Guest Artists Collaborate on Childrens CD

The newest release in the line of award-winning Gustafer Yellowgold DVD/CD sets features songwriter Morgan Taylor and is set for release March 1.

The animated movie and pop rock concert for ages 4 and up features Morgan’s “musical moving storybook,” which weaves a storyline into soft-rock music videos. This multimedia children’s project also features guest artists John Stirratt and Pat Sansone from the alternative band Wilco, as well as John Munson, the bassist for Semisonic.

The newest release is entitled “Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock,” and takes place in the title character, Gustafer Yellowgold’s, new home in Minnesota. Gustafer begins to learn about his new surroundings and encounters hilarious hijinks along the way.

The December Issue of Gift, Gourmet & Decor is Now Available

Dear GGD Reader,

Welcome to the December digital issue of Gift, Gourmet & Decor Magazine.


This Month's Featured Content:
• Show of Shows
• Gear Guide
• Game On
• Neutral Spring Rugs

• New Scent Products
• Dining Standards

• Calendar

New Feature:
Enchanced Page Zooming Feature Now Available-Zooming is now easier then ever!

Please Note:
GGD Digital requires NO special downloads or applications to view in its entirety.

Please click HERE to begin reading now!

We hope you enjoy this issue and all future digital issues of GGD. Feel free to contact us with your thoughts and feedback at gwnplus@talcott.com.

Sincerely,
The GGD Team

Aurora Products Honored With Several Awards and Industry Recognition

Aurora World Inc. (www.auroragift.com), known worldwide for its high quality and affordable plush toys and gifts, announced recent awards and industry recognition for some of the company’s most popular plush lines, YooHoo & Friends, Milly – The Pinkest Kitten and My Dolly. The highly respected Parents’ Choice Foundation awarded YooHoo & Friends with a “Funstuff” award while Creative Child Magazine acknowledged Aurora’s best-selling brand with its “Seal of Excellence.” FunFare Magazine honored Milly, which debuted at retail earlier this year, as a “FunFare All Star.” Parents Magazine released its annual best toys guide in November, including Aurora’s multi-cultural My Dolly collection.

“The industry recognition is so valuable to our Aurora family. Every employee works tirelessly to bring the best plush toys and gifts to the marketplace,” says Michael Kessler, Aurora’s SVP of sales and marketing. “Everyone at Aurora deserves this recognition – they are the heart and soul of the company.” On the heels of the award wins, Kessler says all three of the product lines should see expansion in 2011.

Aurora’s YooHoo & Friends line includes over 100 styles based on animals (many endangered) from around the globe. The corresponding free, interactive website, www.yoohoofriends.com includes games, educational materials, quizzes, downloads, a place to raise and care for your YooHoo, and kids and collectors can learn more about the animals and their habitats.

Aurora’s My Dolly line includes seven dolls that Kessler says “are super soft and huggable.” Parents Magazine says, “Most importantly, little girls can identify with how they look and dress.” Aurora’s FunFare Magazine “All Star,” Milly, features a precious pink kitten as freestanding plush, in dress up or even via portable scented (chocolate, strawberry and vanilla) toy pet carriers. “Girls love kitties and pink, so Milly is just what they are looking for. Plus, with the scented carriers, Milly is portable,” says Kessler.

MD Moms Introduces Silky Smooth Baby Gift Set

As the winter months get colder, mom and baby may have dry, itchy skin. This collection of essentials from MD Moms Baby Silk line, the first pediatrician-developed personal care line for babies, keeps baby (and mom) silky smooth from nose to toes. The gift set includes Daily Skin Protection Moisturizing Balm, Soothing Bottom Relief Diaper Rash Cream and Delicate Skin Comfort Silky Liquid Powder. All items come in a reusable keepsake box. The suggested retail is $58. For more information, www.mdmoms.com.

Top Toy for 2010 My Pillow Pets Introduces A New Game and More

My Pillow Pets (www.MyPillowPets.com) are super-soft plush creatures that are snuggly companions for imaginative play and comfy pillows for bed, television or travel time. From the jungle to the sea, there are over 30-styles of loveable My Pillow Pets available each with its own characteristic and charm.

“The demand for the My Pillow Pet products has seen unprecedented levels in 2010,” said Jennifer Telfer, CEO of CJ Products, LLC, the manufacturers of My Pillow Pets. “It was only natural to answer this demand by creating new styles and accessories to grow the brand.”

In addition to the My Pillow Pets plush, the line has also expanded to include the Pillow Pets Dreamland Adventure Game and the Pillow Pets Dreamland Matching Game. Children can set sail on an exciting journey through seven continents as they race to enter My Pillow Pets Dreamland. Along the way they encounter adventures, adorable My Pillow Pet friends, and even some pitfalls. The Pillow Pets Dreamland Matching Game hones children’s memory skills and focus as they try and match some of their My Pillow Pets favorites. See all the new products at Toy Fair Booth #208.

The November Issue of Gift, Gourmet & Decor is Now Available

Dear GGD Reader,

Welcome to the November digital issue of Gift, Gourmet & Decor Magazine.


This Month's Featured Content:
• Enliven Sales
• Winter Markets Update
• Valentine's Day
• Greeting Card Gazette

• Industry Speaks
• Calendar

New Feature:
Enchanced Page Zooming Feature Now Available-Zooming is now easier then ever!

Please Note:
GGD Digital requires NO special downloads or applications to view in its entirety.

Please click HERE to begin reading now!

We hope you enjoy this issue and all future digital issues of GGD. Feel free to contact us with your thoughts and feedback at gwnplus@talcott.com.

Sincerely,
The GGD Team

Nappa Judges Assemble Two Honors For Hot & Cool Toymaker CitiBlocs

For the second year in a row, CitiBlocs is a winner of a NAPPA Honors Award. The CitiBlocs 100 Piece Hot and Cool Color Sets were recently named a NAPPA 2010 Honors Award recipient, and the eco-friendly blocks were also named a NAPPA 2010 Best Bang for Buck Award winner. The 100 piece building block sets are an affordable $22.99.

CitiBlocs are wood building blocks that require no glue, no snaps, no connectors and no magnets: just gravity, balance and imagination. Kids and parents can choose small, medium and gigantic sets with bold colors or plain pine. All CitiBlocs are precision cut wood pieces that are the exact same shape and size.

The National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) is the "go-to" source for parents and professionals looking for the best children’s products and resources for parents. It signifies that a product has been rigorously evaluated against stringent criteria by expert judges and family testers and that it stands out among hundreds of similar products from around the world.

ASTRA Announces 2011 Marketplace & Academy Themes And Dates

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) has announced that the theme of its 2011 Marketplace & Academy is “Soak Up the Sunshine. Dive into the Deals.” The event will take place in Anaheim, California from June 19- 22, 2011.

“ASTRA conventions are known for being both fun and hugely effective events for transacting business,” notes Kathleen McHugh, President of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association. “Our theme reflects the upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere that you can’t help but enjoy in Anaheim, even while those attending will be getting terrific show-only deals on the products they need for a profitable fourth quarter. Anaheim 2011 will be where play meets business for anyone interested in specialty toys.”

With more than 1000 members, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is the largest association for companies in the toy and children’s products arenas. ASTRA and its member companies promote the growth of the toy industry by delivering products that serve children’s best interests. For more information, visit www.astratoy.org.

Registration Opens for American International Toy Fair 2011; Exhibitor Numbers Up 9 Percent

As buyer and attendee registration opens for the 108th American International Toy Fair (www.toyassociation.org) in February 2011, the number of companies signed up to exhibit is already ahead by 9 percent compared to the same date last year. And of the nearly 300 new exhibitor applications that have been received to date, 22 percent are from international companies hoping to tap into the lucrative $22 billion U.S. toy market.

“We’re thrilled with the increase in sales figures and the levels of confidence and optimism they express,” commented Marian Bossard, TIA vice president of meetings and events. “This kind of positive news reaffirms Toy Fair’s reputation as the epicenter of toy and youth product creativity, originality and excellence in the Western Hemisphere.”

In response to buyer interest, an addition on the show floor for Toy Fair ’11 is a new Teen/Tween section. Aimed at buyers interested in toys, games and accessories designed to tap into the desires and interests of the powerful ‘inbetweenie’ age group, this newly created Product Zone will provide a highly-focused destination for the more than 3,000 retail buyers (18 percent of those attending the 2010 show) who said Teen/Tween products were on their shopping list.

Dubbed “the largest toy box” in North America and the place where trends are born, Toy Fair 2011 will be held February 13th-16th 2011 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

The Sept/Oct Issue of Gift, Gourmet & Decor is Now Available

Dear GGD Reader,

Welcome to the September/October digital issue of Gift, Gourmet & Decor Magazine.


This Month's Featured Content:
• Calendar
• What Will The Guys Have
• I Do! - Weddings
• Last Minute Hoiliday Ordering

• Mod Squad
• Creative Collection for The Holiday

New Feature:
Enchanced Page Zooming Feature Now Available-Zooming is now easier then ever!

Please Note:
GGD Digital requires NO special downloads or applications to view in its entirety.

Please click HERE to begin reading now!

We hope you enjoy this issue and all future digital issues of GGD. Feel free to contact us with your thoughts and feedback at gwnplus@talcott.com.

Sincerely,
The GGD Team

Baby & Child Expands At Winter 2011 NYIGF

Following its well-received and widely-acclaimed debut in August 2010, the new juried Baby & Child division will expand by 20 percent for the winter 2011 New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) to feature some 150 companies offering sophisticated and purpose-driven products for children 0-10 years.

“The demand for sophisticated and stylish children’s products is exploding, and Baby & Child offers a breadth of well-designed resources across multiple categories,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “The division brings together leading brands, emerging resources and taste-makers in one consolidated collection.”

According to show management, divisional growth will result from the relocation of key children’s resources — such as Douglas Plush, The Baby Bunch, 3 Sprouts and Wee Gallery — from other NYIGF divisions into Baby & Child, as well as the addition of newcomers to the New York market. In addition, several Baby & Child charter exhibitors — including Skip Hop, Kid O, Manhattan Toy and HABA USA — have requested expansions for the division’s second semi-annual edition.

Baby & Child includes leading brands and innovative new resources in a wide range of products, including arts and crafts, books, music, toys, games, puzzles, dolls and plush, gear (diaper bags, stroller accessories and feeding accessories), wearables and accessories, layette, bedding accessories and blankets.

Welcome to Day Four of the ABC Kids Expo Dailies Digital Edition

Good Morning ABC Kids Expo Attendees and Exhibitors:

Baby & Kids magazine was honored to be chosen again to be the official publisher of the ABC Kids Expo Show Dailies. So to celebrate, we decided to digitize the Show Dailies alongside the print edition offered at the show.

Inside this issue you will find many useful tools to help navigate all the show's events, new products releases, and important industry announcements. You may also click on the booth numbers to locate that "must visit" and/or to direct source any companies that have the goods you desire (Just click on the link or company logo).

Please click HERE or on the Day Four cover below to begin reading.

We hope you enjoy the 2010 ABC Kids Expo Dailies and wish you all a very successful show!

Baby and Kids will be back next year with more exciting coverage of the show with the official 2011 ABC Kids Expo Dailies. So make sure you reserve your spot early.

See you on the floor and next year in Louisville,

The Baby & Kids Team

The Digital Day Three ABC Kids Show Daily is Now Available

Baby & Kids magazine was honored to be chosen again to be the official publisher of the ABC Kids Expo Show Dailies. So to celebrate, we decided to digitize the Show Dailies alongside the print edition offered at the show.

Inside this issue you will find many useful tools to help navigate all the show's events, new products releases, and important industry announcements. You may also click on the booth numbers to locate that "must visit" and/or to direct source any companies that have the goods you desire (Just click on the link or company logo).

Please click HERE or on the Day Three cover below to begin reading.

We hope you enjoy the 2010 ABC Kids Expo Dailies and wish you all a very successful show!

See you on the floor,

The Baby & Kids Team

The Digital Day Two ABC Kids Show Daily is Now Available

Good Morning ABC Kids Expo Attendees and Exhibitors:

Baby & Kids magazine was honored to be chosen again to be the official publisher of the ABC Kids Expo Show Dailies. So to celebrate, we decided to digitize the Show Dailies alongside the print edition offered at the show.

Inside this issue you will find many useful tools to help navigate all the show's events, new products releases, and important industry announcements. You may also click on the booth numbers to locate that "must visit" and/or to direct source any companies that have the goods you desire (Just click on the link or company logo).

Please click HERE or on the Day Two cover below to begin reading.

We hope you enjoy the 2010 ABC Kids Expo Dailies and wish you all a very successful show!

See you on the floor,

The Baby & Kids Team

The Digital Edition of the Day One ABC Kids Show Daily is Now Available

Baby & Kids magazine was honored to be chosen again to be the official publisher of the ABC Kids Expo Show Dailies. So to celebrate, we decided to digitize the Show Dailies alongside the print edition offered at the show.

Inside this issue you will find many useful tools to help navigate all the show's events, new products releases, and important industry announcements. You may also click on the booth numbers to locate that "must visit" and/or to direct source any companies that have the goods you desire (Just click on the link or company logo).

Please click HERE or on the Day One cover below to begin reading.

We hope you enjoy the 2010 ABC Kids Expo Dailies and wish you all a very successful show!

First Annual ABC Runway Show in Maternity Square

It’s less than one week away from the open of the 8th Annual ABC Kids Expo! When planning your show agenda, be sure to include a stop to the new pavilion, Maternity Square. This area is sure to please, with all of the newest maternity products made available in one dedicated area.

Maternity Square will also be the location for ABC's first ever premier runway and style show. Don't miss this special event, Monday, October 11th at 4 pm. The Maternity Square pavilion is located on the second floor adjacent to the escalators. It is free to attend and there will be 42 exhibiting companies participating in the show.

For a list of companies exhibiting in the Maternity Square™ pavilion, click here and search by “Pavilion.”

Here are 10 good reason why you should stop by Moby Wrap at the ABC Kids Expo booth 2841!

Our Digital ABC Kids Expo Issue is Now Available

Here is a nice treat right before the ABC show. Come take a look at our digital issue dedicated to the ABC Kids Expo. Make sure you make notes of all the new hot products before you hit the floor.

Please click HERE to start reading.

See you at the show,

The Baby & Kids Team

P.S. Make sure you check out the show dailies!

ABC Announces 2011 Booth Discounts

ABC Kids will be moving to Louisville in 2011. The show dates are September 23-26. There will be significant cost savings for exhibiting manufacturers, especially in material handling at this non-union facility.

Already one of the lowest cost trade shows in North America, according to the former Trade Show Week, the Board of Directors of All Baby & Child has decided to take all of the dollars that ABC will save on convention center space rental and give it back to 2011 exhibiting manufacturers in the form of an “early bird” discount. For 2011, the $1.00 per square foot “early bird” discount will be matched by another $1.00 per square foot “Lock Down Louisville” discount. Exhibitors that qualify for these “early bird” discounts must register for the 2011 show on-site during the upcoming 2010 show or no later than October 30, 2010, and must pay for their booth space on or before both deposit and final payment deadlines, which are January 10th and May 30th respectively.

In addition, members of J.P.M.A. that have paid their 2011 membership dues on or before May 30, 2011 (must be on J.P.M.A. list as of that date to qualify) will receive an additional $2.00 per square foot booth discount. J.P.M.A. manufacturer members that reserve booth space by October 30th and pay for that space by both the deposit and final payment deadlines will therefore receive a total of $4.00 per square foot off their 2011 booth space rental.

Registration for the 2011 show will be available beginning Tuesday, October 12 and Wednesday, October 13 during the 2010 show and online after these dates. They look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas soon and they will help you “Lock Down Louisville” while you’re there.

An Interview With Pete Meyers Of Essentials Brands

Editorial Coordinator Barbara Wujcik spoke with Pete Meyers, vice president of product development for Essentials Brands, who spoke about the company’s new Baby Planet Unity Sport twin stroller and how retailers can promote them in their stores.

"Our Baby Planet Unity Sport twin stroller was designed because we saw a need not being met. I’ve been in baby business for about 22 years and have seen a steady market in tandem strollers. We saw several problems with the designs. Having the handles on each side on the outer edges makes the stroller more difficult to steer and because of where the hands are, often leads to scraping your hands as you try to enter or exit an area. We came up with a center-mounted handle that makes it easier to steer and eliminates the hand- scraping problem.

"Another good feature is that we’ve moved the rear-central wheel a few inches further up. What that means is you no longer kick the wheel as you walk. The result is we can offer a longer walking stride than any stroller. An additional unexpected benefit of these design changes is the central handle balances the weight, so it doesn’t favor one side — as is often the case with a younger and older children of different weights in the same stroller. It provides a better experience for everyone. The stroller has been on the market since the end of June and has been very popular. The suggested retail for the twin stroller is $289.99, which is mid-price to the upper half of what is in the market.

"Many retailers have avoided or gotten out of selling this kind of equipment. For many, twin or tandem strollers have been considered a necessary evil. For retailers, in a category like this you have to address the issues that consumers faced. Retailers say it is not a prime category. We suggest demonstrating the stroller, so people can see how easily it can be handled. We also offer a showroom model program that includes a laminated tag explaining all the choices available. That allows retailers to try out selling strollers without having to bring in a lot of inventory.”

3 Questions For The President Of Playtime New York

Playtime New York is a new trade show, making its first appearance in the states at the end of July (July 31-August 2). Based on successful shows in Paris and Tokyo, the New York edition will feature apparel, toy and gift manufacturers at 82 Mercer Street.

Baby & Kids recently asked Sebastien de Hutten, president, Playtime, about company’s new trade show.

BK: Why you decided to start a show in New York City?

SH: Playtime is a serious yet whimsical show. We wanted to offer all our exhibitors (in all Playtime shows) the world’s best visibility a trade show could give them. Being global - Europe, Asia and America - gives us the possibility to reach more buyers than any other show.

BK: What can we expect during the show? Will there be fashion shows, speakers or special events?

SH: We will have a trend space featuring items from our exhibitors and fun special exhibits as well. And the venue is fabulous.

BK: What will Playtime New York offer retailers that they won’t find anywhere else?

SH: A unique and global selection. Inspiration. Fresh Air. Personality. A warm atmosphere yet highly professional. A show they will take pleasure in visiting one season after the other.

Register for Playtime New York at www.playtimenewyork.com.

The Buzz About Vegas Kids

“Vegas Kids is a great opportunity for the kids industry to come together to share ideas and success stories. The show will highlight some of the latest and greatest directions in kids’ lives, fads and trends, family insights and new directions for kid design, furniture and furnishings.” - Paul Kurnit, owner, KidShop.

“Lea [Furniture} looks forward to participating in the Vegas Kids show. The campus and set-up will make it easy to introduce potential new retailers to Lea’s distinctive quality and functionality as well as the versatility of the Nickelodeon Rooms collection. Lea’s presence at the Vegas Kids show will help the company to expand upon our distribution into new geographic regions and retail channels. And, based on what we’re hearing from our sales team and customers, it will allow us to more opportunity to meet with a diverse set of new retailers who may not have seen Nickelodeon Rooms yet, while also allowing us more time to spend on existing relationships with Lea customers who attend the show.” - Jack Richardson, president, Lea Furniture.

“We have many brand new children’s furniture lines from Danish and German manufacturers that have never before been sold in the USA,” says Blount. “This gives us an opportunity to supply a range of low-, mid- and high-priced product to independent retailers across the USA, Canada, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Additionally, we are now the American distributor for Spiegelburg Toys, a German manufacturer that has not been shown in the USA prior to its launch at Vegas Kids.” - Lee Blount, business manager, Ark Group/Thuka Furniture.

Vegas Kids runs August 2-6 at World Market Center Las Vegas.

Sept/Oct Call For Editorial Submissions

The Biggest Issue Of The Year

September/October Baby & Kids Magazine

The ABC Kids Expo Issue

One show. One Issue. The September/October issue of Baby & Kids is all about ABC with the newest products and market highlights. With complete pre-show coverage and distribution at the ABC Kids Expo, the issue will present new product introductions in these exciting articles:

ABC Kids Expo Preview: A roundup of the products debuting at the ABC Kids Expo. New sections and events will be highlighted alongside innovative products. Editorial contact: Baby & Kids Editors, babykids@talcott.com.

Toys and Games: Dolls, plush, board games, activity sets and more. If it’s a part of playtime, you’ll find it in this report about the value of play. Editorial contact: Mary Gerlach, mgerlach@talcott.

Furniture, Décor and Bedding: From transitional to traditional, our youth décor style guide will help retailers create cohesive design-driven décor sections for children of all ages. Editorial contact: Ashley Trent, atrent@talcott.com.

Baby Gear: All the strollers, car seats and carriers that keep baby on the go and safely in style. Editorial contact: Mary Gerlach, mgerlach@talcott.

Plus: Industry News, Event Calendar and Retailer Profile.

Editorial deadline is August 24, 2010.

Ad reservations for the Sept./Oct. issue are due August 31, 2010.

With your press releases, information and news, send artwork

• E-mailed, high resolution (300 dpi) digital images saved as an EPS, JPEG or TIFF, at least 3”x5” or larger.
• A Mac-formatted CD. Save art as EPS, JPEG or TIFF, 300 dpi, at least 3”x5” or larger.

Vegas Kids Offers More Youth Furnishing Resources

Yesterday I wrote about gift trade shows taking note of the strong juvenile-product marketplace, and today we have news that furniture show are doing something similar. Vegas Kids has always been a division of The Las Vegas Furniture Market, but now it’s its own show (check out the shiny new website here).

World Market Center Las Vegas found that its growing youth-furniture segment is expanding along with the category as a whole. “Our Market attracts tens of thousands of home furnishings retailers internationally every season, and more than 20 percent of current attendees purchase juvenile furniture, making this expansion in youth furnishings a natural extension for Las Vegas,” Robert Maricich, president and CEO of WMC, says. “Despite the economic downtown,” he adds, “youth lines have remained strong at retail. This expanded juvenile event will bring the best of what’s new in youth furnishings to the forefront.”

The most recent projections by Easy Analytic Software Inc. suggest that youth bedroom sales will increase nationally by 14.8 percent during the next five years. That’s in part due to the fact that parents are still spending on their children. While 71 percent of parents say they have been personally affected by the recession, 90 percent of them say they are spending less on themselves, so they can spend more on their children.

The seminar series has been developed to help retailers take advantage of new revenue streams, including youth furniture. Seminar and Event highlights include the following:

Kid Wisdom: Essential Insights for Furniture Fun and Profit
Presented by Paul Kurnit, KidShop
Monday, August 2 | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Building C, 4th Floor
Join Paul Kurnit, owner of KidShop and a recognized world leader in youth marketing, to learn more about the current state of the kids market and how to connect your company’s core capabilities to today’s opportunities.

Vegas Kids for Grownups Reception
Monday, August 2 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Building C, 4th Floor
Join today's leading juvenile furniture manufacturers as they celebrate with a cocktail reception. Beginning at 4 p.m., The Vegas Kids for Grownups party injects real fun back into the juvenile business.

Room for Children: The Exciting State of Children’s Design Today
Presented by Susanna Salk
Tuesday, August 3 | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Building C, 4th Floor
Design author Susanna Salk uses images from her new book “Room for Children” as a launch pad for a lively discussion. Well known for her contributions to “Today” show and “Early Show,” Salk will hold a book signing following the discussion.

Getting the Most Out of Social Media
Presented by Katja Presnal, Skimbaco Lifestyle and Collective Bias
Tuesday, August 3 | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Building C, 4th Floor
Lifestyle blogger and social media expert Katja Presnal discusses how independent retailers of youth home furnishings can gain a competitive advantage through effective social media strategy.

Vegas Kids at Las Vegas Market will be held August 2-6 in conjunction with the Las Vegas Market and Gift + Home.

New York Gift Shows Offer Something For Baby

Juvenile-product retailers have gotten lucky of late as more and more trade shows pop up with sections devoted specifically to products for babies, children and their parents.

During the last New York International Gift Fair, show organizers announced their Focus Forward 2013 strategic plan, which sees the reorganization of NYIGF as the Javits Convention Center changes too. One of the first steps of Focus Forward 2013 is the new Baby & Child division. Cross merchandising children’s every day products with gift merchandise is the industry standard now, so it’s worth a trip to New York to find new diaper bags, furniture and layette alongside plush toys, books, footwear and anything else you can imagine.

Elsewhere in New York City, you’ll find a similar concept now in its second go round at 7 W New York. The NYC Baby& Kids Fair, which runs August 16-18 at 7 W 34th Street, presents temporary exhibitors with children’s products and parenting aides. And I’ll be there too! I moderate the Product Profiles speed-selling seminar and buyers lunch on Tuesday, August 17 at 1 p.m.

Here’s a little teaser from the NYIGF to whet your appetite.

JPMA, Crib Manufacturers Revise ASTM Voluntary Crib Standards

In 2009, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, via the ASTM consensus-standard-setting process, was involved in the establishment and approval of a revised voluntary standard to eliminate drop-side cribs from the marketplace. Last week, JPMA representatives and members of the crib-manufacturing community met with other key stakeholders and representatives from the Consumer Product Safety Commission at ASTM headquarters to make additional changes to further enhance this voluntary standard, ASTM F 1169.

“JPMA members are always looking for ways to improve and enhance cribs and other baby products,” Michael Dwyer, executive director of JPMA, says. “By participating in ASTM meetings and the consensus-standard-setting process, our members are able to review incident data, and provide suggested product enhancements and financial, engineering and manpower support that otherwise would not be available to help expedite the process.”

Crib manufacturers also contributed to improving the safety of infant products by offering the additional testing and the engineering expertise necessary to create the highest safety standard available anywhere in the world.

The new version of the ASTM voluntary standard includes the following enhancements:

• Continues to eliminate drop-side cribs from the marketplace
• Bolsters the strength of crib slats and/or spindles
• Adds a vertical-mattress-impact test
• Eliminates wood screws from key structural elements
• Adds more tests to improve the structure of the crib including anything that would impact the failure of the crib (i.e. loosening of parts, failure of locking or latching items, etc.)

Talcott, ABC Establish Two-Year Show Daily Partnership

For the second consecutive year, All Baby and Child Inc., organizer of the annual ABC Kids Expo, selected Baby & Kids magazine, published by Talcott Publishing, to produce the Official ABC Show Dailies. Additionally, both parties will produce the publications for the 2011 Expo.

“We’re delighted to work with ABC again,” Publisher Daniel von Rabenau says. “ABC is one of the largest supporters of the juvenile-product industry, and we’re proud to partner with such a noteworthy group.” Von Rabenau adds that each Show Daily represents an important opportunity for manufacturers and designers to draw attention to their new collections and product launches during the ABC Kids Expo.

The editorial content of each Show Daily will be developed by Associate Editor Mary Gerlach, von Rabenau adds. “Everyone at Talcott is proud of the work the editors did last year," he says, "and we’ve already discussed what we’ll do this year to make our 2010 show coverage better.”

“After last year’s show, I knew we’d have to create digital magazines and incorporate more exhibitor video in the online issues,” Gerlach says. Future editorial plans include creating exhibitor market guides, which Baby & Kids will e-mail retailers before the show to help them plan their buying, more specialized content for independent retailers and expanded coverage of networking and social events.

Exhibitors interested in advertising in the Official ABC Show Dailies should contact their Baby & Kids sales rep for prices and special advertising offers.

• Joanne Fallon, 800/229-1967 ext. 26, jfallon@talcott.com
• JoAnn Maynard, 800/966-0800, jmaynard@talcott.com
• Karen Wolfskehl, 800/683-9869, kwolfskehl@talcott.com

The ABC Kids Expo will be held October 10-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, visit www.theabcshow.com. For additional information about Baby & Kids, visit www.babyandkidsmagazine.com.

A Message From ERGObaby

A Letter from Karin Frost, Owner/Designer, ERGObaby

One of the greatest gifts anyone can be given is the opportunity to be a parent. I remember when my son was only a few days old, sound asleep in his bassinet; my strong desire to pick him up and hold him close to my heart dominated any other need. My mothering instinct to keep him safe, secure and content has always been my driving force, and when I started ERGObaby, my intention was to create a product that would promote and enhance the ability of parents to safely and comfortably keep their babies close to them as often as possible. Eight years later, my research into the science behind babywearing has affirmed my mothering instincts. I know, beyond a doubt, that bonding with and nurturing our babies from infancy with the help of babywearing is absolutely the best way.

Hundreds of thousands of happy babies around the world are riding close to their parent’s heart in The ERGObaby Carrier, in much the same way that indigenous cultures have for thousands for years. Whether it is a soft-structured carrier, wrap or sling, babywearing has always made it safe and easy for mothers to stay productive while tending to the needs of their babies.

As a part of our commitment to the safety of the children entrusted to our products, the ERGObaby Carrier has gone through rigorous safety testing and has been certified by the European testing agency TÜV since 2008, and by the Juvenile Products Manufactures Association (JPMA), according to the American Standards for Testing Materials (ASTM), since 2008, and, most recently, has met all the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Information Act) standards mandated by Congress in 2008.

At ERGObaby, we pride ourselves on superior customer service. Should you have any questions regarding the proper use of our products, or any other questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department at: 808-572-6953 or customerservice@ergobaby.com. It is my sincere hope that ERGObaby can help enrich your family’s happiness and well-being.

Karin Frost

LoveIt!

by Mary Gerlach

Trove makes beautiful wallpaper, film window panels and printed wood veneer. The window panel, shown above, and wood veneer cover otherwise dull items in need of an update. How cute for a little girl’s room or an adult’s room for that matter.


Chronicle Books created a line of Julius birthday invitations and blank thank you notes. I adore the fill-in-the-blank birthday invites. This is just the kind of thing I can imagine my 9-year-old niece spending a Saturday afternoon filing out and then stuffing envelops.


I’ve never been to India, but I recognize the design influence anywhere. I’ve seen orange and pink everywhere these days, and I’m loving it in the spring line from Masala Baby. The comfy, not to mention chic, apparel is made with hand-woven fabrics, too. A little bit of luxe for the little ones.

LoveIt!

by Mary Gerlach

What is LoveIt? LoveIt is two things, actually. It’s what we here at Baby & Kids say amongst ourselves when we adore a design, are feeling nostalgic or basically have a soft spot in our heart for something. LoveIt! is also going to be a regular feature on the Baby & Kids blog that features the products (and sometimes people, pop culture and trivia) we can’t get enough of. There may be more abbrevs and definitely a more causal vibe, but that’s us and this is what we love.

The Baby Bunch’s Nest & Eggs. The nest has three “eggs” made with pink or blue organic socks, and the bird is a lavender-scented sachet. Seriously, this small gift steals the show at a baby shower. Reminds me of something I’d see at Anthropologie.


Kids can customize their placemats while they eat with either robot, me or jungle themes. With some pretty fun stickers to add character to the characters, I wish I had these placemats at my birthday parties when I was younger. The artwork is super cute, too. From Hello Hanna. Check out the company’s cupcake stands – another LoveIt!
I can’t remember having a specific hero growing up, and I always thought action heros were guys. So, imagine my excitment when I had the opportunity to ran this picture of Zola the Koala in a plush story I did for Giftware News. She’s got a purse! And a cape! And she’s here to save the day! From All New Materials.


Love these apple and pear note pads from Trade Star. What delightful teacher gifts. Not strictly kid related, but I adore the clever little gifts. Take note, that apple photographed in the back is sitting in one of those foam fruit cushions.

NY Market Week Highlights

by Mary Gerlach

Earlier this month, the staff of Baby & Kids magazine set up shop in New York City for a few days. Trade shows are one of the most exciting aspects of our jobs as we get a chance to see products (and often times prototypes) before they hit store shelves the following season. Aside from new products, many of which you’ll find in the pages of Baby & Kids, show management and the industry as a whole celebrates milestones and releases big show news.

Here are few highlights from the show. For more coverage, look for my NY Market Week wrap-up report in the upcoming issue of Giftware News Plus. Sign up here to receive your complimentary subscription.



Associate editor Ashley Trent led the New Buyer Orientations during the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF). Ashley was joined by NYIGF’s Helen Overly. Helen, by her own account, has been in the industry in one of several capacities for countless years. Together, the two ladies answered questions from first-time buyers across the globe. For some, it was their first trade show before opening a shop and for others, NYIGF was their first stateside show.



Karen Wolfskehl (right), Baby & Kids' east coast sales rep, chats up industry associates at the Gift For Life The Stakes Are High fundraising events for DIFFA. The evening was a night of cocktails and camaraderie as buyers, manufacturers and show-management groups put business aside for a good cause. DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is a large supporter of direct care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS as well as prevention education for at-risk populations.


Chris Collins, vice president and general manager of 7 W New York, is flanked by exhibitors for the ribbon cutting of the first ever NYC Baby & Kids Fair, a temporary juvenile show on the 11th floor.


Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president, announces Focus Forward 2013, NYIGF’s strategic planning, which will be implemented in stages starting with the Summer 2010 Fair and culminating in 2013. As part of the expansion, NYIGF will introduce Baby + Child division of juried, purpose-driven products for babies, toddlers and kids (through age 10), and their families. The range of featured products will include arts and crafts, books, music, toys, games, puzzles, dolls and plush, gear (diaper bags, stroller accessories and feeding accessories), wearables and accessories, layette, bedding accessories and blankets. Ultimately, Baby + Child will feature some 200 companies on Level One of the Javits.


Buyers found green inspiration in the SustainAbility Design for a better world display. Featuring a juried collection of eco-friendly, innovative design, the display highlighted sustiaable design in the lobby and detailed the companies behind the products.

U.S. Toy Industry Generates $21+ Million In 2009

According to market research company, The NPD Group, U.S. retail sales of toys generated $21.47 billion in 2009 compared to $21.65 billion in 2008, a decline of under 1 percent. While sales for children ages 8 and under still represent the lion’s share of total toy sales at 69 percent, the only age group to gain in share and absolute dollar sales was kids ages 9 to 12.

“2009 was a remarkably uneventful year for the toy industry, but in a good way," said Anita Frazier, industry analyst, The NPD Group. " In a time of continued economic turmoil, toy industry revenues were very stable, and the uptick in unit sales in the four quarter is a very positive sign for the industry heading into 2010.”

Looking at revenue sales performance across super-categories, building sets and arts and crafts experienced the most significant increases, at 23 percent and 7 percent, respectively. Action Figures and Games/Puzzles saw respective revenue increases of 4 percent and 1 percent. Looking at the opposite side of the revenue sales spectrum, Youth Electronics and Plush experienced the largest declines when compared to 2008, at 17 percent and 13 percent, respectively.

“The increase in Building Sets and Arts & Crafts speaks to the entertainment value these categories deliver," said Frazier. "Both can deliver hours of open-ended play, and Arts & Crafts in particular does so at very attractive price points.”

Counter to what many would expect due to the economy, unit share for toys priced under $5 decreased in 2009, both for the full year and in the forth quarter. In 2009, while overall unit sales were down less than 1 percent (0.5%), the only price range that lost share were toys under $5. In other words, people were buying more toys priced in the mid-range (between $5 and $10).

2010 Retail Trends

Value, convenience and selection will remain top-of-mind as the New Year approaches and retailers begin to look back on 2009 and move away from the holiday season. Mike Kraus, Retail Adviser for AllBusiness.com, predicts the following retail trends for 2010.

The continued rise of Ecommerce - as consumers continue to be in value mode, they'll continue to shop online for the best price. But price is only part of the equation. Convenience and selection will also help drive consumers to e-commerce.

The Sameness of Retail … Urgency to Retrench and Retool - as retailers continue to offer uninspired store experiences, and merchandise that is out of step with consumers, we'll continue to see slow growth in the retail sector.

Social Media Becomes Key Driver in Retail Marketing - instantaneous outreach to loyal customers will take hold and exponentially expand through Twitter, Facebook and more. This not only allows retailers to stay in touch, but it allows them to stay up to speed and get involved in an increasingly open and honest dialogue with customers.

Crash-up Retailing – the economic expansion gave rise to the overdevelopment of shopping centers, districts and streets, leaving every shopping area no different from the next. Crash-up retailers, those that combine more than just goods for sale, things such as gallery space, a cafe or coffee bar, a community meeting space, or a performance space are going to drive visits to their locations, simply because they're offering something more - a place to experience versus a place to just sell.