Madpax

May 23, 2013 by Janet Gray Muniz


052313_MadPax_01‘Funk’tional backpacks that are the talk of the town.

Mike Cordovana and Tina Huber make ultra cool backpacks for creative kids … and their parents! The team experiments with ways to construct backpacks that make them stand out in a crowd.

MadPax backpacks are like no other –the cutting edge, origami-inspired designs scream individuality in a unique and wildly fun way!

Each creation conceived enters the ‘fabratory’ as a double dare of design and possibility. We add the punk, passion and purpose, dab out the drab and add the rad.

052313_MadPax_02Is it creature, myth or magic? A huge celebrity favorite –count Britney Spears, Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts, LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian as customers- MadPax packs are available in a range of sizes, including Full Size, Half Size, Nibbler (a name I really love), a fully-insulated lunch pack and the Mighty Bite, to stash the small stuff.

052313_MadPax_03Once the creator behind custom homes, Mike Cordovana is the company’s math and manufacturing wizard; Tina Huber adds the funk as “sorceress of sales and marketing.” This duo has plans for additional Madpax -including halfpax, packs for littles under five, lunchboxes and accessories.

Pax on, I say!

Posted in Bags & Totes, Celebrity Favorites, Parent-friendly Products | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Cool-it Caddy

May 22, 2013 by Janet Gray Muniz


Freeze and go portability for outdoor-enthusiast-moms and people of all ages!

The idea came to founder Deborah Vinci one steamy summer afternoon while golfing in the Arizona desert. She’s a true lover of the warm weather and sunshine … but melted lip balm, lipstick, make-up and sunscreen ruined in the heat, not so much. So Deborah created Cool-it Caddy™ cosmetics coolers through her new venture, Vinci Designs, LLC.

052213_Cool-ItCaddy_01No More Meltdown. Now, spending time on the fairway, tennis court, beach, lake or playground no longer spells *meltdown* for your take-along stuff.

The patent-pending design of Cool-It Caddy uses an integrated coolant with lightweight insulation layers to keep contents cool. That means your lip balm, sunscreen, lipstick –even heat-sensitive medicines and snacks maintain their integrity under even the hottest conditions.

The sleek, haute design makes them convenient enough to slip inside purses, briefcases, fanny packs, golf bags, backpacks and diaper bags – so you stay fresh, no matter what the score – or the temperature.

052213_Cool-ItCaddy_IcePopsJust Pop and Play. Just pop the Cool-it Caddy into a freezer until frozen. Put you stuff inside and go do your thing. On the course. On the boat. On the go. Courtside. Beachside. Poolside. Car Rides. Playtime!

Currently, Cool-it Caddy products, including Cool-it Caddy Classic, Cool-it Caddy for Men, Cool-it Caddy Contempo and Icepops-  are sold online and at retail locations across the country, as well as private golf clubs and resorts.

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SoYoung

May 21, 2013 by Janet Gray Muniz


Lifestyle bags and products with a celebrity following.

052113_SoYoung_backpacks_02Canadian mom Catherine Choi is the founder of SoYoung, a line of diaper bags, lunch boxes, cooler bags and accessories designed for the modern family. The line is characterized by clean lines, elegant functionality, tough-yet-tender fabrics and lovely silkscreen graphics, which come together with great urban appeal.

In the instant we meet our child for the first time, we are transformed by the sudden expansion of our hearts in a way we never thought possible. SoYoung is about acting on this inspiration. It’s about the pursuit of possibility and watching an idea blossom into reality.

Catherine’s Aha Moment. With no previous background, Catherine simply decided to design a better diaper bag! The process took four years to bring to market, but for her, it was a profound conviction, a sign you could say.

052113_SoYoung_lunchbagscoolersThe name of Catherine’s company –SoYoung- is actually her Korean name, one she tried hard to leave behind, yet became the nature choice for a business name of her own.

“Our products strive to add beauty to the everyday moments of life with children,” she says. “We treasure the unexpected moments of joy and laughter set against the backdrop of raising a family.”

052113_SoYoung_logoThe Toronto-based company with a celebrity following –like Halle Berry and Heidi Klum- is launching a new collection of waxed canvas bags and a new diaper clutch, available this August.

Sold across Canada, the United States and internationally in Australia, New Zealand, Kuwait, Hong Kong and Singapore.

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Paper Hat Press

May 16, 2013 by Janet Gray Muniz


These publishers are creating beautiful stories about the most unique characters of all – your own kids.

051613_PaperHatPress_lifestyleI remember receiving a fun holiday ornament from my niece that she hand-crafted especially for me. It’s a little replica of my personality –a sassy cowgirl, with boots and hat and scarf –and my nickname printed on her blouse. That little treasure made from play dough is definitely one of my favorite keepsakes.

051613_PaperHatPress_BookThe people behind Paper Hat Press are an award-winning team of children’s book authors, editors, illustrators and designers who are publishing personalized books destined to become keepsakes for kids. They’re also mothers and fathers and book lovers, too –who know how to make high-quality, custom-made books that feature your own children as main characters in engaging stories, illustrated with gorgeous artwork.

Our one-of-a-kind, personalized books and keepsakes are sure to surprise and delight.

051613_PaperHatPress_SketchbooksEach hardcover book is made to order and features a window in the cover that features your “little character,” aka your child. Each book is specially wrapped in kraft paper “that can be folded into a paper hat,” and arrives in as fast as five days. Notebooks, sketchbooks and sticks can also be personalized.

We make books that parents and kids can hold together, read over and over, and keep forever.

051613_PaperHatPress_Stickers“Each story can be customized with a child’s favorite things –a toy, pet, food, playground- as well as with the child’s family,” they say. “In addition, each story celebrates a child’s super qualities and the giver’s wishes.” Each character can also be customized to include to resemble your child.

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Luna Leggings

May 15, 2013 by Janet Gray Muniz


051513_LunaLeggings_04Adorables for fashion-conscious, high-spirited young girls … and their legs!

Inspired by her daughters’ love for bright color combinations coupled with a mutual respect for flowers, trees and edible gardens, designer Jennie Hearing transformed their carefree and creative style into Luna Leggings, adding spice and whimsy to any girl’s wardrobe.

The line of organic cotton tights and leggings for girls ages 0-8 is made of high-quality organic cotton, in a wide range of colorful designs and graphic patterns that appeal to the most creative of fashionistas.

We’ve created versatile styles and hip designs that fit well and wear well- they are not your ordinary tights!

051513_LunaLeggings_05Durable and functional, styles feature footless or footed leggings -some with attached tutu skirts- in bright, bold nature and edible garden-inspired designs. “Using the perfect blend of high-quality organic cotton enables us to produce ultra-soft, long-lasting leggings,” Jennie says. “Nylon stitching and seams maximize stretch and strength, while a wide, reinforced waistband adds comfort and stay-ability.”

051513_LunaLeggings_SJPTwinsJennie and her team have a close relationship with the small, family-run knitting company in India, where Luna Leggings are manufactured. “Spending time with the owners, their children and grandchildren, and sharing meals at their home in India, has greatly enhanced the working relationship and helped to create a close bond across continents,” she says. “We’ve hosted the owner’s daughter in our home; she actually dressed my girls in the very first Luna Leggings!”

Available at over 60 stores nationwide as well as Liberty in London, Luna Leggings also has a huge following from celebrity moms such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Alessandra Ambrosio, Jennifer Garner and Alyson Hannigan.

051513_LunaLeggings_02The Oakland, CA-based company donates 10% of profits to the Edible Schoolyard Project (founded by chef Alice Waters of Chez Panisse fame), dedicated to getting middle school students involved in all aspects of farming organically, then preparing, serving and eating food to teach the value of nourishment, community and the land. “We make thoughtful and conscious decisions to support and respect our environment – our kids make us more aware because every decision effects more than ourselves, and we know that our actions today effect generations to come.”

  • Thanks, Teri Akahoshi of Dana Dramov PR, for introducing me to Luna Leggings! Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Posted in Celebrity Favorites, Charity and Goodwill, Footwear and Accessories, Organic Collections | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Petit Home by blabla Kids

May 14, 2013 by Janet Gray Muniz


051313_petithome_playpadExclusive blabla Kids designs come to life in a new line.

This year, Georgia-based blabla Kids continues an adventure in cloth, creating Petit Home, a complementary collection of poetic, modern soft goods for kids.

Winner of Milk Magazine’s 2013 Discovery Prize, the playful bean bags, traveling play pads, matching pillows and reversible totes that make up Petit Home are inspired by designer Florence Wetterwald’s imaginative drawings. The 100% cotton collection is made in Peru, very washable and sure to delight pixie people with its charm!

  • 051313_petithome_lunchtoteChildren’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Posted in Collections, Juvenile Products, Product Launches and New Collections | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Brilliant Sky Toys & Books

May 9, 2013 by Janet Gray Muniz


Featuring more than 10,000 high-quality specialty products, Brilliant Sky Toys & Books is truly the place where everyone can find their way to play.

050913_BrilliantSky_01Walk into any Brilliant Sky Toys & Books specialty store, and you’ll be … enchanted. The entire mission is to delight the shopper.

Michigan-based Brilliant Sky Toys & Books provides the highest quality products in an atmosphere that is both active and interactive. Brent Taylor left the corporate world in 2002 to open his with his wife Sonia, a registered nurse, and their three children.

Together, the family created a unique retail experience that has been embraced by communities nationwide and has grown from a single location to one of the fastest growing toy retailing concepts in the country in just seven years.

Back in 2002 my singular goal was to create the finest upscale specialty toy store in America. Now we have 15 and we’re still growing!

050913_BrilliantSky_02Who needs toys? Everyone! At Brilliant Sky, personal Play Consultants help you make the most informed and successful buying decisions while you peruse several thousands of dolls, games, puzzles, crafts, books, dress-up, kites, plush, musical instruments and more. The end result is always the same: walking away with a toy that a child will cherish.

050913_BrilliantSky_03“We believe that the right playthings can teach, inform, enlighten, reinforce and enrich,” Brent says. “We believe in how they can foster self-esteem, non-violence, patience, sensitivity, diversity, and tenacity. We live it and breathe it and experience it every day, and we love nothing more than to share it with others.”

To applaud the very best toy makers, Brilliant Sky initiated the coveted Brilliance Award, an annual tip-of-the-hat to “toys that represent the very ideals that Brilliant Sky Toys & Books was founded upon — the importance of quality, the value of open-ended play and the simple beauty of a child’s fascination and delight.”

050913_BrilliantSky_logoShop online or click here to find a store near you.

Posted in Books and Toys, Educational Products, Retailers & E-Stores | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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