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Konfidence


Europe’s leading designer/manufacturer of award-winning premium protective swimwear makes its American début in more than 94 buybuy BABY stores nationwide and online at www.buybuybaby.com.

Now available in America. Founded in 1998 by Andrew Regan, a UK-based doctor and dad of five, Konfidence is designed for healthy, happy, confident kids. The company makes a complete range of award-winning, color-coordinated protective swimwear and accessories for youngsters from birth to seven years. The Konfidence™ collection also extends to UVPF sun protection clothing and wetsuits for children up to the age of 14 years.

Working with experts in the swimming industry, we have created the most comprehensive, dedicated baby and children’s swimwear range available on the market. When dealing with the safety of babies and children in water, it is important that we continue developing our established and much loved products and bring new items to market that parents and caregivers will want to use.”

– International Sales Director Dan Allen

052814_Konfidence_BabywarmaLook for the Babywarma™ Neoprene Swimsuit, specially designed to keep baby warm while in the water while providing 100% UV protection on covered parts. The One-Size Aquanappy Swim Diaper provides superior protection at the beach or pool. Paddler™ Socks are the perfect solution for protecting little feet from hot or cold surfaces, sharp items and more. The Aquaband with Earplugs keeps water out of baby’s ears. The soft, neoprene band acts like a splash guard while the silicone ear plugs provide an extra level of protection. For busy parents, the lightweight Roll & Go™ Babychanger by Konfidence™ makes diaper changes anywhere a breeze. The Warma™ Neoprene Wetsuit is the perfect learn-to-swim gear made from flexible neoprene, providing warmth in and out of the water, while also allowing freedom of movement. Adjustable shoulder straps allow for growth and ensure a snug fit.

052814_Konfidence_USA logo“Whether it’s for baby’s first swimming lesson, a splash around the pool with mom and dad, a beach holiday or children of any age learning to swim, we have the products to make it all an enjoyable experience,” Dan says.

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Bombas Kids Indiegogo Campaign


Bombas are engineered and designed to look better and feel better, with a mission to help those in need.

052114_CRTPost_BombasSocks_LogoBombas men’s/women’s sock collection launched on crowdfunding site Indiegogo in August 2013 and remains the #1 most funded apparel brand in Indigogo history. After listening to feedback from supporters, Bombas once again turns to Indiegogo to bring these amazing socks to the feet of kids everywhere, helping to further their mission –and with just 10 days left, Bomba Socks’ new kid’s collection campaign* is definitely making a run at outperforming the original campaign!

052114_CRTPost_BombasSocks_01The Bombas line of bold athletic-leisure socks are great for kids, with bright color, a comfortable design and promise of a Bombas Growth Guarantee – if kids wear through the socks or they outgrow them within a year, Bombas will send another pair for free!

With the knowledge that socks are the #1 most requested item in homeless shelters, for every pair purchased, Bombas donates a pair to someone in need … that’s 70,000+ pairs to date!

Watch the kid’s campaign video and see how the company set out to rethink an everyday product in a totally advanced way, building them with purpose for athletic performance and designed for extreme leisure.

052114_CRTPost_BombasSocks_BeeBee Better. The word bombas is derived from the Latin word for bumblebee. “Bee Better” is the company’s mantra, stitched inside every pair as a reminder to push harder and be better at your athletic pursuits; that you helped someone in need with your purchase; that we’re all connected and little improvements can add up to make a big difference.

*campaign closes May 30, 2014

New Plush from Aurora World


The award-winning company introduces three engaging new lines the blend trendy with traditional cuddliness.

042314_CRTPost_Aurora_01Leading plush toy, gift and doll manufacturer Aurora World Inc. recently added three new original lines -from the eye-catching to the irresistible, Wuff & Friends is based on a proven Aurora best-selling character, while Taddle Toes and Wobbly Bobblees use oversized features to grab the attention and hearts of shoppers everywhere.

These stunning, new product lines provide our customers with a true impact at retail via excellent value, branded merchandising support and engaging consumer experiences.

042314_CRTPost_Aurora_02Wuff & Friends. “Shake the animal upside down for a fun feature that makes Wuff and his friends outrageously fluffy,” says Michael Kessler, Aurora’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. Shaggy, waggy and just plain cute, Wuff is Aurora’s best-selling sheepdog highlighting a line of eight dogs including Schnauzer, Chow, Pekinese, Poodle, Malamute, Pomeranian and Scottie. A high-pile, low-pile mix gives this plush line a whimsical, fun look that is soft to the touch.

Retailers:  Merchandise signage and product tags reinforce this messaging.

042314_CRTPost_Aurora_03Taddle Toes. “These characters encompass chunky soft bodies, endearing faces and detailed, oversized feet,” Michael says. At recent industry trade shows, Taddle Toes proved to be one of the hottest sellers as the oversized features delighted buyers who wanted a stand out plush product for their stores. The Taddle Toes line features a large variety of popular domestic, jungle and wildlife animals. “We anticipate Taddle Toes to be a long-term plush line with introductions for our ‘everyday’ and seasonal styles, as well as for baby, including adorable pink and baby blue bears and elephants.”

Retailers:Aurora’s branded display rack holds approximately 32 pieces.

042314_CRTPost_Aurora_04Wobbly Bobblees. “An innovative, impulse plush line with strong shelf appeal, Wobbly Bobblees feature darling, oversized heads that subtly wobble for an endearing head tilt at retail,” Michael says. “Plus they are extremely cute, and that equals strong sales.” Seventeen styles include a monkey, lion, elephant, white tiger, pig, cow, giraffe, cat and dogs; a spring-themed assortment with lamb, chick, bunny and frog complete the line.

Retailers: Aurora’s collateral merchandising support including a branded corrugated display and product hangtag, highlight the Wobbly Bobblees characters and product features.

Aurora showcases its products at over 50 industry trade shows each year including Atlanta International Gift Show July 8-15, 2014; showroom #784. Aurora products are available in more than 25,000 specialty stores and gift shops worldwide as well as online at http://shop.auroragift.com. For more information or to make an appointment at an upcoming trade show, visit http://auroragift.com, email info@auroragift.com or call 888-287-6722.

GirlzNDollz


040214_CRTPost_GirlznDollz_LogoThe New Jersey-based company launches two new doll collections.

As a first generation teen emigrating from the Caribbean, Jessie Saint-Hubert has worked for over 15 years in the U.S. developing plush for well-known companies. Now, her lifelong passion for dolls inspired the launch her own business, GirlzNDollz™ –with her daughter, who shares Jessie’s passion for dolls and playing dress up. Each of the dolls emulates the best characteristics of their friends and family; they are soft, cuddly, diverse and loveable! And together, the mother-and-daughter duo helped create all the outfits and accessories.

040214_CRTPost_GirlznDollz_03GirlzNDollz launches with the introduction of  Lil’Totz™ and Just2Girlz™, dolls with sweet bios that allow girls to discover who they are and unleash the potential of who they can become. These unique and adorable collections allow for each girl’s own imagination and compassion to open up their world and teach them to accept one another as they are.

040214_CRTPost_GirlznDollz_04The GirlzNDollz Collection

The soft and cuddly rag dolls are based on real-life characters that all girls can identify with. Lil’Totz is a collection for ages 3+ while Just2Girlz is perfect for children 5+.  The collection’s size grows with the girls as they mature from toddlers to tweens –they’ll want to collect them, play with them and love them! Each doll collection also has a beautiful dollhouse just their size. The entire line meets all current CPSIA regulations and ASTM-F963 toy safety standards.

040214_CRTPost_GirlznDollz_06You’ll Love What We Stand For!

GirlzNDollz celebrates everything there is about being a girl! Empowerment starts at an early age, and the GirlzNDollz brand grows with your child as they learn through play about life’s unlimited possibilities. The company’s mantra is, “I am me!” emphasizing quality, value and uniqueness.

Available at online doll store GirlzNDollz.com.

Silikids®


An all-new product line of safe, modern silicone accessories for kids

032614_Silikids_08Founded in 2006 by Stacey Feeley and Giuliana Schwab, Traverse City, MI-based Silikids the first mom-founded brand of products that are toxin- free, hypoallergenic and made entirely out of silicone. A pioneer in the children’s market, the company has just introduced an expanded line of innovative feeding products.

Our new offerings are a direct result of our talking with parents over the past year to create a cohesive line of stylish, functional and eco-friendly Silikids products they want and need.

New Silikids products now available in stores include Siliskin® Sippy 8oz., a  Siliskin® Top, Silimap, Silibib® and Siliskin® glasses.  A Siliskin® Bowl, Silispoons and Silibags (snack bags) will be available sometime in April/May.

New Silikids products include:

Silibib, with a new ergonomic design that allows for it to lie flat. The bib includes a hidden pocket that easily flips forward for use. Soft, comfortable for baby, hypoallergenic, easy to wipe off and dishwasher safe.

Siliskin® Bowl, ideal for young children starting solid foods. The sectioned bowl suggests proper portions of the four food groups.

Silispoon, designed to encourage independent eating habits, it features a textured handle and wide spatula style head to make it easy to scoop up food.

Silibags, translucent silicone reusable sandwich/snack bags that make it easy to see what is inside. Embedded closure keeps bag sealed shut.

The Silikids collection is available at specialty juvenile products stores nationwide including Giggle and online at 2modern.comdiapers.com, amazon.com and at the newly redesigned www.silikids.com.

Culver Cutie Tutu Bags


Tote bags with so much personality, you’ll want to get one just for the fun of it!

031814_CRTPost_CulverCutie_03Macon, GA-based Culver Cutie Boutique makes what owner/founder/designer Shelila Culver calls “Unique & Sassy” tutu bags –tote bags decorated with a darling dance-inspired look and roomy enough to fit any little ballerina’s dance shoes, a change of clothes and all her recital necessities, hair bits and pieces, water and other accessories while providing dancing divas with a show-stopping style at the studio.

Our tutu tote bags are a go-to essential for any young dancer and a favorite of celebrity ‘ballerina’ Suri Cruise, who was recently spotted with our black and hot pink tutu bag.”

031814_CRTPost_CulverCutie_02Made in the USA. Unique & Sassy Tutu Bags and Backpacks come in four different styles, all made from a durable poly/cotton blend fabric, with sturdy handles, ribbon accents, roomy pockets and Tulle tutu/reinforced bottoms. They make perfect one-of-a-kind gifts for birthdays, sleepovers, pageants or ballet/dance class. They are so unique and cute, I’d give them just for fun!

“Our multiple styles let you pick out the perfect tote that expresses her individual style,” Shelila says.

Available at retail stores across the country or directly from the Culver Cutie website at www.culvercutie.com. Boutique volume pricing is available; contact  info@culvercutie.com for details.

Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste


021314_JacknJill_ToothPasteNatural, safe-to-swallow toothpaste for babies, toddlers & children.

Every year, February is proclaimed National Children’s Dental Health Month by the American Dental Association (ADA) to raise awareness about the importance of oral health, especially for the kiddies.

Jack N’ Jill is a company that’s been in the kids oral hygiene business since 1949. First made in Australia, this family business makes natural toothpaste for kids with organic flavors and calendula, a plant extract with powerful anti-inflammatory properties good for young teeth and gums. Jack N’ Jill is now available in the USA and the UK.

021314_JacknJill_ToothBrushAs parents, it’s easy to get frustrated by the lack of natural choices for kids’ first toothpaste as well as tooth brushes and accessories. The Jack N’ Jill family uses its experience in  pharmacy to formulate good-tasting toothpaste that’s the safest for children, especially because they have a tendency to swallow it, rather than spit it out!

021314_JacknJill_RinseCupJack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste is made with certified organic natural flavors and certified organic/biodynamic calendula officinalis extract, to soothe gums. Other goodness includes:

  • Suitable from 6 months
  • Rich in Xylitol
  • Fluoride Free, Sugar Free, Color Free, SLS Free
  • No Preservatives
  • Safety Seal, Easy Open Flip Top Cap
  • BPA Free
  • Minimal Recyclable Packaging
  • Made in Australia

In addition, the company has designed and manufactured kids toothbrushes and rinse cups –even finger brushes- that biodegradable, recyclable and cute, too. Available online and at Amazon.com.

At Jack N’ Jill we believe that businesses have an obligation to the environment, that’s why we have formulated an all natural, hypoallergenic toothpaste with organic ingredients, and designed our packaging to be minimal, recyclable and BPA Free.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

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Totally New Rock The Locks


A fresh, fun and fabulous range of organic hair care products specially designed by moms for kids.

Made in the USA. Here’s a great find just in time for Valentine’s Day: Rock The Locks hair care products for kids is the brainchild of moms and friends Joie McKim and Lori Derr, who want safe, natural products for their kids. Only problem is, they’re either hard to find or outrageously priced out for most working moms. But no more. Rock The Locks is all-spray, organic, natural hair care for kids, in fruity scents and packaged in colorful containers that make hairdos fun again!

021214_RockTheLocks_01

No Aerosol Here. All Rock The Locks products use a patent-pending spray technology that’s safe and ozone-friendly and brand new. The quick, one-hand application technique is fun and easy, too.

Why it ROCKS …

        • Organic and natural
        • No harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients
        • No dyes, arsenic or aerosol

Lori combined her 27-year experience in the hair industry with Joie’s eight-year experience in the retail industry to create Rock the Locks. The Pennsylvania-based team worked with a local company to develop the product line, including kid-approved fragrances, pediatrician-approved ingredients and the new patent spray technology. Parents love the easy application and the safe, natural, organic ingredients -and kids of all ages love the fun smells and colors.

Wholesale Now. “The mom-invented Rock The Locks hair care line is so new you won’t have seen it at any trade shows,”  Martha Wright, executive director of sales and marketing tells me. Salons, retailers and distributors can email sales@RockTheLocks.com directly for a wholesale price list. Visit this Rock The Locks web page for current availability in-store.

Love Letter from Good For Your Girls


So nice! Especially for Valentine’s Day!

Dear Children’s Retail Today,

I have to tell you the amazing thing that happened writing this e-mail.

Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. Call me a big mush (because I am) but I think we should celebrate it once a month. Life gets so crazy that we sometimes forget it’s the little things that matter.

Because Friday is Valentine’s Day, I wanted to send you an e-mail to let you know just how much I appreciate that you have helped me spread the word about Good For You Girls in the past. What happened left me humble and so appreciative. You see, I don’t have a fancy PR firm or a Social Media specialist. It’s just me compiling my lists of contacts and let’s just say it has been a while since I updated it. So Friday I set out to go through every single e-mail. Your words of encouragement and appreciation for my little company blew me away.

Keeping a company afloat can be tough, the hours are long, and many times you feel like you’re absolutely insane for trying. But your kind words made me feel so loved I can’t even begin to tell you. So what started out as a love letter to you actually felt like I was receiving an enormous, and much needed hug.
So thank you from the bottom of my heart! Good For You Girls has been my passion for the last five years and it’s folks like you that have helped bring awareness to our mission to keep girls away from chemicals and give moms a company they can trust.

Help me spread the love and feel free to share the following promotion with your followers if you can.

Thank you again for all the love letters.
Best!
Kim

Kim Grustas, Good For You Girls Natural Skincare

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pediped®


The Nevada-based footwear company plans to open 20 retail boutiques within the next three to five years.

Award-winning children’s brand pediped® is also an American favorite- known for exceptional quality and comfort, the distinctive styling has made it fastest growing children’s footwear brand in the United States. The company is also known for its philanthropic efforts; in 2012, pediped was awarded the coveted Earnie Award for Company for Good for their philanthropy efforts of nearly $2 million.

012114_pediped_websitepediped® footwear is currently sold in over 2,500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with more than 140 designs for boys and girls available, including the signature lines Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and FLEX®. In an effort to solidify its global recognition as the gold standard in children’s footwear, the company plans the opening of 20 retail stores within the next three to five years, providing an ideal setting for parents looking to gain more access to the endless styles and benefits of the popular footwear.

We are working hard to give our international customers direct access to the endless benefits of pediped®. We will continue to look at these markets and are excited to open more doors both domestic and international.

-pediped founder Angela Edgeworth

In addition to celebrating the opening branded boutiques in Las Vegas, pediped has opened stand-alone retail stores and in-store boutiques in Shanghai and Beijing, China, expanding to the Czech Republic with stores in Prague and Brno, through a partnership with Nohel Group®.

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