Macaroni Kid

Have you heard about Macaroni Kid?

I’ve been enjoying a free subscription, and it looks like a great resource. Macaroni Kid publishes weekly, hyper-local e-newsletters and websites featuring events, activities, products and places for moms, kids and families. Joyce Shulman and Eric Cohen created Macaroni Kid with two goals in mind: to enrich communities and empower moms.

Enriching Communities

Macaroni Kids connects local families with the libraries, schools, rec centers, community centers, organizations and businesses that create programming and fun for kids. They host local events and parties and connect with their communities through social media.

On top of 500+ local editions, Macaroni Kid publishes seven national editions focused on special interest content:

Macaroni Kid Family Travel
Macaroni Kid Family Fitness
Macaroni EATS for the family foodies
Macaroni Kid Family Safety
Macaroni Stork
Macaroni Military Family
Macaroni Kid National

Empowering Moms

The company empowers moms by giving them the tools, training and the platform to build a publishing business that can become a force for good in their communities.

Macaroni Kid Publisher Moms

Each community is managed by a local Publisher Mom or Dad. They know their local communities and their local communities know them. And they’re more than happy to let everyone know about the amazing opportunities available to the neighborhood via Macaroni Kid publishing. To learn about becoming a Macaroni Kid Publisher, email Team@Macaronikid.com.

Want to learn more?

Receive a free weekly e-newsletter highlighting all the great things for kids and families to do in your community, subscribe HERE. To partner with Macaroni Kid to connect your brand with moms across the nation, email Eric Cohen at eric@macaronikid.com.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Atissu

New lifestyle brand Atissu is on a mission to make everyday objects more lovely.

The début collection of contemporary boxed tissues from one of the UK’s newest lifestyle brands, Atissu, is quite distinctive. What we really like – experienced brand expert, packaging designer and creator Sam Dumont is pluck enough to include the kids’ rooms in her designs.

These days, parents are keen to complement the beautiful modern interiors of their homes with equally beautiful accessories – including tissue boxes. Why hide them when they look like this?

Desirable for the Design Conscious

“I hope you will love (as much as we do) and will agree that our tissue range is spot on for children’s bedrooms and playrooms,” Kerry O’Connor, who runs PR for the company, says. “These little boxes often sit next to carefully curated items like ornaments, prints and favorite toys; things that people have taken time, energy and money to source.” The launch collection of 12 new contemporary boxed tissues is designed and made in Britain, and the folks at Atissu work closely with like-minded suppliers to source materials sustainably.

“Parents tell us that there’s nothing available that they actively like, and certainly nothing that compliments their children’s bedrooms; their children just adore our new designs, we’ve been told!”

All About Atissu

Apart from choosing a fabulous name for a tissue company, Sam and her team like to work with select illustrators, artists, textile and graphic designers on original box designs that please the eye. For the premiere children’s collection, they collaborated with illustrator duo Loopz art. Four different boxes are available with four little buddies on each side of each box, totaling 16 cute but cool characters: Fox & Co, Tiger & Co, Bear & Co and Panda & Co. The box designs are printed on matt board from well-managed forests so as to not compromise on sustainability or quality. “We print locally in London using only vegetable based inks and water based varnishes,” Kerry tells me.

All About the Tissues!

For those little delicate noses, the tissues are made from 3-ply super-soft FSC material.

In addition, Atissu has just launched a beautiful new collection of Giclee prints. As Sam likes to say, it’s just “a little bit of lovely every day.” Available wholesale and online.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

LÍLLÉbaby & The Guncles

A new baby carrier that celebrates adoption – Benefits the Independent Adoption Center

Popular baby carrier maker LÍLLÉbaby and The Guncles (aka Bill Horn and Scout Masterson) are collaborating on an original, new, limited-edition baby and doll carrier to celebrate adoption. The bold geometric print is available now on LILLEbaby.com and Amazon.com. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Independent Adoption Center (IAC), a national non-profit adoption agency.

Who are The Guncles®?

For six seasons, millions tuned into reality TV’s Tori & Dean and saw the couple’s good friends who became known as The Guncles (the words gay + uncles combined) to their kids. Throughout the years, fans tuned in to be a part of Bill Horn and Scout Masterson’s commitment ceremony as well as their efforts to adopt a child of their own. In 2010, with the help of IAC, daughter Simone Lynn became part of the family, which grew again in 2014 with the addition of son Bosley Jo.

“When our friends at LÍLLÉbaby suggested we create our own custom print to be featured on their popular carriers, we knew we wanted to design a bold, geometric print that was cheerful, sophisticated, and unique,” The Guncles say. “We are proud to be able to use this project to benefit a charity near-and-dear to our hearts – the Independent Adoption Center.”

With a fresh box of crayons and a blank sheet of paper, The Guncles created the colorful print by hand, an expression of the joy and love that adoption has brought into their lives.

“We are excited to announce this beautiful new collection and love this bold, one-of-a-kind print created by Bill and Scout,” LÍLLÉbaby President Lisbeth Lehan says. “We followed their adoption process last year, and it feels very special to be able to assist them in giving back to the organization that made their family.”

Benefits of Babywearing

“Wearing your baby is an amazing experience that serves you and your baby in so many ways,” Lisbeth says. “There are many benefits of babywearing, not the least of which is that it promotes bonding and attachment. Many social workers recommend babywearing as an effective way for new adoptive parents and children to bond. LÍLLÉbaby is thrilled to be a part of that essential bonding process and further support it through this collaboration.”

All proceeds that The Guncles earn from the sale of this limited edition run of LÍLLÉbaby carriers will be donated to the IAC and LÍLLÉbaby is matching their donation. IAC plans to use the donations to assist adoptive parents with above expected or anticipated expenses, such as legal and medical fees.

“What a great and creative way for Bill and Scout to pay-it-forward to other adoptive parents with the help of LÍLLÉbaby’s wonderful products,” says Ann Wrixon, IAC Executive Director.

IAC is the largest open adoption agency in the country, facilitating adoptions in 49 states, and fully licensed with offices in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. Since opening in 1982, the IAC has successfully placed over 4,000 newborns with families in the United States. “The IAC is so grateful for their generosity.”

Good news for fans, too – The Guncles are currently in development on their own reality TV show.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Ollie & Olina

When you’re expecting, you can expect to remember it for a lifetime.

“I launched Ollie & Olina to deliver a little piece of function and beauty to new mothers,” Founder Erika LaPean says. “They deserve a memento of their children’s first months.”

Handmade in the USA:Introducing Ollie & Olina

Ollie & Olina is a brand new collection of heirloom-quality baby quilts, bibs and burp cloths designed “to be used today and cherished tomorrow.” The collection features 100% cotton and cotton terry paired with the exclusive “Hello, Bear” woodland-inspired prints by designer Bonnie Christine. Each beautifully crafted item is designed to endure everyday use while retaining its keepsake status –quite a feat, I might add- the absorbent premium cotton and faux-chenille design maintains its tactile softness with each washing.

“The journey of parenthood spans many memories – from the time we bring our children home from the hospital to when they start their own family,” Erika says. “Wouldn’t you want to have a lovely keepsake as a poignant reminder of those cherished moments?”

Quality That Matters

The folks at Ollie & Olina believe that the Earth matters and that moments matter. They also believe in packaging it all up into one unforgettable gift.
Ollie & Olina quilts measure approximately 30 by 40 inches and are available in a variety of wilderness-oriented designs that delight, with prints that feature bears, bucks, leaves and morel mushrooms. A matching newborn bib and burp cloth completes the collection. The three-piece set comes in an elegant gift-ready box.

A trio of Ollie & Olina baby bibs in complimentary prints are available in newborn size eight by 10 inches or toddler size 10 by 13 inches. All bibs have plastic double-snap closure at the neck. Burp cloths may also be purchased in a set of two coordinating prints. An ideal practical yet lovely baby shower gift, these sets are packaged in gift-ready boxes as well.

By ethically sourcing the highest quality materials and proudly manufacturing in the United States, Erika and the team at Ollie & Olina hope their products will give families lasting memories that will be passed down for generations. Available at www.ollieandolina.com.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Ju-Ju-Be Intl

The fun & functional changing bag company goes international – now available in Europe & Australia.

Ju-Ju-Be diaper bags are built to fit everything baby needs, while being stylish and fun for Moms and families. Now, the company is Celebrating 10 Years with a huge announcement: with a new office and warehouse in The Netherlands, mothers, fashionistas and existing Ju-Ju-Be fans will be able to purchase products at the web shop, www.ju-ju-be.com/europe, and at selected e-tailers and retailers across Europe. In addition, Ju-Ju-Be will also be available to purchase online in Australia via www.ju-ju-be.com. The current collection, regularly published limited editions, product updates and new prints will all be available.

Ju-Ju-Be Intl has been creating a passionate community by making it an exceptional experience to own a Ju-Ju-Be changing bag. Combining top quality materials, smart technology and outstanding service, Ju-Ju-Be changing bags have much more to offer than machine washable and stain repellent materials, crumb drains and antimicrobial linings – they are also funky, fashionable and fun to own.

Design collaborations with pop culture iconic brands like tokidoki and Hello Kitty have made Ju-Ju-Be bags and accessories worldwide collector’s items, with full production runs selling out in hours. The Ju-Ju-Be community exchanges their experiences globally via Facebook, through Pink Room, the international forum, as well as on Instagram and Pinterest.

Features that mom and baby will love. Customers say if you want the best diaper bag, the cutest diaper bag or the most functional diaper bag, there’s only one place to go … Ju-Ju-Be. The Costa Mesa, CA-based company did start with diaper bags, and now has expanded into purses, handbags, tote bags, shopping bags, laptop bags – all sorts of other bags that will make your friends jealous.

Congratulations, Ju-Ju-Be – Here’s to many more years of success!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Kaskey Kids

Toys kids love to play with and parents like to top the birthday cake with.

The Kaskey Kids toy company produces high-quality sports action figures for imaginary play. Kaskey combines kids’ love of action figures and sports, designing their “Guys” with one goal in mind… to encourage countless hours of imaginary play in sports loving children.

Kaskey has done their homework. When kids engage in “open-ended” play with no defined expectations or fixed rules, their social, emotional and cognitive development benefit, according to research studies.

“Knowing that my toys are chosen, loved and played with, even with all the high tech electronic options out there, is very satisfying.”

-Christy Kaskey

In 2002, Christy Kaskey, designed the perfect toy for her sports loving kids, inspired by the appeal of classic action figures such as Army Men, Super Heroes and Cowboys ‘n Indians and the modern value these toys have of open-ended, child-driven, fun and imaginary play. Now the company has Football, Hockey, Soccer, Baseball and College Sports Action Figures, Soccer Girls Action Figures, Go Go Sports Dolls and more.

Each toy in the Kaskey Kids line is recognized in the toy industry for the creative and imaginative play they inspire, including the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, Learning Express Best Toy Award, National Parenting Award and Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award, among others.

After more than a decade in business, a trend that Christy hopes will continue is the gender neutral way many of her customers view her toys. “We knew Soccer Girls would be a hit for 3-8 year old girls, but I have been thrilled to hear that so many fathers are spending time with their daughters using Football Guys, Hockey Guys and Baseball Guys,” she says. “Playing with our toys is a great way for a parent to pass on the love of a sport and in some cases explain the rules.”

Plus, Kasey Kids toys have also inspired parents to liven up kids’ birthday parties and celebrations with the “Guys” as well. And the festivities don’t have to be just for kids: InStyle Magazine has featured Kaskey Kids action figures in several articles, including one about a centerpiece for a Super Bowl celebration!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

b.box

This Aussie company is introducing their award-winning collection to the U.S.

Dannielle Michaels and Monique Filer founded their Australia-based company b.box in 2007. Their award-winning collection of innovative everyday baby essentials includes The b.box Travel Drying Rack, The b.box Essential Sippy Cup, The b.box Essential Diaper Wallet, The b.box Essential Baby Bottle and Dispenser, The b.box Essential Diaper Caddy, The b.box Essential Travel Bib and Flexible Spoon, The b.box Essential Snack Pack, The b.box Essential Mesh Feeder and The b.box Essential Baby Spoon. Phew, that’s a lotta b.box-es!

The b.box Diaper Caddy is a portable diaper changing station available in five designs and colors. Parent have everything they need for diaper changing wherever they are around the home. Great space saver for apartment living and ideal for two story homes. Also makes for an ideal art caddy or home organizer. Just pop a tissue box in where the wipes box goes.

Easy clean eco-friendly PU leather, inside and out
Space for wipes box
Large drawer for storing bits and bobs
Removable divider for added flexibility
Wipe clean change mat

The new Neon color collection of the b.box Sippy Cup features five vibrant neon colors of sippy cup with its innovative weighted straw that lets tots drink at any angle the cup is tipped.

Easy grip handle
Simple flip top lid
Leak proof
Dishwasher safe
Replacement straws and cleaning brush available separately

The b.box Travel Drying Rack is a compact drying rack that’s small enough to fit in your diaper bag and large enough to hold six baby bottles. It’s also designed to provide a hygienic surface to dry baby gear at home or on the go.

Raised ridges provide ideal position to dry teats and pacifiers
Dishwasher safe, (top rack only)
Available in 4 delicious colors: blueberry, raspberry, apple and grape
BPA, Phthalates and PVC free

Looks like the b.box team is always busy dreaming up new and innovative ways to make the lives of parents all over the world easier!

Children’s Retail Todaypublishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Momo Baby

This company offers an interesting combination of products for both mother and child.

Momo Baby makes high-quality, reasonably priced shoes for kids as well as stylishly designed fashion maternity clothes for Mom that flatter the body both during and after pregnancy. One of Momo Baby’s mantras is to provide the most safe and efficient products for your child.

“Our shoes are designed in-house in the USA and Japan,” company representative Tobi Moore tells me. “Not only do we design a good looking shoe, we make sure that the shoe promotes healthy foot growth.” Tobi says Momo Baby shoes have been awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “Momo Baby only uses genuine leather, so little feet are able to breathe. Every piece of leather used is tested by a third party to ensure that all leather is safe from lead or any toxic chemicals.”

Since the introduction of soft sole leather crib shoes for babies, Momo Baby now offers flexible sole leather shoes, leather boots, leather sandals and ballet flats in a wider range of sizes for both boys and girls. The flexible rubber-soled sandals are trendy and beneficial, too –made with a fan shaped toe box to allow your child’s foot to move freely. Adjustable Velcro straps help make them easy to put on and take off. The rubber soled sneakers have a deep tread pattern to increase slip resistance while maintaining flexibility for a natural shift of a child’s foot. The lightweight, breathable construction allow little feet to remain bacteria-free and comfortable.

Momo Maternity

The four-year-old company also offers fashionable maternity clothes including tops, dresses, outerwear and accessories that are stylish enough to wear out on the town and after baby is born.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

ASEPRI

A mission to promote Spanish and foreign trade, develop products and services and conduct studies of interest to the childrenswear and childcare industries.

Introduced at Children’s Club/NY. While the Spring-Summer 2016 collections of over 500 children’s fashion brands were showcased at this must-see trade show, a list of prestigious children’s fashion brands from Spain – including BARCAROLA, BÓBOLI, CÓNDOR, MAYORAL, J.V.JOSE VARON, PAZ RODRIGUEZ and TUC TUC- exhibited pure Spanish style as part of ASEPRI, the Spanish Association for Childhood Products that supports Spanish companies that manufacture children´s fashion and childcare products.

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Children’s fashion brands from Spain are international leaders known for offering the best design, quality and price ratio, especially in America. A 2014 ASEPRI study indicates that international sales have increased by 13%, a new record. For Spanish companies, optimism is high for 2016 and beyond, with forecasts showing an increase in the Spanish market sales of 3.3%, while global sales will grow by 5.1%.

Through ASEPRI, Spanish brand children’s fashion and childcare companies are breaking out in the following markets: New York, Las Vegas, Texas, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Singapore, Malaysia, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany and the list continues. With 25 years of experience, ASEPSI is the benchmark for the children’s fashion and childcare sectors in Spain.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Simply Chickie

100% Organic Cotton Clothing for Funny Bones.

People are pushovers for clothes with cheeky sayings and cute graphics made from 100% certified organic. Especially for kids.

The Simply Chickie Creator, Gwendolyn, is a cancer survivor – a life event that inspires her every day to make people laugh. “We want to make everyone laugh because life is funny,” she says.

Funny, indeed. One day, Gwen leaves her boyfriend, finds out she’s pregnant and gets diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Well, not in one day, but one day after another. At the age of 40 she says, life itself decided to slow her down. “I thought a lot about how my body felt, and how it got to feeling that way—what I put in my body and eventually what I put on my body. I paid attention to smells and food and everything coming in contact with my mouth and my skin. I paid attention to labels and discovered that the lovely soft cotton clothing I enjoyed hid a dirty secret. The cotton crop is one of the most polluting crops grown.”

Soon after her cancer was treated successfully and her daughter Elizabeth was born, Gwen became a kids clothing entrepreneur and prints her funny thoughts on kids clothes. Simply Chickie clothing can be found online, Wholefoods in Rhode Island and boutiques around the country.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!