now Luv Chicken boosters come in a new, smaller size! At 13” x 13” x 3”, children get all the benefits of the original cushion, but at a size that is perfect for smaller furniture as well as high-backed bar stools. These cushions are available in three adorable prints: Pink Fairytale, Pirate Stripes and Zoofari. They retail for $40.

KidShow - Las Vegas, Nevada (2/18/13 - 2/20/13)

The February KIDShow at Bally’s Las Vegas (February 18-20) marks the beginning of my twelfth year attending KIDShow Vegas. It’s no surprise to me that KIDShow continues to serve the needs of its loyal and new vendors and retailers. After viewing so much children’s apparel over the last few decades, I still love to attend KIDShow with a keener interest to not only see the fashions, but to learn more about the people behind the brands. That’s why I asked several exhibitors these questions: “What would someone be surprised to know about you?” and “What will buyers be surprised to see in your 2013 Fall collections?”

Every child is unique and wants to proclaim his or her individuality. With Groovy Signs, available in over one thousand looks as well as custom designs, retailers have a great way to invite shoppers to let each personality blossom. The 6” x 22” aluminum sign is the basic, but custom banners, water bottle labels, personalized decals, locker signs and dry erase boards are also available. Tween girls adore signs with quotes like “Camo Girl”, “Georgia Cutie” and “Miss Priss”. Feather boas in a range of colors including hot pink, kelly green, turquoise, yellow and purple come with each sign for added pow.

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