We Have a Winner in the OMAs!

Premiere Organized Mom Awards sponsor Stuck On You donates $1000 to Regina Food Bank for Local Mom

When Kathryn Lavallee was growing up, her family didn’t have much money. Often, she and her siblings were convinced that they would run out of food. “No child should ever have to feel that fear,” she says.

Kathryn is the newly crowned winner of the Organized Mom Awards 2012 (OMAs) –an exciting new way for moms to share tips, favorite things and fun stuff that makes life easier for families everywhere. And as part of this honor, Kathryn is presenting a check of $1000 to her favorite charity –the Regina Food Bank in Regina, Saskatchewan, her hometown. “Thanks to the Food Bank, children are able to sleep knowing there will be a meal waiting for them the next day,” Kathryn says. “It’s not just about providing food to families, it’s about giving children the feeling of security that so many of us take for granted.”

With a total cash prize of $2000, OMA sponsor Stuck on You also presented Kathryn with $1000, donating a second $1000 to the charity of her choice on her behalf. “To be able to give such a wonderful gift to a cause I support so strongly is going to be an incredible experience and I am honored that the Organized Mom Awards has given me the chance to do that.”

Entries came in from families of all descriptions and all sizes, all with an organized mom at the center.

100 Words or Less. Throughout the summer, moms from all over Canada and the United States entered the OMAs by explaining in 100 words or less what makes them feel like an organized mom, sharing their top three tips for organization. Friends and family were able to vote for their favorites on the OMA Facebook page. “The common thread was that moms are doing the very best they can and have developed the most inventive and creative ways of managing their families and keeping organized,” says Carrie Felton, Stuck on You owner and mom of three boys. The Award judges enjoyed reading all of the wonderful entries and were overwhelmed by the hard work, dedication and care that so many moms are providing to their families. “We loved Kathryn’s entry because it was genuine, had the perfect balance of humor and humility … and we all agreed that we will be using her tips.”

Kathryn is a mom of two boys and the editor of Mommy Kat and Kids, a blog offering solutions that make life a little easier for busy moms and their families. Here’s a little of what Kathryn shared in her OMA entry:

I am nominating myself not because I am the most organized person in the world; I am not. But if improvement is considered, I’ve got this one in the bag! I went from total slob to Manager Mom after the birth of my boys and while I’m still learning as I go, I can’t help but be proud of how far I’ve come!

Read Kathryn’s Top Three Tips here.

Children’s Retail Today is a very proud media sponsor of the OMAs, where I shared a few of my favorite children’s companies that also support charitable causes with panache. In addition to Kathryn’s prize, the top 30 entries who received the most votes will also receive a voucher from Stuck on You.

Stay tuned for some exciting news from Stuck on You later this fall!

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!

Punypixel

Peculiar name, profound promise.

Eco-cool and especially hip, Punypixel™ is a brand of 100% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic baby clothing, bodysuits, rompers and kimonos ranging from newborn to 4T. Which makes them incredibly soft.

And they’re obsessed with spreading their puny footprint in a big way.

Punypixel garments are manufactured and printed with absolutely no harmful chemicals.

Founded in 2011, the core belief at Punypixel is a commitment to social change, including funding organizations that empower children and building strong ties within our communities. For every purchase you make, Punypixel gives one dollar to a selected organization committed to empowering children. And every four months, the company features a new company to care for.

We take pride in partnering with manufacturers and suppliers whose business ethics are aligned with ours: high quality products crafted with high social responsibility.

The Puny Promise. The company promises Punpixel products are Super Soft, Super Pure and Super Socially Responsible.

And there’s nothing puny about that.

Another Rachel Florio 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 me today!

Fun Swappers Use Snazzy Swap

An eco-friendly group of parents in North Carolina have created a snazzy way for families to exchange their growing kids’ stuff.

Snazzy Swap is a pretty nifty service created for parents who are looking for easy ways to save money –and save the planet from too much waste. Moms Melissa and Meredith Weiss, along with others have tapped into the multibillion-dollar market for children’s gently-used clothing and toys with a winner.

Save Money, Save the Planet, Have Fun! The site is created for families to swap items their kids have outgrown -clothes, toys, books, DVDs and more- without ever leaving home. And since statistics show that children grow out of clothes every three to six months, there could be a whole lotta swappin’ goin’ on -right in front of your computer screen!

Described as “a cross between Netflix and eBay for kids’ stuff,” swappers can log onto Snazzy Swap, pick a box stuffed with things they think their kids will love, pay only $5 plus shipping and the box arrives at their door.

Parents love the quality, savings and ease. Kids love the presents. Everyone thinks it is fun and it is addicting :-)!

FREE! Snazzy Swap has no membership fees, plus they’ll send you boxes for your posted swap stuff for free. “Every time you post a box your kids have outgrown, you can pick another box on the site that your kids will love,” they say. “If you do not find a box that you want right away, you can save your credit for later, when you find a box that you really like.” Swappers can sign up for “box notifications,” too –and swap clothes for toys or toys for books or books for clothes- the swap factor is endless!

Give presents all year long! Did you know the average American discards 68 pounds of clothing a year? Buying gently-used items for your children is one of the greenest things you can do as a consumer. Plus Snazzy Swap donates 50 cents from each swap to help kids with special needs. Sweet!

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!

Hadley Stilwell – Made for Moms by Moms

The maker of well-tailored clothes for nursing moms and beyond was awarded the prestigious 2011 Eileen Fisher Business Grant for Entrepreneurs.

Seattle, WA-based HadleyStilwell has a vision. In February 2009, founder and designer Holli Harris set out to give breastfeeding mothers pulled-together, fashionable wardrobe pieces that allow for ease of breastfeeding or pumping. She’s also captured the imagination of women entrepreneurs, too.

I want to minimize the challenge of committing to breastfeeding, especially for mothers returning to work.

The company, named after Holli’s daughter, participated in Eileen Fisher’s 3rd annual Inspiring Women Event, which took place in May at the Eileen Fisher retail store in downtown Seattle. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with three Seattle area entrepreneurs as well as executives from Eileen Fisher, finding out how these local women have been able to turn their passions into successful, socially responsible businesses. In addition to HadleyStilwell, Mama K’s Play Clay, a maker of all-natural play dough with hints of aromatherapy to calm while encouraging creativity, and Ricicli, maker of handmade, one-of-a-kind upcycled clothing for babies and children, were also honored.

“Eileen Fisher is a business leader and role model for all women,” Holli says. “My business is all about merging functionality with style to support the most natural, and empowering, thing ever – breastfeeding. Working with Eileen Fisher inspires me to keep the focus on business values and giving back as we grow, just as Eileen Fisher has done.”

Holli is always poised to launch new pieces, such as a maxi dress and tunic-length top, to her versatile and popular Jet Set Collection. Yet even as she expands the HadleyStilwell collection, she always looks for ways to give back. She is a director on the board of Chindex International, the only private healthcare network of clinics and hospitals in China. She is also the chair of Washington CASH, a non-profit microfinance organization that provides business training, a supportive community and microloans that enable low-income individuals to achieve self-sufficiency through their own small business ideas. In addition, Holli donates 5% of every HadleyStilwell purchase to Best for Babes, an award-winning organization dedicated to helping moms beat the “Booby Traps” to breastfeeding – the cultural and institutional barriers that prevent moms from achieving their personal breastfeeding goals.

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!

Keep Kids’ Knees Protected with Crawlings

Two-year-old company Crawlings makes infant and toddler accessories, including kid-friendly kneepads.

It’s a Wobbly World Out There! Sisters and new moms Tina Dowden and Hailey Kim started their New York-based company out of a need to have what they call “fun and sweet utilitarian designs.” Available at Crawlings.com and retailers in the U.S., the UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the UAE, the company’s collection of kneepads give your child that extra protection while they learn to navigate the big and sometimes wobbly world in style.

As our babies were learning to crawl, their knees were always red, bruised, and scratched from the carpet, tile or hardwood floors. We tried to find a product in the marketplace that would protect their little knees without hindering their mobility. After months of searching, we decided to design and make exactly what was needed to help our babies as they became more mobile.

Made of premium cotton, EVA foam and spandex, Crawlings kneepads are soft, stretchable and breathable, designed to move and grow with the child. Perfect for indoor use and the rough ‘n tumble great outdoors.

Designed to protect in a super stylish way, the fun embroidered designs keeps kids standing tall, exploring what’s under their knees, and come in an adorable star-covered box, perfect for baby showers and birthday parties.

Crawlings also supports MiracleFeet, a nonprofit international organization to help children with clubfeet get the simple, affordable, and effective treatment they need to walk, run and play like every child deserves.

Thank you, Katie Hammond of 9SPR for introducing me to Crawlings!

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!

Huggalo – Small Business with a Big Mission

From apprehensive toddlers to courageous pre-schoolers, one mom is transforming the way children handle life’s transitions with her inspiring company.

Though she’s never worn the inventor’s cap before, Donna Broder‘s choice to become a mompreneur has not only enriched her own life, but that of her son … and those of both parents and children nationwide.

Let me explain.

When Donna’s son Noah first started pre-school, he had a little trouble adjusting to days away from home. When his first-day jitters extended to weeks, Donna was inspired to create a product that would help Noah through this transition, and help her leave the school yard without both of them in tears.

She gave Noah a photo to take with him to school … but soon, the photo got torn. So she put on her thinking cap and came up with an award-winning idea.

No parent wants to watch their children suffer when they should be having the time of their lives.

From its huggable feel to its adorable hip look, Huggalo is what the company calls “a best buddy with a surprise on his tummy.” The keepsake soft doll has a clear plastic frame to hold favorite photos, so kids can take their memories with them on their greatest adventures –and know they’re loved, even far from home. Once Donna introduced Noah to Huggsley – the first Huggalo – he went to pre-school with a smile.

Huggalo is a great transitional toy for any situation. From a military parent’s deployment to the grandparents living cross country, to the first day of school or the passing on of a beloved pet or friend, Huggalo succeeds by pairing something tangible with pictures of those who can’t be around every minute of the day. By sticking a photo of their dad, mom, sibling or a grandparent in the frame, kids can see the people they miss. But Huggalo lets kids do more than that.

“By letting our son or daughter adapt to new situations we are helping our kids become more resilient and confident, too,” Donna says. She believes that kids are empowered when they are given tools to comfort themselves.

Winner of the Parents’ Choice Recommended Award. In fact, Noah’s Huggsley has made such a huge impact on children’s lives, that he was recognized and commended by the Parents’ Choice Foundation for his heroic ability to teach life lessons with care.

Huggalo is brought to you by Donna’s Redorb Concepts, her California-based company that supports several philanthropic organizations, including The Soldiers Project and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Thank you, ChicExecs PR, for introducing me to Huggalo!

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!

Livie & Luca – Spreading Joy!

Popular footwear brand stays true to a mission to “tread lightly” on the environment and to give back whenever possible.

Those who dreamed up the Livie & Luca footwear line like to say if one of their shoes could whisper in your ear it would say, “Spread Joy!” This company responsibly sources and ensures their factories offer ideal working conditions and fair wages. Each month, they donate 10% of their online profits to a worthy charity and regularly donate shoes to local children’s hospitals and overseas relief efforts.

Watch a fun video featuring the Spring/Summer collection here!

Fresh New Designs. The current Spring/Summer collection draws inspiration from the moon and stars. Co-founder and designer Mitzi Rivas was inspired by the open sky, the planets and the feeling of floating. New designs include the cloud-accented Dawn, starry Nova and rocket ship Juno styles. At the suggestion of customers and after numerous fittings, Livie & Luca’s shoes have a new custom tailored fit, and this includes the expanded baby shoe collection.

Additional new styles include the Flutter butterfly sandals, Boa sandals with a subtle snake detail and the scallop-edged Ivy sandals. Classic styles are given a new twist with bold colors, including the light blue Pio Pios with red bird accents, the shimmery red Celestinas and the teal Barcelonas.

For Big Girls, Too. The Nola ballet flats for women are available in an earthy, sustainable jute -a great neutral- and a rich red for added intrigue. Designed to complement the Fun Dots in jute and the Ruche in red styles for children, the Nolas are a hip alternative to traditional mommy-and-me styles.

For customers seeking an animal product-free alternative, the striped Ferris shoes are 100% vegan and come in nature-inspired colors and playful prints- bark, bamboo and navy for boys, and flora and kiku for girls. Made of breathable fabric and featuring a flexible sole, these comfortable, lightweight shoes are perfect for playtime.

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!

T-Shirt Transcendence

Can a t-shirt actually help a child develop self esteem? My Kinda Style t-shirts just may give kids the kind of positive reinforcement they need to feel great about themselves.

My Kinda Style is a children’s knitwear brand of t-shirts and one-pieces with hip, witty and empowering graphic messages. Made from soft organic cotton with a tagless design, they not only provide endless hours of comfort, but are also made to encourage positive self esteem in children.

Shayla Mackey is the creative force behind My Kinda Style, and knows first-hand how important self-esteem is, especially for girls. While raising her daughter all on her own, she finished college with a degree in Business Management; in fact, Shayla was inspired by her daughter’s love of art and fashion to start the business.

We pay close attention to the details that both kids and parents want in a clothing line, from carefully choosing the perfect fabric texture and colors to dreaming up the next empowering themed messages and designs.

Oklahoma-based My Kinda Style is no ordinary t-shirt maker; as a community volunteer and an active member of her church, Shayla is also passionate about using her business to give back to communities.

“Not every child has the opportunity to have new clothes,” Shalya says. “While clothing is a necessity, a brand new t-shirt to a child in need takes on a whole new meaning; it can give him confidence, make her feel noticed and important, and overall teach a valuable lesson that when they’re in need, there are people who care to help.”

T-Shirts That Give. On this page of the website, folks can nominate a deserving child or children who can benefit from a new t-shirt by telling Shayla and the team at My Kinda Style their story. “We believe that something as simple as a t-shirt really can change lives. We want to do our part to make their dreams come true.”

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!

Friendship Bracelets – BFF’s and More

The award-winning My Friendship Bracelet Maker® by Choose Friendship Company has been flying off the shelves lately.

The friendship bracelet – an international symbol of camaraderie – is a wonderful reminder to youngsters that they can count on their best friends no matter what, especially in this era of bullying and hurtful words. Invented for his granddaughters by David Crorey, a retired auto industry exec, the portable My Friendship Bracelet Maker helps kids make their own designs neatly and with ease.

Michigan-based Choose Friendship Company has established quarterly campaigns encouraging support networks between kids across the country. For instance, they collaborated with Mad Habit Media to launch an anti-bully, pro-friendship campaign revolving around the song/video, Inside Out, sung by Michigan teen Marisa Nahas – and proceeds from the song’s sales are donated to non-profit organizations that support this cause.

Because children carry burdens often overlooked or misunderstood by others, we want them to feel welcomed into their own exclusive club. Our mission is to let them know they’re not alone; not only are others living with the same fear and uncertainty, but that these special children are loved and supported by a larger community.

-Julie Crorey, mom to the granddaughters

This year, Choose Friendship also introduces two new craft kits. The My Friendship Bracelet Maker Traveler™ is great for backpacks and carry-ons and the nifty slide-out storage drawer features 20 pre-cut Prism® embroidery threads in 10 different colors. With The Image Bracelet Maker™, kids can express their favorite likes of the moment on their wrist – just like Pinterest! It uses photos, magazine pictures, internet images or the included art starter sheets to assemble bracelets that are totally unique and awesome.

Choose Friendship is not only the craft kit family business’ new name (the company was once known as Crorey Creations) but also its mantra. The joy of the product line is its ability to engage impressionable kids of the importance of friends and self-expression. Plus, it’s gone global in two short years. QVC sold out its entire load of more than 55,000 kits during the 4th quarter, 2011. National and specialty retailers alike had to restock their shelves in-store and online. My Friendship Bracelet Maker® and My Ribbon Barrette Maker® have earned kudos from Tillywig Toy Awards, Parents’ Choice, Dr. Toy, Creative Child Magazine, NAPPA Awards and Brilliant Sky.

Log on to ChooseFriendship.com for instructional videos, charitable causes, store locations, to watch Inside Out and more. The Friendship Bracelet Blog is authored by the inventor’s granddaughter.

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!

Hot Tot – Stylish Haircare with a Heart

Hot Tot Haircare recently celebrated its first birthday on April 15, and it is truly very different from any other children’s hair products on the market.

This is a line of fabulous, salon-quality styling products formulated especially for kids – “so they can be stylish from the start and grow into confident individuals.” The contemporary white and silver bottles house a bevy of eco-friendly, healthy hair styling products for babies and children that do not contain harsh or harmful chemicals. Biodegradable, cruelty free, never tested on animals – even the posh packaging is recyclable – Hot Tot is committed to sustainable business practices, investing in people and technology that enables the brand to make a positive impact.

Do kids really need their own specialized hair care line? Yes!

Founder Megan Gage worked with a cosmetic formulator to create her luxurious products specifically for the physical characteristics of immature hair –and a love for all things fabulous, she says. “Motherhood provided an opportunity to share such fun with my kids.” But after reading an article on the effects of chemicals in personal care products on children, she simply couldn’t ignore statistics like this:

1 in 3 American children has allergies, ADHD, autism or asthma
Biological immaturity impairs a child’s ability to detoxify chemicals, making them extremely vulnerable in the early years of life
57% of the top selling baby soaps are contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, 82% of the top selling children’s products contain formaldehyde, and neither chemical is required to appear on American labels

After significant time in research and development, Megan and her husband introduced the natural, luxurious and professional Hot Tot Haircare line. Visit them online and see some of their favorite trendy looks. Hot Tot t-shirts and rompers are available, too.

True beauty is a kind and giving heart. As a former social worker, Megan has a special place in her heart for social responsibility. “I believe that inner beauty is more important than outward appearance,” she says. To that end, the company donates to several charities, including Save the Children, CASA and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

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!