There's Lots to Love at KidShow!

By Sarah Duncan

Jelly the Pug

While others may spend their 2011 Valentine’s Day exchanging roses, cards, and chocolates, or sharing a romantic plate of spaghetti, many of us in the juvenile product industry will be celebrating in a rather different fashion. KidShow at Bally’s in Las Vegas kicks off on Valentine’s Day through February 16th. Exhibitors include top brands, including le top, Vitamins, pediped, Posh, See Kai Run, Wee Ones, Kissy Kissy and a lot more. In addition, here’s a preview of a few first-time exhibitors that caught our eye and heart: First Cleats, Jelly the Pug, Lotty Dotty and Prayer Wear Turned Inside Out.

First Cleats are for MVB’s - Most Valuable Babies

First Cleats

Some children are born artists, mathematicians, and chefs. And some children are born athletes. Karrie Nesbitt from Kirkland, Washington, found this to be the case with her children. As she and her mother watched their respective young children/grandchildren race around muddy soccer fields and dusty baseball diamonds over the years, it struck them that perhaps, even as babies, their little all stars needed some athletic footwear. In 2010, the mother and daughter team came up with the idea for First Cleats,sporting pre-walkers for 0-6 year olds. After all, why can’t baby’s first step be up to the plate? And they already like to kick their legs with joy!

First Cleats are truly one of a kind — there is nothing else like them on the market right now. First Cleats are one size fits all (ages 0-6) and come in two color options, pink and black. The shoes retail at $32.50 and are comfortable, completely safe, and fun. With spring just around the corner, parents are sure to flock to First Cleats for their MVB — the definition for which is, as First Cleats puts it, “Most Valuable Baby.”

You’ll get a kick out of these show stoppers in Vegas. To see more, race over to www.firstcleats.com.

A Pug Called Jelly Spreads Out in Vegas

Jelly the Pug

Annie Lennox once sang, “…cause I knew that I was going to be a legend in my living room,” and Adnan Mehmood has this in common with the famed musician. It was in her very living room that Mehmood had the idea to create Jelly the Pug girl’s clothing collection, an idea that went on to earn her space on shelves and Web sites in the kiddie business.

Jelly the Pug’s dresses, pants, skirts and shirts are all based with a spring, vibrant green fabric patterned with birds, butterflies, polka dots, bows, and flowers. The clothing is for girls age s3 months to 6 years, and each piece is easy to put on, loose fitting and comfortable. Among the featured fashions are the Prairie Dress ($30.00 MSRP) and Fancy Pants ($22.00 MSRP), the latter of which can be paired with all dresses and shirts in the line to turn a dressy occasion into a playful one.

As for the name of the business, Mehmood has a three-year-old pudgy pug, Jelly, whom she would take with her to trade shows. Children would ask to see and play with Jelly and send Jelly fan mail. In Mehmood’s words, “Jelly even had more friends on Facebook than I did.” And so it was, Jelly unintentionally became the name and face of her business.

Even if you’re dog tired from shopping, be sure to make time to see Jelly at KidShow! Experience this sweet fashion spread at www.jellythepug.com.

Dolly Lovers Dote on Lotty Dotty

Lotty Dotty

Whether porcelain, rag, wooden, plastic or paper — dolls have been a staple of childhood for centuries. Lotty Dotty’s creator, Maya Persaud, was inspired by her fond memories of playing with paper dolls as a child. She created an innovative T-shirt that allows the wearer to change the shirt at will by applying 3-D Velcro detachable appliqués..

Lotty Dotty sells a woman’s shirt and a children’s shirt; each with their own set of doll designs. The Children’s shirt ($50.00 MSRP) is patterned with five female doll characters: Zoe, Mimi, Maya, Lia or Lola. The shirts are 100% organic cotton and come with a changeable bathing suit and Tutu dress (of which there are different styles) handmade in France. Not only that, but there are additional Velcro doll dresses that can be purchased separately like The Star Dress ($25.00), the Tulip Skirt ($20.00) and The Ferry Dress ($20.00). Lotty Dotty also carries a limited edition T-Shirt ($35.00) designed in support of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization.

Lotty Dotty is a great way for the wearers to dress their T-Shirts to be as fabulous as they are!

See the living dolls at KidShow. Plan ahead at www.lottydotty.com.

Protecting the World’s Children with a Prayer

It isn’t necessary to watch the news or read the paper to know that, sadly, children are often not very safe in this world. What keeps our world beautiful is people like Maureen Kelly, Trevor Wallace, Richard Green, and Melissa Torres of Prayer Wear Turned Inside Out. With a mission to clothe and shield, they are protecting children around the globe, one t-shirt and one-piece at a time.

Started in 2010, Prayer Wear Turned Inside Out is a non-profit company that makes and sells t-shirts and one-pieces for children 3 months to 5 years. The shirts and one-pieces have a prayer to a non-denominational or religion specific God printed on the inside back of the item. The prayers are available in all (and they do mean all!) languages. As long as the translation is provided, they’ll print it.

Their goal is to promote an attitude of “Pay it Forward.” Buyers are encouraged to “Buy 1 Get 1 Give 1,” and with every clothing item purchased, one clothing item is donated to a child in need of clothing somewhere else in the world.

Prices vary, and products come in five designs in varying colors.

This cause is worth celebrating, and a great way to teach children social responsibility. See and sing their praises at KidShow. For more information call (954) 628-2747 or email . Also check out their new Web site, www.prayerweartio.com.

Be Lucky! Enter Free Retailer Gift Giveaway

The Giggle Guide and KidShow are once again awarding gift baskets of children’s products to buyers that attend KidShow. Be sure to enter the free drawing when at the registration desk! You may also win some great surprises to enjoy while you’re in Las Vegas! Thanks for these brands that are exhibiting at KidShow for their donations to the gift baskets: Alpha Industries, Anita G, Baby Bella Maya, Best of Chums, cachcach, Genuine Rose, Isobella & Chloe, One Ruby Lane, pediped, Sozo, SpecialTee Designs and Magnificent Baby.