Make Traveling with Kids Fun

This summer, there’s a TrayKit® for every kid!

Launching this year in the U.S., the award-winning TrayKit® and TrayKit® Traveller collection are fun for kids and practical for parents.

Already a smash in the UK, the TrayKit® is created by a British mom and offers parents a brilliant all-in-one solution that can make traveling a lot more enjoyable -not only for you and your kids, but for everyone else in any train, plane or automobile!

TrayKit® is a carry-on backpack that kids can pack themselves and easily carry along on any trip using the handle or shoulder straps. Once on-board, TrayKit® can be hung from the back of a seat or strapped onto train and plane tray tables. When kids open it up, they have an extendable play surface with raised sides, preventing any toys from going overboard, so no one has to crawl around looking for lost crayons and puzzle pieces. When ready to go, simply pack up the bag, so everyone -and everything- will be on time.

“Like so many parents, I have spent endless journeys packing and carrying all sorts of on-board ‘keep-them-entertained’ toys which all end up on the floor having rolled off their tray table or lap. TrayKit® is the perfect trip companion that will make your child the perfect travel companion!”

-Solvej, inventor of the TrayKit and mum of two

Available May 2012. Distributed in the U.S. through Kids Preferred and specialty retailers nationwide, the TrayKit® Traveller collection is a terrific line of coordinating travel essentials, including passport covers and holders, luggage tags, travel journal kits complete with pencils and erasers, and the very cute TravelBug™ plush toy. Cool colors and patterns to choose from, something for boys and girls ages three and older –with a durable surface that can be wiped down easily.

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!

Zomsters Brings Friendly Monsters to Life

Mom-owned Zomsters sustainable children’s fashion and museum-quality art collections are invading kids closets and rooms nationwide.

Leap Year Zaniness! Zomsters is based in Snoqualmie, WA (just up the mountain from me!) and offers a full line of earth-friendly art and clothing designed for kids featuring zany characters called Zomsters. Meet Wally, Harold, Stanley and the growing family of friendly characters here!

Zomsters are designed to make kids smile and to spark their imaginations. We create characters rich with unique traits, interests and backgrounds to teach kids about far-off cultures and places, and about career choices that aren’t as common.

-founder/designer Ronda Bergman

Ronda also designs to create awareness about how making small green changes in our lives can make big differences in the world. The company is committed to sustainable business practices, choosing environmentally-conscious materials like organic cotton, recycled paper and recycled aluminum cans. Zomsters minimizes its impact by using water-based, azo-free inks for non-toxic printing and selecting local manufacturers and suppliers to reduce shipping and materials waste.

Parents choose from a plethora of adorable products including one-pieces, knot hats, toddler tees … art blocks, cards and prints, water bottles and more. Coming soon: coloring pages, wall papers and more.

This Leap Year, find your inner Zomster and spread the word! Available online and select retail locations. Also wholesale.

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!

Back Patch Boys from Ruby’s Closet

Former “Hollywood” nanny launches a line of hip accessories for boys.

Alice Hardin is creator/designer of Ruby’s Closet, a line of couture accessories she dreamed up for her daughter -and inspiration-Ruby. Alice’s fresh, stylish and up to date designs have graced celebrity girls’ outfits since she started the company, too.

Late last year, Alice announced her new boys line complete with a dedicated web presence. Back Patch Boys includes fedoras, driving caps, bowler hats, ties, suspenders, cool one-pieces, arm warmers, crawlers, shoes and more. Alice calls them “accessories for little dudes.”

We are designed to be a one-stop-shop with a huge variety of accessories. Our company is located within the United States and ninety-eight percent of our goodies are manufactured here too.

Very cute stuff – for girls and boys! Ask about custom designs. Click here for shopping locations. Available wholesale.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

Djäknemåla Delights!

Stunning new brand from Sweden is designing for boys, too.

Self-described as “whimsical couture from the beautiful forests of Sweden,” the first collection of Djäknemåla will be available this spring, and it’s already caught the eye of many-an-A-list celeb daughter with its bold colors, striking imagery and elegant lines. (This video really captures the brand personality. Watch here).

Djäknemåla (pronounced yīk-ne-mah´-lah) is named for a beautiful bit of Blekinge Län, Sweden. Designer Pia (who’s also involved with the swimwear line Stella Cove) tells CupcakeMag for Littles that her easy-to-wear clothes made from crisp cottons are inspired by her grandmother’s own magical, fantastical artwork. Plus she’s also included a little bit of Sweden for boys, too:

We have a little Fall line coming out at the trade fairs in early spring which includes a mini foray into boys clothing. I only have boys myself –they would rather walk on hot coal than wear anything I designed- but it was so much fun to make.

Looking forward to seeing more from Djäknemåla!

A special thanks to Rachel Florio PR.

ONIA First Collection for Boys

The matching father-son beachwear set is perfect for Father’s Day gifting.

Men’s swimwear brand ONIA recently launched its first collection for boys. Modeled on the popular Charles Trunk, designer Carl Cunow shrank down the proportions to create the Charlie style for boys six months and older.

The Charlie Trunk débuted at Barney’s and online at Barneys.com and Onia.com until this month. Fabric, materials and construction have been tested and approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

At Onia, we are creating sophisticated, functional style, surf side.

Onia [oh-nee-ah] -which means “ship” in the Hebrew language- is known for easy-to-wear, fast drying beachwear made with expert production techniques and attention to detail. The brand’s unique cotton-nylon blended fabric offers the kind of performance dads love … and now, little boys can love it, too.

Introducing ZozoBugBaby

Using bold, bright designs and mixing prints in nontraditional ways, ZozoBugBaby is all about creative freedom and mix-and-match style.

ZozoBugBaby is a vibrant, artsy brand of children’s clothing, bedding and accessories created by fine artist Julie Martin.

“Here, we live life in color, so … Dress Happy!” The Spring/Summer 2012 Imagine collection includes vintage silhouettes inspired by the innocent designs of the ’50s and ’60s paired with the signature ZozoBugBaby look -tiered dresses and skirts in funky prints, knit leggings and more structured, woven dresses.

I juxtapose girly ruffles with clean lines, as well as pairing knits with wovens. Stripes and polka dots can be found pretty much year-round in my line.

-Julie, who’s also mom to two girls

ZozoBugBaby clothing is available in 6-12 months to size 10. In addition to clothing, the line offers one-of-a-kind, colorful bedding sets for boys and girls, including optional, complimentary name appliqué on bedspread or pillow. Patchwork throw blankets may also be personalized for free and are backed in supersoft minky.

Unique! ZozoBugBaby teepees are made of sturdy cotton and available in cascading ruffles, draped styles or a more structured form. Custom-made to customer specifications.

And check out the cool sewing patterns, too!

Get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products! Contact me today!

Marie Puce Paris – New Collection

When sisters Camile and Anne created Marie Puce Paris in 2003, they introduced the market to beautifully manufactured clothes of elegant design and bright color.

100% fashion, 100% chic. The new Spring/Summer 2012 Collection for girls is inspired by a delightful choice of Liberty prints and four of the sisters’ favorite colors – Fucshia (“makes you radiant”), Coral (“very tonic”), Turquoise (“subtle and soft”) and Purple (“sober and feminine”). Clean lines. Sophisticated final touches.

For babies, the colors are bright and soft. “We love the retro shapes and smart outfits.” And for boys, the collection is energetic and comfortable line with Bermudas, retro shorts and cotton shirts.

Quality is our top priority and we select only the best of fabrics, such as authentic Liberty prints or cotton poplin. And our prices remain very accessible. The clothes are easy to wear and are loved by children, teenage girls and mothers alike.

Clothes, accessories, footwear … jewelry, fragrance and plush toys … all part of Marie Puce! Many pieces are manufactured in France. Consider a private show!

Get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products! Contact me today!

Safe Sleeptime for Babies

HALO Innovations is a unique resource for parents, offering solutions to help baby sleep more safely.

A trusted name in safe sleep for baby for more than 15 years, the company has introduced a new nursery set that enables parents to easily create an attractive and safe sleep environment for baby which supports a new recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

Newer crib standards…have obviated the need for crib bumpers. Because of the potential for suffocation, entrapment and strangulation and lack of evidence to support that bumper pads or similar products that attach to crib slats or sides prevent injury in young infants, the AAP does not recommend their use.

The new HALO Safe Sleep Crib Set™ includes five coordinating pieces: a HALO SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, both in 100% cotton; two coordinating crib sheets in soft cotton jersey; and a matching crib skirt. The new Set is available in six patterns in pink, blue and neutral color tones; baby’s sleepwear features adorable, highly embellished appliqué detailing.

We applaud the AAP for recognizing that bumpers can be a potential threat to a sleeping baby and support their efforts in any way possible. Too often parents ‘overdress’ the crib with a quilt and bumpers, both of which can pose a breathing threat for baby.

–Bill Schmid, a SIDS dad and founder

Minneapolis, MN-based HALO Innovations is dedicated to developing products that set new standards for the safety and improved health of sleeping infants. HALO® branded products are used in hundreds of hospitals nationwide in well baby care, NICU’s and in take home programs to help new parents practice Safe Sleep for Baby at home.

If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today!

New Wendy Bellissimo collections début in June

Fans can expect innovative, streamlined apparel and fashion-forward creations made from high quality fabric reminiscent of the favored Bellissimo lines originally launched in 1997.

Wendy Bellissimo Media, Inc. and 5 Star Apparel Group recently announced a licensing partnership that includes the marketing, production and distribution of the Wendy Bellissimo Baby & Kids apparel line. 5 Star -which owns and licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including kids lines Mecca, Akademiks and Rocawear– is heading the creation, production and distribution of favored Bellissimo brand lines including layette sets, sleepwear and clothing geared for boys and girls ages 0-7.

With the re-launch of our Wendy Bellissimo Baby and Kids apparel designs, the consumer will have an opportunity to enjoy my designs and the products that have become so well-loved on a mainstream level. With the support of 5 Star, we hope to bring these creations back to the consumer for Fall 2012.

-Wendy Bellissimo

The mother of four daughters, Wendy Bellissimo is widely known as a successful entrepreneur with a passion for creating products that families love. First perceived as an authority on products for growing families, Wendy’s sincerity and approachability enable her to connect with other women who see her as either the mom they are or as the mom they would like to be.

A celebrity favorite designer as well as a sought-after television personality, Wendy is hard at work designing new collections for apparel and room décor, scheduled to début in June.

In the meantime, enjoy one of Wendy’s videos!

CiCi & Ryann débuts with Spring 2012

A popular designer collaborates with an acclaimed children’s photographer on a new girls clothing company.

Karen Gamble, the designer of Two Monkeys Designs/Indie Clothing Company, and sought-after Dallas, TX-based children’s photographer Jael DeYoung have débuted CiCi & Ryann, a new brand of girls clothing “where sophistication plays with hip.” CiCi & Ryann launches with a Spring 2012 line of four collections for toddlers to tweens. The designers have used a fresh mix of vibrant colors, patterns and textures to create looks that are not only new in the marketplace, but also extremely wearable, fun and fashionable. The signature Lacey Leg is a modern take on the lace legging as a ruffle pant, made of a gorgeous white stretch floral lace and adorned with an adorable ruffled bottom. In addition, Karen and Jael have designed three raincoats made from the contemporary and ultramodern laminate cottons, offering bold, colorful prints with whimsical ruffles and sparkly rhinestone button detailing.

CiCi & Ryann is undoubtedly delivering a unique and distinct look for girls’ apparel consumers. The details and special touches throughout each collection, as well as the quality of each piece, is just superb.

The designers tell me that CiCi & Ryann created quite a buzz at the Dallas Market Center during the line’s launch in August 2011. “CiCi & Ryann is sure to create the same excitement for the merchants who will be débuting our fabulous collections in their stores in just a few short months.” Some collections are set to take orders starting February 1.