Kids Today has launched a new program on its Web site this month, called Product of the Day.

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An approximately 4-inch by 5-inch image of the product is shown, plus a short description. Clicking the link will bring up another Web page that has additional information about the product.

“This new feature gives us another avenue to showcase the great products available in this industry,” said Gerri Hunt, managing editor, who is spearheading the project.

“We get so many product submissions when we send out editorial invitations, including a lot of manufacturers who send in multiple items,” she said. “We realized we needed another way to offer exposure.”

For July, the following manufacturers are featured: Peking Handicraft, Baby Dipper, Cloud B, Cocalo, Cottage Dreams, Donna Sharp, Douglas, All New Materials, Hasbro, Jakks, Judith Edwards, Maxtrix, Scootababy, Stephan Baby, Sugar-booger by O.R.E., SwimWays, Bella Tunno, Davenport, Green Frog Art, Kootie Bug Designs, Manual Wood-workers & Weavers, Sterling Anabella, and Stay With Me.

“We had extra images on file from every one of those companies, so it didn’t take long to come up with the entire month’s lineup,” Hunt said. “It was exciting to be able to go back through recent submissions and pick 23 products for the inaugural month of the project.”

Product of the Day is just the latest in a line of opportunities for manufacturers to put their products in front of the readership of Kids Today. The print issues, which reach 4,400 Kids Today subscribers, plus 17,000 Furniture/Today subscribers, consistently promote merchandise through special reports, buyers guides, trade show coverage and news.

On the Web, Kids Today publishes numerous online exclusive stories, trade show coverage, and “On The Shelf,” a product-centered blog started by Hunt last fall.

“I encourage manufacturers to submit products to Kids Today, even if it’s not for a specific feature or trade show preview,” Hunt said. “When I receive product images and information, I strive to give it coverage the best way that I can. Sometimes I know right away that an item will fit perfectly into my blog, which I write by theme. Or it’s a good contender for an upcoming feature on a specific category, like diaper bags, toys or bedding.”

Products can be submitted through kidstodayonline.com, by clicking on the “Edit Invites” button at the top. When the next page pops up, scroll down to the section “News and Products.”

The general information needed with any product submission includes company name, phone number and Web site; and product name, collection, description and retail price.

Submissions are also accepted by e-mailing them to KidsTodayNewsAndProducts@ReedBusiness.com (not case sensitive).

“Another way to submit items that works really well on my end is to mail a CD of images,” said Hunt. “Some manufacturers have them readily available because they send them to their retailers. Others burn a CD specifically to send to Kids Today. Just make sure product information is included in the package.”

However images are sent in, they need to be high-resolution .jpg or .tif files, 300 dpi, product only (no people) and on a white background.

For more information, contact Hunt at 336-605-1044 or gerri.hunt@reedbusiness.com.