Initial Reaction

Fun, personalized jewelry for summer!

Summer is all about bold, vibrant colors and fun laid back style. So why not have a blast with your jewelry selections, too?!

Connecticut-based Initial Reaction has taken the popularity of their monogrammed jewelry and added a fun twist for the summer – the a fully customizable version of the acrylic, cut-out monogram and nameplate collection.

Tastefully trendy accessories for tweens, teens and ladies.

Choose from a variety of bright colors –like turquoise or purple, and even lime swirl. It may be difficult to choose between the whimsical script monogram, funky block monogram or simple nameplate because each style is so unique and fun to wear.

Made in the USA. Since 2002, Initial Reaction has earned a reputation for classic designs and quality craftsmanship. The stylish line of accessories includes engraved pendants and discs, necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets that are handmade right in the United States, featuring metal, acrylic and enamel cut-out monograms.

Initial Reaction offers uniquely personal gift options for weddings and bridesmaids, birthdays, graduation –any special occasion, or simply a day at the beach.

Recently featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Initial Reaction jewels are sure to enliven any summer look.

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!

Ponytail Pals

A new line of little-girl-chic hair accessories combines the ease of creating fun hairdos with the cuteness of cuddly stuffed animals.

Recently introduced at the ENK Children’s Club trade show in New York, Ponytail Pals is a collection of ponytail holders that feature adorable little stuffed animal accouterments. The collection is created for girls ages infant to 12, who are thrilled with the 14 different cuddlies, which include a bunny, chick, lamb and more – a fun find for any little one’s Easter basket.

The heart of this brand captures that innocence and uninhibited imagination through playful, amusing accessories that bear elements of surprise, whimsy and delight.

Celebrating Girlhood. Designer Lisa Moy developed Ponytail Pals after searching for cute hair designs for her nieces. Fun to give as gifts, for special occasions and for every day, Ponytail Pals celebrate girlhood. “These ponytail holders become little buddies and trusted companions,” Lisa says, “so they will be invited to the next tea party and all the other fun things little girls love to do with their pals.”

Kid-at-Heart Style. Lisa’s journey into children’s accessories started with a passion for design and a love for kids and animals. Through her graphic design firm Moy Creative, she has put her unique visual style to work in annual reports and brochures, corporate videos and advertising campaigns. Walk into her Milwaukee-based design studio and you see her playful personality interpreted through her whimsical interior design style. With beloved rescue dogs Buddy, Chester and Jeff by her side, designing a Ponytail Pals line for girls was a natural transition which enables her to bring together all the things that she loves most.

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!

Pink is just a color …

Long Island mom writes a funny, endearing book about gender stereotypes.

Niki Bhatia‘s own two sons are the inspiration for her children’s book, Pink is Just s Color, and So is Blue. Funny and reassuring, the story teaches children -and adults- about acceptance, tolerance, and having confidence in who you are.

We are all different and like different things. What matters is that we are happy and confident.

When Niki’s younger son was three, he loved the color pink. It was only when his older brother teased him for being “like a girl,” that she decides that this kind of teasing often leads to bulling later in life. So she wrote a book to help.

For Niki, a world defined by pink and blue is becoming out-dated, and her humorous story teaches young readers that they should be free to choose what they like without someone else dictating what that should be. With this book, Niki hopes to break some of the old gender stereotypes about children’s toys and gender specific colors.

Published in October, Pink is Just a Color and So Is Blue reminds adults about the joy of life’s possibilities, while teaching children about the importance of being themselves. To further enrich their reading experience, she includes discussion questions and activities for parents and teachers.

Niki lives in Long Island, NY and blogs at niketabhatia.blogspot.com. The book is available on Amazon.com, and makes a great gift for the holidays.

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!

Kelly Hughes Designs Kids Tabletop Collection

From one-of-a-kind baby gifts to ways for jazzing up mealtime, this kids tabletop collection features sweet designs and whimsical must-haves like these personalized melamine plates.

120512_KellyHugesDesigns_04 The Kelly Hughes Designs kids tabletop collection is available in over 40 unique designs and includes coordinating placemats, melamine plates, bowls and mugs. Each piece may be personalized with a name.

All original artwork is hand-painted by designer Kelly Hughes. If you love the tabletop collection, you can also find many of the same designs in the Kelly Hughes kids stationery collection, including note cards, calling cards, vinyl stickers and bag tags. The New Art Prints are a hit – they’re the perfect baby gift to brighten up the nursery. Shop the entire collection at www.shop.kellyhughes.com.

A recent finalist in the Startup Nation Top 200 Leading Moms in Business competition, Kelly is dedicated to creating the highest quality products for both kids and parents. The competition highlights marketers and business minds who play an extraordinary role in their communities, chosen from thousands of entries.

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!

It’s My Party!

Handmade party hats and keepsake gifts for party-goers of all ages.

It’s My Party specializes in unique, handmade party hats designed for celebrating special occasions. From first to 50^th birthdays and anything in-between, these keepsake party hats and coordinating accessories get any party started.

We offer products to celebrate in a unique way from a truly individualized as well as personalized items.

This Ohio-based business started in 1996 in their basement –until their popularity grew … not only with parents of one-year-olds, but anyone celebrating a special day, or unique event. “Over the years the line has grown out of requests for more accessories such as matching bibs and diaper covers,” they say on their website. The company also offers one-of-a-kind gifts like silver crosses and birthday spoons.

For the First Time. Currently available at many children’s boutiques and gift stores across the country, It’s My Party now offers the entire line for purchase online.

As they say, You’re never too old to wear a party hat!

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!

Baby’s Dreamworld on Etsy

When you’re looking for the ultra-handmade-super-special-totally-personalized shopping experience, head to “the world’s handmade marketplace.”

Sometimes a gift giver is just stumped. Or they’ve shopped in circles, with no special item to show for it. Or they’re looking for a little something they can’t yet describe.

They may want to give Etsy a try.

We are bringing heart to commerce and making the world more fair, more sustainable, and more fun.

Where local meets global. Etsy is a global online marketplace where very specialized small businesses can make their mark on the economy. The company says its mission is “to empower people to change the way the global economy works.” Totally tapped into the value of shopping local, the artisan virtual storefronts –and the customers who shop them- appreciate pride of authorship and a sense of place as much as price and convenience.

Ultimate shower gift. Linda’s lovely Baby’s Dreamworld is a fine example. Opened in September, she makes beautiful rhinestone baby shoes and baby accessories using sparkly Swarovski crystals, ribbon and other materials. Perfect for baptisms, christenings, weddings and other special occasions, “Most of my items can be customized for your liking and needs,” Linda says. “If you need a certain item in a different size or color, just send me an email and I would be happy to provide it for you.” Aunties would love to spoil little nieces with these stylish finds.

Florida-based Baby’s Dreamworld is just one of the delicious delights waiting to be discovered on Etsy. With very personalized customer service and special one-of-a-kind offerings, you may find just what you’re looking for … right at your fingertips!

After all … every little girl is someone’s princess!!

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!

Heaven Sent Infant Wear

Four-year-old children’s wear designer finds success with babies, books and The Bible!

California-based Heaven Sent Infant Wear designs children’s clothes that offer what they call “a spiritual reflection.”

The owners – one is a grandmother to 12 and the other is mom to her daughter- share the belief that a child is a gift from God. “We began designing infant apparel that we believed could share that belief and warm the hearts of mothers everywhere.”

With that, Heaven Sent offers 100% cotton and organic cotton bibs, rompers, gowns, onezies, jumpers and more, all adorned with unique quotations from the Bible, such as Fearfully And Wonderfully Made (Psalms 139:14), favorite childhood prayers, the signature message Heaven Sent and others.

Bookstore Love. Heaven Sent began by selling their designs at local baby expos and mother-baby shows, and then a local bookstore fell in love with the brand, carrying it in the store. “Last year, we did the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Atlanta, Georgia, where we were picked up by eight new bookstores,” they tell me. “Earlier this year, we were picked up by Berean Christian Stores, and now, Heaven Sent is sold in 26 stores total.” And counting, for sure.

A Wink and a Prayer. I think the makers of Heaven Sent say it best:

Our product not only shares a message but is bright, fun, excellent quality and very cute.

I’m all for cute and I’m all for a little reflection, too.

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!

Lullabies a la Lady Gaga

Kids everywhere can enjoy Soothing Lullaby Arrangements of Songs Made Famous by Lady Gaga -the newest addition to the Baby Blanket Music collection.

The distinctive Baby Blanket Music collection for children features unique lullaby arrangements of favorite songs from favorite artists, like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Billy Joel, John Mayer, Simon & Garfunkel, Garth Brooks and The Beatles. And now, Lady Gaga joins this list.

As our line continues to expand, we are excited to introduce the songs of Lady Gaga. Arranging these edgy, contemporary tunes in a way that holds true to the Baby Blanket Music sound has been a welcomed challenge and pleasure.

-Josh Rutt, founder and CEO

New York-based teacher, composer and performer Josh Rutt created Baby Blanket Music in 2009. Josh developed his distinctive line of music designed to appeal to babies, parents and grandparents alike with guidance of a wide range of doctors, teachers and child development specialists.

Incredibly musical, always theatrical and undeniably relevant, Lady Gaga is be one of today’s hottest stars, and her catchy songs have captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Baby Blanket Music’s album features instrumental arrangements of hits such as Just Dance, Poker Face, Bad Romance and The Edge of Glory.

Designed to soothe while enhancing the enjoyment and cognition of music, Baby Blanket Music features familiar baby sounds like vibraphones and music boxes paired with a full medley of rich, classical instruments including strings, woodwinds, pianos, harps and soft percussion.

Thanks, Hilary Abbott, for letting me know about Baby Blanket Music’s news! 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!

Drool Monkey – 100% Certified Organic Cotton

You learn something new every day.

When Kam Corkin introduced me to her young company, I learned not just one, but two things. 1) what a “lovie” is and 2) how easy it is to be drawn to a product with such a cute name.

Kam is founder/CEO of Drool Monkey Organics, makers of fine-quality, eco-friendly baby products, and specializing in organic hankies and teething lovies. What’s more, the heirloom-quality lovies are made from a custom-woven wicking fabric that helps prevent drool and teething rash. Simply knot the corners to give your baby relief from those growing pains, too.

Kam designed the first Drool Monkey as a practical solution for her drooling baby. “When my first child was three months old and started putting everything in her mouth,” she tells me, “I knew I had to find a non-toxic solution that was easy to keep clean.” Her organic and sanitary products quickly became sought after by all her friends, so she started her Monterey, CA-based business right as her second child was born. “It’s been a roller-coaster trying to launch a product during such a busy time in my life, but it’s been magical to watch my son use the product that I invented for my daughter three years ago.”

We also just had our first celebrity sightings. Selma Blair has been photographed using her Drool Monkey. Ali Landry just tweeted a photo of her son, Marcello, snuggling his Drool Monkey.

I’ll let Kam tell you what makes Drool Monkey so unique:

Made from custom-woven organic cotton fabric, it is amazingly luxurious and soft. The best part is that it can be washed and dried every day to keep it clean and sanitary without any piling.
Multi-purpose Cloth Teether, Burp Cloth, Sleep-Aid (absorbing Mom’s scent), Blankie and even a Nursing Cover or Sun Shield – all in one.
Teething Relief – Tie a cube of ice in the extra fabric for baby to chew on (works like a mesh feeder but doesn’t get baby wet); tie knots in the corners for baby to chew on – it even comes with two removable ribbon tethers
Each Drool Monkey comes packaged in an organic cotton snap front wristlet bag complete with a free gift tag.
A gift that Mom will find extremely useful from the newborn stage all the way into the toddler years.
Designed by a Mom for a Mom

My own two kids are kitty-kids … but I’m convinced even my cats would appreciate a Drool Monkey. I know I would!

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!