Pet Vet Checkup Center by Just Play wins Toy of The Year award

Hundreds of global toy executives and guests gathered in New York City on Feb. 12 to pay tribute to the toy industry's best and brightest toys, games and individuals at the 16th Annual Toy of the Year Awards and Toy Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Hosted by the U.S. Toy Industry Association in support of the philanthropic work of the Toy Industry Foundation, the "Oscars" of the toy industry were held at the American Museum of Natural History, which served as the official kick off to the 113th North American International Toy Fair.

The Toy of the Year award and the Preschool Toy of the Year both went to the Doc McStuffins Pet Vet Checkup Center by Just Play. Given the People's Choice award for most online votes from consumers was KidKraft LLC's Uptown Espresso Kitchen.

A special tribute was made to the Toy Industry Foundation, which gave brand-new toys to more than 1 million children in 2015. The event also marked the induction of Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame. Descriptions of all TOTY finalists and award winners can be found online at ToyAwards.org. The nominees were carefully selected by committees of academics, journalists, retailers and others who considered 700 submitted products and properties.

Baby + Child Best New Product Awards Presented to Five NY Now Exhibitors

Baby + Child Best New Product Awards at NY NOW were awarded to five exhibitors attending the show. "Our panel of judges has a keen eye for cutting-edge design and appeal in these categories and the winners make their case eloquently," says Melissa Engongoro, Baby + Child Sales Manager. "We are delighted by the many qualified exhibitors who competed for these top honors."

Winners and finalists of the summer 2015 Baby + Child Best New Product Awards are:

BEST OF MARKET: Pirasta (Brooklyn, NY) for its Let's Color America: Really Big Coloring Poster

TOY: Candylab Toys LLC (New York, NY) for its Woodie + Caravan

DÉCOR: Tree by Kerri Lee (Long Eddy, NY) for its Photo Holder Block,

GEAR: Innobaby LLC (Barrington, Il) for its Aquaheat On-the-Go Food Warmer

APPAREL: Oliver & Adelaide (Chestnut Ridge, NY) for its Baby Gift Packages, Everybody Loves Elephants

The winners automatically compete for the NY NOW "Best of LIFESTYLE" Award, which will be determined through online voting here. "Peoples' Choice" balloting runs August 15-18, and the winner will be announced on August 19, before the conclusion of the summer 2015 edition of NY NOW.

LIMA Award Winners Announced

The International Licensing Industry Merchandiser's Association (LIMA) is a trade organization for the global licensing industry. This year's Licensing Expo was held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, where a number of children's beloved programs took home awards. "We're delighted to recognize the huge impact that all of our award winners have had in the marketplace, including Frozen as 2014's top success story," says LIMA President Charles Riotto. "These achievements underscore the high caliber of today's licensing initiatives and the significance of licensed properties and brands throughout the world."

The 2015 award winners are:

Celebrity or Music Program – One Direction, Modest Management/Global Merchandising Services Ltd. 
Character or Toy Brand Program – My Little Pony, Hasbro 
Character or Toy Brand Licensee: Hard Goods – LAFOOD, Sesame Street healthy food
Character or Toy Brand Licensee: Soft Goods – Under Armour, Captain America collection
Film, Television, or Entertainment (Animated) Program – Disney's Frozen, The Walt Disney Company/Disney Consumer Products 
Film, Television, or Entertainment (Animated) Licensee: Hard Goods – (tie) JAKKS Pacific, Disney's Frozen/Snow Glow Elsa doll; Playmates Toys, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles product line
Film, Television, or Entertainment (Animated) Licensee: Soft Goods – Havaianas, Despicable Me flip flops
Lifestyle: Art, Design or Fashion Program – The Very Hungry Caterpillar/The World of Eric Carle, Eric Carle Studio/The Joester Loria Group
Location-Based or Experiential Initiative – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Overall Best Licensed Program – Disney's Frozen, The Walt Disney Company/Disney Consumer Products

HALO Founder Receives 2015 National Leadership Award from Cribs for Kids

Bill Schmid, founder of HALO Innovations, was recently awarded the 2015 Making a Difference National Leadership Award presented by Cribs For Kids. The award recognizes Schmid's ongoing role in safe sleep education.

As a result of a personal tragedy, Schmid began an exhaustive review of medical research available on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Halo Innovations began shortly after with a mission to reduce the number of infant deaths related to SIDS. His first product was an engineered solution to the issue of re-breathing, the Halo Active-Airflow Crib Mattress. The company expanded to include more convenient alternatives to crib blankets with the Halo SleepSack and the SleepSack Swaddle. Halo products are now sold throughout North America and a number of other countries and are used in more than 1,400 hospitals nationwide. Schmid's most recent invention is the Halo Bassinest, a bedside bassinet providing a safe sleep space for infants while still next to parents.

Children's Choice Book Awards Recap

To kickoff Children's Book Week this week, the Children's Book Council held its 8th annual Children's Choice Book Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 4 in New York City. Winning titles are selected by young readers of all ages, and this year's event was hosted by Jon Scieszka and Betsy Bird. This year, children and teens across the United States made their voices heard by casting more than 1 million votes. The 2015 Children's Choice Book Awards winners are:

• Kindergarten to Second Grade Book of the Year: Eva and Sadie and the Worst Haircut EVER!, by Jeff Cohen, illustrated by Elanna Allen (HarperCollins Children's Books)
• Third Grade to Fourth Grade Book of the Year: Kali's Story: An Orphaned Polar Bear Rescue, by Jennifer Keats Curtis, illustrated by John Gomes (Arbordale Publishing)
• Fifth Grade to Sixth Grade Book of the Year: The Dumbest Idea Ever!, by Jimmy Gownley (Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic)
• Teen Book of the Year: The One, by Kiera Cass (HarperTeen)
• Children's Choice Debut Author: J.A. White for The Thickety: A Path Begins (Katherine Tegan Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children's Books)
• Teen Choice Debut Author: Jennifer Mathieu for The Truth About Alice (Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group)
• Children's Choice Illustrator: Chris Appelhans for Sparky!, by Jenny Offill (Schwartz & Wade, an imprint of Random House Children's Books)

Kind + Jugend confers Kids Design Award 2015

For the second time, Kind + Jugend, which takes place September 10-13, 2015, is distinguishing outstanding designs in the children's outfitting and furniture sector with the Kids Design Award. The international competition consists of ten best entries selected by the board of trustees in advance, and will be showcased at the trade fair in a special exhibition zone. During Kind + Jugend, a jury will present the best design from among the exhibited concepts with the Kids Design Award. In addition to the Award winner, project sponsors from the industry sector will examine which of the prototypes are suitable for development through to market launch and will accompany the designers throughout the subsequent development process.

After the introduction of the Kids Design Award, Kind + Jugend now covers the entire product development chain. The concept and prototype phase (Kids Design Award) is followed by the presentation of products ready for market launch in the Design Park of Kind + Jugend. The next stage is covered by the trade fair section, Young Innovative Companies, which is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the aim of which is to enable the start-up companies who have developed marketable products access to the market at favorably-priced trade fair conditions. Already established companies, on the other hand, can enter their new products and further developments to the renowned Kind + Jugend Innovations Award. Kind + Jugend also takes the opinions of the international consumers into account in the form of the Consumer Award that was introduced in 2014. In country-specific online voting, parents select the best products, which are presented to the international buyers and specialized dealers on a special exhibition area at the trade fair - a good barometer for tapping into new markets.

Top Toy Trends for 2015 Announced by Toy Industry Association

During this year's Toy Fair, discover which key trends will dominate toy sales through Holiday 2015 at the annual Toy Trends Briefing, an exclusive presentation hosted by the Toy Industry Association (TIA), owner and operator of the 112th North American International Toy Fair. Toy Industry Association's toy and play experts will provide analyses of each trend and live product demos using playthings from the show floor. A Q&A session will be held immediately following the presentation. Show staff will also be on-hand to assist media with mapping out their visits to exhibitor booths. Throughout the year, TIA's team of experts work with hundreds of global toy companies to identify the products and trends that will drive consumer spending on toys, games and related youth entertainment products.

The presentation will be held Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 4 p.m. in Room 1E21 (Hall E – lower level) at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Toy Fair will be held from February 14-17, 2015. Registration is mandatory for access to Toy Fair 2015.

Baby & Kids' January Digital Issue 2015

January 2015

Features:

Divine Décor: We love these companies that are creating the perfect atmostphere for a child's own space.

Coast to Coast: Exhibitors at Toy Fair and ToyFest West make a splash this market season.

Home Grown Philosophy: The market for children's products made in the U.S. continues to grow.

Plus Much More!  

Toy Industry Association Unveils Nominees for 2015 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced the finalists for the prestigious 2015 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY). Until January 11, 2015, toy lovers of all ages can visit the Toy Awards website to vote for their favorite toys, games and properties across 12 categories. The 2015 finalists were selected from more than 600 nominees submitted for consideration by 159 companies. Sixty academics, journalists, toy trend experts, play therapists, toy inventors and designers, and toy retailers staffed the nomination committees that narrowed the field to the slate of finalists.

Votes from mass retailers, specialty toy retailers, media, TIA members and consumers will be weighted and used to determine each of the 12 category winners. The winners—including the overall Toy of the Year and the People's Choice awards—will be announced at the TOTY Awards ceremony held on Friday, February 13, 2015 as the kick-off to the 112th North American International Toy Fair. "From innovative toys that inspire kids to explore their surroundings, to active games that encourage families to play together, this year's TOTY finalists shine a spotlight on the critical role that toys play in the healthy development of children," says Ken Seiter, TIA vice president of strategic communications. The finalists in each category are:

ACTIVITY TOY OF THE YEAR
• Crayola Paint Maker by Crayola
• DOHVINCI STYLE & STORE VANITY Kit by Hasbro, Inc.
• Hot Wheels Airbrush Auto Design by Mattel, Inc.
• It's My Biz by Fashion Angels
• LEGO Mixels by LEGO Systems, Inc.
• Roominate Chateau by Roominate
• Washi Tape Stickers by Klutz

BOY TOY OF THE YEAR
• AIR HOGS ROLLERCOPTER by SPIN MASTER
• Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Fire Blastin' Dusty Crophopper by Mattel, Inc.
• Marvel Super Hero Mashers by Hasbro, Inc.
• Max Tow Truck by JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
• NERF N-STRIKE MEGA THUNDERBOW by Hasbro, Inc.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Action Figures by Playmates Toys
• ZOOMER DINO by SPIN MASTER

E-CONNECTED TOY OF THE YEAR
• BARBIE Fashion Design Maker Doll by Mattel, Inc.
• Kurio Xtreme by Techno Source
• LeapTV by LeapFrog
• LEGO FUSION by LEGO Systems, Inc.
• Skylanders Trap Team by Activision Publishing, Inc.
• Tiggly Counts by Tiggly / Kidtellect, Inc.
• Virtual Design Pro by Crayola

EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR
• GeoSafari Jr. My First Microscope by Educational Insights
• GoldieBlox and the Builder's Survival Kit by GoldieBlox, Inc.
• InnoTab MAX by VTech
• LeapBand by LeapFrog
• LEGO Technic by LEGO Systems, Inc.
• Little Scholar by School Zone Publishing
• Remote-Control Machines DLX by Thames & Kosmos

GAME OF THE YEAR
• Bounce-Off Game by Mattel, Inc.
• Disney Eye Found It Game by Wonder Forge
• Kanoodle Genius by Educational Insights
• MOUSTACHE SMASH by SPIN MASTER
• Peek-A-Doodle Doo! by Fat Brain Toy Co.
• SHARK MANIA by SPIN MASTER
• Simon Swipe by Hasbro, Inc.

GIRL TOY OF THE YEAR
• Barbie Endless Curls by Mattel, Inc.
• Cool Baker Magic Mixer by SPIN MASTER
• Design Your Own Jewelry – Charm Bracelet Kit by Sugar Lulu
• Disney Princess Palace Pets: Magic Dance Pumpkin by Blip Toys
• Doc McStuffins Walk N' Talk Doc Mobile Doll by Just Play
• LEGO Disney Princess by LEGO Systems, Inc.
• Shopkins Small Mart Playset by Moose Toys

INFANT/TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR
• Go! Go! Smart Animals Zoo Explorers Playset by VTech
• Gymotion Activity Playland by Yookidoo • In My Room Jr. – Mr. Happy Moon by Uncle Milton Industries• Lamaze Pippin the Push Along Pup by TOMY International
• PipSquigz by Fat Brain Toy Co.
• Tree Top Adventure by The Manhattan Toy Company
• Twinkling Firefly Frog by Cloud b

INNOVATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR
• Hot Wheels Street Hawk by Mattel, Inc.
• Laser Maze by ThinkFun, Inc.
• Loopa by Yvolution
• MiP by WowWee
• OGOBILD with AnimateIt! Studio Kit by OgoSport LLC
• Osmo by Tangible Play, Inc.
• Ozobot by Evollve Inc.

OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR
• Fantasia Bubble Machine by Bubble Blitz by Imperial Toy
• Firetek Bow by Zing Toys
• FUZE Cyclone Water Blaster by Skyrocket Toys
• Kidoozie Hop & Squeak Pogo Jumper by International Playthings • Nerf Rebelle Dolphina Bow by Hasbro, Inc.
• Razor PowerRider 360 by Razor USA LLC
• Y Fliker LIFT by Yvolution

PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR
• Camp Site by PLAYMOBIL
• Doc McStuffins Get Better Talking Mobile by Just Play
• Kidizoom Smartwatch by VTech
• LEGO Juniors by LEGO Systems, Inc.
• PAW PATROL LOOKOUT HQ by SPIN MASTER
• Razor Jr. Zombie and Monster Kix scooter by Razor USA LLC • Snow Glow Elsa by JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

PROPERTY OF THE YEAR
• Disney's Frozen (The Walt Disney Company)
• Minecraft Series 2 (Mojang/Jazwares LLC)
• PAW PATROL (SPIN MASTER)
• Skylanders Trap Team (Activision Publishing, Inc.)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nickelodeon)
• THE LEGO MOVIE (The LEGO Group)

SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR
• Balance Boat: Endangered Animals Game by BeginAgain
• Gravity Maze by ThinkFun, Inc.
• Green Toys Safe Seas Set by Green Toys
• Magnetron by Tegu
• Monster Sewing Workshop by Thames & Kosmos
• Squigz by Fat Brain Toy Co.
• VEX Robotics Spider, HEXBUG by Innovation First International

CBME China Honors the Best of the Best in the Industry at CBME Awards 2014

This year, the Children Baby Maternity Expo Awards were presented during the CBME China Annual Autumn Summit. More than 400 key industry leaders gathered to witness the industry's significant moment.

The CBME Awards, in conjunction with CBME Industry Consortium, is China's children, baby and maternity industry's most anticipated awards. The awards are comprised of innovative products top brands and more. Winners were selected by the 100-person judge panel, together with votes by CBME China 2014 visitors including distributors, wholesalers, retailers, professional buyers and a simultaneous online vote.

The CBME Awards are comprised of:

1. Innovative Products Awards that honor original patented products that have shown rapid advances and innovations in the industry in the past year. Winners:
• Best Baby Bedding and Furniture: Harry 4-in-1 crib by Dolphinstar
• Best Feeding Product: Smart Dual-effect Electric Breast Pump by Pigeon
• Best Baby Travel Gear: Car Seat CS868 by Goodbaby
• Best Educational Product: Interactive Game Table by Huile
• Best Baby Care and Hygiene Product: Tap Extender by Aqueduck

2. Top Brand Awards acknowledges the most influential brands in the past year. Winners:
• Baby Bedding and Furniture: Les Enphants
• Feeding Products: Pigeon
• Baby Travel Gears: Goodbaby
• Baby Care Products: Pigeon
• Educational Products: Fisher Price
• Maternity Products: Octmami

3. Top Retailer Awards are granted to the industry's best retailers in the past year. Winners:
• Changsha Yiya
• Kidswant
• Leyou Babies to Kids

4. Best Baby Store in Sales Personnel Quality Awards
• Gold Award: Changsha Yiya
• Silver Award: Haomama
• Bronze Award: Youjiaaiying; Yangyang

5. Lifetime Achievement Award 
CBME China appreciates the contribution of key industry players to the industry with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Shen Yu Qing, Chairman of CBME Industry Consortium, Founder of Children Baby & Maternity Industry Expo (CBME), Fashion Baby magazine and China Children, Baby and Maternity Industry magazine, is the recipient of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award.
The CBME Awards recognize the best of the Best and the movers and shakers of China's children, baby and maternity products industry.

Five Baby and Child Best New Product Awards Presented at NY NOW

Five companies were named Baby + Child Best New Product Award winners, in connection with Winter 2014 edition of NY NOW, the Market for Home + Lifestyle. These five honorees are also eligible for NY NOW's "Best of Lifestyle" Award, which will be determined by online balloting at redclaydesign.com/nynow during the show.

Vici Enterprises received "Bloggers' Choice" top honors for Spherovelo. In addition, winners were recognized for excellence in four categories: toy, décor, gear and apparel. A panel of ten editors from trade media, kid-centric blogs and websites selected products which exemplified innovation, design and style.

The winter 2014 winners and finalists are: 

 
BLOGGERS' BEST: 
Vici Enterprises (New York, NY) for its Spherovelo, the first, and only, ride-on in the world that is able to help children aged 1-2 years make early connections between their senses (vision, pressure, equilibrium) and their motor system.

TOY:
Winner: Nhocchi (New York, NY) for its Doorway Puppet Theater, which is portable, easy to set-up and packs into an attached pouch, or hangs to one side for easy storage. 
Finalist: eco-kids (Portland, OR) for its eco-easel. 
Finalist: Uncle Goose (Grand Rapids, MI) for its Stack and Scare Set 4.

DÉCOR:
Winner: Little Giraffe (Van Nuys, CA) for its Little G Money Bank, a ceramic bank with hand-painted dots. 
Finalist: Baby baazaar Inc. (New York, NY) for its Quilted Baby Blanket-Patches. 
Finalist: Anais & I (New York, NY) for its Blanket + Pillow Set.

GEAR:
Winner: Elements Accessories (New York, NY) for its Lava Lunch, a bag which keeps food hot up to 6 hours and has a Neoprene outer shell with proprietary super-insulation for maximum heat retention and exterior pockets for utensils, snacks, and drinks. It also comes with two organic reusable and unleakable Lava Rocks which maintain warmth. 
Finalist: PERADI INC (Brooklyn, NY) for its carriage bunting.Finalist: Free Like Birdie (Westfield, MA) for its Free Like Birdie Travel System.

APPAREL:
Winner: Winter Water Factory LLC (Brooklyn, NY) for its Outer Space Charcoal Romper, a 100% organic cotton baby romper, with original print. Made in the USA. 
Finalist: Magnificent Baby (New York, NY) for its Smart Close Magnetic Raincoat. 
Finalist: JoJo Maman Bébé (London, UK) for its Polarfleece All In One.

"Baby + Child is a juried neighborhood within the NY NOW LIFESTYLE Collection, so the product caliber and quality is already very high," said Melissa Engongoro, Baby + Child Sales Manager. "However, these resources have been singled out for their superlative design qualities."

The Call for Entries Opens for the ICON HONORS 2014

The fifth edition of ICON HONORS recently opened with the 2014 call for entries inviting retailers, manufacturers, sales agencies and service providers to compete for top recognition in the home and gift industry's most coveted mark of superior achievement.

With a stable of more than 50 honorees selected through rigorous judging from among thousands of submissions and nominations recorded over its first four years, ICON HONORS recognizes the highest levels of professional and personal accomplishment. Submissions and nominations are fielded across an array of categories. ICON HONORS are conferred annually in July in conjunction with The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market on what is universally recognized as the most anticipated and important night in the home and gift industry.

ICON HONORS is produced and staged by AmericasMart Atlanta in exclusive partnership with the Gift & Home Trade Association (GHTA) and Progressive Business Media, and in affiliation with Gift For Life. For 2014, the ICON HONORS categories of competition open to submissions and nominations expand with the addition of Branding, which joins the continuing Innovation, Contribution and Achievement categories to offer entrants an important new recognition celebrating pure marketing/branding achievement in three divisions: Brand Identity Development/Brand Launch; Brand Identity Development/Brand Continuity; and Brand Identity Development/Rebranding.

All ICON HONORS submissions and nominations are made exclusively online at AmericasMartICONHONORS.com.

June's Digital Issue of Baby & Kids Magazine is Now Available for Viewing

 

Dear Baby & Kids Reader,

Welcome to the June digital issue of Baby & Kids Magazine.


This Month's Featured Content:
• Back to School
• Licensed Products
• Shower Power

• Toys for Tots

• Meal Time

• Look Book

• Industry Notebook

• Star Sightings
• Mom-preneurs
• Editor's Picks
• Advertiser's Directory

 

New Feature:
Now Viewable on all devices
 

Please Note:
The Baby digital requires NO special downloads or applications to view in its entirety on any device.... 

Please click HERE to begin reading now!

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

Sincerely,
The Baby Team

Kind + Jugend Leading Trade Fair

Kind + Jugend is strengthening its position is the most important international specialist trade fair for the baby and toddler outfitting industry. At the end of the trade fair on Sunday, September 16, 2012, the event again recorded a good result, as in the record year 2011. Including estimates for the final day, over 21,000 visitors from 103 countries were counted this year. The share of foreign visitors was above 70%. A total of 938 exhibitors from all segments of the baby and toddler outfitting industry presented trends and innovations to the professional audience over an area of 100,00 square meters.

The international importance of Kind + Jugend can be clearly seen in the regions of origin of the professional visitors. Over 70% of visitors came from abroad. Particularly high increases were recorded this year from overseas: North America (+15.7 %), Asia (+14.7 %), Australia/Oceana (+7.6 %) and Africa (+7 %). The Koelnmesse visitor survey confirmed the value of Kind + Jugend as the most important industry platform. Around 90% of the specialist visitors would recommend a visit to Kind + Jugend to friendly companies.

The Innovation Awards presented on the first day of the event for outstanding product innovations have become a fixed highlight in the baby and toddler outfitting industry and are regarded as an important quality criterion in international trade. This year, 169 companies from 31 countries participated in the away, submitting a total of 217 products – more than ever before.

The winners of the Kind + Jugend Innovation Awards 2012 
World of Moving Baby: 
Kudu, PLAY S.A. (Spain)

World of Travelling Baby: 
CYBEX Sirona, CYBEX GmbH (Germany)

World of Moving Baby & Travelling Baby Accessories: 
AIR TRAVELLER, Deryan B.V. (Netherlands)

World of Baby Safety at Home: 
Video Baby Monitor, BabyPing c/o Y-cam (Great Britain)

World of Baby Toys: 
Wishbone Flip, Wishbone Design Studio (New Zealand)

World of Baby Textiles: 
Hamac Swimsuit 2012, Génération Plume SAS (France)

World of Baby Care: 
Anti-colic bottle, Nûby New Valmar (Belgium)

World of Baby Furniture: 
Bednest (Great Britain, Netherlands)

Dr. Toy Announces 100 Best Children's Products of 2012

Following are the award-winning toys and products and the companies that make them grouped in selected categories of "smart" play. You can find more products by assigned codes that designate types of products.

Ten Best Active Products - Chicco (4-in-1 Ride On Car), First Act (WrapStar Mic), FirstBIKE Int'l (FirstBIKE Balance Bike), GeoPalz (GeoPalz Pedometer), Kinderfeets (Kinderfeets), OgoSport (OgoSport RAQ), Razor USA (Razor FlashRider), Sbyke (P-20 Rear-Steering Scooter), Smiletime Toys (Inflatable Pirate Ship), System Ent. (RingStix).

Ten Best Audio/Video Tapes/CDs - Brainetics (Brainetics), BrainFood Learning (Fascinating World of Birds), BrillKids Int'l (Little Musician Basic), Little Pim (Spanish Intro Gift Set with Book), Master Comm (Worlds Together Series), Moey's Music Party (Princess Revolution!), Music Together (She Sells Sea Shells), New Hope Records (WO!), ScienceAndMath.com (Amazing Science! Vol. DVD), Steps4Kids (Steps4Kids to Draw).

Ten Best Building Products- AroundSquare (Deconstruction Blocks), Bridge Street Toys (Hydrodynamic Deluxe Building Set), Citiblocs (CTBIN500C), K'NEX (K'NEX Classics 50 Model Building Set), LaQ USA (LaQ Dinosaur World T-REX), Laser Pegs Ventures (Laser Pegs The Dragon), LEGO Systems (Friends Olivia's House), MEGA Brands (Build 'n Learn 1-2-3 Count!), Smart Blocks (Smarcks Smart Blocks), Thinkplay/Morphun (Starter Tub)

Ten Best Children's Products - Ann Williams Group (Loopdedoo), Buckle Toy (Buddy the Backpack), Dress Up America (Black Fire Fighter Kids Costume), Gryphon House (Budding Builder), Innovation First (HEXBUG Warriors Battle Stadium), Klutz (Coin Blaster), Monkeying Around (Greatest Dot-to-Dot Adventure Book 1), Schoenhut Piano (My First Piano II), SeatPets (SeatPets), Smart Trike (Smart Trike 4-in-1 Dream).

Ten Best Creative Products - ALEX (Ceramic Bead Sticker Party), Blue Orange (Tell Tale Fairy Tale), Colorforms/Univ. Games (Tinga Tinga Tales Create-A-Creature Game), Creativity for Kids (Stunt Squadron), Hero Arts Rubber Stamps (Ink 'n' Stamp Animal Prints), Kiwi Crate (Kiwi Crate), Kaleidograph Design (Kaleidograph), Tech 4 Kids (3D Magic Magna Color), Wowopolis (Colorgami Craft & Activity Kits), WowToyz (E-Z Crafts Paint-A-Bank Kits).

Ten Best Educational Products - Creative Foundry Games (KerFlip!), Exploramania® (Exploracise Multiplication Football), Learning Journey (Match It! Mathematics Memory), Learning Resources (Multiplication Master Electronic Flash Card), LittleBits Electronics (littleBits Starter Kit), MathTwister (MathTwister), Peaceable Kingdom (Snug as a Bug in a Rug), Shainsware (Notebook w/100 Elements), Style Paige (Shallie Starter), Whistlefritz (Cha, Cha, Cha).

Ten Best Games - Bag-O-Loot (Bag-O-Loot Junior), Edupress (That's Baloney Games), Flying Rabbit Enterprises (Baffle!), Game Chef (Rollick!), Gamewright (Big Fat Tomato Game), Hutter Trade (Talat), Indie Boards & Cards (Flash Point: Fire Rescue), Patch Products (You're Invited Game), Strikerz Gamez (STRIKERZ Soccer Card Game), ThinkFun (Distraction™).

Ten Best High Technology Products- Bandai America (Omnitrix Touch), Diggin Active (Wobble Deck Extreme), Ganz (Amazing World), LeapFrog (LeapPad2), MGA (iTikes Map), Pixel Ent. (Global Game Changers [book app]), Scholastic (Storia), Small World Toys (Haute Couture Fashion Studio), SmartLab Toys (DJ Rock Dock), VTech (MobiGo 2).

Ten Best Socially Responsible Products - b. dazzle (Black Capped Chickadees Scramble Squares), Discover w/Dr. Cool (Shark Teeth Excavation Kit!), DuneCraft (Butterfly/Bird Mixture Seed Bombs), Easy Daysies (Easy Daysies Every Day Starter Kit), Metamorphic Toys (Mythical Creatures Silly Signs), Mudpuppy (Fruits & Veggies Wooden Magnetic Set), My1story (My1story Book Collection), Rubbabu (Shape Sorter Bus), Tiny Green Bee (Crunch a Color Conversation Starters), University Games (Very Hungry Caterpillar Match & Munch Game).

Ten Best Toys- 4D Cityscape (4D Time Puzzle), B. toys by Battat (Symphony in B. by B. toys), Build-A-Bear Workshop (Marine Midnight Teddy), Fisher-Price (Servin' Surprises Cook 'n Serve Kitchen & Table), Gibout Toys (Gibout Big Blocks), Jada Toys (Cutie Pops), Make It Mine (MIM Doll & Accessories), Ohio Art (Limited Edition Etch A Sketch), Sassy (Loopy Ball), World of EPI (Diva Abrielle).

An Five Best New Product Awards Presented at NYIGF's Baby & Child

Five companies were presented with Baby & Child "Best New Product Awards" today, with Box Play for Kids® receiving the "Blogger's Best" distinction for Box Play for Kids Stickers. Baby & Child, one of 10 divisions in the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), runs through Wednesday, August 22, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. 

In addition to the semi-annual "Blogger's Best" award, Baby & Child "Best New Product Award" winners are recognized for excellence in four categories: toy, décor, gear and apparel. A panel of eight editors from trade media, kid-centric blogs and websites selected products which exemplified innovation, design and style. 

The summer 2012 winners and finalists, selected from 116 products, are: 

BLOGGER'S BEST:
Box Play for Kids® (Phoenix, AZ) for Box Play for Kids Stickers, eco friendly stickers made of 100 percent recycled paper that turn old boxes into new toys. 

TOY:
Winner: PlanToys, Inc. (Mountain View, CA) for Play House, a three-story rubberwood and PlanWood doll house with a handle to carry and a rooftop that becomes a garden.
Finalist: Fat Brain Toy Co. (Elkhorn, NE) for Tobbles Neo stacking toy.
Finalist: Juratoys US Corp (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) for Magnetibook Crazy Face. 

DÉCOR:
Winner: HABA® USA (Skaneateles, NY) for Teepee Play Tent, a portable personal space for little explorers to take exciting and creative adventures.
Finalist: Magicforest, LTD (Portsmouth, NH) for Fly With Me Hot Air Balloon Music Box.
Finalist: Milk Moon Kids (Cincinnati, OH) for Growth Charts. 

GEAR:
Winner: aden + anais® (Brooklyn, NY) for Serenity Star, a 5-in-1 electronic sleep and feeding system for mom and baby.
Finalist: MadPax (Phoenix, AZ) for BUBBLE nibbler. Finalist: Love Mae (Stokers Siding, Australia) for Tableware – Melamine Dinnerware. 

APPAREL:
Winner: Pipopipo™ (Los Angeles, CA) for Pipopipo friends socks, which come in a reusable bamboo package with three pairs of socks designed either for boys or girls.
Finalist: Cutey Booty (Mount Pleasant, SC) for Girl & Boy Outfit.
Finalist: Keepsake Threads (Fort Wayne, IN) for Upcycled T-Shirt Baby Bibs.

Five "Best New Product Awards" Present and Baby & Child

Five companies were presented with Baby & Child Best New Product Awards today, with The Wonder Forge™ receiving the "Blogger's Best" distinction for its Angelina Ballerian Dance With Me interactive game. Baby & Child, one of 10 divisions in the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), runs through Wednesday, February 1, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

In addition to the "Blogger's Best" award, Baby & Child Best New Product Awards winners are recognized semi-annually for excellence in four categories: toy, décor, gear and apparel. A panel of editors from print and electronic media outlets, including our own Joann Fallon, selected products that exemplified innovation, design and style.

"These winners were clear stand-outs in a competitive field of outstanding products in Baby & Child," said Randi Mohr, Baby & Child sales manager. "The judges recognized design innovation and creativity which set these products apart from all others."

The winter 2012 winners and finalists, selected from 100 products, are:

BLOGGER'S BEST:
The Wonder Forge™ (Seattle, WA) for its Angelina Ballerina Dance with Me, an interactive collaborative game where kids take the center stage.

TOY:
Winner: Tegu (Darien, CT) for its Tegu Mobility – Dart, a wooden car with 10 classic Tegu blocks, a signature magnetic styling top, and 4 magnetic wooden wheels, Dart is a member of the Compact Line of Tegu Mobility. Finalist: Hape North America (Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada) for its Pancakes. Finalist: Juratoys US Corp (Fort Lauderdale, FL) for its Janod Wooden Toys.

DÉCOR:
Winner: Swankie Blankie (Plano, TX) for its Citron Marbella Receiving Blanket, a washer and dryer safe blanket with a unique design Finalist: Magicforest (Portsmouth, NH) for its Sevi Fly With Me Growth Chart. Finalist: My Boy Sam Ltd (New Milford, CT) for its Baby Stroller Blanket.

GEAR:
Winner: 7 A.M.® Enfant (New York, NY) for its Pookie Poncho, a baby carrier cover and stroller cover in one, made of waterproof materials. Finalist: MadPax, LLC (Phoenix, AZ) for its BUBBLE by MadPax. Finalist: GroVia® (Bozeman, MT) for its Curious About Cloth Kit.

APPAREL:
Winner: Zutano Inc. (Cabot, VT) for its Bowtie, the new accessory for little boys in Zutano's hallmark colors. Finalist: Dabbawalla Bags (Seattle, WA) for its Lunch Knot Purse. Finalist: Tutu Couture® (Atlanta, GA) for its Officially Licensed Collegiate Tutu Line.

The Best New Product Award judges were: Joanne Fallon, Baby & Kids Magazine; Jennifer Cattaui, Earnshaw's; Joanna Dreifus, MyMomShops.com; Caroline Kennedy, Playthings; and Leesa Valentino, TheGiggleGuide.com.

Dorset’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award Goes to My Carry Potty Inventor

Amanda Jenner, inventor of My Carry Potty, has received the Dorset Business Award for Entrepreneur of the Year.

Jenner launched My Carry Potty in 2009. The product aims to help both parents and kids during the potty training process. My Carry Potty is portable and self-contained, meaning parents don’t have to worry about finding a bathroom for their child when traveling.

The product made its U.S. debut at the ABC Kids Expo in October and is distributed in the country by Regal Lager. My Carry Potty is sold in more than 80 independent retailers and 40 online stores. In addition, the product has sold more than 22,000 units to date.

Calling All Innovative Baby Products

by Yarissa Reyes, communications manager, Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association

Is your product innovative? Marketable? Trend Setting? Appealing? Useful? If so, it could be chosen as one of the 10 most innovative products on the market today!

Every year, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) holds a competition for the most innovative products in the market. Entries are evaluated by a selection committee of trade media representatives and industry retail buyers, and judged on their innovation, marketability, trend-setting potential, appeal and usefulness.

To compete, you must be an exhibitor at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. Winners will be announced during a press conference at the Expo and will be featured in Baby & Kids magazine.

Each year, more than 100 companies enter their most cutting-edge products for this renowned competition, but only 10 winners are selected. Will yours make the cut?

Click here to learn more about the competition and download the application today! Deadline is June 15 so act fast!