Retailers & E-Stores

BowlingBalls.com


Introduce your kids to bowling this holiday season.

120513_BowlingBalls_RacingWithTheMoon_PosterBowling and Hollywood. There have been numerous films made that include scenes or plot points about bowling. However, unlike the ubiquitous baseball movie, precious few interesting or noteworthy films have been made that feature bowling balls instead of baseball bats.

Let’s take a look at a movie that went against the grain and made an impact with a plot that actually revolves around the lanes –a bowling movie that really is about bowling.

Racing with the Moon
MBDRAWI EC012This family-friendly movie about young love and the romance of an era made bona fide stars out of its then-young leading male actors, Sean Penn and Nicolas Cage. The two play teenage pals who work together at a small town bowling alley. They also chase girls in 1942 California at Christmastime, in the early days of World War II, waiting to ship out for basic training in the Marine Corps.

The bowling alley was the local hangout for kids then, and the authentic, painstakingly period-correct bowling alley scenes give us a taste of what real old-school bowling was like, back in the day.

Bowling -a Fun Family Adventure! If you’re thinking of giving the gift of bowling this holiday season, the folks at BowlingBalls.com make affordable bowling balls and accessories for “future champions.”

Every little beginner represents the future of our sport, so novice level equipment has to be designed to prepare them for a glorious future on the lanes.

120513_BowlingBalls_04Find a great selection of bowling balls made especially for children and beginners, including cool-looking custom designs.

Oh la la… y Olé!


Introducing a brand new online boutique, straight from the heart of España.

112013_OhlalayOle_adIt’s been about a month since new e-commerce site Oh la la…y Olé! (www.ohlalayole.com) opened for business, and to celebrate –the shop owners are offering a 10% discount on all orders placed by November 30! Just in time to beat the holiday shopping crowds.

112013_OhlalayOle_04Based in Valencia, Spain, Oh la la… y Olé! carries European designer baby and childrenswear for kids aged eight and younger -from some of the most popular, trendy and stylish Spanish brands.

Our commitment is to introduce to our clients unique, beautiful, practical, trendy clothes. We work only with brands that we know and buy for our own children. We believe that the kind of clothing we sell in our online boutique helps our kids look unique and express their own personality.

112013_OhlalayOle_05International Shipping. Low Rates. The folks at Oh la la… y Olé! are committed to making your shopping experience as easy and as delightful as possible, especially for all the Moms and Dads who are normally time challenged! “We believe that all our efforts will definitely help them to find and purchase for their children great quality products at a good price, enjoying online shopping from the comfort of their home.”

  • 112013_OhlalayOle_01Children’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!

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.

Ginger Snap Bambino Boutique


110713_GingerSnapBambinoBoutique_logoHandmade accessories for little ladies, just in time for the holidays!

Ginger Snap Bambino Boutique is inspired by a beautiful baby girl named Georgina (Ginger for short).

“She is definitely a little fashionista like her mama,” say mom Angelina Alexander, who decides to make accessories for ALL of her daughter’s outfits herself. (Something every new mom faces, I’m afraid). And after all the compliments on her homemade treasures and inquires for special orders, the new Ginger Snap Bambino Boutique is established. “I never thought I would start a shop, but here it goes,” Angelina says. “These are for the affordable mamas.”

110713_GingerSnapBambinoBoutique_01New Designs Added All the Time. Angelina is a new fan of Children’s Retail Today, and she tells me she’s added new designs for the holidays to her online store, just in time. “Completely handmade shabby flower headbands with coordinating barefoot sandals are also available,” she adds, as well as custom orders. “Send photos of the outfit to us.”

110713_GingerSnapBambinoBoutique_04Ginger Snap specializes in headbands and barefoot sandals for babies, and also makes tutus, costumes, crochet items, rented 3D numbers and backgrounds for birthdays and photos, and “All About Me” birthday boards. International orders, too!

110713_GingerSnapBambinoBoutique_03Coming Soon – Infant Clothing! Plans for a clothing collection are in the works, as well as an Etsy site, which is under construction. Keep up with Ginger Snap news and order for the holidays by liking the Ginger Snap Facebook page and comment.

  • 110713_GingerSnapBambinoBoutique_shophandmadeChildren’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!

Too Scoops Kids


Children’s Retail Today congratulates you on Birthday Number One!

365 days, 154 posts, 321 comments and 10,867 views later, Too Scoops Kids is celebrating its first birthday with a Blogiversary Celebration this Saturday, September 21 in Atlanta, GA – and everyone’s invited! Check it out here.

This has been an amazing year for us and we want to share the excitement with our readers and favorite brands targeting little girls.

091913_TooScoopsKids_ButtonToo Scoops Kids (TSK) is a blog dedicated to what founders Lysi and Jenny call “the pint-sized fashion star.” A one-stop-shop for fun, fashion and family, Too Scoops Kids offers high quality, one-of-a kind content that engages moms and women from all walks of life with trendsetting commentary and options for affordable clothing and accessories for little girls.

“Our goal is to develop custom packages for brands that want to target the millennial mom who loves fashion, family, and fun,” they say. “TSK values our audience and we welcome all brands that seek to enhance the quality of life for our families in an original and innovative way.”

091913_TooScoopsKids_BlogiversaryInviteLysi says visitors can expect fabulousness, and Jenny says you’ll find “honesty, fun, a true glimpse into the life of a real life millennial mom, that loves life, adores her family, believes in being who you are without excuses, and is a sucker for a good-time!”

Talia from Pink Pearl PR tells me TSK is planning to launch an online boutique -and a few of their own designs- over the next few months. Great birthday present, girls!

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.

MiniJoops


Launching September 1, MiniJoops is an online boutique that curates a global selection of children’s apparel, toys and accessories from up-and-coming, innovative designers and entrepreneurs.

Malisa Mac Nab is a fashion loving, full-time Mom who lives to style not only herself, but her three beautiful children in the newest, trendiest clothes. She’s launching her first big business- MiniJoops -this Sunday, an idea that grew from her own shopping experiences –and her talent for talking up authentic, stylish finds and internationally-inspired designs through social media.

MiniJoops helps upcoming new brands become known through kids fashion designers worldwide.

082913_MiniJoops_03What Sets MiniJoops Apart. Along with super easy shopping for her customers, Malisa plans the Mini Café, a section at the http://minijoops.com store that lets fashionista parents share their tips and picks, creating a new virtual style community.

082913_MiniJoops_02“We would love to be well-known worldwide as the place to find unique brands that are upcoming, with a little social kick to it with our Mini Café,” Malisa says. “We want to get big enough to be known on a high level in the fashion industry as a destination for new entrepreneurs trying to unleash their passion for trendy kids fashion, but not too big to take away from my focus of always working on providing the best brands to give to our clients.”

Malisa curates MiniJoops’ inventory herself, choosing brands that she’d dress her own children in, as well as the yet-to-be-known brands in the US –”the ones with the most passion, as it is most likely the owner(s) who are doing a lot of the leg work to make their products perfect.” She loves dressing her kids in the most trendy, contemporary, fashion-forward pieces she can find. “My biggest style inspirations are all the wonderful kids pictures I see on Instagram and in the social world,” she says.

082913_MiniJoops_logoMiniJoops.com launches September 1; check out MiniJoops on Facebook.

KinderStuff


082813_Kinderstuff_ownersA pretty revolutionary approach to kids fashion.

Dr. Alexander Reichhuber, Sebastian Schmoeger and Rob Rebholz are the German entrepreneurs behind KinderStuff, ditching their corporate jobs to develop a totally new venture- not only is KinderStuff a young apparel brand, but a brand new way of shopping that makes “hand-me-downing” cool again.

Created in Los Angeles. KinderStuff is what they call the world’s first fashion brand that lets parents send the fashion back, once their kids have outgrown it, free of shipping charges and in exchange for a discount on their next purchase.

All hand-me-downs we receive are donated to charity, because we believe outgrown baby clothes have a higher purpose than just ending up in a box in the attic.

082813_Kinderstuff_onepiece100% Organic Cotton. The clothing is made from the highest quality 100% organic cotton, plus the bodysuits, t-shirts and long sleeves for babies up to two years is super-stylish. KinderStuff teams with  local urban artists on modern designs that celebrate “both the vibrancy of youth and the forward-thinking trends of eco-fashion in Los Angeles.” Plans are underway to add hoodies, pants and hats for kids up to six years.

Made in Germany. These guys are not only committed to social responsibility, but to ecological sustainability, collaborating with industry experts to make the line in the world’s best factories as well as fan-parents, to continually improve upon the products and services they offer.

082813_Kinderstuff_websiteKinderStuff is the realization of a father’s vision, developed through the help of his two friends and the efforts of an amazing team across the globe, created with the hope for a better, more colorful future.

Young Over-Achiever. Just over a year old, KinderStuff has already won prestigious kudos from Natural Child World as the Best Fashion for Kids in 2013 to several Red Tricycle nominations, so they’re on a roll!

Who wouldn’t love that?

Spoiled! Fashionz


082013_SpoiledFashionz_02What better way to get your hands on designer duds for kids at a fraction of the cost!

From Ralph Lauren, LaCoste, Armani Jr., Burberry Children, Baby Dior, Moschino Baby/Kid/Teen and Gucci, all kids need to have that outrageous outfit for special school and family functions.

Spelling Bees, school plays, field trips and recitals, and with the holidays just around the corner, kids need clothes that are age-appropriate and super stylish.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_logoLos Angeles, CA-based Spoiled! Fashionz is an exclusive e-commerce consignment retailer* for brand name, luxury designer clothes for children ages 12 and under. This virtual shopping destination features high-end, just-like-new apparel and accessories donated from not only celebrities but fashionable moms everywhere … some clothes still have tags on them, never been worn!

Find everything from jackets, pants, belts, jeans, shirts, tops, dresses and shoes, everything to spruce up your little one’s wardrobe –at an affordable price. There’s even an app for that!

082013_SpoiledFashionz_01Entrepreneur “social light” CeCe Hendricks founded Spoiled! Fashionz while raising her young son Jordan.  A fashionista at heart with a keen eye for style, CeCe came up with the idea to solve a common dilemma most parents have when their children grow up so fast, they don’t have a chance to “wear through” items in their wardrobe.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_04At first, CeCe relied on donations from her personal Hollywood celebrity friends whose kids’ closets were replete with “never been worn” designer styles. The response was so overwhelming that moms everywhere not only shopped the site, but began contacting CeCe to donate “like new” or “unused” pieces from their own kids’ closets.

We’re a new company, but it is important that our business model incorporate an initiative to help those in need, especially the children.

082013_SpoiledFashionz_03Spoiled! Fashionz not only gives “like new” clothing another chance, but a portion of the net proceeds goes to the Jenesse Center, a domestic violence intervention program.

*As a consignment retailer, SpoiledFashionz.com shares 50% commission with the donor.

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.