Exhibitors Rule at the NY Gift Show

NY NOW, the Market for Home & Lifestyle (formerly the NY International Gift Fair), ran from August 17 to August 21 in typical grand style at the Javits Center. New companies as well as seasoned veterans basked in the updated venue. The LIFESTYLE Collection featured the Baby + Child category, where over 100 companies congregated to show the freshest ideas in the market.

Five awards were presented to companies at the show, judged by a panel that included industry veterans Audrey Kingo of Earnshaw’s and the Giggle Guide’s own Leesa Valentino. The décor-storage beanbag by mimish took the honors for “Bloggers’ Best”, while Box Play for Kids LLC took a bow for its ice cream truck in “Toys”. “Décor” kudos went to Tree by Kerri Lee for the Letters to Santa Mailbox, with a special nod to Manny & Simon as a finalist in this category with its Reindeer+Sleigh. 3 Sprouts took home the award in the “Gear” category for its stroller organizer. Elecktrik Kidz claimed victory in the “Apparel” category with its Mermaid gown.

The Wind & the Sail, Hickies, PishPosh Mommy, and Fluf were just a few of the in-demand product providers that exhibited at the show.

Cruising Along with The Wind & The Sail

“The Wind & The Sail was overwhelmed by the response at NY NOW. We signed on 80 new stores from 29 different states,” said Laura Stantz, the power behind the The Wind & The Sail. “I loved seeing people walk by and do a double take and say, “Aww, these are so cute!”

The Wind & The Sail is known for its handcrafted plush creations that simply beg to be cradled by tiny arms. Customers can customize their pals from a range of fabrics and styles. Kids will love the charm of friends like Eleanor Rhino, Charles Daschund, and Kelsey Kangaroo. Other critters available include hippos, monkeys, giraffes, and elephants.

Stantz also caters to tiny tots with her new line of rattles. “The rattles made a big splash at the NY NOW. “My best sellers in New York were my rattles! They are such a good price point, are machine washable and are so simply designed that they really put a spell on people. As with most of my creations, they spark a memory of play in childhood and most remember handmade toys being some of their favorites.” Rattles are constructed from cotton and polyfil, and come in five friendly forms: whale, lion, bunny, cat, and elephant.

Bring the best of childhood memories to your customers with products from www.laurastantz.com

Hickies Puts Their Best Foot Forward

“We want to take over the world of shoelaces, one shoe at a time,” said Digital Marketing Manager Collin Willardson at Hickies. “To do that, we have to show the world how Hickies literally works for everyone, and NY NOW provided us with a vehicle for doing so.”

Hickies is on the leading edge of the shoe accessory trend. Hickies is an elastic lacing system that operates as a shoelace replacement that can go on any shoes with eyelets. Families will love the fact that just about any pair of shoes can be converted into slip-ons with style. There are dozens of styles that appeal to a range of customers, but tweens will really “get” Hickies. The product allows for them to mix and match colors and designs for a new look every day.

The bonus is that Hickies can also be used to create matching jewelry or keychains, or anything else that kids can dream up. “Our best-selling products are the rainbow packs,” noted Collin. “[Also the] all black and all white [packs]. Different crowds tend to buy different colors. Parents love the rainbow pack for their kids. The athletic crowd seems to love the bright neon color laces as a lot of shoes are starting to add bright colors to their sneakers, like Nike and Reebok.”

Hickies makes shoes fashionable: www.Hickies.com

PishPosh Mommy Brings on Fashionable, Functional Pieces

“We had a tremendous response at the show,” said Kopal Goonetileke, co-founder of PishPosh Mommy. Goonetileke and her business partner, Jenny Hong, created the company with busy moms in mind.

Their Carryall Organizer is a boon for hectic lives. Boasting seven pockets on the perimeter of the bag and a myriad of inner pockets, the Carryall Organizer keeps all of baby’s essentials within easy reach. It’s small enough to be slipped into a bag, but large enough to carry whatever mom needs –– all in one fashionable package. “The idea of the Carryall is fairly new, so many people had a lot of questions, but once they understood what it was everyone was really excited about offering it as a must-have item. Moms today are busier than ever, but we see women everywhere who still want to keep a part of their own chic selves, even with kids in tow,” added Goonetileke.

PishPosh Mommy also offers a cute diaper clutch (available in ten styles) that looks like a purse but stores diapers and wipes. The Wet Bag is the solution to schlepping around wet swimsuits and dirty clothes. Constructed from cotton with a water-resistant lining, the bag can also be folded into a wristlet. On deck for the coming season: a new changing pad, nursing cover, and tote.

Moms on the go want fashionable function: www.PishPoshMommy.com

Fluf: Earth-friendly Solutions for Families

“We have been exhibiting at the NY NOW show since 2009,” said Nathalie Butterfield, co-founder of Fluf. “It is a great show for us, and we have made many lasting connections through the show. The diversity of exhibitors and products available is great because it means the show attracts a wide variety of buyers from many different kinds of stores.”

Fluf, the Canadian producer of eco-friendly, sustainable bins, bags and pillows, has long been a customer favorite. Bags are constructed from 100% organic cotton and have a water-resistant liner for easy cleaning. Hot sellers with families are its lunch bags. Its Doggy Bag, which boasts a friendly blue and red Clifford-esque dog on canvas, is in demand. “The response from attendees [at the NY show] is always great. One attendee remarked, “Oh! It’s the next lunch box!”

Customers will appreciate the many other cool designs, including a stomping green T-Rex and adorable chubby chicks. The storage bins are great way for families to get organized, and having an Earth-friendly solution in the children’s room gives parents peace of mind. Fluf Floor Bins come in five styles (like royal blue and neon orange) and are perfect for small toys, games, and projects (15”x14”, organic cotton).

Need help make getting organized or brown-bagging it fun? www.Fluf.Ca