YooHoo & Friends™ Limited Edition Design Contest Winner

This April, the winning design will be released, along with five new dinosaurs for the best-selling YooHoo & Friends line.

Janessa Chong from Malaysia and her colorful rainbow-inspired Marshmallow beat out hundreds of other designs from around the world, in Aurora World‘s first-ever Design a YooHoo & Friends Contest.

“We were floored by Janessa’s design. It’s an honor to award her the winning dinosaur, together with Janessa, we hope Marshmallow brings smiles, joy and happiness to the hearts of children and collectors everywhere,” says Michael Kessler, SVP of sales and marketing. “Dinosaur toys continue to be big with kids because they are fascinated with the creatures, and they stir up the imagination.”

Joining Marshmallow (Triceratops) in the YooHoo & Friends dinosaur line is Rexee (Tyrannosaurus Rex), Stegee (Stegosaurus), Woolee (Wooly Mammoth), Toothee (Saber Tooth Tiger) and an endangered Sloth named Speedee. This year alone, Michael tells me that this popular plush animal line expects an epic expansion to include over 30 new styles in all.

Based on animals from around the world -many that are rare and endangered- each YooHoo & Friends animal makes a fun sound when squeezed, plus each character is described in detail on new hangtags.

Available in more than 25,000 specialty stores and gift shops worldwide and online at http://shop.auroragift.com.

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!

RUUM American Kid’s Wear

The founders of popular retailer The Children’s Place introduce a new shopping destination for kids.

There’s RUUM for everyone!

That’s what the minds behind the brand have to say about their recently-launched RUUM American Kid’s Wear, a new children’s place full of clothing, footwear and accessories.

Pronounced “room,” RUUM opened its 21-store doors and online shop, offering what they call head-to-toe outfitting, exceptional quality and great value.

“I am thrilled to be back in the kids business,” says CEO Ezra Dabah, former CEO and founder of The Children’s Place. “Our latest brand offers a fresh, new approach to kids wear, making kids look good and feel good. We are driven to growing RUUM into a major brand.”

Celebrate with Special Deals. The grand opening festivities kicked off March 22, including a month-long sweepstakes with daily winners and a grand prize of a $2000 RUUM gift card. Surprise promotions include deals for online and in-store purchases, including Instant Win savings cards and bonus points on RUUM’s new loyalty program.

According to the new company, RUUM collections are designed to coordinate easily in sizes ranging from newborn to age 14, all at a great price, offering great selection in accessories including shoes for girls and boys.

Kid-Friendly Shopping Experience. RUUM stores are made for kids to have a great time, complete with interactive kiosks and photo booths for entertainment while moms shop. Creative, constructive workshops like origami and Plasticine figure creation are also planned.

New line RUUM American Kid’s Wear, catering to the kid with personality to spare, is only adding to our kid’s clothing envy… We love RUUM’s playful use of color: bright striped cardigans, snappy plaid cargo shorts and vibrant floral sundresses make the new collection pop.

-Lucky Magazine

RUUM already has fans among celebrity kids, including Oscar-nominated actress Quvenzhane Wallis.

Shop now at 21 locations or online at www.RUUM.com.

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!

Truly Sanctuary

After spotting this truly adorable little man on Fab.com recently, I simply had to know more about his t-shirt.

TrulySanctuary is one of those unique and unctuous Etsy shops featuring t-shirts and one-zies for kids with “clever design motifs that will appeal to painfully hip toddlers, studiously urbane children, and assiduously influential adults.” Luckily for Truly, the clothing comes in big kid and adult sizes, too.

Co-creators Ron and Beth Remsberg named the shop after their daughter, Truly-Louise, and started at Etsy – “We only came in here cause we thought we smelled cake.” They make their creations with favorite materials “unicorn love and laser beams.” Even after their second daughter Normandy Mae was born -only 13 months younger than Truly- each inspired piece is still handmade by Ron and Beth “in their very busy home full of love.”

Who wouldn’t want something made from that?

We escaped the rat race. We don’t drive, we use our feet and bicycles. We don’t clock in for anyone. We live simply and embrace community. Love tops our to-do list. Our designs reflect us … when we connect with a customer, we connect with a like-mind.

Quirky Happiness. It was one of Beth’s aha moments that got Ron feeling better about where their lives were headed –straight for entrepreneurship. “A ridiculous snapshot of Ron wearing a giant fake mustache instantly came to mind,” they say on their site. After purchasing everything she needed, Beth carried out Operation Cheer Up Daddy. She ended up designing the first TrulySanctuary one-zie, a garment that made Ron laugh and feel loved, truly loved. It didn’t take long before the Remsbergs started making personal experiences using fashion for all of their friends, and then some.

It looks alike everyone’s taking notice, 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!

Chirp

What better way to welcome the first day of Spring than with a little chirp-chirp?

“Chirp is an online clothing shop featuring classic wardrobe staples with a fun and unexpected twist,” owner Adrienne F. Hofmann tells me. “I create and design all the products that you see on the site.”

Adrienne started her Connecticut-based online business (my home State!) to answer this often-asked question:

Babies are cute just on their own, but how much cuter are they in mini versions of adult styles?

Welcome to The Chirp Shop! With this inspiration, Adrienne gave the classic polo shirt a little bit of pizzazz by building in an element of surprise –for those occasions that warrant unexpected creative expression as well as for those that don’t. She calls them her signature “popped” collars, which can be worn folded down. And this is just the beginning …

Everyone loves to give something to a new mother that will make her feel special and make their baby look irresistibly stylish. And so, after trial and error and lots of work and support from my family and friends and their babies, Chirp was born!

Adrienne strives to make the shopping experience at Chirp as easy as possible, with simple ordering of beautifully hand crafted, comfortable clothing and accessories made from 100% cotton, that’s tagless, too! Fast, flat-rate shipping adds to the ease. Styles are made for infants, with matching toddler sizes available for your other “Chirpmeisters” – you can even enter the Chirpmeister of the Month contest by tagging Chirp in a photo and posting it to the facebook page, or emailing the photo to Chirp. New designs include bucket hats, hoodies, longsleeved shirts and more – like the adorable Tulle Belt, with tutu included! I also like the little plush birdies.

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!

StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Are you an excellent mompreneur? Enter this national contest for your chance to shine!

If you think you’re running a top mom business, enter the StartupNation® Leading Moms in Business Competition today for your chance to win prizes, including $10,000 as the top mom business in the country.

According to StartupNation, a free service founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, the number of mom-owned businesses continues to grow, which is also powering our economy. “The way these moms take care of their families while also running thriving businesses is inspiring,” the company says. “To that end, StartupNation is conducting its fourth annual ranking of these astonishing entrepreneurs and the businesses they run.”

Enter & Vote. If you’re a successful mom business owner, enter today. If you know of a mom business owner, let her know and then start voting every day. Daily votes helps to determine the top 10 Leading Moms in Business. From this select group, a panel of judges determines the top three ranking.

Additional prizes include a complimentary business growth consultation by the founders of StartupNation for the top three winners. The $10,000 grand prize is provided by office products leader Staples. Contest ends on April 30, 2013, so don’t delay!

StartupNation is a community of entrepreneurs who live the dream everyday – and we welcome you to be a part of it!

-Rich & Jeff Sloan, founders

Billed as a “one-stop shop for entrepreneurial success,” StartupNation is considered one of the leading online content and community resources for entrepreneurs. The organization offers easy-to-follow, practical information to start and grow your own successful business, such as advice, forums, networking ops, articles, podcasts, contests and more.

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!

So Rad

Looking for cool greens for St. Patrick’s Day? How about the Natural Ninja Outfit by So Rad … in Lucky Irish Green!

Founded in 2009 by Jasmine Bashaj, Toronto, Canada-based So Rad is a creative clothing line for babies and toddlers, designed to be functional and “help in everyday parental madness,” she says. Jasmine –who is also a digital illustrator, motion graphic designer, college instructor and mom of two- started the clothing collection after fans of her popular So Rad greeting card line encouraged her to put her unique graphics on children’s clothes. So Rad is eco-friendly, parent-approved and locally made in Canada, too –from bamboo and organic cotton fabrics.

So Rad’s Natural Ninja Outfit gives your child lots of mobility in a lightweight loose outfit. The comfortable thick flat waist makes no elastic squeeze marks, bigger bum for cloth diapers. Ties instead of snaps; ¾-length sleeves and pants for those flailing limbs. Made using So Rad’s 70/30 bamboo/cotton mix, triple stitch cover seam (to keep rippling muscles contained). Comes in a reusable cotton ninja bag. Wash in cold and tumble dry low or hang to avoid shrinkage.

Known for its UV protection and antibacterial properties, bamboo fabrics are naturally hypoallergenic, good for the environment and super soft on baby’s skin.

So Rad Gives Back. For every Natural Ninja Outfit sold during the month of May 2013, So Rad is donating $3 to the Sick Kids Foundation.

Another Pink Pearl 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 mepink today!

Peekaboo Beans

Looking for cool greens for St. Patrick’s Day? How about something from Peekaboo Beans’ new spring line … in hippie-esque bean colors!

Canada-based clothing company Peekaboo Beans is known as “Playwear for Kids on the Grow” (love this!). Traci Costa founded the company in 2006 to integrate innovative children’s couture playwear with early childhood development (nice mission). Bean styles are perfect for play dates, the playground and playtime anytime.

Considered a mommy-approved brand, Peekaboo Beans recently launched its Spring 2013 collection called Endless Summer. Inspired by childhood memories of fun-filled long summer days, Endless Summer channels the inner surfer dude and “beachy keen Bean” with fabrics that reflect the hippie era, featuring vibrant colors that play off the warmth of natural, beachy hues.

Drawing inspiration from a rich summer sunset, the girls collection incorporates a fun floral print, sweet ruffles and bright, beautiful colors. Girl Beans and their moms can take advantage of selected styles available in size 8. The lavender hues, beachy coral, cornflower blue and sorbet pinks come together with a hippie-esque, dip-dyed fabric (available May 1 to store buyers) to create a collection full of fun.

For Any Playful Escapade. With the focus on safety, function and fun all in one, no collection offers Peekaboo Beans style without great versatile pieces at affordable prices. Traci’s inspiration for the line are her daughters, born though Invetro fertilization. She got them to eat their vegetables by playing peekaboo with their beans –edamame beans- a cute backstory for the brand name. She and her team are dedicated to designing a fresh, functional, fashion-forward line of playwear for girls and boys that allows children to play in comfort and still have a unique sense of style. Available online.

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!

guzzie+Guss

Looking for cool greens for St. Patrick’s Day? How about the G+G101 Goose Stroller from guzzie + Guss … in Grass Green!

For more than 30 years, the Canadian founders behind the Vancouver, B.C.-based guzzie+Guss brand have delivered excellent design in baby gear, from strollers, highchairs, rockers and accessories -all in modern, fashionable styles.

The full-function G+G101 Goose Stroller in Grass Green is a convenient and lightweight, the new standard for stroller essentials. The G+G101 has full suspension and is car seat compatible. Heavy gauge nylon fabric makes the seat and canopy resistant to wear, water and fading; the footrest and front bar are clothed in wipe down material for protection against messy hands and boots. The G+G101 works like a full-size stroller, but is compact enough to fit in the smallest spaces. At a mere 16 pounds, not only will the G+G101 let you travel lightly, but in style. With deep 4 recline positions and its unique frame design, the G+G101 is truly a full size stroller at a compact price.

Each product is designed to keep your baby safe and secure. guzzie+Guss full-functional strollers use luxurious, breathable, heavy gauge nylon fabrics, making the seat and canopy resistant to wear, water and fading.

Named for the founder’s daughter’s childhood nickname “guzzie,” this mom-approved baby gear line continues to grow. Products are sold through the online store (guzzieandguss.com), Amazon.com, buybuybaby.com as well as in retail shops across North America.

Another Pink Pearl 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!

Maira Fashion House

This New Delhi-based fashion apparel company has made a good name for itself in the global garment industry.

Since its incorporation in 2009, Maira Fashion House is recognized as a dynamic supplier and exporter of ladies scarves and leather bags in India. The OEKO-TEX® -approved manufacturer runs a modern facility with in-house dyeing and printing mills sourcing new fabric designs in cotton, nylon and viscose, and specializes in silk printing. Under the careful guidance of managing director Ms. Anshu Chaudhary, the support of advanced machinery and an outstanding team of professionals, Maira offers customized solutions, producing 40,000 pieces per month.

In August 2012, the company launched the Maira Fashion kids brand, comprised of casual wear designed using breathable fabric to give a comfortable fit. The company also has a reputation for being a pioneer in children’s party wear, offered in elegant colors, designs and patterns of superior quality that bring out the innocence of a child. Maira plans to open five retail stores in 2013.

Stylish, trendy and attractive, Maira Fashion House is creating a buzz among children’s wear clients across India, the UK and other parts of the world –including the USA.

We believe that our growth is dependent upon the quality of our products, honesty in relationships, timely services, and customer satisfaction.

The company’s new website, www.mairafashion.com, is still under construction. You can connect with Maira on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mairafashion12 and by contacting Ash Nagpal by email at anshu@mairafashion.com.

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!