Children’s Retail Today

HitStory Kids App


100913_HitstoryKids_03The only history app for toddlers!

HitStory Kids is a new educational app created especially for toddlers, guiding them in a fun and interactive way through iconic episodes of American history.

Like Magic! The free app, now available for iPhone and iPad, is narrated by Peekaboo Peet, a friendly and curious hedgehog who takes children on a journey, introducing them to characters, objects and symbols linked to historical facts.

100913_HitstoryKids_04A True Explorer. Toddlers love finding Peet in vessels, carts, beneath the sand, playing with monkeys and other unexpected situations that ultimately teach them about American history.

The fun in HitStory Kids comes in many ways: the cute, the funny, the scary and the amazing characters; tons of interactivity waiting to be discovered; the music and the ‘mission accomplished’ buzz the child feels when he or she reaches the final destination on the last screen.

100913_HitstoryKids_01Celebrate Columbus Day. The first HitStory Kids episode, Columbus Sails, was just released in time to celebrate Columbus Day, on the second Monday in October (the 14th).

The only history app for toddlers, HitStory Kids is created by a group of passionate historians to teach toddlers about American history, culture, the values and beliefs that are important in the making of American society. Visit http://www.hitstorykids.com to download the app and learn more.

  • Thank you, Adrienne Dorsey of Magnolia PR for introducing me! 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!

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.

Tortle


With more than a million babies each year being diagnosed with Flathead Syndrome in the USA alone, Tortle is an essential item that we hope will be on every expectant parent’s buy buy BABY registry list.

-Dr. Jane Scott, inventor and Mom

Almost 1 in Every 2 Babies. Since 1992, the incidence of Flathead Syndrome has increased to epidemic proportions. It can occur due to a baby’s lack of movement, or the amount of time infants spend on their back –the best position for a baby to rest.

If left untreated, Flathead Syndrome can cause long-standing physical issues for a child, and the expensive treatment can be somewhat uncomfortable.

100313_Tortle_02Almost 100% Preventable. Denver, CO-based Tortle Products makes a lightweight knit beanie that provides parents with a cost effective and simple solution to prevent Flathead Syndrome.

Developed by board certified Pediatrician and Neonatologist Dr. Jane Scott, the Tortle beanie is an FDA-cleared patented Class 1 medical device that promotes proper head and neck movement essential for appropriate development.

The stylish Tortle beanie helps prevent and treat early stages of Plagiocephaly (the flattening of the baby’s skull) and Torticollis (unbalanced neck muscles) –known as Flathead Syndrome- by gently repositioning a baby’s head, gently moving it from side to side.

100313_Tortle_01An expert specialist in this field, Dr. Scott has counseled and educated hundreds of  parents to help prevent and treat the many problems associated with Flathead Syndrome during her 30-year practice. Her mission is to prevent Flathead Syndrome all over the world.

The Tortle is now available in more than 16 buybuy BABY locations across the country.

  • Thanks Hilary Abbott Communications, for introducing me! 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!

Introducing ABCmouse.com Online Learning Program


100213_abcmouse_05ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy is an online educational program focused on making learning fun for children ages two to six, establishing a foundation for lifelong learning.

With a full online preschool, pre-k and kindergarten curriculum, ABCmouse.com offers quality content to engage children with stimulating games, puzzles, songs, paint-by-numbers and more.

We named our site ABCmouse.com because here, children can learn important educational basics (often referred to as ‘the ABC’s’) through the use of a computer mouse. At ABCmouse.com, the computer mouse comes to life as ABC Mouse, who serves as our site ambassador and guide to early learners everywhere.

100213_abcmouse_03Drawing from curriculum carefully designed in collaboration with nationally recognized childhood education experts, ABCmouse.com’s highly imaginative programs engage children at every learning level to make learning seem like a fun game.

A few ABCmouse.com features:

  • More than 3,000 learning activities in reading, math, beginning science, social studies, art, and music
  • A Step-by-Step Learning Path that guides your child through the curriculum at his or her own pace
  • A powerful Lesson Builder tool that allows you to create your own lessons for your child

100213_abcmouse_01Subscription-based ABCmouse.com has no advertising, pop-up ads or links to other sites. Children can learn and explore on their own or with their parents in a safe and secure online educational environment.

In addition to supplementing and supporting a child’s traditional schooling, ABCmouse.com also offers a special curriculum for home schoolers.

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!

Reinventing Floatimini


092613_floatimini_07A popular children’s swimwear line returns, for girls only.

092613_floatimini_03Five years ago, Erie Chang and Sehee Kim dreamed up Floatimini, a fashionable clothing line focused on swimwear that inspired both girls and boys to have their own dreams. The bright colors, playful prints and unique patterns helped Floatimini to stand out from the rest, expanding from swimwear to a full complement of resort wear that included hoodies, wrap skirts, sun dresses, shorts and t-shirts.

092613_floatimini_04Now, these two Moms, designers, artists –and friends- are staying true to their original signature, re-introducing the brand to focus solely on girls ages six months to eight years.

Floatimini produces sophisticated, high-quality swimwear using the brightest technology: heavier weight, quick-drying fabric, ultraviolet and antibacterial protection and SPF-50.

092613_floatimini_01Find Her Beach. Erie and Sehee travel the world for the latest in trends, innovations and perspectives on what makes beachwear the best. Their goal is to create “the perfect pool print” -bright colors, up-to-date style, vintage sensibility, cute ruffles, sophisticated details and trims.

092613_floatimini_09In addition to stunning swimwear, these beach-loving designers also plan to feature bright cotton knit dresses in the 2014 collection.

  • Thanks to Daniela Vitali of DV REPS for re-introducing me! 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!

Measuring Up App & Book


When shopping for children’s clothes, measure twice, buy once … and leave the children at home?!

092513_MeasuringUpApp_ImageLauri Chertok has a good thing going.

The Chestnut Hill, MA native who pursued a fabulous fashion career in New York is now a consultant to Moms who want to excel in the fine art of shopping for their children’s clothing.

Call A Babysitter! Lauri is the creator of the successful Measuring Up App for Apple® iPhone and iPad, a nifty shopping app that’s portable enough to use whether you’re in a store, flipping through catalogs or browsing online.

092513_MeasuringUpApp_BookShe’s also the author of a new book, Measuring Up: Buying Clothes that Fit. In it, she puts her 25+ years of experience in the fashion industry to work for you, with a simple, three-step guide that gives you the measurements you need to bring home clothes that fit –without any dressing room temper tantrums and youthful meltdowns. Why? Because you’re kids can stay home.

I want everyone who clothes shops for kids to buy this time-saving app. It will make shopping fun, stress-less and totally doable.

Two-Fisted Ease. While the Measuring Up book includes helpful inventory pages to track your child’s wardrobe for what they’ll need each season, the Measuring Up app lets you email measurements directly to anyone who may need to know them –like grandma, who’s buying a present –or knitting a sweater- for their grandchild (There’s also an automatic conversion function, so she can shop when traveling abroad!).

Whether you use the app, the book or both, Lauri’s easy measurement instructions and accurate storage takes the stress out of shopping.

And they work for grownups, too!

That’s right! Lauri’s thought of everything. As she says, she’ll always be obsessed with fashion, art, good behavior and proper fit.

Learn more about the app and the book by visiting the Measuring Up App website. While you’re there, check out Lauri’s blog, Measuring Up Maven, for her current tips and tales about kids, their parents, children’s fashion and more.

TWELVElittle


Fashionable, functional carryalls for Moms and Dads who “need it all.” 

092413_TWELVElittle_01Launched in June, TWELVElittle is (might I say lovely-named) a New York-based company that makes baby bags, diaper clutches, accessories, designed with style and engineered with practicality.

Made of high quality, water resistant fabrics and supple leather, TWELVElittle bags not only make it super easy to call any baby essential, they transform into the most fashionable accessory for any Mom or Dad, after baby grows up.

Our TWELVElittle baby bags are precisely made to assist every parent at the right moment, and capture every experience with ease and grace.

092413_TWELVElittle_IllustrationCarry Your Inner Animal. According to the Asian zodiac, I was born in the year of the Rooster. “Roosters are good at listening and keeping promises. By being natural observers, they are knowledgeable and resourceful,” it tells me on the company’s 12 LITTLE WONDERS web page, where each wonder -an animal that represents the year each child is born- is explained and illustrated by Catherine Min. Catherine’s illustrations evolved into the 12 LITTLE WONDERS dangles, “perfect little reminders of how special every child is.” The leather dangles can be used as keychains or personal identity jewels. I love these!

092413_TWELVElittle_03Bonding Over Baby Bags. Julia Min and her friend Jenny first met at Rhode Island School of Design while both studied for their BFA in Industrial Design. Each chose a fashion career designing handbags –and it was the search for the perfect baby bag that brought them together again to launch TWELVElittle. Juila is inspired by her son Noah and daughter Noelle, and Jenny is a world traveler and animal lover –one reason why TWELVElittle bags are so handy while on a trip to anywhere-land! Great job, ladies!

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!

WubbaNub


Soft and cuddly, these pacifiers are just the right size for little hands to grasp and hold.

091813_Wubbanub_PinkKittenMissing Pacifier Syndrome. A few years ago, new Mom Carla Schneider was hoping to enjoy her first vacation with her baby –and eventually, she did … after she found a way to soothe her little one’s non-stop fussing and crying. Crafty Carla put the hotel’s complimentary sewing kit to good use, attaching her baby’s favorite plush toy to a pacifier –and that’s what it took! Not only did she solve the “missing pacifier syndrome,” she created what is now known as The Original Plush Pacifier!

091813_Wubbanub_BabyGiraffeAward Winner. A Creative Child Top Choice Award winner in 2011, 2012 and 2013, WubbaNub pacifiers are not only loved by babies and their parents, but by celebrity moms, too. Available in children’s shops and online, distributed in hospitals, NICU and well-baby units nationwide, WubbaNub also won a National Parenting Seal of Approval Award in 2012.

Patented Design. Innovative Improvement. Made with a Soothie™ medical grade, Latex-free pacifier, WubbaNubs are BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free and the durable one-piece construction won’t let germs hide in any nooks or crannies.

WubbaNub has created a reputation in the parenting and children’s industry for being dedicated to nurturing babies in the safest, healthiest way possible.

091813_Wubbanub_YellowDuckCarla’s patented design  is just the right weight and size, making it super easy for baby keep near the mouth. The plush animal not only helps, but adds a little comfort for baby and makes it easy for parents to find it in the car seat, baby sling, carrier, stroller or diaper bag!

Plus, they’re adorable! I do wish Carla would make a little goat version, though!