droolicious : first look

First Look: Offi Nester Boxes

Nicole Feliciano — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:30:00 GMT

A stackable space solution from Offi.

Finding space for all the stuff kids bring into your life is a constant battle.

Sure there are cheap and ugly solutions like milk crates and under the bed bins, but we like to think a tad more creatively. Out of the box if you will. That’s why we love the new Nester Boxes from Eric Pfeiffer for Offi.

Think about those Russian nesting dolls your girls love so much, and then think about storage. These four boxes stack on top of one another or nest inside each other for transport and shipping.

Available in walnut ($499) or maple ($449), these clever boxes can easily be repurposed when the kids fly the coop. For now they can display books, Barbies or Bakugan.

The Nesters are not available until late August, find them on Offi.com.

First Look: Greenplay Submarine

Nicole Feliciano — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Sing it: We all play in a yellow submarine!

This way-cool plaything caught our eye at the 2009 International Contemporary Furniture Fair. This Greenplay play structure ($3,950) can be used as a desk, fort or whatever your kid dreams up.

Grenplay is a children’s environment company. They design items that walk the line between toy and furniture. The components are crafted from recycled, renewable and low-impact material. All the coatings have low or zero VOC emission.

There are quite a few seating options in the line, but the Submarine Activity Station by Joe Fiacchino for Skyline Design caught our eye. Measuring 81” long and 47 “ high, the sub is constructed of formaldehyde-free MDF with FSC certified birch veneer/ top is 100% post-consumer pot-industrial recycled plastic.

The colors were vivid and the play options numerous. We simply can’t get enough of deigns like this that make us want to be three again.

Check with Greenplay for availability.

First Look: Cybex Strollers

Nicole Feliciano — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Cybex strollers hit the streets late this summer.

Look out Silver Cross and Maclaren, there is a new high-end stroller brand en route to the US and they plan to turn the heads of fashionable American parents.

Last week, Cybex previewed their new line of buggies and baby gear in New York. The colors were bold and sophisticated, the construction clean and sturdy. Cybex designs their line in Kulmbach, Germany and manufacturers at their own plant in China—quality control was stressed again and again.

The brand is extremely popular in Europe and now thanks to a new partnership (Regal Lager), Cybex is coming to Amrica. First up, Cybex will be rolling out four stroller models in the US: Ruby, Onyx, Topaz and a sublime city pram called the Calisto (shown).

Moms are sure to swoon for the ingenious one-pull harness (found on all the models). It adjusts like a well-made car seat--taking the fussy task of tightening the harness and making it a thing of the past. And the hood attachment is one of the cleanest we’ve found.

Ruby, the lightest stroller, weighs about 12 lbs. and will start at $140. Prices go up with added features until you reach the deluxe model, the 19 lb. Calisto (priced around $350). This jazzy Calisto will have aluminum wheels, adjustable handlebars, and four recline positions and will accommodate the Cybex car seat. Place your orders now for August 1st shipping.

First Look: K Studio Family Series Pillows

Nicole Feliciano — Wed, 20 May 2009 14:30:00 GMT

A different kind of family portrait. K Studio offers an appealing option to the stuffy family picture session—a gorgeous hand-sewn pillow.

The K Studio Family Series Pillows are a modern family portrait free from fake smiles and torturous sitting sessions. The K Studio designers use sustainable fabrics for the pillows then personalized them with embroidered characters to represent your family. There’s lots of room for experimentation. First pick your fabric and thread (our pick: Off-white hemp/organic cotton fabric paired with red thread) and decide on the size (the 18” version goes for $152).

Next it’s time to play with the family. We love the long, leggy characters and the whimsical pets. Make the pillow represent the family you want or already have…you select an arrangement of characters and pets. Pick up to six family members (there are a variety of sizes and shapes) and up to two furry friends. This is a great heirloom item with a modern twist.

First Look: Kokopax Baby Carrier

Nicole Feliciano — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Not a sling type? Kokopax is a soft new baby hauling solution.

Sarah Spoor a mom of four (go figure) dreamed up the new Kokopax carrier. Sarah must have needed her hands free to take care of the brood. Some how this craft mama found the time to make her notable contribution to baby gear: a comfortable carrier that appeals to style-savvy moms.

Unlike slings, the Kokopax carrier distributes weight evenly. The carrier can be used for babies six months up until two years (maxing out at 35 pounds). Technically sound, what makes us love the Kokopax are the little touches. The padded straps are mighty comfortable and we love the cushion on the lower back portion. Not to mention the five-point harness, lightweight frame (weighs less than three pounds), and handy kickstand.

Our pint-sized tester enjoyed the ride--nice and cozy in the seat. There’s even a toy ring to keep baby entertained—but our tester found the world’s-eye-view stimulating enough.

Finally then there's the fashion aspect. Covered in stylish modern fabrics, Kokopax is decidedly more chic than a traditional baby backpack. Colors and prints range from “Licorice” (basic black) to “Buds” a sophisticated Asian print. $179.99

Use code mmtren2009 to receive a 10% discount on any order from www.kokopax.com.

First Look: Argington Miniature Set

Nicole Feliciano — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:30:00 GMT

Not your standard dollhouse furniture—mini modern design set from Argington.

Most designers show off their big ideas at design shows. Not so, Argington. At Brooklyn Designs, this NYC company highlighted some mighty small wares.

While we love the bunk beds, toy trunks and cribs from the duo behind Argington, these minis stole the show. Andrew Thornton and Jenny Argie (squish the names together and you get Argington) put together a special 20-piece collection of their children’s furniture designs and packaged it in a wooden valise. Full of delicious details and deep hues, this toy is definitely adult eye candy.

How perfect—when everyone else is cutting costs and corners, this pair is thinking big by thinking small. They crafted only 20 of these limited edition sets which include shrunken versions of their popular pieces, such as the Giza table and Sahara crib. $1000 for the set; Contact Argington directly for more information.

First Look: Pulp Magnetic Memory Boards

Nicole Feliciano — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Preschool photo day, babysitter notes, grocery lists.... keep it all organized with a stylish magnetic memo board.

Staying on top of all life’s details has never been harder. With today’ hyper-scheduled families, reminders need to be front and center, making the memo board an essential tool in the battle to stay afloat.

Don’t think you have to downgrade the look of your kitchen with a shabby corkboard. Pulp Products are equally utilitarian and pretty. The big 22” x 22” Magnetic Memo Boards ($42) are handcrafted and covered with designer fabrics. Pick from 24 modern fabrics (we love the dots)—six stylish button magnets included. You won’t be embarrassed to put this up on a focal wall in the kitchen or to use it as a keepsake holder in a nursery or kids room.

First Look: Tiny Love Musical Stroller Toy

Nicole Feliciano — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:30:00 GMT

Time to hit the streets with a background beat.

Now that winter has gone, moms and dads are hitting the pavement with strollers and babies. If you intend on enjoying that cup of java you better take along some entertainment. Tiny Love has some new stroller toys that just hit the market. The Musical Nature Stroll has plenty to keep baby amused while you grab some fresh air.

What to do? There’s a baby-activated musical mirror with 3 groovy tunes (ok, maybe “Pop Goes the Weasel” isn’t for everyone), a propeller to spin, a parrot rattle to shake and more. We love that baby can’t toss this toy out of the stroller—it attaches firmly with two hooks. Buy at Albee Baby for $15.95

First Look: Sun Busters SPF 50 Swim Clothing

Nicole Feliciano — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:30:00 GMT

Time to suit up against the sun.

Kids hate to be lathered in protective sun cream. But they will wear trendy swim clothing without a fuss. For families who love the outdoors Sun Busters is a cool solution.

Sun Busters swimwear line has a built-in UPF of 50+ to protect children from over 98% of dangerous UV rays. Groovy rash guards and board shorts look surf ready. How cute are these pieces from the Summer 2009 line:

Apple green & peach long sleeve rash guard $42.99 (available later this spring)

Apple green & peach girls board short $32.99 (available later this spring)

Apple green bucket hat $23.99

Besides looking rad, you know you’ve got some serious protection when the Skin Cancer Foundation supports your gear. Sun Busters sizes range from sizes 3 months to 12 years.

First Look: Disney Organics by Disney Baby

Nicole Feliciano — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Disney delivers organic baby fashions.

Earth Day garnered a lot of attention last week, but green parents think about the environment all year long. To the delight of many wallets, there are more and more value-priced options that are doing away with pesticides and chemicals. Disney is jumping into this green marketplace with a line of organic cotton baby clothing.

Disney Organics by Disney Baby is a line of well-priced, subtly-styled clothing. These tasteful fashions are embellished with the lovable Winnie the Pooh (no day-glo race cars or glitter princesses in this collection). What could be sweeter than this boy’s coverall with matching hat in a blue and cream? Girls’ items include sleepers and dresses paired with bloomers. Find them at JC Penney stores and JCPenney.com. The suggested price of the pieces is $26.99, but we found them on sale for $19.99.

Sneak Peek at LEGO Rock Band (Coming Holiday 2009)

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Jeanne's earlier post about an upcoming LEGO boombox feels like a great companion piece to this little preview of the first-ever LEGO Rock Band videogame, announced this week and due in stores this holiday season. Under development now by TT Games, the game will hit stores via Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, but in true brick-building fashion, LEGO Group, Harmonix and MTV Games are all adding pieces to the effort.

While Rock Band and Rock Band 2 certainly have their family-friendly potential, LEGO Rock Band is the first title in the series to focus exclusively on family friendliness: The overall gameplay looks to be pretty much the same as we're used to -- although in this case, when you build a band to rock the world, you literally build a band to rock the world. But the lovable minifig characters, trademark cheeky humor, and game-exclusive track listing (which includes Good Charlotte and Pink alongside novelty hits like Carl Douglas' "Kung Fu Fighting") all have their sights set on our kids and inner kids.

LEGO Rock Band will be compatible with all Rock Band instruments when it ships for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii, and it'll also be interesting to see how the game translates to handhelds when TT Games and Harmonix team up with Backbone Entertainment to ready it for Nintendo DS. We don't have much else in the way of details for any of the upcoming versions, but watch this space -- and in the meantime, enjoy these early screen shots from the game:

First Look: Kalon Dresser

Nicole Feliciano — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Sublime green dresser.

A decade ago, designs for the nursery were saccharine and oh-so-stale. Nowadays designers are putting their talents to work for the pint-sized aesthete. Take the Ioline collection from Kalon Studios. Michaele Simmering and Johannes Pauwen founded the modern eco-friendly collection for their daughter Io.

Last year we swooned for the IoLine Changing Trunk ($520 and up). This gorgeous and simple piece was the perfect solution to diapering. Now the changer has a new home…atop the Ioline 3-drawer dresser.

There’s nothing babyish about this sleek, modern dresser. Made with 100% all natural, non-toxic and eco-friendly materials and manufactured locally, this is the perfect piece to highlight on Earth Day. The wood is finished with an oil Kalon developed that is so green that it’s food grade. That said, we still wish it were less pricey. ($1795)

First Look: Trendy Outfit for Moms-to-Be

Nicole Feliciano — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:30:00 GMT

Motherhood doesn’t equal frumpyhood.

We get it. No one wants to spend a mint right now on maternity clothes. But that doesn’t mean you have to live in stretched out sweats. We’ve found a trendy new outfit from Motherhoodmaternity.com that will have you feeling “in” without maxing out your credit card.

For a kicky spring outfit we love the boyfriend jean paired with a girly ruffle top. Motherhood Maternity's charmeuse blouse with ruffle neck and banded smock bottom will work for date night or a girls’ brunch ($19.98). And the jeans look just like the pair Katie Holmes wears out and about. Since we don’t have Tom’s bankroll we think spending under $50 for these Motherhood Maternity's Destructed Secret Fit Belly boyfriend jean ($44.98) sounds about right.

First Look: Bamboo Mobile

Nicole Feliciano — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Bring a bit of nature to the nursery.

Funny how new parents instantly become environmentalists. (Who wants to leave a cruddy world for their offspring?) If you’ve been hunting for green décor for the baby’s room check out this new mobile from Petit Collage.

This Tree Friends Mobile is laser-cut from bamboo (a renewable resource). Here's the scene: A little owl nests in the tree, a porcupine scurries below and a bird flies overhead. Sweet and simple, yet clean and modern. The mobile is strung on clear thread and requires minimal assembly. ($68)

First Look: Kid-O Blocks

Nicole Feliciano — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Blocks with big ideas and low-impact.

Want a toy that will never gather dust and won’t harm the environment? Look no further than the classic wooden block. We’ve uncovered a new set at KidO that will throw pint-sized builders a curve ball.

City & Country Unit Blocks: Step III Geometric Extensions offers children the chance to go beyond basic squares and rectangles and explore varied triangles, and curves. Just the thing for aspiring Frank Gehrys.

Playthings from NYC’s City & Country School inspired these KidO blocks. The school’s founder believed that open-ended work materials are perfect for dramatic play and opening the imagination. This is KidO's third (and final?) set. It includes 36 pieces--some plain, some colored--and is geared towards children ages four and up.

And what could be greener than blocks (these are made from 100% European beech wood). These beauties won’t end up in the landfill or polluting the oceans. ($64)

First Look: Graco SnugRide32 Infant Car Seat

Nicole Feliciano — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:30:00 GMT

An infant car seat built to last the first year.

Graco fans were bummed when thier babies quickly outgrew the popular SnugRide infant seat. When junior reached 29” or 22 lbs, it used to be time to give up this cushy ride for a heavier and less portable car seat option.

Enter the SnugRide 32. This car seat's got all the features parents loved from the original (EPS foam, 5-point harness, correct install indicator, comfortable handle, etc.) but now this seat now accommodates a child up to 32 lbs and 32” tall.

According to Graco, the SnugRide32 fits 97% of one year-olds making it easier to meet safety recommendations of riding rear facing for one full year. (In fact, the AAP just released new research indicating that toddlers are safer riding rear-facing up to their second birthday). The SnugRide32 weighs in at 15.7 pounds and sells for $169.99.

First Look: Oh Plah! Green Teething Bracelet

Nicole Feliciano — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Superhero bracelet for moms.

Admit it. You’ve been caught in the desperate situation with a crabby teething baby and nothing appropriate to give the little guy to gnaw. So you resort to handing over the cell phone, your keys or some other dirty and not so kid friendly object.

Roundhouse Design Collaborative to the rescue. In honor of Earth Day, they introduced a special edition of their Oh Plah! teething bracelet called the Energy Bracelet.

This bright green bracelet is trendy (love the windmill design)—and cool enough to don for brunch with gal pals or a PTA meeting with the top brass. When junior wakes from his nap and starts to fuss, hand over the bracelet and let him chew to his heart’s content.

All of the Oh Plah! bracelets (the unusual name comes from the French term, "Here you go") are free of paints, lead, latex, PVC, BPA and phthalates. ($24.99; 10% proceeds to benefit environmental charities). Use coupon code: 409bab20 for a 20% discount.*

*expires 4/30/09

First Look: Peanut Shell Heirloom Sling

Nicole Feliciano — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Wear your baby in the latest fashion.

Babywearing is nothing new. Busy moms and dads have been strapping on kids for ages. What is new is the delightful assortment of fashionable sling options. A new favorite is the Peanut Shell sling. Moms love that the slings come in three sizes (S-M-L), because one size does not fit all.

For spring 2009, Peanut Shell is looking to the past. The collection is called “heirloom” (click here for a preview) and we think the sensibility is right on. It feels strange to sport shiny new things in this recession. The trend to shop at vintage stores is hot and this new line fits right in. The slings’ earthy hues and handmade feel make it an ideal subtle accessory. Flashy is definitely out.

The Heirloom Baby Sling collection features “hand-touched” details and vintage-style packaging. We love the antique-inspired trim. The slings go online next week and will ship in May. ($138)

First Look: Babymel X2 Diaper Bag for Twins

Nicole Feliciano — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:30:00 GMT

The new X2 offers a novel approach to managing gear for multiple kids.

Twins may mean double the fun, but they also means double the stuff (four diapers in the bag instead of two, two emergency bottles instead of one...you get the picture). The London ladies behind the Babymel brand have you covered. Their latest offering --The Babymel X2--is designed for parents with two kids to wrangle. ($98)

The genius feature: The X2 is comprised of two separate bags that can be clipped together or separated as needed. Say one parent heads home for naptime and the other stays at the swings. No one is left exposed. Flustered parents of multiples will appreciate the wipe clean linings, insulated bottle pockets and changing mats. Plus the new Strollerstrap allows the bag to be converted from stroller to shoulder with a zip of Velcro.

X2’s got clean modern looks, resembling a messenger bag, and it’s made of a lightweight, ripstop fabric. We think it's time has come.

First Look: Medela Breastfeeding Bottles

Nicole Feliciano — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Breastfeeding tools to make life simpler.

Medela wants moms to breastfeed as long as possible. To make this job a little easier, the brand has introduced a new 8-ounce Polypropylene Breastmilk Bottle and two new Wide Base Nipples.

These latest products are Bisphenol A-free (just like the rest of Medela’s line) and offer mom a higher volume storage and feeding option. As baby gets older, 5-ounce feedings no longer seem to fill the belly. So this bigger serving bottle should do the trick nicely. And the wide nipples aim to replicate the nursing experience even when mom can't be there.

The 8-ounce breastmilk bottles attach to all Medela pumps and are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. The bottles are sold in a set of three (set also includes travel caps, solid lids, collars and Medela's new wide base medium flow nipples). Available soon at e-tailers selling breastfeeding supplies. ($16.99)

First Look: Green Dollhouse from Plan Toys

Nicole Feliciano — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Forget about Barbie’s dream house. We’ve found a playhouse for the green generation.

At the latest Toy Fair in NYC, Plan Toys debuted their Green Dollhouse. The house is designed to help children think about energy in a whole new way. And it turns out it’s fun to embrace sustainable living.

The energy efficient design includes a wind turbine and a solar cell panel. There’s also a rain barrel and a biofacade for summer shading. And let’s not forget the recycling bins! Who knows what else your kids will dream up with this inventive toy. Pair the house with the 5-room furniture set (made of eco-friendly rubberwood and vetiver grass board).

Buy the house and the Green Furniture Set for $240.

First Look: Dolls for Sporty Girls

Nicole Feliciano — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:30:00 GMT

While we are fully aware that he world’s most glamorous doll is celebrating a birthday this year (the big 5-0), we are smitten with a new girl in town.

Her name is Cassie and she is one of nine new Go!Go! Sports Girls dolls ($22.99). These dolls are designed to help young girls celebrating sport. Running, basketball, swimming, golf and more. The idea is to teach girls it is cool to be strong and active—not just another pretty face.

According to the press materials, Cassie is speedy and loves to score goals. Her favorite position is right forward and her motto is “Dream Big and Go For It!” (lest you forget the message, it is also printed on her tummy for extra inspiration).

We found Cassie and her cohorts at the last Toy Fair and thought this company was onto something good. The 14” dolls are made from a high quality cloth and each character comes with her own sporty accessories (Cassie’s got a soccer ball, towel and backpack). Here’s to seeing more girls in cleats and fewer in high heels!

First Look: Pearhead Wall Art

Nicole Feliciano — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:30:00 GMT

A new way to preserve first memories from Pearhead.

Those perfect little baby fingers are so delicious. We think they deserve to be commemorated. Pearhead has a modern new design that is an inventive way to preserve this moment in time (once babies start crawling it’ll be tough to get him to sit still for the painting process).

Pearhead Modern has a brand new Handprint Wall Art Set ($26). The set includes four blank canvases in bright pop colors and all the tools necessary to create some groovy baby-centric wall art. Grab a friend and splash the white paint cute baby parts. You're on your way to capturing the beauty of those chubby little hands and toes. Also available in a pink color scheme.

First Look: Meet Disney's Newest Princess: Tiana

Nicole Feliciano — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:30:00 GMT

The hottest Disney-style chick flick of '09 delivers the ultimate dress-up outfit.

For the past 70 years little girls have been infatuated with Disney princesses. Snow White, Belle, Ariel...if you've got a little girl it's nearly impossible to keep her from falling in love with these damsels and divas. This fall Disney will début the latest in the lineup of glittery and brave girls: Tiana, the heroine of the upcoming movie, The Princes And The Frog.

Anika Noni Rose will be giving the voice to Disney’s first African American princess (hmmm, could it have anything to do with those two cuties in the White House?). The 2D animation film will be set in New Orleans and has loads of musical numbers. But we know most girls will crave what she's wearing so here's a look at Tiana's gown. Our prediction: Princess Tiana gowns will be selling BIG this Halloween season in anticipation of the film event. Available in Disney Stores late summer ($89.99). Tiara sold separately.

First Look: Puddlegear Outerwear

Nicole Feliciano — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:30:00 GMT

If the forecast calls for rain, count on Puddlegear to keep tots dry.

Snowsuits are a great head-to-toe solution for nasty winter weather. But what about blustery, rainy days? You know, the kind of storms that turn unmbrellas inside out. Puddlegear, a comprehensive rain gear collection for kids, is one solution.

We say, bring on the mud. In these pants and coats, kids can stay dry and warm. Certified by Oko-tex, this gear is free of harmful chemicals found in some plastic raincoats. Instead Puddlegear is made of Atek, a Polyurethane-coated stretch fabric. The snaps and closures are all kid-friendly so your child won’t groan when it’s time to suit up.

The models we tested were light and easy to wear. Perfect for an on-the-go toddler. The adjustable pants have a stirrup bottom (that stays neatly tucked into rain boots) and all pieces are accented with reflective safety trims. Sets include a bibbed trouser and a hooded jacket ($125). Sizes 80-130 cm (about 32 inches and up). Pieces are also sold individually.