Children’s Retail Today

Denise Richards loves the Ba


Actress and author Denise Richards signs on to endorse The Original Baby.

Denise Richards may be a popular actress and author, but first, she’s a mother of three. And she discovered the Ba –made by The Original Baby– about a year ago, when she adopted baby Eloise.

I couldn’t help but be drawn to the design. It was this color-popping, cool and easy-to-grip addition to Eloise’s standard bottle that made it fun for her, and easy for me because she is in control -as a baby.

Denise and Eloise appear with the Ba in a recent video and pictures shot by renowned photographer Yu Tsai for The Original Baby. “Working with Yu Tsai was a very real experience. He captured us -Eloise and me and the way we interact, our relationship,” Denise says. “It was an experience with my baby, and it was captured, beautifully.”

Compatible with most baby bottle brands, the Ba’s design encourages the simple steps of grasping and feeding as early as three months old. It is also designed affordably, retailing at just $14.99.

Founded in 2011, Portland, OR-based The Original Baby makes the Ba, which was initially invented by rock-n-roll dad Travis Hendricks, who wanted something to help his daughter better hold her own bottle. Travis sought the help of three other dads –a designer, a lawyer and a single father- in producing The Original Ba, recipient of multiple awards including the 2012 RedDot Design Award -one of the world’s largest and most distinguished design competitions- as well as the Bronze IDEA 2012 Award.

Committed to designing unique, functional products, this innovative company is now working to improve other important baby accessories including utensils, pacifiers, bottles and others.

These self-proclaimed dad-preneurs are creating products to make life a little easier, and a lot more fun, for both parent and child.

Thanks Lisa Orman, for introducing me to The Original Baby!

  • 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!

iMommy Fun


This new app is a fun game for kids.

After months of research, Kathy Shimmield created iMommy with her own kids’ imaginative play in mind. The iMommy app lets kids pretend to be parents.  This game is ideal for kids ages two thru 10, and is suitable for any age.

iTunes TOP 100 in Family Category. Players get to choose from four different ethnicities and interact with baby by changing their hair, eye or outfit color. The toy is also a tool, teaching kids how to take care of their baby. They learn what makes baby happy and what upsets the baby. They have to feed, play, bathe and even change baby’s diaper!

Young children who love to care for their dolls and stuffed animals will enjoy having their own virtual baby to take care of through the iMommy app. Dragging and dropping items is a way to interact with the baby in the various playrooms or bathtub and when the baby is tired, children can take their baby to the bedroom where the crib is located and tap the icon to rock it to sleep. Another nice feature of an automated message that will appear after a certain length of time suggesting a break from game play.

-Parents.com

Kathy has a hot new game app out there now – Wolfie. Check it out.

Another Rachel Florio 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!

Help We’ve Got Kids


Parents in Canada have a little helper, and it’s online!

Tracie Wagman and Deb Beatty are two moms who enjoy finding fun activities for their two children so much, that they decided to bring their fun factor to market and share it with other families.

Eighteen-year-old Help We’ve Got Kids first started as a print directory for parents and caregivers, listing products and services for kids and families in the Greater Toronto area. When the company expanded to HelpWeveGotKids.com, it became a “Bible” of sorts, with lists and articles, contests and blogs about activities and services for kids, parents and families all over Canada, including  Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Hamilton and Kitchener-Waterloo, with more cities to follow. “We know that the internet and mobile browsing are hugely convenient for parents (and moms),” they say.

Our website also offers thousands of dollars in local coupons, a listing of local family friendly events and tips from local experts.

Tracie and Deb say they enjoy hearing from parents and caregivers, often incorporating their suggestions into both the print and online version of Help We’ve Got Kids. I particularly like the company’s name –it’s already fun!

Organized Mom Awards Supporter. Help We’ve Got Kids is also a proud partner of the Organized Mom Awards – where moms can enter to win $1,000 by sharing three tips that help her to be an organized mom. Have you entered? Enter here. You’ve got until August 19!

  • 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!

Perry Mackin Lady Chic


Frumpy family is definitely out, as these chic diaper bags declare.

Perry Mackin has come to the rescue of every mom who needs to refresh her fashion image. The company designs diaper bags in a high-quality, water-resistant fabric –worthy of the runway, really. They’re beautiful, versatile and so packed with helpful stuff, anybody would be happy to dress them up … or down.

Perry Mackin was born to allow you to be a busy and committed mother without losing your sense of style or fashion.

Two moms decide to combine practicality and affordability with the specific needs of a diaper bag -baby gadgets, toys and essentials can be stored conveniently in the many inside pockets- and they came up with a bag that’s not only versatile, but it lets mom focus on all the excitement of motherhood in style.

Lady chic!

  • Another Rachel Florio 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!

Fun Swappers Use Snazzy Swap


An eco-friendly group of parents in North Carolina have created a snazzy way for families to exchange their growing kids’ stuff.

Snazzy Swap is a pretty nifty service created for parents who are looking for easy ways to save money –and save the planet from too much waste. Moms Melissa and Meredith Weiss, along with others have tapped into the multibillion-dollar market for children’s gently-used clothing and toys with a winner.

Save Money, Save the Planet, Have Fun! The site is created for families to swap items their kids have outgrown -clothes, toys, books, DVDs and more- without ever leaving home. And since statistics show that children grow out of clothes every three to six months, there could be a whole lotta swappin’ goin’ on -right in front of your computer screen!

Described as “a cross between Netflix and eBay for kids’ stuff,” swappers can log onto Snazzy Swap, pick a box stuffed with things they think their kids will love, pay only $5 plus shipping and the box arrives at their door.

Parents love the quality, savings and ease. Kids love the presents. Everyone thinks it is fun and it is addicting :-)!

FREE! Snazzy Swap has no membership fees, plus they’ll send you boxes for your posted swap stuff for free. “Every time you post a box your kids have outgrown, you can pick another box on the site that your kids will love,” they say. “If you do not find a box that you want right away, you can save your credit for later, when you find a box that you really like.” Swappers can sign up for “box notifications,” too –and swap clothes for toys or toys for books or books for clothes- the swap factor is endless!

Give presents all year long! Did you know the average American discards 68 pounds of clothing a year? Buying gently-used items for your children is one of the greenest things you can do as a consumer. Plus Snazzy Swap donates 50 cents from each swap to help kids with special needs. Sweet!

  • 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!

Big Ideas at Small Concept


Launched in 2011, Atlanta, GA-based Small Concept caters to new moms as well as fashionista kids.

Small Concept is an online children’s boutique offering a wonderful array of brand name kids clothing, including Daily Tea, Wonderboy, Appaman and more. Small Concept also caters to new moms, offering maternity clothing for expecting mothers, baby clothing, diapers, baby gear and other accessories.

If you’re a parent who can appreciate fashion and enjoy the quality and luxury of designer clothing, then you’re going to want the same for your little ones.

Designer kids clothes is Small Concept’s specialty. Be sure to check out the New Arrivals section, and the Sale section features the latest in children’s clothing at a discounted price.

“Small Concept was created out of not only the absolute love of babies and children, but the fascination for their style as well,” they say. “All of our designer kids clothes, baby clothing and other items are made with the highest in standards for you and your tiny tot.”

Organized Mom Awards Supporter. Small Concept recently gave away a $200 voucher, in support of the Organized Mom Awards.  Cecilia Charm told them how shopping online at Small Concept helped her to be an organized mom –and she won the prize! She gets to chose from top quality clothing labels to create new wardrobes for her kids! Have you entered the Organized Mom Awards yet? Enter here. Contest ends August 19.

  • 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!

The All-New Bitty Birdie Boutique


A smart way to shop for brands you love, this new e-commerce site works with both children’s specialty stores and “Fashionista Moms” all over the world to bring you favorite designers for a fraction of retail.

Tiffany Cornelius is founder of the all-new Bitty Birdie Boutique, a place where you can shop for top-of-the-line American and European boutique children’s clothing brands. Tiffany has curated a wonderful assortment of both brand new and gently used designer favorites, some offered at up of 60% off.

Retail therapy without the guilt. In the past, Tiffany has spent hard earned dollars on a boutique wardrobe for her two children, and after they outgrew their clothes, she struggled to find a way to earn back money for boutique items. “I’ll never forget collecting a $19 check for a basket of high-end children’s items,” she says. “That’s when I realized there was definitely a need to create a marketplace to buy/sell high-end children’s clothing.”

With over eight years of experience running franchised stores, Tiffany also had friends in the boutique retail market that were struggling financially. Sometimes forced to sell high-end merchandise at significantly marked down prices, they were not earning the highest profit on these new items.

Ninety-five percent of boutiques across America do not have an e-commerce store. Fashionista Mommies earn 50% of the sale on pre-loved items and boutiques and vendors earn 60% on new with tags items at Bitty Birdie Boutique.

Bitty Birdie Boutique accepts new and gently used clothing from all seasons everyday, because they ship around the world. And we’re talking brands like Brands Catimini, Lilly Pulitzer, Burberry, Mini Boden, Matilda Jane, Deux Par Deux, Lili Gaufrette, Livie & Luca, Papo d’ Anjo and so much more. Tiffany says, “Buy the brands you love, but on the flip side, sell the boutique brands you no longer need.”

Very great idea!

  • 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!

A New Bib for the Modern Tot


Just four months old, Wee Drool has already won several industry awards, including the Creative Child Magazine Top Choice Product Award for 2012.

The word “drool” has got to be the newest “It” word for people dreaming up new products for kids. I think it’s got that certain appeal –part adorable, part icky … and all in good fun.

This -and more- is what appeals to Kelly Yaep -a California-based mom of three very drooly boys- and her new company. She makes Wee Drool T-Bibs, waterproof bibs designed to look like hip t-shirts. Made from a blend of bamboo viscose and organic cotton, Kelly’s T-Bibs are not only adorable and fun, they’re quite soft and comfortable, soak-proof and stylish, of course. “Our hip modern prints make for a stylish cover up solution that is inspiring a new generation to drool in style,” Kelly tells me.

T-bib = comfort + less rash = happy baby and less laundry = even happier moms!

Kelly designed the Wee Drool T-Bib to look and feel like it was part of a child’s outfit, instead of sticking out like a drooly mess. Especially appealing to the fashion conscious kid.

Made in the USA. They’re also designed for the eco-minded parent. The company is committed to producing superior quality products using low impact dyes, water-based inks and recycled paper hang tags –right here in America. You go, girl!

“The T-Bib makes for a stylish cover-up solution that is inspiring a new generation to drool in style,” Kelly says. “Wee are a nation of Drool … Become a part of the revolution!”

  • 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!

Nohi Kids for a Vibrant Fall/Winter Season


Popular eco-friendly brand delights once more with bright colors and playful, bold graphics.

Drawing inspiration from children’s artwork and experimenting with graphic design, founder Janel Jones has created a vibrant Fall/Winter 2012 collection for babies and children using a mix of certified organic cotton, bamboo fiber and a touch of spandex.

The newest Nohi Kids collection features fresh prints and color combinations, including whales, disco dots, pears and geckos- all with a touch of whimsy.

We create comfortable, high quality, and eco-friendly clothes that appeal to both kids and their parents. We are the favorite dress or tee shirt that your child won’t take off. And, we want to be sure that our clothes are durable enough so that you can pass them down to the next lucky kid.

The expanded Nohi Baby collection débuts rompers and newbie gowns in addition to classic bodysuits, yoga pants and reversible blankets. Bestsellers, including their signature Hoots owl print, are back as well as new favorites- multi-colored whales, Mack trucks and flocks of birds- perfect for tiny newcomers.

For bigger kids, Nohi débuts a playful wrap-around gecko graphic long-sleeved tee, skateboard and motorcycle tees for little daredevils, and a drum tee. Pear print and disco dot print sash dresses are also new for fall, available in sizes 12-18 months to 7/8. Solid and print leggings are designed to complement these dresses as well as mix and match with the entire collection.

Janel explains that in the Maori language, nohi nohi means, “to be small.” In Japan, the popular national holiday Kodomo Nohi is a day to celebrate children. And in Hawaiian, nohi means “brightly colored and vivid.” She says, “So, I suppose a Nohi Kid is a bright, vivacious little thing just oozing with personality!” Indeed.

The environmentally friendly line uses low-impact, water based inks for printing and is CPSIA compliant. “We have a very personal relationship with our manufacturer,” Janel says. “We chose to work with them because of their integrity and meticulous attention to detail. And, most importantly, they maintain a social accountability standard that ensures workplace safety, fair working hours and decent wages, no discrimination and no child labor.”

The company is committed to doing its part to improve the lives of children. A portion of sales from the Fall/Winter 2012 collection will be donated to the Caine’s Arcade Imagination Foundation, dedicated to finding and fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in kids. The Nohi Kids fall collection is available in stores now and at www.nohikids.com.

Thank you, Adrienne Dorsey of Magnolia PR for introducing me to Nohi Kids!

  • 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!

Lily & Momo – Stylish Accessories


What little girl wouldn’t want to accessorize her cute outfit with a stylish owl handbag? Thanks to new company Lily & Momo, she can!

Atlanta, GA-based Lily & Momo specializes in high-quality, handmade accessories for children. The extensive collection of fanciful barrettes, headbands, bows and hair clips –from animals to flowers to stars, rainbows and crowns- are packaged to please using recycled paper and other environmentally friendly materials. There’s even a variety of “clip keepers” to choose from. The embellishments are handcrafted from soft felt in vibrant colors and the working part of the clip is made to stay securely in the hair.

And the kid-sized purses and handbags are a stand-out … in owl, turtle, fish and flower designs that are sure to delight.

I was looking for fun hair accessories for my daughter and found that the market was missing whimsical hair clips for girls. So I developed one -a hip, fashionable line of hair accessories.

Named after her daughter Lily and her son Miles (Momo is his nickname), Sharon Miller and her husband Evan launched the company about one year ago, and Sharon tells me that it’s captured the imagination of the children’s marketplace, growing extremely fast.  An adorable addition, I agree! The product design and materials used are safety tested to ensure the highest quality, made with love and care. Available at Nordstrom and children’s shops from Alaska to Connecticut, Canada to South Korea, 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!