Tag: toddlers

Global Green Pals

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Perhaps one of my favorite toy concepts I’ve seen in a long time is Global Green Pals.  I came across the Global Green Pals while at the Go Green Expo and was immediately intrigued.  What first caught my eye about these dolls was the fact that they’re multicultural and very unique.  Growing up with not many multicultural dolls, it’s nice to see that toy companies are mirroring the diversity of the kids that love their toys.

Global Green Pals
What’s great about the Global Green Pals is that each one has a story.  All unique, their stories involve environmentalism and a fervor to save the Earth.  Though not available until this summer, check out the Global Green Pals’ site and get to know Offset Chet, Clean Air Kate, Pani Rani, Pink Coral Laurel and Recycle Kyle!  Just as the dolls are poised to Save the Earth, with every Pal purchased, a portion of the sales will go to 1% for the Planet.

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I love the concept behind these dolls and can see them becoming a huge hit!  It’s toys like Global Green Pals that epitomize The Next Kid Thing!

I’ll be sure to share more information about them once they’re available!

Retro Tees from Sandbox Threads

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

With temps hoovering in the high 80s today, I can’t help but look around for some summer duds for the boy.  We’re your typical t-shirt, shorts and flip flops kind of family in terms of summer attire.  We have several t-shirts with catchy sayings and ones with our favorite surf shops logos, but I always love a few retro tees thrown in the mix.  So, when I came across this expansive collection of cool logos, I was immediately drawn to Sandbox Thread’s Joystick design.  How appropriate!
joystick
Sandbox Threads specializes in original toddler t-shirts and baby onesies, and also offers organic options, as well as a variety of big kid and adult sizes, too.  Sinceimg_9812 Sandbox Threads is literally a pop operation, each shirt is unique and handmade.  It doesn’t get any better than that.  Whether you’re on the market for a funky shirt or retro cool onesie for your babe or as a gift, be sure to check out Sandbox Threads’ spectrum of cool designs.

If you’re not into geeky retro like me, how about some Lloyd Dobler or Molly love?

Bumkins Natural Collection

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Last week, I talked a bit about the significance of organic cotton, and how the softness and natural aspects make them so great for baby and kid products. Perhaps some of my favorite baby staples that we still use on a day-to-day basis are our Bumkins organic burpcloths, bibs and washtowels. In the abundance of bibs, towels and other baby textiles that we own, the organic terry bibs and cloths, with their pastel-colored satin and cotton trim on this collection make the Bumkin products quite distinctive.

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The quality of Bumkin products, in general, have always stood out to me; however, among all of our other baby textiles, the Organic Collection truly stand out because of the soft and plush feel.  I try to stay away from loud patterns, especially when the boy was an infant.  It always seemed like most bibs were mini-billboards with their cute sayings and characters, so I loved the neutral color of Bumkins bibs, particularly the chin bibs which look like a collar/halfbib.  The were small, but did the trick for mealtimes when we were dressed up or out and about.  Soft and functional, all the bibs and burpcloths are thick enough to absorb whatever comes our way. The bibs feature a velcro closure that can withstand even the strongest bib-resistant babe.

bumkinsburpcloths

From gentle newborn spongebaths to toddler repurposing—even after digging in the dirt at the park—the washcloths continue to serve us well at bathtime and for general cleanups.  Because of their natural color and distinctive feel, it never fails, I instinctively pull the Bumkin Organics before any of our other washcloth.  The Bumkin burpcloths (which we’ve repourposed as small towels) and washcloths are definitely a mainstay in our kiddie arsenal.

In addition to various other great kiddie products, Bumkin has a penchant for gorgeous packaging, so be sure to check out their giftsets if you’re on the market for baby gifts!

Goodies
And just for Next Kid Thing readers, just enter Nextkid09 for free shipping with any $50.00 order.  The coupon expires 4/30/09 and applies to ground shipping only.

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

It’s no big secret that we’re big robot fans.  So, I was pretty smitten when I came across House of Mongrel’s Robot Hoodie, just one of the many cool sweatshirts from the company’s line of organic kid’s clothes. The line, which launched August 2008, features 100% organic cotton t-shirts, bodysuits, hooded sweatshirts, caps, and more.
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The colors and vintage-inspired designs stood out when I approached their booth at the Go Green Expo.  And, it was no surprise that the products were super soft and well made.  Not only are their products stylish and unique, but they’re also green.  The products are rendered in water-based screen-printing inks, on vividly colorful, low-impact dyed fabrics.   House of Mongrel products, including the Robot Hoodie, can be found at various retailers, as well as online at stores like Kitsel.

BornFree unveils Eco-Friendly recyclable bottles

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

BornFree products just got a little greener:  the company now offers a new line of Eco-Friendly Recyclable bottles.  Back in December, I had the opportunity to participate in a panel of moms to weigh in on one of the brands that I consider synonymous with eco-friendliness and BPA-free baby products.

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BornFree gained popularity in the mom community just a few short years ago as the research and BPA findings in baby bottles picture-1became more rampant.  As with any tried and true product, I saw moms in my circle of friends and family spread the word about BornFree and soon, many families replaced their existing bottles with BornFree products.

So, what exactly is the Eco-Friendly bottle?  Essentially, the Eco-Friendly Recyclable bottle is the same as the original bottle, but in addition to being Pthalate, PVC and BPA-free, the bottles can be recycled when you no longer have use for them.  When you’re done with the bottles, you can just send them back to BornFree for recycling into their other products lines. Ingenious!

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There’s no place like home

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

As Dorothy infamously chanted, There’s no place like home…there’s no place like home.  Earth Day is a perfect reminder of just that sentiment!  Little Chickie Wear’s earth-loving onesie features a life long message that even the littlest tree hugger should live by.

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Designed by Gwen of Gwen Designs, this fun line of eco-friendly onesies, t-shirts and hats are all printed on 100% organic cotton.  The cuteness is endless.

I’m a Rocket Man…

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Cardboard rocketshipAt any given time, whenever there’s a box within reach, the “real” toys lose all of its lustre.  The box always wins as the best toy ever.  It’s the same for all kids though, right?


When I first saw this super cool cardboard rocketship on the interwebs awhile back, I immediately became a fan.  And so, when we saw the_rocket at the Go Green Expo in person, I almost wanted to unstrap the kid from his stroller and see if we could both fit.  kids_rocket_3

The_rocket from Cardboard Design, can be customized by the littlest artists with their medium of choice!  Cardboard Designs has a cool selection of cardboard furniture among other products, but the kids products are quite imaginative.  What’s cool about the cardboard products is that after the rocketship has reached its destination, it can be packed away in its own flat box.

We have enough boxes to keep us entertained for the time being, but still, what a cool, sustainable concept and an excellent alternative to plastic.

Read this: Into the Trees

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

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At the Go Green Expo, we discovered so many great companies and products, but one company that’s definitely worth mentioning is Greensender.com. This was actually the first booth we visited, but definitely one of the most memorable. Besides all of the great green gift ideas, Greensender.com also has Into the Trees, a wonderful book that’s filled with vibrant graphics about Mini G’s adventures with an Earth-loving message to match.

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Into the Trees, written by Mike Aaron and illustrated by Baby Einstein artist Nadeem Zaidi, explores natural beauty and the hidden secrets of the outdoors—messages completely relevant for year-round eco-consciousness and for readers of all ages.

Into the Trees is $12.95 and can be bought online at Greensender.com

While you’re there, be sure to check out the super cute Mini G gift package—what a great green baby shower gift idea!

Why choose organic cotton for babies and kids?

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Of all the materials out there, organic cotton has to be one of my favorites.  On laundry day, in a sea of freshly laundered t-shirts, without even looking, I know exactly when I’ve pulled out my favorite organic cotton Quicksilver t-shirt to be folded—there’s that much difference in softness!  But besides the super soft texture, many companies and manufacturers are adding and increasing organic cotton options to their existing lines. In some cases, new companies are emerging altogether because of this trend that’s here to stay.

cottonSo, what’s with organic cotton anyway?  What makes it so special and oh so soft?
Organic cotton is the version of its conventional counterpart grown without pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers or any other chemicals, making it an ideal textile for baby and children’s products.  Conventional cotton is one of the most chemically-dependent crops, sucking up 10 percent of all agricultural chemicals and 25 percent of insecticides on 3 percent of our arable land; that’s more than any other crop per unit. That adds up to 1/3 of a pound of chemicals to produce enough cotton for a t-shirt, and 3/4 of a pound for a pair of jeans.  Organic cotton on the other hand, uses agricultural methods designed to help sustain the land it grows on, the people who grow and harvest it, and the planet in general.  (via Treehugger)

Once again, like with other greener alternatives, organic cotton products tend to cost a bit more—for now.  As the demand for organic cotton products continue to increase–and organic products in general–prices will begin to balance out.  In 2006, organic fiber linens and clothing sales in the United States grew by 26 percent over the previous year, to reach $203 million, according to the Organic Trade Association’s 2007 Manufacturer Survey.

Because of its healthier composition and sustainable aspects, organic cotton is a great option for baby and kids’ products.  It certainly helps that organic cotton goodies are super soft and always hard to pass up.

To read more about organic cotton and its benefits check out these resources
Gaim on organic cotton
Cleaner cotton
The difference of organic cotton
The case for organic cotton
Organic cotton fact sheet