Educational Products

Little Passports


111213_LittlePassports_packageRaising global citizens right in their own backyards.

Amy Norman says she practically grew up on a 747, traveling back and forth from America to England every three years for her father’s work. So it makes a lot of sense that she would create an educational experience for kids that inspires wanderlust.

Amy is co-founder of Little Passports, a fun way for kids to learn about and enjoy other places and cultures. She and her co-founder Stella Ma dreamed up two engaging characters, Sam and Sofia, who take young aspiring travelers along on their adventures through the United States and to other countries by sharing their experiences with them.

Our products combine the surprise of postal mail with the online games kids love today.

111213_LittlePassports_SamandSophiaWith the subscription-based service, Sam and Sofia send your kids a personalized package in the mail each month that includes an adventure letter, fun souvenirs, stickers, wall-size maps and more. They even get their own passport and a boarding pass to travel the world, with a secret code to access online games and activities at Little Passports’ online Boarding Zone. Everything is designed to encourage kids to take an active interest in their world and other cultures as early as possible – ages five to 12.

111213_LittlePassports_USThis San Francisco-based company is passionate about “helping to raise a generation of citizens who are compassionate about the cultures and people around the world,” donating one percent of sales to non-profits focused on children and issues that affect them.

Amy and Stella are also committed to giving other moms and budding entrepreneurs opportunities to grow businesses with Little Passports. Check them out on the Affiliates and Become an Agent pages.

News from GoldieBlox


Girls, start your engines. GoldieBlox introduces new toy collections! Pre-order now.

GoldieBlox is an inspired collection of games and toys that introduce girls to the fun of building. The company “employs” the smart, curious Goldie as master storyteller, and she’s become a role model to girls, building their self-confidence is all things engineering. The result? Goldie is mentoring the next generation of girls to be the builders of our future.

With a successful début -from Kickstarter to Toys”R”Us in less than one year- founder Debbie Sterling is ready to reveal Goldie’s next adventures.

110513_GoldieBlox_01“GoldieBlox and the Parade Float” is available now for pre-order on GoldieBlox.com for delivery by December 1 and rolling into Toys”R”Us stores nationwide this holiday season. Goldie introduces her new friend, Ruby Rails, and together they help Katinka the pink dolphin build a float for a special parade –all on their own!

110513_GoldieBlox_02In addition, GoldieBlox fans can dream up even larger projects with the Blox + Bits Expansion Pack, also available for pre-order. These rods and blocks fit both the original “GoldieBlox and The Spinning Machine” and “GoldieBlox and The Parade Float” sets.

110513_GoldieBlox_03Online Play Gallery now on! GoldieBlox has recently launched an online “play gallery,” to share stop-motion “how-to” videos starring little girl inventors. GoldieBlox fans can submit their own masterpieces to be featured on GoldieBlox.com and the GoldieBlox YouTube channel. 

Introducing ABCmouse.com Online Learning Program


100213_abcmouse_05ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy is an online educational program focused on making learning fun for children ages two to six, establishing a foundation for lifelong learning.

With a full online preschool, pre-k and kindergarten curriculum, ABCmouse.com offers quality content to engage children with stimulating games, puzzles, songs, paint-by-numbers and more.

We named our site ABCmouse.com because here, children can learn important educational basics (often referred to as ‘the ABC’s’) through the use of a computer mouse. At ABCmouse.com, the computer mouse comes to life as ABC Mouse, who serves as our site ambassador and guide to early learners everywhere.

100213_abcmouse_03Drawing from curriculum carefully designed in collaboration with nationally recognized childhood education experts, ABCmouse.com’s highly imaginative programs engage children at every learning level to make learning seem like a fun game.

A few ABCmouse.com features:

  • More than 3,000 learning activities in reading, math, beginning science, social studies, art, and music
  • A Step-by-Step Learning Path that guides your child through the curriculum at his or her own pace
  • A powerful Lesson Builder tool that allows you to create your own lessons for your child

100213_abcmouse_01Subscription-based ABCmouse.com has no advertising, pop-up ads or links to other sites. Children can learn and explore on their own or with their parents in a safe and secure online educational environment.

In addition to supplementing and supporting a child’s traditional schooling, ABCmouse.com also offers a special curriculum for home schoolers.

Imagine Childhood


Everything under the sun that encourages the wonder of play -for people of all ages, really.

091013_ImageChildhood_Catalog_natureThe first thing you will notice when you visit Image Childhood is the gorgeous photography.

Browse through this family owned and operated company’s Seasonal Catalogs and you’ll lose yourself in the magic of each season, just looking at all the fun and interesting toys, tools and activities that encourage exploration, creativity and play. Imagine Childhood specializes in high quality, environmentally conscious products that allow children to experience the world through their own senses. And for co-founder Sarah Olmsted and her team, the best way to learn is through interacting with nature and our natural environment.

Part community forum, part storefront, imaginechildhood.com is a place where parents and kids can find their own definition of childhood.

091013_ImageChildhood_BookcoverIn fact, Sarah wrote the book on it. Imagine Childhood: Exploring the World Through Nature, Imagination, and Play- 25 Projects That Spark Curiosity and Adventure, published by Roost Books last fall, is what she calls “a celebration of childhood through the crafts and activities that invite wonder and play.” For Sarah, the 25 projects in the book offer stepping-off points for children to engage with the world. “They’re about the process of getting there,” she says. “They’re about the conversations that happen while making things together. They’re about getting to know the world inch by inch. They’re about exploring imaginary universes and running through real forests. They’re about living in childhood … regardless of your actual age.”

091013_ImageChildhood_Catalog_explorationPure Natural Wonder. Before starting Imagine Childhood five years ago, Sarah developed interactive education exhibits for the Field Museum of Natural History. And she uses this experience in presenting simple, economical projects for children and parents to enjoy together –without all the technological wonders of the modern day. Just the  pure, natural wonder of our surroundings, revved up with a child’s point of view.

091013_ImageChildhood_OakLeafFairyShop the Store. In addition to Sarah’s book, shoppers will find all sorts of treasures at Imagine Childhood, like this Oak Leaf Faerie, handmade on Bryn Du Farm in Colorado and dressed in plant-dyed wool felt, made from the farm’s own sheep! Also very cool: custom skin and eye color available upon request.

Talking Tips for Kids


071013_TalkingTipsForKids_FionaBarry_02Where babbling babies become talented talkers.

Speech and Language Therapist Fiona Barry develops effective strategies for you to use every day to boost your child’s speech, language and communication skills. Fiona writes and presents her findings in a series of videos available at www.talkingtipsforkids.com, a nifty website where parents can help their children thrive in the nursery, in school, on the playground -and later in the workplace- by becoming happy, confident, chatty children.

Good talking and listening skills are the key to your child succeeding in life … Parents are the key to unlocking their child’s talking talents, and it’s never too early or late to start!

TalkingTipsForKids videos are packed full of useful tips to boost a child’s communication skills. Designed to fit seamlessly into a parent’s everyday routines at home, the advice is based on research and evidence from current clinical practice.

071013_TalkingTipsForKids_LogoA Speech and Language Therapist since 2004, Fiona received a BA Honours in English Literature and Linguistics from the University of Kent, Canterbury and a Master of Science degree in Speech and Language Sciences from University College London. “I also have two boys of my own,” she says, “who have given me the best insight into how children learn to perform what I think is the greatest magic trick of all time – how to turn ideas and feelings into words and sentences!”

Fiona says children who have a good foundation in talking and listening skills are more likely to grow up to make friends easily, do well at school, stay out of trouble with the law and thrive in the workplace.

Coney Island Baby


Ever wonder what “educational clothing” is?

070213_ConeyIslandBaby_01Apparel company Coney Island Baby designs clothing that features original artwork inspired by the wisdom of the ages, brought to the world by beloved scholars of our time. The clothing line –and the wisdom- is presented through an interactive digital experience with just a click and a mouse.

We hope our services stimulate reflection on the things that matter so grown-ups can help spark a child’s imagination.

070213_ConeyIslandBaby_02Awaken Wonder. The artists, designers, writers and scholars of Coney Island Baby believe that education starts at home, and strive to create what they call a cultural experience for families through casual daywear. “Our approach is guided by the idea that a mind is a fire to be lighted, not a vessel to be filled,” they say. “Together, we can set a child’s mind alight!”

The “mental playground” found at www.Ci-Baby.com combines thought-provoking quotes, beautiful illustration, original screen-print artwork, patches and appliqués into fun creations made mostly of machine washable, stretchy cotton -wisdom that kids can wear.

Parents and children alike will want to read the Coney Island Baby story here, and get the full vision of educational clothing! There’s also a robust community happening on the company’s Facebook page, too.

Brilliant Sky Toys & Books


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, click here to find a store near you or see more.

Funnybone Toys – the Art of Card Games


010213_FunnyboneToys_LogoThis Colorado-based company is the brainchild of people who are passionate about how we connect through play and how good design plays into that connection.

Making a color splash in the world of game-making, Funnybone Toys™ launched three fun and thought-provoking card games in 2012. Visually stunning works of art, Array™, CUBU™ and Spectrix™ engage game players and store-owners alike with vibrant color and stunning graphics.

Our games use good design to stimulate creativity and give your brain a workout.

Funnybone card games are designed to be enjoyed by players ages eight to adult –and everyone seems to learn something by playing with them, regardless of age. Younger players can develop an appreciation of color and hue –and older players want to keep them in a place where they will be seen by everyone -because they are meant to be played!

010213_FunnyboneToys_DisruptusGood Design. This winter, the company is introducing Disruptus™, a game described as “designed to open every mind.” Funnybone Toys can be found in specialty toy and game stores, museum stores, book stores, gift stores and resorts throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Australia, with projected growth in Latin America this year.

Funnybone Toys is created as a true combination of form, function and beautiful, minimalist design, and the design team -headed by a renowned TED Conference presenter on type and design- wants people to actually see, enjoy and appreciate the art in their games.

010213_FunnyboneToys_ArrayEtAlPresident Julien Sharp is passionate about the success of U.S. small businesses and their collective power to provide jobs. Once a cruise director and entertainer, Julien intends to build close relationships with small businesses as extensions to the core members of the Funnybone Toys team. She is a recognized expert; her book How to Design and Launch an Online Networking Business was published in 2009.

In the future, Funnybone Toys may include a line of active/outdoor toys, medical- and human body-related toys and games, and games that focus on increasing cognitive functions and/or manual dexterity. I can’t wait!

  • Another KidStuff 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!

Coursing Around Shows Kids How Exercise Can Be Fun


Help your kids start the New Year living a healthy lifestyle through fun exercise courses.

121812_CoursingAround_logoCoursing Around is a company that develops the perfect physical workouts for kids, which use active, social, and fun activities to get them exercising.

Get Back to the Outside World. The Coursing Around Book provides a ton of activities that allow kids to use their imagination, be active and learn, with just a piece of chalk and their own backyard. It’s an easy way to entertain at birthday parties, social gatherings or just during weekends and afternoons.

121812_CoursingAround_01Created by certified fitness specialist-aerobics instructor-personal trainer-post exercise chiropractic therapist Debbie Beam-Tougas (wow – that’s quite the list!), who’s dream is that children of all sizes, shapes, gender and ethnicity can use her easy-to-learn routines to learn that exercising can be fun and accomplished in many ways.

In 2002, Debbie was recruited to teach the fitness component of a government subsidized overweight program for children ranging in age from five to 15. “I still remember the first class I taught,” she says. “There was a six-year-old by the name of Ruben who was approximately 40 pounds overweight. After only walking part way around the building he had to stop because he was extremely out of breath, hunched over with his hands on his knees and needed a rest. This was a wake-up call for me and practically brought tears to my eyes.” Debbie was challenged to keep kids for at least 45 minutes with just a blacktop and hardly anything else. Her imagination –and a little sidewalk chalk- inspired her to create the Coursing Around” was born.

In today’s society, with all the hand held devices, video games, computers and both parents working, our kids have lost the art of ‘Outdoor Play.’

It is also a fun way for parents to become more involved and create a stronger bond with their children. The book comes with 15 exciting courses, two pieces of chalk, a ruler and some fun fitness facts.

  • Another ChicExecs 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!

Poo~Pourri Heaven Scent for Potty Training


The makers of Spritz The Bowl Before You Go now bring you Super Dooper Pooper Spray!

From diapers to potty training to successful –and still stinky- bathroom adventures, parents can rejoice in the new children’s line of Poo~Pourri® two-ounce wonder bottles of pink or blue spray that masks the unpleasant tasks of bathroom duty for every super dooper pooper!

Poo~pourri is a natural bathroom refresher and spray deodorizer that’s applied to the toilet water before you go. It eliminates bathroom odors and changes the bathroom experience, to the delight of the next person entering the room.

While our concept has humor, Poo~Pourri is serious business (no pun intended). Our product acts as a powerful odor neutralizer and has been tested by many people for years with an overwhelmingly positive response.

The company’s product line boasts over 60 items, including the original Poo~Pourri in several sizes, along with Deja-Poo and Trap-A-Crap. Now the company turns to the beginner bathroom user – the potty trainee. This year, three new products for Junior are being introduced.

Super Dooper Pooper Before-You-Go Spray – Spray into potty, wait for child to “go,” then flush and enjoy the scent of grapefruit, orange and ylang-ylang.

Super Dooper Pooper Book – This sweet tale of a pre-potty trained bear is ideal to read before and while on the potty.

“I’m A Super Dooper Pooper” T-shirt –Toddlers should be proud of their accomplishments and these cute shirts do the bragging for them.

For founder and aroma-therapy specialist Suzy Batiz, the mission started small -helping resolve a stinky situation in the workplace. Working in close quarters can lead to frequent odors, contributing to the embarrassment of others and reduction of overall morale. Suzy, who had a knack for blending essential oils, has become quite adept at making natural facial spritzers and aromatherapy concoctions for friends and family. In January 2007, the Poo~Pourri® product launched. By September of that year, Suzy had caught the sweet smell of success and has transformed the $25,000 start-up into a booming $4 million enterprise boasting over 60 different products sold in five countries.

Good on you, Suzy!

  • 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!