On the Shelf
Gerri Hunt, managing editor of Kids Today, spotlights infant and juvenile products that retailers may want to consider putting "on the shelf."
Scribbles & Bits
I've never been one to plaster things all over my fridge - magnets, notes, pictures, etc. But when my 10-year-old niece Mackenzie drew a picture of birds in my birdbath, I was drawn to its simplicity: black ball-point pen lines scribbled on a sheet of typing paper (is it even called that anymore? LOL). It says to me childhood, in all its glory. And it's officially the first piece of art to have th... Read More
Comments (3)Nurseries need rhymes, right?
Nurseries and rhymes Are a sign of good times That kids and parents can share Through books, art or what they wear… 1. This blog entry was inspired by this limited edition Luna Cradle. Based on a smaller version that was a magazine rack, only 20 cradles were made by Piero Fornasetti in Italy in 1999, selling for $8,000 a piece. While I discovered the cradle at www.dragonetteltd.com, more inc... Read More
Comments (0)Outdoors inspiration
Aaah, the warm weather has finally arrived. North Carolina is having unseasonably high temperatures for April, but it’s more than welcome following such a snowy winter. But it has sure been nice to see kids out and about playing. Here are some juvenile products to get you in the mood for the outdoors… 1. The hand-painted “On Dirt Hill” from Studio B Creations is done on 16×20-inch gallery qua... Read More
Comments (0)Baby's Salute to the Military
As we have not just veterans on our minds at this time, but military personnel currently serving our country, it’s the perfect opportunity to show some of the ways moms, dads, and even grandmaws and grandpaws can help the babies in their lives show support for these brave people. So in honor of Veterans Day this week, here are a few ways to make a soldier-daddy proud of his little one… and possi... Read More
Comments (4)Send baby's nursery under the sea
In this August heat, it’s tempting to take a trip to the beach and spend the entire time under the cool water, wiggling my toes in the wet sand. Or maybe it’s better to stay dry yet cool, by visiting the aquarium. But even if I stay home, my master bedroom feels cool because I painted it blue a few months ago – a slate blue, inspired by a showroom I visited at the Las Vegas Market early last year.... Read More
Comments (1)This baby nursery is off the tracks
I have a brand new baby nephew, Julian. I was really surprised several months ago when his mommy sent me pictures of two bedding sets for his nursery that she couldn’t decide between – one had monkeys, the other had a jungle theme. I would’ve bet money that lil Julian’s nursery would be done to the hilt in trains. His daddy, after all, is an engineer with Norfolk-Southern Railroad, and his pater... Read More
Comments (1)Bring farm life into a child's nursery
Growing up in the suburbs of a big city, I was always enamored by farm life. As a child, driving from our home in New Orleans to see aunts and uncles two hours away, I loved passing the farms, with their cows tucked behind long white fences, and rows of crops. I was 25 when I heard my first cow moo. I ate what I consider my very first fresh veggies at 31, when I moved to a small North Carolina tow... Read More
Comments (4)Baby can sport new digs this summer
With the end of school just around the corner, kids are undoubtedly dreaming of how they will be spending their freedom this summer. For me, it was hanging out in my neighborhood, which was full of kids my age. We’d form teams and play kickball in the street, softball in the empty lot across the street, or basketball in the driveway. Not a hot day passed that there wasn’t the sound of a ball bounc... Read More
Comments (1)Feather your baby’s nest with birds
It’s an odd time of year, isn’t it? Spring is sprung. When the weather is great, the pollen is terrible. And when the pollen is great, the weather is terrible. We just can’t seem to win. At least when I’m stranded inside, I have a lot to see as I look out the windows at my garden. There’s my copper-topped birdhouse, an iron bird bath, a rain gauge with a bronze feather on its holder, and a weeping... Read More
Comments (0)Does Your Kid’s Store Have the WOW! Factor?
I wasn’t planning on broadcasting to the entire readership of Kids Today that I just ate fast food for lunch, but I had such a good experience, I had to share it with juvenile retailers. Let me first offer a smidgeon of background: I have 10 years of retail experience, mostly in management, followed by six years as editor of some community newspapers, before joining the Furniture Today/Kids Today... Read More
Comments (3)CPSC seeks guidance on its toy safety guidance
The CPSC is requesting comments on which children’s products should be subject to the requirements of CPSIA Section 108. There is some talk about other products being added, such as strollers, bouncers, crib sheets, mattresses and bibs. As a refresher, Section 108, which went into effect on Feb. 10, permanently prohibits the sale of any children’s toy or child care article containing more than .... Read More
Comments (2)The dog days of a kid's life
Kids and dogs. Dogs and kids. They just go together. They have so much energy and enthusiasm; love their toys and getting dirty. The louder they are, the better they think it is. They have regularly-scheduled feeding times, and have to be calmed down so they can go to sleep at night. Why not let your child enjoy some dog days in their bedroom? Napping Greyhound Elephants on the Wall, $34.95 Shh... Read More
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