Charity and Goodwill

The Matching Dots & KNOCKOUT Tees


Be cool. Be glamorous. Be spotted! Our motto has this fun double meaning: wear spots and be spotted. Our customers are unique and original, and we make them noticeable!

090413_TheMatchingDots_02Made in the USA. Polka dots have made a royal comeback, thanks to Princess Kate being “spotted” leaving the hospital with newborn Prince George. And dots are being done in a fun, modern way right here in the US by The Matching Dots, a company that specializes in polka dot prints, featured in designs for girls and their dolls, as well as their moms and their little dogs, too!

090413_TheMatchingDots_04Fe Read and Augusta Justen have made their childhood dream of owning a business come true with their socially responsible clothing line that’s not only Made in the USA, but making a difference in the world.

“Our unique and exclusive coordinating designs are proven to strengthen family relationships,” Fe tells me, who bonds with her own little girl wearing their coordinating Matching Dots dresses. Fe, who lives with her family in North Carolina and serves as managing director of The Matching Dots, has a background in business management working for non-profits, and has a soft spot in her heart for helping kids in need. “Philanthropy is a big part of our organization,” she says. “For every dress we sell we feed one hungry child in partnership with Stop Hunger Now.”

090413_TheMatchingDots_03Augusta also studied business management, but she decided to follow her passion to fashion early on, studying in Italy, London and Brazil before moving to the Portland, OR area and becoming the creative director of The Matching Dots.

“Behind each one of our designs is the desire to help strengthen family relationships,” they say. “We are very passionate about what we do and we feel delighted with the possibility of being part of your special moments.”

I’m tickled by the team’s explanation of why “dots” are so special –especially the notion that many believe something intrinsically “divine” or “perfect” can be found in circles.

090413_TheMatchingDots_KnockOutTees_01TEE Parties. Fe and Augusta are also the minds behind KNOCKOUT Tees, a line born soon after The Matching Dots with the goal is to help “knock out” hunger, child abuse and neglect, malnourishment, poverty and violence.

A percentage of profits automatically goes to address the needs of children, so by supporting both The Matching Dots and Knockout Tees, you are helping children in need. The company puts together events called TEE PARTIES every year to raise funds for specific non-profit agencies throughout the US.

KinderStuff


082813_Kinderstuff_ownersA pretty revolutionary approach to kids fashion.

Dr. Alexander Reichhuber, Sebastian Schmoeger and Rob Rebholz are the German entrepreneurs behind KinderStuff, ditching their corporate jobs to develop a totally new venture- not only is KinderStuff a young apparel brand, but a brand new way of shopping that makes “hand-me-downing” cool again.

Created in Los Angeles. KinderStuff is what they call the world’s first fashion brand that lets parents send the fashion back, once their kids have outgrown it, free of shipping charges and in exchange for a discount on their next purchase.

All hand-me-downs we receive are donated to charity, because we believe outgrown baby clothes have a higher purpose than just ending up in a box in the attic.

082813_Kinderstuff_onepiece100% Organic Cotton. The clothing is made from the highest quality 100% organic cotton, plus the bodysuits, t-shirts and long sleeves for babies up to two years is super-stylish. KinderStuff teams with  local urban artists on modern designs that celebrate “both the vibrancy of youth and the forward-thinking trends of eco-fashion in Los Angeles.” Plans are underway to add hoodies, pants and hats for kids up to six years.

Made in Germany. These guys are not only committed to social responsibility, but to ecological sustainability, collaborating with industry experts to make the line in the world’s best factories as well as fan-parents, to continually improve upon the products and services they offer.

082813_Kinderstuff_websiteKinderStuff is the realization of a father’s vision, developed through the help of his two friends and the efforts of an amazing team across the globe, created with the hope for a better, more colorful future.

Young Over-Achiever. Just over a year old, KinderStuff has already won prestigious kudos from Natural Child World as the Best Fashion for Kids in 2013 to several Red Tricycle nominations, so they’re on a roll!

Who wouldn’t love that?

Spoiled! Fashionz


082013_SpoiledFashionz_02What better way to get your hands on designer duds for kids at a fraction of the cost!

From Ralph Lauren, LaCoste, Armani Jr., Burberry Children, Baby Dior, Moschino Baby/Kid/Teen and Gucci, all kids need to have that outrageous outfit for special school and family functions.

Spelling Bees, school plays, field trips and recitals, and with the holidays just around the corner, kids need clothes that are age-appropriate and super stylish.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_logoLos Angeles, CA-based Spoiled! Fashionz is an exclusive e-commerce consignment retailer* for brand name, luxury designer clothes for children ages 12 and under. This virtual shopping destination features high-end, just-like-new apparel and accessories donated from not only celebrities but fashionable moms everywhere … some clothes still have tags on them, never been worn!

Find everything from jackets, pants, belts, jeans, shirts, tops, dresses and shoes, everything to spruce up your little one’s wardrobe –at an affordable price. There’s even an app for that!

082013_SpoiledFashionz_01Entrepreneur “social light” CeCe Hendricks founded Spoiled! Fashionz while raising her young son Jordan.  A fashionista at heart with a keen eye for style, CeCe came up with the idea to solve a common dilemma most parents have when their children grow up so fast, they don’t have a chance to “wear through” items in their wardrobe.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_04At first, CeCe relied on donations from her personal Hollywood celebrity friends whose kids’ closets were replete with “never been worn” designer styles. The response was so overwhelming that moms everywhere not only shopped the site, but began contacting CeCe to donate “like new” or “unused” pieces from their own kids’ closets.

We’re a new company, but it is important that our business model incorporate an initiative to help those in need, especially the children.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_03Spoiled! Fashionz not only gives “like new” clothing another chance, but a portion of the net proceeds goes to the Jenesse Center, a domestic violence intervention program.

*As a consignment retailer, SpoiledFashionz.com shares 50% commission with the donor.

pediped® ♥’s Schools


Enrolled schools receive 10% back on all attributed purchases, giving parents another reason to shop this award-winning brand.

Popular footwear company pediped® launched the new pediped ♥ ‘s Schools, a one-of-a-kind giving campaign where participating schools receive a check for 10% back on their total attributed purchases of pediped® Footwear. Each school can earn up to $10,000 per year.

I’m excited to celebrate the start of a new school year with kids everywhere. Schools need our help now more than ever and it’s essential for them to have the things they need. Giving back always has and will continue to be a core value of pediped.

-Founder Angela Edgeworth

081313_pediped_01School officials, parents and teachers can enroll their school into the program by visiting pediped.com/pedipedschools.  Each school receives a unique code that’s used by shoppers at checkout when making a purchase on pediped.com or in any pediped® owned boutique. The pediped® team tracks these purchases so each school can receive 10% back on their total combined purchases.

Purchases will be tracked now until May 15, 2014, and schools will receive their checks in June 2014. Any purchases made after May 15 will roll over to the next school year. Schools are also able to track their earnings on pediped.com.

“We are receiving heavy support from parents and teachers alike who see the value in creating awareness on the importance of providing schools with adequate resources,” Angela says.

Fastest growing children’s footwear brand in the United States. Known for exceptional quality, comfort and distinctive styling, the award-winning pediped company recently opened three boutique retail stores in Las Vegas, Shanghai, China and in Brno, Czech Republic. pediped® footwear is now sold in over 2,500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide.

081313_pediped_logoSpecializing in healthy foot development, pediped® is dedicated to enriching the lives of children. In addition to pediped® ♥’s Schools, the pediped® Foundation was established to work directly with charities that are devoted to the health, education and basic needs of children around the world. Since its inception, the pediped® Foundation has donated nearly two million dollars in product and monetary support.

  • Another Hilary Abbott Communications client! 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!

Monkeybar Buddies


062013_MonkeybarBuddies_01This summer’s must-have line of practical undergarments and more for active girls.

The Name Says It All. Have your daughters ever wanted to just swing from the rafters, no matter what they were wearing?

I See London, I See France, I CAN’T See Your Underpants!

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_03Monkeybar Buddies is an line of shorts, capris, leggings –and more- designed to let girls play as freely as they want to –even in their dresses and skirts. Functional as well as stylish, this collection of meant-to-be-seen underclothes keeps girls confident on the jungle gym.

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_06Run & Jump without Showing Your Rump. Designed for ultimate comfort, girls don’t have to give a second thought to exposing anything unmentionable while wearing the Spandex leggings -with ultimate stretch- or the fun shorts and capris in bright colors.

Check out Baby Buddies – adorable ruffled diaper covers- and Barely Buddies, too … seamless underwear in bright colors that give tweens and teens the confidence to put it all out there, without putting it all out there.

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_04Giving Back. The Monkeybar Buddies company loves to give back with their products, too. Buy one of the Girl Effect t-shirts, and proceeds from the sale benefit popular non-profit The Girl Effect, helping to make a difference in the lives of girls around the world.

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_08Monkeybar Buddies’ collection of head bands is perfect for helping girls beat the summer heat – another way the company has every girl covered. Buddie Bands come in a variety of colors and unique prints, with a comfortable velvet underside. Another plus – with every purchase, $1.00 is donated to DonorsChoose.org, helping students in need.

Shop for it all or find retailers near you at the Monkeybar Buddies website.

  • 062013_MonkeybarBuddies_07Children’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!

Luna Leggings


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!

Choose Friendship Company


Choose Friendship is not only the name of a family-owned company from Michigan, but a way of life and daily affirmation that is spreading like wildfire.

Specializing in crafting kits, Choose Friendship Company is taking traditional crafting to the next level, making it easier, all-inclusive and travel-ready … the kind of  “no-muss-no-fuss” that crafters of all ages appreciate.

The company that David Crorey started while babysitting his granddaughters -trying to perfect the old-fashioned method of creating friendship bracelets he introduced the patented innovation My Friendship Bracelet Maker®- goes above and beyond to provide a helping hand worldwide.

050213_ChooseFriendship_02The team started with initiatives that encouraged crafters to create bracelets for those touched by cancer (Pink and White, Kids Join the Fight), diabetes awareness (Embracing You With a Circle of Blue), and military families (Red, White and Blue, Kids Serve Too).

Last year Choose Friendship Co. partnered with Mad Habit Media, a local teen artist, and over 100 Michigan kids to create a flash mob style music video, featuring the song “Inside Out” that inspires others to choose friendship rather than empower bullies. The profit raised from iTunes downloads and t-shirt sales were donated to Defeat The Label, a local anti-bullying organization.

Touched by stories of those devastated by Hurricane Sandy, Choose Friendship Co. donated products to independent toy stores on the coast and the Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.). Other recent contributions include Maiden Nation’s cause of helping survivors from the 2010 earthquake in Haiti to build a new life.

Plans are underway to work with Wish Upon a Teen to help teenagers with developmental or medical conditions.

050213_ChooseFriendship_01Today, the Choose Friendship family business has gone global, continually expanding its product line to an ever-widening audience with exciting innovation to both traditional and new crafting techniques. Their mission is to engage kids in creative self expression, while continuing to promote the message of friendship.

With 18 awards and counting, Choose Friendship Company products consistently win ratings for entertainment, originality and educational value from parent and industry experts. As compact, travel-ready imagination starters, all of their products come with everything kid crafters need to unplug from digital distractions and explore their connections to each other.

Introducing Gallo en Fuego


040913_GalloenFuego_firefighterMade in the USA collection of boys belts, t-shirts, pet accessories and more from the designer of mom and baby accessories line, 2 Red Hens.

Rooster on Fire! Introducing Gallo en Fuego, a new collection of boy’s and men’s accessories, custom designed logo t-shirts and pet products from Red Holliday Studios founder and designer Lori Holliday. Pronounced “guy-o en fway-go,” which is Spanish for “rooster on fire,” the line is made from decommissioned fire hoses. How unique!

Being married to a fireman has more than safety perks. It sparked my design inspiration, too. When fire hose is past its action-packed prime, it is decommissioned with little chance for a second life. Gallo en Fuego takes those spent pieces and transforms them into stylish wearable accessories for men, boys and pets.

040913_GalloenFuego_beltsNew York City Hot. “After years on the battle lines, even the toughest fire hoses have to retire from the field,” they say. Gallo en Fuego sources most of the hoses from New York. At the company’s Colorado-based custom workshop, the hoses are cleaned, keeping all their with distinctive marks from the fire ground intact. Both the inner rubber lining and the tough woven exterior become the raw materials used to hand-craft Gallo en Fuego’s distinctive collection of wallets, belts and other products.

040913_GalloenFuego_tshirtsInspired by her husband Mark, a firefighter for 15 years, Lori wanted to honor him and his fellow heroes, who put their own lives on the line each day. So the company has partnered with The National Fallen Firefighters Association in their mission to remember America’s fallen fire heroes and assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives.  A portion of the proceeds from each sale of Gallo en Fuego products is given to help the families of those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Available online, UncommonGoods.com (a favorite of mine!) and select boutique retailers nationwide.

  • Thank you, Hilary Abbott, for introducing me to Gallo en Fuego! 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!

So Rad


Looking for cool greens for St. Patrick’s Day? How about the Natural Ninja Outfit by So Rad … in Lucky Irish Green!

031413_SoRad_01Founded in 2009 by Jasmine Bashaj, Toronto, Canada-based So Rad is a creative clothing line for babies and toddlers, designed to be functional and “help in everyday parental madness,” she says. Jasmine –who is also a digital illustrator, motion graphic designer, college instructor and mom of two- started the clothing collection after fans of her popular So Rad greeting card line encouraged her to put her unique graphics on children’s clothes. So Rad is eco-friendly, parent-approved and locally made in Canada, too –from bamboo and organic cotton fabrics.

So Rad’s Natural Ninja Outfit gives your child lots of mobility in a lightweight loose outfit. The comfortable thick flat waist makes no elastic squeeze marks, bigger bum for cloth diapers. Ties instead of snaps; ¾-length sleeves and pants for those flailing limbs. Made using So Rad’s 70/30 bamboo/cotton mix, triple stitch cover seam (to keep rippling muscles contained). Comes in a reusable cotton ninja bag. Wash in cold and tumble dry low or hang to avoid shrinkage.

031413_SoRad_logoKnown for its UV protection and antibacterial properties, bamboo fabrics are naturally hypoallergenic, good for the environment and super soft on baby’s skin.

So Rad Gives Back. For every Natural Ninja Outfit sold during the month of May 2013, So Rad is donating $3 to the Sick Kids Foundation.

  • Another Pink Pearl PR client! 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 mepink today!

Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund


Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.) creates the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund to help those affected by the Superstorm.

K.I.D.S. –the non-profit organization that brings new products to children and teens impacted by natural disaster and more- has mobilized its resources to establish a Hurricane Relief Fund in response to the need for new products for children and families affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Since 1985, K.I.D.S has provided almost one billion dollars to help nearly 70 million children impacted by poverty and tragedy as an outcome of homelessness, military deployment of a parent, domestic abuse, major illness or natural disaster. And for those who are passionate about children’s fashion, it’s the organization of choice to facilitate truly awesome assistance to those in need.

To make a new product donation to the K.I.D.S. Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund, please visit KidsDonations.org. Agencies in affected communities are in dire need of new apparel, blankets, shoes, toys, baby products and books.

K.I.D.S. is committed to working with local partners to support these families over the next few months. Because of the organization’s 10 to 1 system of matching $10 worth of product for every $1 donated, your $10 donation will provide $100 worth of brand new merchandise to those in need.

In New York City, the Boroughs and Long Island, K.I.D.S. is partnering with multiple agencies to set up two major distribution sites in Queens. The bridges in New York are now open to truck donated merchandise to these locations. These sites will serve families who have lost their houses to fire, floods and storm surge.

In New Jersey, K.I.D.S. is working with partners all along the Jersey coast to collect and distribute relief supplies to families who have suddenly lost everything.

West Virginia has already seen feet of snow, and K.I.D.S. is dispensing goods and supplies that collected from the organization’s corporate donors.

In addition to making new product donations, cash donations can also be made by visiting KidsDonations.org. Cash donations are needed to assist with the transportation and distribution efforts to move the product to local partner agencies serving those affected by the Superstorm. Your gift of $50, $100 -or any amount- will help us provide essentials to families impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Once their most urgent needs have been met, there will be a long road ahead as families clean up the damage from the storm and begin rebuilding their lives.

You can easily make a donation by texting GIVE 8000 to 80088 to donate $10 to K.I.D.S. on your mobile phone bill. To make a larger donation, please contact Cristina Morais at 212-279-5493 ext. 204.

K.I.D.S. wants to thank American Girl, Carter’s Oshkosh, Delta Children’s Products, Graco, Kahn Lucas, Million Dollar Baby, Operation Compassion and UGG Australia for being so generous with their product donations to support the K.I.D.S. Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund.

  • 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!