Wednesday, March 19, 2014

The 6th Annual All Baby & Child Educational Conference and Trade Show Gets Underway This May at Walt Disney World


Registration for the 6th Annual All Baby & Child Educational Conference will again be complimentary for all qualified products and specialty and maternity retailers that maintain brick and mortar store locations. This is the first time that an All Baby & Child event has been held at any of the Walt Disney World Resort properties, and it plans to make full use of the Walt Disney World Resort amenities and locales during the three day event. Following the opening educational sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to relax and socialize with a Cabanas Beach Welcome Reception which will be held lakeside at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. One evening, private buses will transport attendees to an exclusive event at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Guests will arrive as the park closes for exclusive access to Expedition Everest - Legend of the Forbidden Mountain and DinoLand U.S.A. Attendees will have unobstructed use of the games and attractions that Disney has to offer. Providing valuable education, outstanding networking and an exclusive trade show, Lake Buena Vista welcomes this specialty store industry's event.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

ABC Kids Expo hosts Second Annual North American Pavilion in the Royal Hall


ABC is excited to host the second annual North American Pavilion at the Harrogate Nursery Fair, in North Yorkshire on March 23-25, 2014, located in the 100-year-old Royal Hall for the first time. Some of the exhibitors represented include Baby Elephant Ears, Baby K'tan, foufou baby, Jazzy Toes, Mabel's Labels, Mixie Baby, Pacific Baby Incorporated, Pully Palz, Pura Stainless, RoomMates Decor, Sara Kety LLC, Wean Green, and Zoli Inc.

The Harrogate Nursery Fair was established 43 years ago and is the UK's only international nursery industry trade show attracting almost every manufacturer and supplier of baby goods in the UK, as well as numerous companies from around the world. Mr. Schur, President of All Baby and Child Corp. said, "We are thrilled to be in a position to bring North American manufacturers with us to Harrogate to preview their new products and collections. In addition, we have forged a great working relationship with the BPA and show organizers, which will prove to be beneficial for future sustained growth for all of our constituents." All Baby and Child is very excited for the new location, as the Royal Hall is very grand and will be a beautiful backdrop for any company's booth.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

American International Toy Fair Features Must-See Companies for 2014



The Toy Industry Association's 111th annual American International Toy Fair that took place February 16-19 in New York showcased 1,153 companies. The largest toy marketplace in the country kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring singer/songwriter Alicia Keys. Among the vendors from 94 countries present at the massive show, hundreds were unveiling children playthings for the first time. Thousands of retailers also attended the show to see what the upcoming year has to offer in plush, costume, building and electronic toys, among other categories. Baby & Kids has highlighted some of the must-see companies for 2014. 


This felt-covered briefcase holds art supplies so little Picassos can draw at home or on the go.

KidKraft's teepee playhouse is perfect for adventurous campers.

Play dreamy dress-up with Douglas Toys many costume selections, from the makers of the soft Lil Snugglers plush toys.

Aurora displayed classic plush toys that have been favorites for years.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Top Toy Trends of 2014 Announced by Toy Industry Association (TIA), the Official Voice of Toy Fair



The Toy Industry Association unveiled this year's hottest playthings during a packed seminar for media and buyers at their 111th American International Toy Fair. The toys, games and youth entertainment products revealed at the "Toy Trends Tea" seminar will be appearing in stores now through the Holiday 2014 shopping season.

A summary of the six top trends follows:
  • LARGER THAN LIFE
    Large-sized toys are becoming increasingly common in just about every category, from plush and play sets to RCs and building toys. As a counter-balance to the micro-sized trend seen in years past, these toys engage kids in imaginative role-play activities and make impressive gifts for special occasions. They don't all come with hefty price tags, either – the value-conscious shopper will find many "BIG" toys at affordable prices.

  • RC RAMPAGE
    Playtime will shift into high gear thanks to an influx of innovative remote-controlled vehicles for various ages and at varying price points. Older kids with a 'need for speed' will have plenty of options to choose from, including helicopter RCs and vehicles that launch projectiles. Animal-themed and licensed RCs based on popular entertainment properties will engage younger children and promote active and imaginative play.

  • FULL "STEAM" AHEAD!
    Educational toys, games and crafts that teach kids STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) are heating up in the toy aisle and getting kids of all ages, interests and abilities excited about learning. Toymakers are increasingly incorporating storytelling and other artistic components into science, engineering and building toys to get more kids than ever on board with STEAM.

  • FRIGHTFULLY FUN: ZOMBIES, MONSTERS AND MORE!
    Vampires were hot … but now zombies and monsters are all the rage, thanks to a rise in popularity of zombie-themed movies, TV shows and video games. Ghoulish action figures and dolls with relatable characters and back-stories are less frightening for younger kids, while older boys and girls will get a kick out of 'gross out' toys. These toys not only have the ability to transport children to mysterious worlds – they also teach them that it's OK to be different and stand out from the crowd.

  • RETRO / BACK-TO-BASICS
    First identified by TIA in 2013, the retro and back-to-basics trend is alive and well this year thanks to a huge abundance of classic toys and games slated to hit store shelves. Today's parents and grandparents fondly remember these playthings from their own childhoods and are excited to share them with the little ones in their lives.

  • CUSTOM BUILT
    2014 will take building to a whole new level. In addition to building and construction toys, this trend extends across several toy categories – from arts and crafts to action figures – and encompasses playthings that allow kids to create, customize and personalize to reflect their unique tastes, styles and imaginations.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

New Children's Sun Protection Brand Launches Accessory for Everyday Wear and Play


Sun Angels, maker of sun protection gear for kids, introduces a new accessory with their UPF 50+ arm sleeves. Designed with kids and parents in mind, Sun Angels arm sleeves are fashionable and offer UPF 50+ protection. These easy-to-slip-on arm sleeves offer parents an instant, chemical-free alternative to the often challenging task of lathering on sunblock to a wiggly child. No mess. No fuss. Sun Angels arm sleeves are made using a lightweight fabric blend. Simply wear these stylish arm sleeves with a regular short-sleeved shirt when heading outdoors, then slip them off when back inside. It doesn't get much easier than that. Both kids and parents love these sleeves for their ease, and because unlike long-sleeved shirts, they allow airflow to the under arm area and keep skin cool.

UPF clothing and accessories provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays and offer an excellent option for children with skin sensitivities. Sun Angels arm sleeves will be available for purchase at sun-angels.com and at local retailers nationwide beginning April 1, 2013. The sleeves come in 4 sizes: extra-small (newborn – 12 months), small (1-2 years), medium (3-4 years), and large (5-6 years) and retail for $19.99 per pair.