new products – The Next Kid Thing

NKT Does BlogHer in NYC

August 9, 2010August 9, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

I just spent four unforgettable days taking in the events and sessions surrounding the 2010 BlogHer conference that was held in NYC. And guys, I had the time of my life.

I connected with so many fabulous people, many of whom do what I “do,” but in a different niche, in a different area… I’ve been truly inspired by so many women, in a myriad of ways.

: Jen wishing Dora a happy birthday at the Nick Jr. booth at BlogHer

One of the many takeaways from BlogHer 2010 was a renewed perspective of the relationships I have with brands. Afterall, without brands and relationships, The Next Kid Thing wouldn’t be the blog that it is.

At the BlogHer sessions, at private events, in the expo or at parties, I met some of the many pr reps I’ve worked with over the years. And in some cases, I hugged and caught up with other pr reps and company reps that I already know and love. You all know who you are. And to the people who approached me and introduced yourselves, thank you. If you’re in the business of connecting with people, it just goes to show you how important an updated profile pic is on Twitter. Read More

Earth’s Best to Roll Out New Products

October 29, 2009October 29, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

A few weeks ago, together with some other parenting bloggers and members of the media, Earth’s Best invited me to attend a luncheon at Rouge Tomate in honor of their 25th anniversary. Even though I spent most of the luncheon being a mom since the kid was having a tough time in the childcare area, I missed most of the presentations, but did get to hear snippets of about Earth’s Best history and future.

Color Outside the Box with Lights, Camera, Color

October 14, 2009October 13, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Crayola had all kinds of fun goodies at the Holiday Showcase, but one simple and clever innovation in particular shows just why this company is associated with generations of creativity. With a new web application called Lights, Camera, Color, Crayola is once again thinking outside of the box—literally.

After uploading photos, the Lights, Camera, Color application gives kids a chance to print, color and customize their creations. Whether they’re photos from family gatherings, vacations, fun outings, field trips, birthday parties—you name it—kids can create their very own coloring pages.

boy-with-cape cp_boy-with-cape

final__boy-with-cape

Playmobil Egyptian Playset–Pyramid

October 13, 2009October 13, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

For those with history buffs or Indiana Jones wanna-be’s, Playmobil has a really cool line of toys inspired by Ancient Eygpt. At the Holiday Showcase, I had the chance to check out Playmobil’s Pyramid, part of the Egyptian line of playsets.

The pyramid features trap doors, revolving secret chambers, hidden vaults, secret passageways, just to name a few. With its removable pyramid walls, kids can hunt for the secret treasure chamber and explore the pyramid’s many features. Playmobil’s Pyramid is unique and interesting, especially for those who love adventures and history-influenced toys. The pyramid set includes four figures, tomb and many more accessories. Like many of Playmobil’s playsets, there are other play sets and add ons in the Eygpt line, including: Royal Ship of Egypt, Egyptian Chariot, Pharaoh’s Temple, Tomb with Treasures and Sphinx with Mummy.

These toy sets are suggested for 3 and up, but because of all the smaller pieces, I think it’s best suited for the 5-8 age range. Like any well made play set, the Pyramid is in a higher pricepoint. Having checked it out in person and making notes to myself about how impressed I was about this award-winning playset, I’d say it’s worth the $100 range for a set that detailed and intricate. The add ons and smaller sets run from 7.99 and up.

The Grass is Greener

October 12, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

…on the counter top!

The forward-thinking, creative minds over at Boon have done it again with another fantastic idea. They’ve combined a very simple idea and design to create a very cool countertop drying rack that channels a patch of grass.

The Grass Countertop Drying Rack features a two-piece design where baby and kid accoutrements rest on the blades of glass to dry, as water drains into the detachable lower tray. Grass is dishwasher-safe, in addition to being BPA, PVC and Phthalate-free.

Because of our small space, I appreciate kid products that can blend with our modern design, or in this case, add a bit of fun without being too cartoon-y. I love the clean lines, fun design and affordability of this new product ($19.99) from Boon. No word yet on when it’ll be out in stores, but I’m sure it’ll be available very soon!

Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower

October 7, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Last night, I attended the Big City Moms Biggest Baby Shower Ever, one of my most favorite events. This time, instead of attending as a new or expectant mama, I attended as press. That’s right, I perused hot strollers and noshed on cupcakes while admiring all the beautiful, glowing and glamorous NYC moms, all in the name of The Next Kid Thing! I remember telling one of my friends there that I certainly don’t remember being nearly as glamorous as many of the stiletto-heeled moms I saw in attendance! Wowza, there were some hot mamas there!

But that’s the beauty of NYC, everyone is so diverse: there moms that are very fashion forward, some are very knowledgeable about the latest trends in baby gear and then there are those who are just generally in the know. What ever it may be, it seems this is a hotbed for parents with discerning taste and we’re all influenced by one another. And because of that, there’s always a plethora of events showcasing the latest and greatest in kid and baby gear, which is part of the reason for me starting this blog.

Trust me, I’m not the most fashionable or in the know, but as a reporter by trade, innately, I love investigating and revealing these great finds.

If you’ve been with me since day one, one of my first posts was about the Spring Biggest Baby Shower. The fall event was just as fabulous, but with even more space for moms to spread out and check out the goods. This event once again took place at the American Girl Store on Fifth Ave. in NYC, but unlike the Spring event, this one occupied three whole floors, and it was gorgeous!

I know I haven’t even finished my wrap up of the Holiday Showcase, which is coming…but in the coming days, I will divulge some fabulous finds from the Biggest Baby Shower as well! As I edit and organize photos and media kits, for now, check out these hot products that I eyed at the event!

It’s Time to Play!

October 2, 2009October 2, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Yesterday, I had the unique opportunity to attend the Time to Play holiday showcase, an event that highlighted some of the latest innovative and noteworthy toys. In good company with many influential bloggers and online media representatives, I was fortunate to meet and connect with a lot of toy publicists and execs to hear all about the latest and greatest goodies for kids. Quite simply, it was toy heaven. Can this really be considered work?

I seriously can’t wait to talk about my finds and share all about some of the products that will definitely be creating lots of buzz. But for now, check out Time to Play’s picks for the top must-have toys for this holiday season!

Stay tuned for more!

Y Water? Why, of course!

May 12, 2009May 12, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

What do you get when you combine a nutritious drink that can be multi-purposed as a toy? Well, besides my kid’s sippy cup.

I’m talking about Y Water.
ywater1

On first impression, I was so intrigued by the eye-catching packaging. It’s almost like abstract art that contains a kiddie drink. In a similar vein of the wildly popular Vitamin Water, Y Water drinks, which are aimed at kids, are organic, low calorie beverages with vitamins and minerals. Y Water which hit the shelves in 2008 comes from Venice Beach, Ca. Y Water can be bought at various Whole Foods and health food stores on the West Coast, and seems to be making its way here on the East Coast.