Items tagged “Handmade”

“Surprise” was my editorial theme for February’s KIDShow, held again at Bally’s, Las Vegas. I have attended every KidShow since it began 12 years ago in the massive windblown tents outside of the Rio hotel. At its new home at Bally’s hotel, KIDShow has easily become my favorite trade event in the West for its assortment of vendors, step-saving location just down the hall from the comfortable North Tower rooms, and the unsurpassed hospitality of its show staff, led by Denise Raeside. It was not easy to choose only one handful of favorites, but these brands made my top 5 for a variety of reasons: Sock Ons, CIRCUS 212, Hip Together, Hannah Banana from G.B.Y.M. and PeryKids.

In a world of toys where everything makes noise and requires every type of battery, there’s something refreshing about going old school. Goodwood Deconstruction Blocks are designed by Aroundsquare for creative play for play’s sake. Aroundsquare sees play as a range of activities from manual to mental, from tangible to imaginary, from closed to open, from individual to group, from competitive to cooperative, and from silent all the way to rowdy. In short, there is no right or wrong way to play with Goodwood Deconstruction Blocks, making them the right choice for families, and for your store.

Little girls enjoy hours of pleasure pushing a doll in a baby carriage on the sidewalk, in the park and at home. Playing Mommy comes naturally to lots of young misses who dress up their dolls or favorite stuffed animals and proudly show them off. There is no better way to do this than with an heirloom-quality wicker doll carriage or a play pram with all the right accessories. Give your customers a taste of best-in-class with a classic carriage or cradle from Regal Doll Carriages.

Shoppers are always on the lookout for special gifts for new parents or shower presents that are not ho-hum. Some items are so filled with fun they scream “buy me!” while others attract because they are ecologically in tune. The more variety you offer, the greater your rewards as customers like having a selection of items at different price points. Great shower and baby gifts help build your business as others ask the happy recipients, “Where did you get that?” Gifts from Nui Organics, Wry Baby, Wupzey and Nova Nature are all well designed, with the right combinations of whimsy, practicality and sensible pricing.