NY International Gift Fair — Art Inspires Kids' Imaginations

The 157th NY International Gift Fair (NYIGF) was a cut above, featuring talented artists and gift stores with truly unique and creative pieces. The Giggle Guide^® has tracked down some of the most talented artists and gift designers around: Zolo, Tatutina, Tyrell Katz, Tiny Tillia, Quiggles Kidswear and Fidoodle Inc.

Zolo — Building on Imaginations

The Zolo line has a life and energy all its own that entices the imagination and engages the mind. Kids are sure to get hours of enjoyment out of these colorful, intricate, and lively toys. From sensory stimulation for infants to building toys for older children, the Zolo line is unlike any other. Building sets are available for different ages that let even preschoolers enjoy the fun. For those unsure what to put in that 7th arm hole, there is a “construction wheel” that can be used to guide you through some of the craziest combinations out there.

Designers Byron Glaser and Sandra Higashi have outdone themselves with this gender-neutral and out of this world product line that is sure to engage every member of the family. For more information about the Zolo line visit www.Zolo.com.

Tatutina, Inc. — Bold and Colorful Art Make Bright Ideas!

Tatutina was started in 1979 by artist Barbara Ottmar as a hand-painted line of gifts. The line was started in her basement with hand-painted t-shirts, wooden products, greeting cards, and original art. Today Barbara’s daughters, Georgia Florena and Roberta O’Neill have joined the company. The company name is the signature Barbara uses on her original paintings, now serving as the name for the entire line.

The Tatutina line of gifts is infused with bold oranges, blues, greens, and reds. Each product is playful and happy with designs that appeal to the young at heart. Products range from art supply caddies to wooden letters and childhood “everyday medals” for celebrating those often unnoticed accomplishments.

For more information about the Tatutina line of gifts and products visit www.Tatutina.com.

Tyrrell Katz — What One Can Do with Doodles!

Tyrrell Katz is a line of gift products that feature characters designed by artist James Tyrrell in London. 15 years ago, business partners Tyrrell and Nicky Garretty started by selling their character sketches on t-shirts at tourist attractions. The lovable doodles gained strong following and the team began developing more products. With two little boys at home, Tyrrell began to branch out into the children’s market with child-friendly characters.

Doodled fairies and pirates joined the character line-up. Dinosaurs, boxing bugs, and cows on fork lifts brighten each product in the Tyrrell Katz line. Another strong suit of this line are the unique products including; alarm clocks, umbrellas, fleece blankets, towels, and even cutlery!

Recently expanding with an office in New York, the Tyrrell Katz line is making a big impression! For more information about the Tyrrell Katz line visit www.tyrrellkatz.com.

Tiny Tillia — Bath Products Bubble Over with Character

Tiny Tillia line of gifts launched in 2006 by Tiffany Lerman the designer who created the successful Chester collection. The Tiny Tillia line includes all-natural bath items for children that incorporate Tiffany’s whimsical sense of design. The character line is full of doodled animal cartoons, each with its own story. Each character is based on a member of Tiffany’s family or someone close to her. Like, “Ben Giraffe” who likes curly fries, soccer, and staying up late! Or “Chloe Mouse” who likes pesto pasta, splashing in puddles, and painting her nails!

All soaps and body products are all-natural and safe for kids. From bath mitts to body scrub and bath books, the Tiny Tillia line makes bath time fun for the whole family! Visit www.TinyTillia.com.

Fidoodle Inc. — Back-to-Basics Playtimes

Fidoodle has developed a line of childhood toys based on both well-known and new stories and myths intended to enrich children’s imaginations. With a drive for purity, these simple and “back-to-basics” toys are made with an eye towards sustainability. Each product is made from organic cotton, sheep wool, certified forests, and even some recycled wood.

Fidoodle’s wooden block sets are beautifully crafted and appeal to all ages. Each set is designed to foster open-ended play and imagination. Storybooks created along with the set allow mom and dad to join in the fun.

Puppet puzzles are crafted with Fidoodle’s one of a kind artistry that gives a modern twist to childhood figures. Each puppet puzzle is a part of a limited edition of 300, making each piece an heirloom, and turning each new season into an adventure.

Each piece is designed to be open-ended enough to be enjoyed by children of all ages and is sure to be admired by adults. This line has to be seen to be believed! For more information about the Fidoodle line visit www.Fidoodle.com.

Quiggles Kidswear — Designed from a Pregnant Pause!

Quiggles Kidswear offers hand-painted children’s clothing that is durable, adorable, and one of a kind! On bed rest while pregnant with twins, Nancy Lee began making art. It wasn’t long before her collection grew into an entire line of designs. With plenty of time to research the industry, Quiggles Kidswear was on its way. After the birth of her twin girls, the business was off and running. After a break when her third child was born, Nancy and Quiggles Kidswear is back in full swing!

These fanciful designs ooze childhood innocence with tractors, trucks, ladybugs, and watermelons. Each design is available on any product. The line includes baby clothes and accessories, kids’ one and two-piece outfits, baseball caps, denim boller hats, safari, and floppy hats. Each item is available for boys and girls and comes in a choice of white, pink, yellow, khaki, lavender, periwinkle, teal and denim. All fabrics are 100% cotton for high durability and easy care. Each piece uses non-toxic fabric paint and is machine washable and dryer safe!

For more information about the Quiggles Kidswear line visit www.QuigglesKidswear.com.

What were your finds at NYIGF? How are gifts doing in your store? Add your comments here.