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New York International Gift Fair: Still Green - Part IV
DIAPER BAGS/BABY CARRIERS TIMI & LESLIE Homebase: Los Angeles, CA DESIGNER/CREATOR: Leslie Newton Sizes: Athletic Bag: 12" h x 12" w x 3" d; Wholesale prices: $10-$195 Theme: The people who put fashionable diaper bags on the map Retailers know Timi & Leslie for their chic, pattern driven, practical diaper bags for moms. Now dads can get in on the action.
Favorites: The new Athletic Bags reference football, basketball and baseball with masculine sports motifs and surface textures that coordinate to the specific activity: The basketball bag has a pebbled texture like a basketball. They're handsome and practical too, with all the pockets, changing pad and magnetic snaps one expects from this company. Tel: 213-763-6114 E-mail: leslie@timiandleslie.com
A.TIERNEY Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER: Alyssa Tierney Wholesale prices: $4-$24 Theme: Nantucket chic Tierney's accessories have no bling, just good, clean, preppy appeal.
Favorites: The fresh green and white shopping tote from the City Collection functions just as well on the beach as it does as a practical diaper bag. Tel: 212-360-1166 E-mail: info@atierney.com
BABY BELLA MAYA Homebase: Thousand Oaks, CA DESIGNER: Marta Sala Wholesale prices for carriers: $20-$26 Theme: These ultra luxe satin carriers are for parents who think slings are for sprained arms. Fans of the company include Marcia Cross.
Favorites: A picture is worth a thousand words. Tel: 805-479-6352 E-mail: marta@babybellamaya.com
BUMBLE BAGS Homebase: City of Industry, CA DESIGNER/CREATOR: Jennie Lynn Johanson Sizes vary; Wholesale prices: $12-$16 for Snack Bags; $74 for the Natalie with insulated bottle pockets. Theme: "Stylish accessories for those who crave high quality and fashion rolled into the 'oh-so-perfect' diaper bag." Johanson's pretty patterned bags and car seat covers are for moms who embrace their femininity.
Favorites: The new Snack Bags with insulated pockets are not only attractive, they're practical too. Each zippered case has compartments that are adjustable so that big plastic container or two little baby food jars fit just right. It's a great item for those days on the beach or during a long car ride when you need to maintain the temperature of food and bottles. A mesh pocket in the top holds utensils. Tel: 626-934-8600 E-mail: info@bumblebags.com
DIAPER DUDE Homebase: Santa Monica, CA DESIGNER: Chris Pegula Wholesale prices: $17-$52 Theme: "Cool, hip, funky diaper bags for dad and mom." These are no effete "man bags." Diaper Dudes have all the bells and whistles you expect in a bag for mom (and now there's Diaper Diva for her, too) as well as rugged good looks.
Favorites: The grey herringbone bag is for the dad who wants accessories with a touch of elegance but doesn't mind getting his hands dirty on the playground. In other words, the kind of man we love. Tel: 213-622-6734 E-mail: info@diaperdude.com
PORTAMEe Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNERS: Robin Stein and Jennifer Gilbert Sizes: 5 months to 3 years or 35 pounds; Wholesale prices: $86 for bag, $18 for attachable headrest, and $18 for attachable waterproof baby cape Theme: Hands free child carrier with lumbar support
This is the fully loaded Jaguar of baby carriers. It's lightweight, provides lumbar support to give that aching back a boost; a side seat braces the infant while keeping the parent's hands free as well. There are pockets for your cell, keys, diapers and an insulated bottle holder. The material is breathable and wipes clean. The only thing missing is a nanny. Tel: 866-543-3919 E-mail: info@portamee.com
SUZIBELLA Homebase: Kennett Square, PA DESIGNER: Suzanne Longacre Wholesale prices: $22 for the Nappi Sak Theme: Elegant keepsake boxes, candles and a terrific, light weight tote Suzibella specializes in thoughtful baby gifts that can be personalized.
Favorites: Don't be fooled. The stylish fabrics and novel bamboo handles make this elegant tote look like a mere accessory, but open it and you'll find a moisture-tight case for wipes and diapers and a removable fabric pouch to hold necessities. Great for occasions when the baby is invited but a diaper bag looks out of place. Tel: 610-444-0780 E-mail: suzibella@comcast.net
NOVELTIES THE BABY BUNCH Homebase: New York, NY DESIGNER/CREATOR: Bryony Boxer Sizes: NB to 12 months; Wholesale prices: $15-$35 Theme: Flowers for mom and baby too What a brilliant idea this is. Boxer rolls cotton basics for babies into flower shapes and creates lovely "bouquets." Her new "flower" boxes let the customer see what's blooming inside and makes a great shelf display.
Favorites: In the box is the new Holiday Bunch with all white pieces. Bright green paper leaves and red flowers round out the mix.
Bouquets just right for boys and girls. Tel: 212-849-6862 E-mail: smartin@boxermartin.com
HOW-TOS PLAYFUL CHEF Homebase: Saratoga, CA DESIGNER/CREATOR: Tara Anderson Wholesale prices: $39.99 for cooking kit, $9.99 for apron Theme: "Playful Chef provides a sophisticated solution for helping parents to teach their children about healthy eating habits through cooking."
Here's a kit that includes 10 kid-sized tools that work, measuring spoons, safety and nutrition tips, six hands-on recipe cards with easy instructions for preparing healthy dishes and 11 illustrated learning lessons. With the right sized tools and instructions that take kids slowly through the a,b,c's of cooking, the gift is sure to inspire the next generation of Iron Chefs. Tel: 408-858-8859 E-mail: tara@playfulinc.com
BATH, SKIN AND HAIR CARE LA FRESH Homebase: Woodbury, NY CREATOR: Eve Yen Wholesale prices: Approximately $3.99 for four to six packets, $20 for a gift set of 48 Theme: "Travel wipes on the go" Traveling is a big part of the complicated lives we lead. One thing that drives me crazy about packing, is the necessities needed on the plane - toothbrush and toothpaste, the makeup remover to wipe off the smeared mascara - and now with all the restrictions of carry-on items, well, the whole thing's a big pain. This line of individually wrapped products make taking what you need a breeze.
Favorites: I tested the individually packed La Fresh sunscreen wipes on a recent trip to Maine. Each towelette is moistened with a lightly scented formula that covered my entire body and left a silky finish. After three hours on the beach my New York pallor was unchanged. What about the kids? The formula is sensitive enough for children's skin, too. No more lugging bottles of drippy lotion. The company's displays are eye catching and the boxes are elegantly colored. A Great product! What's Hot! Inc. Tel: 516-692-5472 E-mail: sales@whatshotinc.com
Originally published September 30, 2007
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