The Spunky Stork

Certified organic baby one-pieces and toddler tees that’ll make you smile.

The Spunky Stork is a Florida-based,100% GOTS certified organic clothing company that cleverly designs products and packaging to stand out from the rest.

Charming. Ever-changing designs. Single one-pieces and tees, hand silk-screened to order. Every print differs slightly with its own variations in texture and form.

The folks at The Spunky Stork only use eco-friendly, organic clothing pieces made from 100% GOTS Certified Fair Trade Organic cotton = super soft, environmentally-conscious clothing that makes moms and babies happy. Affordable, too.

From personalized rompers to gift sets of rompers as well as tees for the parent, sibling and newborn to offering a romper of the month club (where you receive a different romper every month for a year!), The Spunky Stork also has the most creative gift wrapping options – packaging in an adorable white crib or a film reel canister or a fun little box – additions that make your gift extra special and unique.

The creative mind and owner behind The Spunky Stork, Aliya Jiwa quit her job as a hospitality executive and now operates her online organic clothing business in a proper studio. Why kids clothing? Aliya found a niche in the market after shopping for baby shower gifts for all of her friends. She simply couldn’t find adorable unisex items that aren’t covered in pastel-colored teddy bears or that add a little ‘spunk’ to the fashionable kid – so The Spunky Stork was born! Wholesale available, too.

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

Uglydoll Makes Headlines

Thirteen is a lucky number for Uglydoll and 2014 is a very good year!

As Comic-Con opens in San Diego, CA today – be sure to visit Uglydoll … because there’s a whole lot of exciting things going on in their world these days.

As David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim announced earlier this year that they were heading to their new Asia headquarters in South Korea, home of their flagship Uglydoll retail store in Seoul, the company has been making headlines for itself ever since. In addition to expanding its retail presence and licensing program throughout Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines and beyond, Pretty Ugly™, LLC, parent company of the award-winning Uglydoll® brand based in Green Brook, New Jersey, granted license to Howard Keys to produce keys, key chains and lanyards in North America, Canada and selected International Territories, announced a partnership with Fetch…for pets!, a leading manufacturer of pet products in North America, and débuted the latest original graphic novel release from San Francisco, CA-based VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint, Uglydoll: My Hero? The novel features 10 full-color stories by veteran Uuglydoll writer and artists Travis Nichols, Ian McGinty and Phillip Jacobson, with help from Sun-Min Kim, Theo Ellsworth, renowned pop culture artist/writer Junko Mizuno, and two talented design teams from Japan -Mad Barbarians and Devilrobots.

And there’s more … as I say, Uglydoll’s 13^th year is a very lucky one!

In June 2014 alone, David and Sun-Min’s company strikes these fabulous deals:

caseable is now licensee for the latest global line of fun and collectible soft and hard cases designed for tablets, smartphones and laptops, distributed through caseable channels and its partner Hewlett-Packard
A collaboration with CBS Consumer Products on the iconic Star Trek™ characters, set to launch in 2015. Products include Wage™ as Captain James T. Kirk, Ox™ as first officer Spock™, Ice-Bat™ as chief engineer Scotty, Babo™ as Doctor McCoy and Tray™ as communications officer Uhura
A new partnership with Chasing Fireflies to create an exclusive line of costumes for release in 2015
A co-branded collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to create plus based on The Wizard of Oz™ and fan-favorite Uglydoll characters, Moxy™, Wage™, Jeero™, Babo™ and OX™ to follow along the Yellow Brick Road.

Being different and unique is what Uglydoll™ is all about!

Just this month, Uglydoll announces a groundbreaking partnership with 3D Printing innovator MakerBot on collectibles featuring four of the most popular characters, Babo™, Wage™, Ice-Bat™ and Ox™, which can now be 3D printed on MakerBot® Replicator® Desktop 3D Printers. “Taking Uglydoll into the world of 3D printing seems like a natural extension for our Uglydoll characters,” David says. “Sun-Min and I have been fans of 3D printing for a while and we are excited to be working with MakerBot on bringing our characters to life in a whole different 3D world.”

The first wave of characters are in T-pose format, designed to be 3D printed and fully poseable; the second wave are Uglydoll characters in a dynamic stance, posed to enjoy the real world of their owner. A third wave include a 3D printable Uglydoll bus that takes miniature Uglydoll characters on a fun-filled summer vacation; and a fourth wave are 3D printable environments for the 3D printed Uglydoll characters to live in. Jenny Lawton, president of MakerBot and a huge Uglydoll fan, says, “The story behind the creation of the Uglydoll characters by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim showcase how creativity can positively impact lives. We love the fun, light-hearted stories behind the Uglydoll characters and hope that they will help inspire a whole new generation of makers with their 3D printed adventures.”

How cool is that?

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

PlaqueMaker.com

Moms and Dads everywhere know that one of the best ways to make any day a celebration is to personalize it.

You’ve got a fabulous picture from vacation with grandma? Custom frame it.
Getting ready to celebrate your son’s special birthday? Create a puzzle card.
A beloved kid’s best friend? Memorialize him.

It’s faster, easier and more affordable than you’d think.

PlaqueMaker.com is an online retailer for personalized plaques, signs, trophies, tags, memorials, awards and gifts. The Indiana-based, family-owned and operated business is a wonderful resource for all types of engraved products. From glass and wood to metal and plastic, the custom engraved plaques and gifts are designed in the USA, using materials sourced from all over the world – and for PlaqueMaker, that’s 4 million plaques and counting since 1999!

PlaqueMaker ROCKS! This was my first order with PlaqueMaker and their customer service is THE BEST! The product was gorgeous and when I had a problem, customer service was on it immediately and resolved it with no delays. I was really floored with how quickly they took care of it and how professional they are — these days customer service doesn’t have a lot of “service” in it but not here, they truly believe in customer first! Delivery is another plus — I had my order so quickly I really couldn’t believe it! Love these guys and have already told all my friends, including Facebook, how wonderful they are!

-Kathe Kelly, new customer

Get inspired to make any day a celebration. PlaqueMaker’s graphic designers, craftsmen and customer service specialists help you bring your inspiration to life, no matter what you’re celebrating. Creative types will enjoy customizing plaques and gifts right on the site, and if anyone needs a little help –that’s available too. PlaqueMaker takes the guess work out of personalization by emailing you a digital proof of your design the next business day. You get to see what your creation will look like, customized with your artwork, wording and specifications, before you even buy it – with no obligation! That’s right! Upon approval, 99.7% of PlaqueMaker orders ship within two business days of payment and arrive with a 100% money-back guarantee. How sweet is that? Make sure to check out the PlaqueMaker blog for all sorts of new personalized gift ideas.

PlaqueMaker’s website is easy to navigate and once you’ve submitted your item for a proof they are extremely fast about sending you a proof, and are very open to making changes until it’s perfect. The product itself came JUST as it was in the proof, and the materials itself were perfect. I would highly recommend.

-HPC Hollywood

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

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc.

Kids In Distressed Situations and Fashion Delivers merge to better serve people in need.

Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) and Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation, Inc., both U.S.-based nonprofits with a global reach, were founded to secure donations of excess new product from manufacturers and retailers to provide relief for people in need. Now, these two organizations have joined forces to create K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Inc., with a new website named as a call to action that emphasizes the mission, www.DonateProduct.com.

We are very pleased that the merger is completed, maximizing the benefits of our consolidation with strengthened resources and, most importantly, our ability to serve families, kids and adults in need.

-Co-Chairmen Allan Ellinger and Gary Simmons

K.I.D.S. was founded in 1985 by children’s industry executives, and in 2005 Fashion Delivers was created by adult apparel and home fashions professionals to serve similar purposes.

Moving donations of new apparel, home fashions, toys, books and other items is a huge effort. Cash donations and other financial support help pay for programs, logistics, coordination and transportation costs so that new product reaches the people who need it most. While the organizations’ work in natural disasters has attracted the most attention, fighting poverty is a daily mission. Together, they have delivered over $1 billion of new product and efficiently operate with less than 3% overhead.

Confronting poverty that robs an individual of their dignity. “Roughly 50 million people in the U.S. live in poverty, including seven million families,” Mr. Simmons says. “K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers brings together a diverse network of more than 1,000 community partners and 390 donors throughout the 50 states and the world to distribute donated product. Connecting these local, on-the-ground agencies with donated product given by some of the most recognizable brands in fashion, footwear, toys, home and juvenile product allows us to provide hope and dignity to families and individuals facing these challenges.”

K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers also introduce Joel Newman, former COO of Kenneth Cole and Tommy Hilfiger, as president for an interim period. “Joel has extensive senior management experience in the retail and wholesale industry as well as experience with non-profit organizations,” Mr. Ellinger says. “He will initially concentrate on fine tuning strategy and organizational development and will also participate in the search for a permanent president.”

With the merger of K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers complete, Denise Durham Williams, former Executive Director of K.I.D.S., has resigned to pursue other opportunities in direct-service nonprofit work. “We want to thank Denise for her efforts, particularly her work on the merger. We wish her every success in her future endeavors,” says Mr. Ellinger.

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

New Plush from Aurora World

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

Leading 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.

Wuff & 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.

Taddle 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.

Wobbly 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.

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

Robeez® Buy One Give One Sock Event

The Original Soft Sole brand partners with K.I.D.S. this month on a fabulous giving campaign.

Throughout April, Robeez, beloved maker of the industry-leading Original Soft-Sole pre-walker, is partnering with the equally beloved charitable organization K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations) on a spring giving campaign. Right now, for every pair of Robeez socks purchased* at MyRobeez.com, a new pair of socks will be donated to Head Start –the federal government program that promotes school readiness in children ages birth to five from low-income families by enhancing their cognitive, social and emotional development.

Robeez and K.I.D.S. are committed to underserved children with a variety of needs, especially lack of shoes and clothing, and we are dedicated to helping the children of Head Start in any way possible, and hope to do so by starting with a simple pair of new socks.

–David McCubbin, President of McCubbin Hosiery, a Robeez licensee

*The Buy One, Give One Sock Campaign runs until April 30 on MyRobeez.com and is expected to donate at least 1,000 new Robeez socks to Head Start through K.I.D.S.

Robeez was founded in 1994 and offers fun, whimsical footwear and hosiery with functional support for tiny feet. New York, NY-based K.I.D.S. provides new clothes, shoes, toys and books to families in underserved communities, an ideal partner for Robeez on this event.

We are so grateful for this wonderful donation program of Robeez socks from McCubbin Hosiery. Socks are one of the most requested items for donation among the many community charities with which we work. The support for low-income children in Head Start programs is especially important given the challenges faced by the families of these kids.

–Donna Charles, K.I.D.S. CEO

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

ZAIKAMOYA

Introducing the Fall/Winter 2014 collection.

Recently spotted at ENK Children’s Club in March, ZAIKAMOYA is a children’s apparel line that appeals to the minimalist.

Pure, Versatile, Essential. Crafted in small editions, the clean, simple designs are made from high-quality, durable, natural fabrics like organic cotton in neutral tones. This first collection is ideal for children from newborn to age four. The brand plans to expand for other ages.

Kasia Pysiak is the person behind the Brooklyn, NY-based company, which takes its name from the soft, cuddly bunny (“zaikamoya” means “my bunny” in Russian). Some styles are appropriate for both girls and boys, and the soothing color palette is a favorite among parents, who wish the clothes came in adult sizes.

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

GirlzNDollz

The 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.

GirlzNDollz 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.

The 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.

You’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.

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

Silikids®

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

Founded 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.com, diapers.com, amazon.com and at the newly redesigned www.silikids.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!

Monnalisa

Spring/Summer 2014 collection from Italy’s own Monnalisa.

Monnalisa captures a lively creative spirit

Bold, colorful, cool and collected

Monnalisa SpA is a world leader in distinctive clothing and accessories for children.

Flagship stores in Milan … Florence … Arezzo … Rome … Catania … NewYork … Sydney … Baku
Available in over 50 countries

Chairman of the Board Piero Iacomoni and Creative Director Barbara Bertocci founded Monnalisa SpA in 1968 –

now called a “star-shaped group”- five connected companies, all located in Arezzo, in the heart of Italy

Monnalisa recently awarded the Label of the Year by the European Kids Fashion Awards

Bellissimo!

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