Gifts

The Honest Company


111413_HonestCompany_logoWhat you may notice first about The Honest Company is that celebrity mom and actress Jessica Alba is the founder.

When I became a mom, I finally became the person I am, that I always should have been. It’s the most satisfying job in the world. But, it can also be overwhelming and confusing. I created The Honest Company to help moms and to give all children a better, safer start.

Compassionate Collaboration. What you may not realize is Jessica’s co-founder and chief product officer is Christopher Gavigan, father of three and former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World (a national nonprofit empowering parents to protect their children from toxic risks), author of a best-selling book and instrumental in educating people through a collaboration with WebMD.

The two make diapers, wipes and baby products, bath and body essentials, cleaning products and vitamins for babies and homes that are effective, safe, eco-friendly, beautiful, convenient and affordable. Not to mention good for babies and families alike. HONEST!

111413_HonestCompany_productsBundled for Brilliance. The growing product line is also available in groupings or bundles, where the merchandise can be customized, personalized and shipped anywhere. The company also makes things such as free trials, shopping incentives –oh yes and bundle savings- available to its growing list of customers, too.

Healthy, Happy Homes. The Honest Company strives to offer its customers the safest products, the best service and the most useful tools that help create healthier, happier homes. It’s a one-stop-shop for parents to give a better future, not only to their own children, but to kids all over the globe. How? The Honest Company gives back by donating product, money and time to finding solutions for health and social issues affecting children and families.

Pendleton Woolen Mills


100813_Pendleton_150YearsLogoHappy Birthday to the iconic brand of classic American style.

Recognized all over the world as a symbol of authentic American heritage and craftsmanship, Pendleton is celebrating 150 years of weaving fabric in the Pacific Northwest this year.

100813_Pendleton_BigDipperCribBlanketMade in the USA. With six generations of family ownership since 1863, the company owns and operates two of America’s remaining woolen mills, attending to them with the love and respect they deserve with state-of-the-art looms and eco‐friendly technology.

Inspired by its heritage, Pendleton designs and produces apparel for men, women and children, blankets, home décor and gifts.

100813_Pendleton_HoodedTowelFor Little Ones. Pendleton’s colorful, beautifully designed and naturally inspired line of children’s blankets, towels, layette, plush toys, dinner sets and room décor can brighten your child’s environment with pieces that can become family heirlooms.

100813_Pendleton_FranklinHorseEach of the “Tell-Me-A-Story” blankets are inspired by the true history of the native peoples of America, giving real-life shared experiences to parents and their kids. Full stories for each blanket can be found on the company website.

100813_Pendleton_Ah-DayMuchachoGirlsAh-Day. “Ah-Day” means “special” in Kiowa, and the Ah-Day blankets are produced exclusively by Pendleton for the American Indian College Fund, a Native American-operated organization dedicated to education. Designed by acclaimed contemporary Native American artist Virginia Stroud, the blanket is inspired by a Plains Indian tradition of new parents placing their child’s remaining navel cord inside an amulet shaped like a turtle. The amulets represent the turtle’s hard shell that will guard the spirit of the child and ensure a long, protected life. Also, a portion of the proceeds from the Ah-Day blankets benefit the Fund.

100813_Pendleton_GirlScoutsGirl Scouts’ Centennial Celebration. Last May, Pendleton wove a custom blanket design for the Girl Scouts’ 100 year celebration, each one issued with a commemorative label signed by Girl Scout alumna and former Governor of Oregon Barbara Roberts.

100813_Pendleton_LayetteAdorned with a few of the original Girl Scout proficiency badges and the Girl Scouts official 100th anniversary logo, the blanket design represents the history as well as the diversity of skills that girls have learned in the last century. Stripes along the top and bottom represent the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise and the Courage, Confidence and Character element of the Girl Scout mission.

100813_Pendleton_PillowPendleton is available through select retailers in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia, at Pendleton stores, through company catalogs the Pendleton website.

Merle & Velma


Shut the front door! This is the Best. Blanket. Ever.”

– Amber, happy customer

100113_merleandvelma_02A fresh look for classic, American-made, personalized keepsakes.

Merle and Velma are two very special ladies.

They’re the kind of women who could get more done before noon, and then some … who could light up a room with just a smile, who made dolls and hearty wholesome meals by hand –and made their families feel a certain warm and fuzzy, called trademarked grandma love.

100113_merleandvelma_04These ladies inspired wife, mother, artist and entrepreneur Michelle to start a business named in their honor: Merle & Velma. Together with her mother-in-law Holly, she puts a modern twist on the traditional keepsakes her grandmothers Merle and Velma loved to create for family and friends, personalized for pleasure.

We’d like to think Merle & Velma would be proud to show off our keepsakes to the ladies in their sewing circle. We hope you will, too.

100113_merleandvelma_03Made in the USA.  Merle & Velma keepsake blankets, pillows and t-shirts that are made with 100% organic fabric, printed with non-toxic water based dyes and Made in the USA, with love.

Beautiful Birth Stories. Michelle’s graphic, modern designs tell the bold, beautiful birth stories of your own children, grandchildren or that special kid in your life. And Michelle is planning to add more birth story designs, as well as a line for weddings, engagements and housewarmings.

100113_merleandvelma_05Yep, Merle & Velma would be proud, indeed!

IMPWEAR


091713_IMPWEAR_03Made by a Mom in Seattle, IMPWEAR introduces an oil cloth collection that’s just right for kids of any age!

Back in 1992, creative Mom Tracy Krauter stared making a line of reversible wear for her three active boys. She called it IMPWEAR and sold what she calls the “quality hand-me-downs” at local street fairs.

Made in the USA. Now, Tracy and her IMPWEAR crew are making aprons, tablecloths, reversible bags and more, made from a versatile oil cloth.

It’s the fabric that excites.

091713_IMPWEAR_01The lightweight fabric has a polyurethane coating that’s BPA-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free and toxin-free, which means it’s not only safe for food, but safe for kids, too. “This ‘oil cloth’ comes in the same zesty prints with irresistible draping and washability,” Tracy says.

091713_IMPWEAR_04Perfect for any kitchen, garden shed or kids playtime, IMWEAR’s oil cloth collection is available online at www.impwear.com, at local shops and market events and wholesale –great for gift shops, catalogs or garden nurseries (I especially like Tracy’s yoga mat bag!).

Giving Back. Tracy was a park ranger in a former life, and believes in the value of untouched wilderness for our kids. In support of her cause, IMPWEAR donates 10% of each sale to non-profit organization Forterra, the largest conservation and community building organization in Washington State, dedicated to protect, enhance and steward the region’s communities and landscapes.

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.

That Madonna Girl


080713_ThatMadonnaGirl_TMGFlowerHeadbandMade in the USA and over-the-moon popular from New York to London.

From Paris Hilton to Kate Middleton –yes, new mom Kate- the floral crown hair style is the hottest trend hitting runways and must-be-seen events this summer.

And celebrity designer Michelle Madonna has created this phenomenon with her line of accessories, That Madonna Girl –TMG for short.

080713_ThatMadonnaGirl_TMGFloppyHatThe charming flower headbands (called “halos” in flower child speak), sunglasses and floppy hats adorned with daisies or roses are all the rage at music festivals and celebrity events. The look is very romantic, free-spirited and appropriate for “flower children” of all ages.

080713_ThatMadonnaGirl_TMGRadBandsMade in the USA. Currently Michelle makes over 20 different styles of halos by hand, in her upper East Side studio in New York. Available in a variety of sizes, colors and patterns and sporting a TMG-beaded trademark, each halo style is inspired by and named for one of her friends.

Michelle plans a more earth-toned halo color story for the fall, and will also introduce a line of bracelets, too.

  • 080713_ThatMadonnaGirl_logoChildren’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!

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.

Infantissima Retirement Sale


Attention children’s boutique owners! Infantissima is retiring.

070313_Infantissima_01Trudy Hutchings, owner of Infantissima, the company that has brought specialty baby gifts and accessories to babies and parents everywhere- is ready to be a full-time grandmother, and world traveler.

Customers like you make doing business a real pleasure.

Coos and Smiles. Infantissima has been very near and dear to Trudy’s heart (learn the story behind the brand here), and now she’s ready for a new chapter in her life. And she’s celebrating with the ultimate retirement sale.

“We appreciate all of our customers and have a lot of product still available,” they say. Such a deal! Take a look-

Thank you, Trudy Hutchings, for giving coos and smiles to so many over the years!

Fish Flops


Already snagging national headlines at the tender age of 15, this creative dynamo is 061813_FishFlops_01following her passion all the way to the bank.

You may have seen recent news stories declaring, “Fifteen-year-old Sells Over $1 Million Worth of Flip Flops to Nordstrom.” And you may wonder how it all came to happen. Well, here’s the scoop:

Back when she was just eight years old, Maddie Robinson has an idea. She thinks up a product that combines her love of swimming, fishing and drawing –a fun and unique combo, I’d say.

I’ve always been a flip-flop-kind of kid, so I created a brand of flip flops called FishFlops®. I shared my idea with many of my friends and family, and they all smiled and thought I had something special.”

061813_FishFlops_02Maddie’s FishFlops® footwear are made to mix and match with one or more of her t-shirts and caps, designed in coordinating colors and aquatic characters. The footwear lights up when a child walks, and they’re fun to share with friends, too – “make a friend smile!” Maddie says.

061813_FishFlops_03The Big Ask. All it takes for Maddie’s big break is a letter to Nordstrom about her brand –and a response from the retailer’s buying team to offer Fish Flops in 60 Nordstrom stores. The rest, as they say, is the big headline.

Maddie’s colorful Fish Flops illustrations are also characters the children’s books she writes, ocean adventures Swimming with Spinner, and  FishFlops® – Living Together at Sea by Orkicky. Kids are introduced to the Maddie’s characters as each book unfolds. Maddie is also planning a Fish Flops Virtual World.

Fish Flops sold at Nordstrom online and in stores. Email info@fishflops.com for more information about apparel and book sales.

  • 061813_FishFlops_06Children’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!

Canus L’il Goat’s Milk Products


060613_Canus_LilGoatsMilk_goatsSpecifically formulated for a child’s tender skin, made from fresh goat’s milk.

I just love goats. They’ve long been friends and companions to humans, nurturing us with their frisky personalities and their nutrient-rich milk.

Back in 1994, Andree Falardeau and Andre Beauregard really had a soft spot for goats, too – so much so, that they began making soap and body products made from fresh goat’s milk, through their company called Canus.

060613_Canus_LilGoatsMilk_giftsetAfter the two friends from Montreal started making fresh goat’s milk body wash, moisturizer, body butter and foot scrub for big people, the goats themselves decided it was time to make a line especially for little humans.

Canus Li’l Goat’s Milk soaps and lotions are made extra gentle for babies and young children. PH-balanced for super-sensitive baby skin, they contain allantoin, which naturally and gently heals rashes and dry spots. Lil Goat’s Milk also heals baby skin problems like acne and eczema.

Canus is based in Montreal and Vermont, producing about 70 different products available all over North America and online.

None of this could have happened without the thousands of dedicated, hard-working goats and the family farms that take such good care of them and deliver their milk to Canus.

060613_Canus_LilGoatsMilk_DiaperRashOintmentRich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, fresh goat’s milk is what the company calls Mother Nature’s greatest contribution to health and beauty. “Working closely with the goats,” they say, “our daily mission at Canus is to constantly develop new ways to use their magical milk to nourish a healthier, softer, more natural world.”