TinyTinkers


070913_TinyTinkers®_Little Baker smClever photography and a realistic look come together in this sportswear line that lets kids aspire to grown-up dreams.

Orly Catz has always been a visual person, so when she receives her first camera at the age of 12, she finds the perfect way to express her creativity. Orly not only specializes in commercial and fine arts photography, but through her new apparel line, she’s helping kids envision their own futures.

I raised my children to be open-minded and to try as many things as possible from sports to math to Brussels sprouts! And that’s what TinyTinkers represents, a world wide open to our children to become whoever they’re meant to be and embrace what they love.

070913_TinyTinkers®_Tiny Gardener smEndless Possibilities of Childhood. With the Spring ’14 collection of TinyTinkers, Orly uses her illustrative style to create clothing that allows children to literally try on any persona they choose. The 100% cotton sportswear line uses digital textile printing with non toxic, water base inks, which creates realistic trompe l’oeil images depicting a range of grown-up occupations, hobbies and sports that both kids and their parents can relate to.

As a result, cooks looking for a sous chef, golfers in need of a caddie or handymen wanting an extra hand can find them, with the help of TinyTinkers®.

By offering real-life images unlike traditional screen prints, TinyTinkers fulfills the need we all have to see ourselves in our children. “I also love that TinyTinkers brings such joy,” Orly says. “Kids, parents and even passersby get a kick out of the realistic look of our images.”

With TinyTinkers, kids can walk in their parents’ footsteps, and adults can start them off on their own path. For instance, for shoppers who have a budding cameraman in their lives, the Tiny Photographer is the perfect way to bring their aspirations into sharp focus.

070913_TinyTinkers® Tiny_musician_smTinyTinkers’ spring collection features Polo rompers, one-pieces, T-shirt dresses and short-sleeve and raglan tees in sizes 12 months to 4T. Orly’s photography is brought to life with complementary imagery on the front and the back, with themes that include a gardener’s belt cinched at the waist; a guitar over the shoulder; a baker’s apron tied in place and a purse filled to overflowing hanging across the body. Sports images include a baseball mitt, bat and ball enhanced by baseball stitching; golf clubs slung over the shoulder; and tennis balls caught in the net. And for a bit of seasonal fun, the line includes Popsicles and a beach scene.

Children’s Buyers – TinyTinkers launches at KidShow/Las Vegas August 19-21.

Wholesale prices range from $12-$20. The line is represented by Bill and Sandie Ellsworth in New England, Dave Lefelstein in New York, Chelsea & Co. in the Southeast, Kathy Fedoryshyn in the Midwest, The Coffs in the Southwest and Jo Ann Farese on the West Coast.

Shoppers – ask for TinyTinkers at your favorite children’s boutique!

Ice Cream Dreams


070413_FourthofJuly_01

Coney Island Baby


Ever wonder what “educational clothing” is?

070213_ConeyIslandBaby_01Apparel company Coney Island Baby designs clothing that features original artwork inspired by the wisdom of the ages, brought to the world by beloved scholars of our time. The clothing line –and the wisdom- is presented through an interactive digital experience with just a click and a mouse.

We hope our services stimulate reflection on the things that matter so grown-ups can help spark a child’s imagination.

070213_ConeyIslandBaby_02Awaken Wonder. The artists, designers, writers and scholars of Coney Island Baby believe that education starts at home, and strive to create what they call a cultural experience for families through casual daywear. “Our approach is guided by the idea that a mind is a fire to be lighted, not a vessel to be filled,” they say. “Together, we can set a child’s mind alight!”

The “mental playground” found at www.Ci-Baby.com combines thought-provoking quotes, beautiful illustration, original screen-print artwork, patches and appliqués into fun creations made mostly of machine washable, stretchy cotton -wisdom that kids can wear.

Parents and children alike will want to read the Coney Island Baby story here, and get the full vision of educational clothing! There’s also a robust community happening on the company’s Facebook page, too.

Bailey Berry Shoes


Inspired by the vibrant environments of Manhattan, the Hamptons and the Adirondacks.

062713_BaileyBerry_014 Shoes in 1. The folks at Bailey Berry™ have been on a two-year mission to create the perfect kid’s shoes. And they probably have!

062713_BaileyBerry_logoNever sacrificing on function, fun and cool –this footwear is actually four shoes in one! Kids can wear them on the street, at the beach –anywhere they want -especially in style. The patented Reversa Strap™ technology lets kids change the strap to change the look!

Founded in 2010, Bailey Berrys and BB Stars™ are built to the highest quality standards.

JuJuBe Kids


The “Mini Me” fashion trend comes full circle.

062613_JuJuBe_05Sofia Ven’s smart, hip JuJuBe Kids sportswear collection is full of fun, shapely silhouettes that are bold and colorful, graphic and sweet.

Fashion made for your little sophisticate.

062613_JuJuBe_01The up-and-coming JuJuBe Design Studio was  founded in 2010, and focuses on designing fashion wear for girls ages three to eight. Sofia’s tastes catapult little fashionistas into sophisticated style, prompting parents to partake of a Mini-Me sensibility –that’s totally cute, and totally now.

Otsuki Sama


A collection of textiles, wallpaper, stationery and accessories inspired by traditional Japanese crafts.

062513_OtsukiSama_montageAfter spending 12 years living in Japan, French designer Valérie Bastit Laudier returns to her native France, with a desire to share her passion for Japanese crafts, as well as her interpretation of them.

Each item has its own story and invites you into the poetic world of Otsuki Sama, the majesty of the moon.

Majesty of the Moon. Valérie creates the lovely and satisfying Ostuki Sama collection. The name means “the majesty of the moon” -a notion of large symbolic significance in Japanese culture- and the collection includes motifs inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetic references as well as a line of textiles dyed with natural indigo.

While living in Japan, Valérie undertakes a long apprenticeship in calligraphy, which opens doors to a new and exciting world for her, giving her the opportunity to master the precise art of Japanese brush techniques. She develops skills in traditional crafts associated with calligraphy, such as assembling folding-screens -that now serve as a support for her work.

In turn, Valérie learns to ornament the screens, with the help of various techniques taught to her by her Japanese tutors -including, the application of gold and silver leaves, Japanese paper weaving techniques and the craft of roller-pressing silk and paper with nature dyes such as indigo or cherry blossom.

As a result, Otsuki Sama comes to life – in a range of products, including stationery, greeting cards, wallpaper, wall decorations, household linen and décor, and accessories such as scarves, aprons and bags.

Certain items are unique or limited editions, made entirely by hand in Valérie’s own studio; others are manufactured by skilled artisans in Lyon or Paris.

Monkeybar Buddies


062013_MonkeybarBuddies_01This summer’s must-have line of practical undergarments and more for active girls.

The Name Says It All. Have your daughters ever wanted to just swing from the rafters, no matter what they were wearing?

I See London, I See France, I CAN’T See Your Underpants!

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_03Monkeybar Buddies is an line of shorts, capris, leggings –and more- designed to let girls play as freely as they want to –even in their dresses and skirts. Functional as well as stylish, this collection of meant-to-be-seen underclothes keeps girls confident on the jungle gym.

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_06Run & Jump without Showing Your Rump. Designed for ultimate comfort, girls don’t have to give a second thought to exposing anything unmentionable while wearing the Spandex leggings -with ultimate stretch- or the fun shorts and capris in bright colors.

Check out Baby Buddies – adorable ruffled diaper covers- and Barely Buddies, too … seamless underwear in bright colors that give tweens and teens the confidence to put it all out there, without putting it all out there.

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_04Giving Back. The Monkeybar Buddies company loves to give back with their products, too. Buy one of the Girl Effect t-shirts, and proceeds from the sale benefit popular non-profit The Girl Effect, helping to make a difference in the lives of girls around the world.

062013_MonkeybarBuddies_08Monkeybar Buddies’ collection of head bands is perfect for helping girls beat the summer heat – another way the company has every girl covered. Buddie Bands come in a variety of colors and unique prints, with a comfortable velvet underside. Another plus – with every purchase, $1.00 is donated to DonorsChoose.org, helping students in need.

Shop for it all or find retailers near you at the Monkeybar Buddies website.

  • 062013_MonkeybarBuddies_07Children’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!

Land of Looms


061913_LandOfLooms_OnePieceSafe for baby and safe for the planet.

Rinat Hegde has launched a modern, beautiful and chemical-free line of rompers, onezies and blankets for children called Land of looms.

“Land of looms was born with the intention of providing baby clothes that are made from 100% certified organic cotton,” Rinat tells me. “They are very soft and gentle on baby’s sensitive skin, clean and simple in design, and fashionably timeless.”

Organic cotton is pure, natural and more breathable, with none of the harmful chemical residue found in regular cotton clothing. The softer, thicker cloth also lasts longer because its less processed.

It’s every parents dream to welcome their precious little ones into a world that is free from all toxins and to nurture them with all things pure, just as nature intended.

061913_LandOfLooms_RomperLand of loom clothes are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)-certified, designed and manufactured according to strict ecological and social standards. The natural color and sweet graphics that personalize each Land of looms design use non-toxic dyes and are made in fair trade factories. They’re also machine washable.

061913_LandOfLooms_Blanket“As parents we try to make informed choices, but sometimes we get caught up with the overwhelming choices that are presented to us,” Rinat says. “When you shop at Land of looms, you are assured that all products are safe for baby and safe for planet.”

Fish Flops


Already snagging national headlines at the tender age of 15, this creative dynamo is 061813_FishFlops_01following her passion all the way to the bank.

You may have seen recent news stories declaring, “Fifteen-year-old Sells Over $1 Million Worth of Flip Flops to Nordstrom.” And you may wonder how it all came to happen. Well, here’s the scoop:

Back when she was just eight years old, Maddie Robinson has an idea. She thinks up a product that combines her love of swimming, fishing and drawing –a fun and unique combo, I’d say.

I’ve always been a flip-flop-kind of kid, so I created a brand of flip flops called FishFlops®. I shared my idea with many of my friends and family, and they all smiled and thought I had something special.”

061813_FishFlops_02Maddie’s FishFlops® footwear are made to mix and match with one or more of her t-shirts and caps, designed in coordinating colors and aquatic characters. The footwear lights up when a child walks, and they’re fun to share with friends, too – “make a friend smile!” Maddie says.

061813_FishFlops_03The Big Ask. All it takes for Maddie’s big break is a letter to Nordstrom about her brand –and a response from the retailer’s buying team to offer Fish Flops in 60 Nordstrom stores. The rest, as they say, is the big headline.

Maddie’s colorful Fish Flops illustrations are also characters the children’s books she writes, ocean adventures Swimming with Spinner, and  FishFlops® – Living Together at Sea by Orkicky. Kids are introduced to the Maddie’s characters as each book unfolds. Maddie is also planning a Fish Flops Virtual World.

Fish Flops sold at Nordstrom online and in stores. Email info@fishflops.com for more information about apparel and book sales.

  • 061813_FishFlops_06Children’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!

Canus L’il Goat’s Milk Products


060613_Canus_LilGoatsMilk_goatsSpecifically formulated for a child’s tender skin, made from fresh goat’s milk.

I just love goats. They’ve long been friends and companions to humans, nurturing us with their frisky personalities and their nutrient-rich milk.

Back in 1994, Andree Falardeau and Andre Beauregard really had a soft spot for goats, too – so much so, that they began making soap and body products made from fresh goat’s milk, through their company called Canus.

060613_Canus_LilGoatsMilk_giftsetAfter the two friends from Montreal started making fresh goat’s milk body wash, moisturizer, body butter and foot scrub for big people, the goats themselves decided it was time to make a line especially for little humans.

Canus Li’l Goat’s Milk soaps and lotions are made extra gentle for babies and young children. PH-balanced for super-sensitive baby skin, they contain allantoin, which naturally and gently heals rashes and dry spots. Lil Goat’s Milk also heals baby skin problems like acne and eczema.

Canus is based in Montreal and Vermont, producing about 70 different products available all over North America and online.

None of this could have happened without the thousands of dedicated, hard-working goats and the family farms that take such good care of them and deliver their milk to Canus.

060613_Canus_LilGoatsMilk_DiaperRashOintmentRich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, fresh goat’s milk is what the company calls Mother Nature’s greatest contribution to health and beauty. “Working closely with the goats,” they say, “our daily mission at Canus is to constantly develop new ways to use their magical milk to nourish a healthier, softer, more natural world.”