Reviews for Fashion Accessories
First of all, we love the entrepreneurial success story behind this product. Louise Stall, the inventor of CARES — Kids Fly Safe airline safety harness, is a grandmother of 9 who was inspired to make airplane travel safer for her own grandchildren and for all young children. As she watched her own kids struggle to fly with her small grandchildren, Louise recognized a problem that most of us have encountered. Normal airline seat belts are not safe for toddlers and preschoolers, and it’s nearly impossible to lug a car seat onto the plane along with carry-ons and children themselves. Sketches and work to file for a patent eventually led to a partnership with AmSafe who also manufactures most of the airline seat belts found on today’s flights. After 4 years of developing and testing the prototypes for safety, the FAA certified the CARES system as the first and only alternative to car seats allowed on planes. The best thing about the CARES system, aside from peace of mind, is that it weighs just one pound. It’s packaged in a small nylon travel pouch with an instructional dvd and a safety card similar to the one found on airplanes. It can fit easily in a carry-on bag or can even be carried by your grandchild. When installed, the restraint system itself looks similar to a 5-point harness system used in an infant or toddler/convertible car seat. It should be noted that installation varies slightly depending on the type of airline seats and tray tables on the plane (and this is clearly diagrammed on the instructional safety card). On seats with a “non-recessed” tray table the CARES is installed under the tray table of the person behind you (allowing that person to use the tray table). Thus the CARES can be used throughout the entire flight. On seats where the with a “recessed” tray table, the CARES is installed over the tray table, thus it can only be used during taxi, takeoff and landing. Cares is designed for children age 1 and older who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds. Louise and her family-run business suggest that airlines should be required to carry and offer the CARES restraint to any child flying with them who fits that profile — and that sounds good to us. In the meantime, if you have grandchildren who fall in that range consider presenting them (and their parents!) with this gift of safety and convenience, invented and brought to market by a concerned and industrious grandparent — bravo!
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We love Harrisville Designs’ fiber arts kits that teach children how to use their hands to make something functional and beautiful. This Peg Loom kit for beginners (ages 5 and up) is just one of several weaving kits Harrisville sells, in addition to kits for making potholders, knitting, felt making, and more. It includes a child-size handheld hardwood loom with slanted pegs to hold yarn in place, as well as a plastic needle, cotton warp string, and enough yarn to complete a project. This weaving method is easy and satisfying for younger children to use — threading the needle over and under the warp string until they produce their own fabric. And, with a little help from you, they can transform that fabric into their own textile product! Peg Loom and other fiber arts projects help your grandchild to develop fine motor, basic math and concentration skills. And, as an added bonus, they have great intergenerational appeal — it’s easy to envision a grandparent or parent sitting with a child to guide them through a weaving project. While they go about their business of producing high quality knitting yarns and handweaving equipment for both children and adults (check out their website to see their full-size looms and other products), Harrisville Designs is helping to preserve the textile heritage of its town, Harrisville, New Hampshire, where yarn has been spun since 1794. In an age where so many children’s toy and product manufacturers struggle to design something new, it’s refreshing to promote a line of products that keeps an ancient art current, making it available to an appreciative new generation, as well as their parents and grandparents.
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We love trying out products invented by parents who were inspired by their kids. In this case, it’s Little Capers — spawned from a mom whose toddler boy went through a typical superhero phase, set on wearing dish towel capes clipped to his shirt… anywhere. She had to do something! Many of us moms can relate, often feeling compelled to placate our young heroes with very un-original, un-stylish, and un-comfortable polyester costumes of superheroes who shall remain un-named. Alas, there is hope for our little heroes! Little Capers are 100% cotton, stylish T-shirts (with velcro-attached matching shiny capes) adorned with original positive hero-like images, such as a star, the earth, a peace sign or a thunderbolt. The shirts come in both short and long sleeves, and girl and boy colors and styles. Better yet, they’re made in Los Angeles, U.S.A. in a “non-sweatshop” facility. Choose from infant sizes (without capes), on up to size 8. My daughter loves her black with pink and sparkly silver star shirt, and I love that it’s stylish and can be worn with our without the pink sparkly cape. I also love that the message it sends is nonviolent and noncommercial — almost impossible these days. With this gift, you and your grandchild will both be heroes!
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Since Spring sprung, my friend has been raving about her new JJ Cole Bundle Me Lite infant car seat and stroller cover, so I decided to have a look (and a zip!) for myself. Well, it sure is handy — perfect for those times of year when frigid temps are only found in overly air conditioned buildings, or for those of you who are lucky enough to live in a civilized climate year-round. Most moms will tell you that the best thing about car seat covers is that they don’t need to struggle to put a jacket on their baby before they run out the door. But once the thaw begins and the winter covers become too warm, they have to resort to using light blankets instead, which get kicked off readily and need to be constantly adjusted. Similar to the original BundleMe (and other car seat and stroller covers) for cold weather, the BundleMe Lite attaches to your grandchild’s infant car seat (or stroller) with ease, using the car seat’s straps, but not interfering with its safety mechanisms. Your tiniest grandchild will be strapped in securely and surrounded by the BundleMe Lite. The BundleMe Lite’s inner fabric and nylon backing are new and improved, making it super comfortable in warmer temps. It’s like a windbreaker with a thin soft cotton inner lining. The outer layer is wind and water resistant but still light, so it’s great for cooler days or evenings, or a quick dash in a light drizzle. The BundleMe Lite is also helpful in the summertime to protect baby from sunburn (infants are typically too young for sunscreen), and to provide a cool, breathable layer between your grandchild’s backside and the car seat or stroller. And let’s not forget that the BundleMe Lite looks great! Shown here in graphite, the outer layer sports some nice designer stitching. The new mom in your life may not know she needs the BundleMe Lite, but once you present it to her, she’ll have a new “spring” in her step, and will be off to tell her friends about it!
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Deglingos are the most creatively designed plush stuffed animals on the market today. Whether you choose familiar creatures, like Nonos The Dog, Ronronos The Cat, Lapinos the Bunny or Milkos the Cow — or less traditional friends, like Molos The Lobster (see photo), Pikos The Hedgehog, Ratos The Rat, BigBos The Wolf, or Chikos The Hen — be prepared to adjust your thinking on what plush toys, or stuffed animals, are all about. Yes, Deglingos are perfect for cuddling, but they’re also conversation starters. These animals have personalities (sense of humor included), giving you and your grandchild a starting-off point for imaginary play. We could go on and on about the wide varieties of colors and quality fabrics used to create these unique designs and personalities, but you should see for yourself. Deglingos are sure to delight!
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You may have noticed that flip-flops have become the footwear of choice for many teenage girls and young women over the past few years — even in cooler months. These flip-flop socks are a great gift for your older granddaughter, allowing her to extend her flip-flop season, while ensuring her tootsies stay snug. The socks are made in Japan — the official home of this style of footwear, and come in neutral-colored patterns (green leaves or blue leaves), as well as cute frog or rabbit patterns. Of course, the cotton, nylon and polyester blend socks feature a separate section for your granddaughter’s big toe. They are 13″ long and should fit most teenage, college-age and mom-size feet. We should note that we’re not condoning flip-flop use in the snow, but we do understand the importance of fashion for teens. With these socks, your granddaughter will be a trend setter at school and beyond. And you’ll feel great about how practical they are!
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The mom & dad team who designed the new Burp Armor burp cloth take the “armor” part of their product’s name seriously. Burp Armor is the ultimate protection from everyday dribble. The product is shaped to rest securely on your shoulder and to cover body surfaces that are typically victimized. Furthermore, Burp Armor’s quality construction allows it to stay in place. It’s made with two layers of hemp/organic cotton fleece on top, plus a single layer of hemp/organic cotton corduroy that provides the unique non-slip undersurface. Burp Armor also has baby’s wellbeing and comfort in mind. The cloths are pre-washed in fragrance- and perfume-free soap and are incredibly soft — so much so that when they retire from active duty, they can easily become a favorite “lovey” for babies and toddlers. And of course, Burp Armor products are beautifully designed. Fashion-conscious parents will love the “natural” color main fabric combined with any one of several fun borders, such as “creamsicle stripe” and “candy stitch.” Finally, Burp Armor comes all wrapped up and delivered in a beautiful eco-friendly package. Burp Armor is a perfect baby gift — it’s new and hip, yet it’s also amazingly practical. What more could a new mom ask for?!
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Your older granddaughter will feel good about being bundled up in this fair trade patchwork wool scarf that is hand-made by women artisans in Nepal. Since each scarf is hand-crafted, every one is wonderfully unique! The program in which the artisans participate is called Sana Hastakala. Started by UNICEF, it helps underprivileged artisans with business and community development. Choose this scarf, or browse through World of Good’s beautiful selection, from wools, to rayons and silks. And don’t forget to check out all of the different products World of Good makes available via fair trade programs throughout the world.
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These 100% cotton beach towels by Lillian Vernon are “thick and thirsty,” so will be sure to get your grandchild good and dry. There are many colorful silkscreened designs (for boys and girls to choose from, such as this truck pattern for little boys. You can custom-embroider your grandchild’s name, up to 12 letters. You can also purchase a matching terry toiletry bag, which can also be personalized. An adorably perfect set for the bath, beach, or pool.
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These 100% cotton beach towels by Lillian Vernon are “thick and thirsty,” so will be sure to get your your grandchild good and dry. There are many colorful silkscreened designs (for girls and boys) to choose from, such as this crazy hearts pattern for girls. You can also purchase a matching crazy hearts cover-up/robe (see our review), and a crazy hearts toiletry bag. An adorably perfect set for the bath, beach, or pool!
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