Whimsical finds
Gift intros reminders of days gone by
Staff -- Kids Today, 7/1/2006
Bold, edgy designs have their place, but at this summer's gift shows in Atlanta, New York and elsewhere, soft colors and sweet animal pals are a big part of the landscape. And, as usual, product offerings expand beyond the normal gift realm and include items such as rugs, top-of-bed and lighting ideas — perfect for buyers from all walks of the juvenile industry.
The three-arm Allie chandelier is part of I Lite 4 U's Sweet Dreams collection. The hand-painted fixture retails for $380 with shades and $240 without.
Baby animals stay in line on this cotton-tufted rug from Home Fires, $49.95–$300.
Judith Edward Designs' vintage sport collection includes a coat rack suitable for baseball, football and basketball players.
Blabla adds Doggie dolls to its line of hand-knitted soft toys made from natural fibers, $30–$39.
Tickle Toes is introducing a new division, Tickle Toes Basic, which includes cheeky hooded towels and washcloth sets, $33.
Little Giraffe's Luxe blankets have a soft faux-fur texture and are light enough for year-round use, $80.
This set of three photo albums, $14, is part of Lady Jayne's Sweet Baby Boy collection. Coordinating items such as frames and banks also are available, and the Sweet Baby Girl line features the same items in pink, green and white.
Folkmanis' summer introductions include this cuddly Glen Terrier puppet with big brown eyes and floppy ears, $24.
Prompted by customer requests, Kelly B. Rightsell Designs has created a boy-girl print for its Twice Blessed collection.
Squish's Jungle collection on wrapped canvas, from artist Nancy B. Westfall, features whimsical animals with happy expressions. Retail prices are $64 and $130 each, depending on size.
Groovy Holiday's colorful felt 11-foot long "Happy Birthday" banner, $24, offers a festive way to celebrate milestones.
Soft polka dot fabric livens up burp cloths from Picadilly Kids, $12–$14.
The Bloom canvas, $169, from Oopsy Daisy features sketch-like designs and muted colors. The Dream version (not shown) has designs and shades that appeal to boys.
Charn & Co.'s Western-themed lamp is accented with rope trim, $220.
Bello Tunno is introducing laminated bibs and play smocks in funky patterns and colors. The bibs retail for $19, and the smocks are $35.
MM's Designs is showing wood frames with screen-printed patterns, $23.
Davenport Home Furnishings' Sly Cat bedding features frilly accents and bold colors.
The Grandparent Gift Co. offers frames perfect for families with twins with spaces for two little feet and photos, $40.
Dots are in bloom on this bold introduction from The Rug Market, $375.
