Blog Archives - Page 5 of 25

December 12, 2023 by Elena Epstein

We always enjoying chatting with the creative founders of our NAPPA Award winning toys. Today we’re spotlighting Purpose Toys. The mission behind this Los Angeles-based company is all about celebrating culture and giving children dolls that represent their unique heritage. We’re excited to introduce you to the founder and CEO as we chat about being a mom and entrepreneur.

Please tell us a little about the mission behind Purpose Toys and what led you to start this company.

Purpose Toys was founded in 2020, ignited as a result of the unfathomably tragic events of that year. My son and millions of Black children were exposed to unbearably negative rhetoric aimed at our community. During this period, I recall cocooning my son with stories and images that represented the best of who we are. Purpose Toys was created as my way of cocooning the children of my community with playthings that represent the best of our Culture, and who we are as a people.

DeeDee Wright-Ward, founder and CEO of Purpose Toys, with her son.

As a mom and an entrepreneur, why do you think creating toys with a cultural mission is important?

As POC (“People of Culture”) we are more than our skin. Many of us have cultural language, cultural clothing, cultural hairstyles, food, art dance music! With our NATURALISTAS and LATINISTAS doll lines, we are changing the discussion around representation to include nuanced cultural storytelling in toys, not just (what my team calls) “ambiguous multiculturalism”. Our goal is to position Children of Culture to feel like the main character in their play experience, and not a sidekick as part of a multi-cultural line.

What toys did you play with as a child?

My fire engine red race car (with blue and white stripes). Lol …and, of course, fashion play. But playing with Black fashion dolls in the 80’s felt, at times, confusing. As a coily-haired kid, sometimes I was left with feelings of inadequacy playing with Black dolls with extremely straight hair. What would have done wonders for me, and many African American girls, is to have had entire line of Black Natural Hair fashion dolls like Naturalistas! Growing up in western society, Black women and girls are made to feel unusual about our unique tresses, rather than celebrated. At Purpose Toys, we’re changing that by uplifting our community and natural hair with beautiful and accessible CULTURE-driven products for kids.

Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

My grandmother was my biggest cheerleader and mentor growing up. Noticing my creative talents early on, my grandparents provided me with every resource necessary to refine my interests. It is because of my grandparents’ unwavering support, I was able to successfully pursue careers in creative fields (music, fashion and now toys).

Best life advice you received growing up?

Pursue what makes you happy.

How has parenthood changed you?

Parenthood is the longest service-oriented position any one person is blessed enough to hold. Better to give than to receive, to be of service to my little boy as he adorably evolves into the man he is destined to be, is literally the greatest gift.

What advice do you have for mom entrepreneurs who are trying to juggle life and career?

Align yourself with professionals willing to share their resources, not just advice. Too often I hear entrepreneurs, when asked similar questions, give vague daily affirmation-like advice, like ‘believe in yourself.’ You can ‘believe in yourself’ all you want, but if you lack a network of decision-makers to help bring your ideas to market, belief alone won’t get you very far. In addition to being the largest Black-owned CULTURE-driven toy company in the nation, Purpose Toys also prides itself on being a “Pipeline to Major Retail for Toy Entrepreneurs of Culture.” I am one of few Black women who can say I not only built a multi-million dollar business for myself, I built a multi-million dollar business for a fellow Black woman, a mother and toy entrepreneur. And through Purpose Toys (and Purpose Toys LATIN) I will do it again and again.

What would you tell your middle school self?

Your hair is beautiful and so are you.

When not working, where will we find you?

Exploring soulful old-school music catalogs with my son.

What are some of your favorite spots and activities in and around LA that you enjoy with your teenage son and on your own?

Temescal Canyon hike trail will always hold a special place in my heart. Will Rogers State Park, where my son practices polo, (not LA but) Big Sur, Ojai and any freshly powdered CA mountain.

October 29, 2023 by

We’re thrilled to chat with Bill Nichols and Peter Cmiel of Blip’s Toys, who have won NAPPA Awards several times.

Thank you for sharing your story with us and our readers.

1. Please tell us a little about your company’s mission.

Our mission is to offer innovative toys at reasonable prices. We think of ourselves as a speedboat among cruises ships as compared to the large toy companies, bringing new products into the market in a matter of months versus years. One example of this was the Zoom-o disc launcher. Back in the mid 2000’s we showed Target stores a working prototype in February and they loved it. The challenge was they wanted it in stores for summer that year! We challenged our operations team and we were able to build the tooling, complete production and ship it in under 90 days, making it in store by June. That item has sold millions to date and is still being sold today.

2. What made you want to start this company?

Bill: While working in the toy industry as a frustrated salesperson I saw many opportunities left unanswered. Very few companies actually listened to retailers’ needs so I thought what a great opportunity to actually listen and develop for actual opportunities on shelf. So, starting Blip allowed me to pursue new products and categories in the marketplace with instant support.

Peter: Prior to forming Blip, I worked as a toy inventor and became frustrated in getting manufacturers to bring my ideas to market. With the creation of Blip, I was able bring those ideas from concept to production and into the hands of consumers. Part of that process is not only seeing that item make it to the market, but being in control of the process to ensure that its outcomes match my original vision.

3. Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

Bill: I’ve been very Lucky. I had many mentors, in all areas, toy sales, design, retail merchandising, product development. It’s important to listen and play out of your comfort zone.

Peter: One of my key mentors was my first employer out of college. He was an ex-Tonka toys executive and introduced me to the complex toy world. When I first started, I asked him what my job description was and he said, “anything I don’t want to do”. Our main focus was toy inventors and were able to successfully license various products. My time spent with him was invaluable as he included me in all steps of the process. One of my favorite memories during that time was when we travelled to the London Toy show. It was my first toy show and trip overseas.

4. Best life advice you received growing up?

Bill: you get to choose every day, good day, or bad day when you start, choose good!

Peter: As it relates to one’s professional career, I was told people want to work with people they like. While simplistic, it helped me keep understand the benefit of working in a team and staying out of the politics and drama as much as possible.

5. How has parenthood changed you?

Bill: I have three adult children and one grandchild. The benefits of having children and being in the toy industry is invaluable. It forces you to use your own experiences when developing products. My 3 kids would give a very different answer, they would talk about how many of their toys went missing and never came back. “dad” was always watching how they played with them and then the ones they played with the most would disappear. Later they realized I was like “Sid” from Toy story and was always recreating / designing new toys from old.

Peter: I have two teens (16 & 18) and they provided a tremendous amount of insight into toy design at their various stages of their development. We spent a lot of time together playing with our new toys learning what works and what doesn’t. It was interesting to see what they gravitated towards and as a toy maker I tried not to influence them with things I brought home as I really wanted genuine feedback. In my experience kids want to please you and will tell you they like something if they think you do as well. My children were at a great age, 3 &5 when our big hit toy brand Squinkies came to market, and they were an instant hit with them! The industry had never seen a toy IN a capsule, so Squinkies was a pretty big innovation in the market. They loved the collectability aspect and their squishy tactile feel. And having all of our kids be able to play test it and give us feedback on the tiny characters was just invaluable.

6. When not working, where will we find you?

Bill: sadly, at retail walking thru ALL the aisles looking for new and innovative ways to merchandise. For total relaxation, boating with family on the lake.

Peter: I’m often in my shop tinkering with new ideas. My day is filled with meetings or emails leaving me with a desire to use my hands. I find it satisfying to build something tangible that has a purpose. Sometimes it’s a simple shelf system for the home or a crude mockup of a new toy idea that helps define a designs shape or scale. My background as an industrial designer laid the foundation of the various steps of product development, ideating, drawing, prototyping, etc. that I enjoy to this day with all my projects.

October 19, 2023 by Elena Epstein

Thank you for sharing your story with us and our readers.

1. Please tell us a little about your career path and how you ended up in the toy industry?

I’d worked in many different industries before finding the toy industry – my tribe. A friend was working at Western Publishing (later purchased by Hasbro). He would share stories about toy and game inventors and their inventions, and I thought I want to do that. Then I fell in love with everything about the toy industry – the people, the products, the stories. I continued in my day job in real estate while inventing toys and games as my side hustle and attending all the Fairs. More than 10 years passed before I could leave real estate behind and work in our industry full time.

2. How does it feel to be honored in the Toy Industry Hall of Fame?

It is beyond humbling. I still can’t believe it happened… and it would not have without Nancy Zwiers and Gene Murtha championing and rallying the community to support my nomination. They are amazing prominent leaders in our industry who work tirelessly in our industry and beyond to make the world a better place.

3. Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

My first mentor was my mom. She was a tinkerer and loved to make toys, doll houses, barns and more for her children and grandchildren. We didn’t have a lot growing up with six kids, but she made sure we received top educations and most of us even have master’s degrees. After raising us, she went back and earned her college degree in her 60’s because she believed in the importance of education and that no one could ever take that away from you. She supported all of our endeavors and taught us persistence. When I started our Chicago Toy and Game Fair in 2003 she and her two sisters, my aunts, manned our registration area and more. She’d be proud to see how all our events have grown if she was still with us.

4. Best life advice you received growing up?

My mom often reminded us to watch what we say because once we say it, you can never take it back. And that was before social media!

5. Tell us a little about the power of play and why it’s so important.

When my kids were growing up, they would share a lot of what was happening in their lives over a game or a puzzle. It relaxed them and they were more willing to open up and share their lives. Families that attend our Chicago Toy & Game Fair often tell me the same thing. You would love the letters we have received over the years from families and from teachers. Teachers have shared how their students learn that they had more in common than not when playing games. This is one of the reasons we started our PlayinEducation.com website and quarterly newsletter. In addition, we’re so proud to have started the Young Inventors Challenge more than 18 years ago where kids under 18 can enter their toy invention to win prizes and possibly even get a toy deal and see their products on the shelf – real-life Shark Tank for KIDS!

6. What three things have you learned about what makes a company or a toy successful in this industry?

The most important thing I learned is that one needs to build partnerships to be successful. Similarly, is to ask for help and be sure you are open to what they have to tell you. You can get in weeds and not see the big picture. Lastly, persistence is key. Calvin Coolidge has a famous quote about persistence. I have it printed out and on my desk.

7. When not working, where will we find you?

Maybe it was the Easy Bake Oven I had when I was a kid, but I love to bake bread, cookies, cakes… you name it! And, I can get lost in a good book. I used to love puzzles, but I can’t seem to finish one that I have now with too many of the same colored pieces and it is dampening my enthusiasm a bit. I can’t bring myself to just give up and start one that I might enjoy. Maybe persistence does not pay off in this case!!!

8. What would you tell your middle school self?

Life gets better – just keep showing up.

9. Best advice on creating and running a business focused on families and kids having fun and connecting?

For our Chicago Toy and Game Fair (CHITAG) that’s held every year in Chicago in November, we work to make sure there is something for everyone and plenty of kid-sized activities. We have a lot of activities that are multi-generational. We even have a Grandparent’s Day. Grandparents get in free if they bring their grandchildren. When I started this venture, I knew I couldn’t do it alone, so I found partners that have helped me grow and expand over all these years, including long lasting friends at Disney, Hasbro, Mattel, Spin Master and so many more.

June 7, 2023 by

We’re so excited to introduce you to Bill Brady, a father and the founder and CEO of Troomi Wireless, a 2023 NAPPA Award winner. The Troomi mission is to provide kids with a safer smart phone. The device gives parents an easy and flexible set of parental controls to help eliminate the pull of social media, addictive games, pornography and incoming access from anyone outside of the approved list of contacts.

The Brady Family | Photo by Mark Lee

Please tell us a little about your company’s mission.

At Troomi, we believe in the limitless potential of every child to learn, do, and become anything. Our mission is to help kids discover their talents and encourage and safeguard them along the way. We do this by providing solutions that empower children to pursue their dreams vigorously through a safe, balanced relationship with technology.

What made you want to start this company?

As the father of five kids, I’ve always been extremely cautious and intentional about the introduction of technology into our home and our kids’ lives. This caution probably came from my background as a marketer, where, over the course of 20 years, I really got a good behind-the-scenes look at the incredible power and risks of social media and other technologies. I want kids to enjoy the benefits of technology without the dangers that inherently come from being online.

Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

I’ve had some important mentors in business as an adult, but as a child, I was especially influenced by my parents. My mother drilled into me from a young age that I could accomplish whatever I set out to do. She believed in me without equivocation, and that engrained in me the confidence to take risks in trying new things and starting businesses. My father taught me that people are more important than things, that there is something to learn from everyone, and that honesty and gratitude are the most important virtues to live by. Both of my parents left an indelible mark on my life.

Best life advice you received growing up?

My brother is six years older than I am, and he had a formative influence on me. Through his example and through some poignant teaching moments, he taught me that a promise made is a promise kept, whether to a team, an employer, a friend, or yourself. The advice to be trustworthy and always keep my word has proved invaluable in marriage, fatherhood, and business.

How has parenthood changed you?

My wife and I are the parents of five incredible children, ages 19, 16, 13, 11 and 7. I have often told friends and acquaintances—especially when they’re nervously anticipating the birth of a first child—that parenthood adds love, beauty, and richness to life that is not available any other way. Parenthood has helped me increase in patience, has taught me that the simple things in life are the most important, and has deepened my gratitude for my own parents.

When not working, where will we find you?

The mountains are my happy place. I am extremely grateful for the benefits of nature to renew me and keep me centered on what matters most. During the spring, summer, and fall, I typically camp with my boys a couple of weekends a month.

What would you tell your middle school self?

I would let my middle-school-self know the mantra I live by today, a quote from Harry S. Truman: “Imperfect action beats perfect inaction every time.” Things don’t have to be perfect to be successful, so just do something! On top of that, even “failures” are usually the process learning and of dots being connected that will lead to greater things. Everything will work out in the end!

Best advice on parenting you’ve received?

Before my wife and I had kids of our own, we attended a multi-day family reunion with her side of the family. Over the course of several days, I watched some incredibly kind and polite brothers and sisters who were unusually considerate toward each other and got along really well with everyone. I went to my wife’s uncle and asked, “What on earth have you done to raise such wonderful children?” After a thoughtful moment, he said, “I say ‘yes’ as much as possible so that when I say ‘no’ it means something.” I took that advice to heart in my own parenting style and have found it to be a great recipe for preventing rebelliousness by extending as much age-appropriate trust as possible to my children. As a good example, this has proved to be an invaluable dynamic as my wife and I have explained to our kids why we don’t let them have social media accounts until they are close to leaving home.

Best advice on creating and running a business focused on families and kids’ well-being?

Never forget the mission! In the midst of the daily grind and minutia of starting and running a business, it could be easy to lose sight of the reason you started in the first place. Make the mission of helping families and kids the center of your culture, the yardstick by which everything is measured. The greatest joy of what we do at Troomi comes from those instances when kids reach out personally to let us know how Troomi has blessed their lives.

What do you enjoy doing most with your family?

We love being outdoors! Lots of hikes in the mountains, walks around the neighborhood, and playing in the backyard. And we love working together, whether tending the yard or doing Saturday morning chores. And of course, family movie nights with popcorn and ice cream are our kids’ favorite.

May 23, 2023 by

The ABC Kids Expo took place at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino last month, and I was thrilled to be in attendance. This year’s event once again brought together companies focused on baby and toddler products, ranging from strollers and car seats to smart monitors and anything else that might make parenting and childhood more fun, comfortable and safe.

The expo featured 250 exhibitors from the around the globe, and as I walked through exhibit halls — 15,000 steps the first day — I was thrilled to see many NAPPA Award winning companies showcasing their latest line of products.

Safety and innovation in car seats and strollers were two big trends, as were gender-neutral tones and natural and breathable fabrics.

Take a look at the video below for a sneak peak of what’s new in the world of parenting gear. And for more gift ideas and product reviews on award-winning baby and toddler essentials, visit nappaawards.com.

March 15, 2023 by

Learn to be unique with these NAPPA Award Winners. Lots of games and toys to help kids learn in new, exciting ways.

The Get Movin’ Activity Deck for Kids: 48 Creative Movement Ideas for Little Bodies

A unique children’s movement and play deck, featuring 48 cards with practices and activities for all ability levels. Celebrate the many ways our bodies can move. Through fun images and simple directions, kids will challenge themselves in different categories of movement. $19.95, ages 4-8 years, shambhala.com

LolliPost Pen Pal Kit for Grandkids (and their Grandparents)

Writing is easier and more fun. Writing prompts give kids and adults clever topic suggestions and a tracking postcard keeps the pen pal momentum going. Replies from grandparents are quick because a perforated reply postcard is included with the child’s notecard. $29.99, ages 5+, lollipost.com

Epic

Encourage kids to explore their interests & learn in a fun, safe, kid-friendly environment. Unlimited access to 40,000 high-quality books and videos. From the stories you grew up with to popular Epic Originals. Offers tracking for parents and allows kids to boost their skills. $6.67/month OR $79.99 billed annually, ages 2-12 years, getepic.com

LOST LOOT: DIY Pirate Treasure Hunt Game

This is no ordinary scavenger hunt game. Go on a Treasure Hunt to find Goldbeard’s Lost Loot. Goldbeard was worried about his treasure falling into the wrong hands so he created an intricate locking mechanism in order to open his very special chest. Can you find all 5 keys? Fun Factor: Turn your home and backyard into a pirate’s playground! Great fun for parties & classrooms. Creative Skills: This game encourages children to think on their feet, be creative & stay active. $34.99, ages 3+, amazon.com

Bebi Toddlers

Educational games & puzzles for kids. Education is an important process in a child’s life, but it’s not so easy to follow standard guidelines, written formulas, and rammed materials. It is fun to play games and those games affect our brains back – how to improve our logical thinking, fine motor skills, and such more. Now children can have a fun time doing what they like while absorbing important information. $6.99/month, ages 2-5 years, bebi.family

Dino Puzzle Games for Toddlers

It’s jam-packed with puzzles designed to improve preschooler skills in fun and meaningful ways. Kids will delight in solving illustrated pictorial puzzles of dinosaurs, cars, animals, and more. As they play, kids match shapes and patterns, find colors, and develop their imagination, logical thinking, and problem-solving ability. Kids can enjoy the original classic puzzles, turn the pieces to reveal the picture, find matching shapes, spin the columns to find the picture, or put the scattered parts in place. FREE, ages 2-4 years, apps.apple.com

bekids Reading

Engaging stories for young readers to learn in an effective way. The beautifully designed and animated storybooks are divided into different levels to motivate kids to progress with confidence and learn at their own pace. There are captivating word games that test kids’ reading skills and boost vocabulary. Join the sing-a-longs after each story, and memorize new words through delightful songs. Free, ages 2-4 years, bekids.com

bekids Coding

A story-based coding adventure that keeps kids engaged and motivated. Join Zak, Grace and DOT on a mission to save Planet Algorith. Use coding skills to control robotic arms, plan routes, hunt treasures, and create dance moves. A drag-and-drop, tile-based coding approach that helps kids develop logical thinking and problem solving through creative, visual play. Free, ages 5-8 years, bekids.com

bekids Science

A series of short, digestible lessons designed to boost scientific literacy. Learning experiences crafted by educational experts and interactive games for each topic. Includes bonus mini games for more fun. Collect badges and rewards as kids progress through topics. Free, ages 2-4 years, bekids.com

March 15, 2023 by

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award Winners just for Baby + Fam. Check out all the great products featured below.

Naturepedic Breathable Organic 2-Stage Lightweight Crib Mattress

It’s the mattress that truly checks all the boxes. It combines organic materials and chemical safety with waterproof protection, breathability, and flexibility. The washable cover provides excellent airflow should baby turn face down while the underlying mattress is firm, waterproof, and provides excellent edge support. No flame retardants whatsoever or other questionable materials. $399, ages birth-2 years, naturepedic.com

Snuggleluvs

These soft and whimsical stuffed animals are oversized and super fun with long fluffy hair. They make any child smile and are designed to provide comfort and ease anxiety. With their added weight, extra softness, and optimal cuddling size, Snuggleluvs are a stress-relieving companion for all ages. $50, all ages, wildrepublic.com

Premium Contoured Changing Pad

Designed to make changing your baby a clean, easy, and secure process. Made of a durable water-resistant material that’s easy to wipe clean after changing your baby. For extra security, it features contoured walls and a safety belt that has an ultra-soft, luxurious, comfortable buckle cover. Also includes two straps to secure it to your changing surface, as well as a non-skid bottom to help keep the changing pad in place. $29.99, parents, storkcraftdirect.com

Hoop™ Glider & Ottoman

A complete two-piece nursery set. Comfortable, padded arm cushions with pockets for added storage convenience. Enclosed metal ball bearings make for a smooth and gentle nursery gliding experience. Durable, easy-to-clean polyester material. $229.99, parents, storkcraftdirect.com

SplashEZ Mold Free Bath Toys

Make water play wildly fun with these no mold bath toys. Your baby bath set includes 5 adorable animal friends——Tony Tiger, Leo Lion, Quentin Quail, Freddy Frog, and Uma Unicorn. BPA-free with hole-less design means no water seeps in. After bathtime, the toys dry off and stay odor, slime, mold free. $9.99, ages birth-2 years, amazon.com

Papablic Baby Bottles Sterilizer and Dryer

When feeding with a baby bottle, it can be difficult to keep bottles clean and 100% safe, even if washed thoroughly after every use. This cleans your bottles with penetrating steam that is hotter than the dishwasher and dry the safe way with hot air. Completely clean your baby bottles in 8 minutes. $79.95, for Parents with kids 0-24 months, papablic.com

March 15, 2023 by

Our NAPPA Awards team loves celebrating great reads. Check out our latest NAPPA Award winning books for all ages.

Babies & Toddlers

Baby Ballers: Venus and Serena Williams

Before they were serving up grand slam victories, Venus and Serena Williams were just two sisters growing up in Compton. Follow along this inspiring story as they go from learning tennis with their dad to winning Wimbledon. $7.99, ages birth-2 years, silverdolphinbooks.com

Farm Animals

Bond with baby and build emotional security through a cozy reading ritual. This board book with whimsical illustrations introduces kids to the fun world of barnyard friends. Includes interactive features. $17.95, ages 6 months – 3 years, lilbigworld.com

Messy Time

This book shows joyful, messy play in different environments: with art materials; with mud, sand, and water; in the kitchen; in the garden; in the bathtub. It is messy play that provides rich sensory experiences and unstructured play. At the back of the book, a section for parents and caregivers has tips for making the most of messy play, including clean-up time. $8.99, ages 1-5 years, freespirit.com

Sing A Song of Kindness

Rediscover your favorite nursery rhymes, adapted to celebrate kindness, friendship and compassion. This beautifully illustrated collection comes with a touching message that a little kindness makes the world a better place. $9.99, ages birth+, silverdolphinbooks.com

Try-Again Time

Helps young children develop a growth mindset, learn how to persevere and practice self-regulation skills. The back of the book provides active suggestions and tips for adults to manage try-again time together. $8.99, ages 2+, freespirit.com

Preschool & Early Elementary

The Hero of Compassion: How Lokeshvara Got One Thousand Arms

A retelling of a classic Asian Buddhist tale of compassion and resilience that teaches that even when we feel overwhelmed by the suffering we see in the world, we can still find creative ways to help those around us. $18.95, ages 4-8, shambhala.com

The Moon is Broken

A lyrical bedtime story that explores the power of imagination and friendship while teaching children about the phases of the moon. $9.99, ages 2-5, amazon.com

We Listen to Our Bodies

Gives children a vocabulary to understand and communicate their feelings, develop personal boundaries, and build their social and emotional skills. $15.99, ages 3-5, freespirit.com

Tweens & Teens

You Got a Phone! (Now Read This Book)

Features a humorous yet supportive tone and hilarious illustrations that draw readers in and keep them engaged. Provides important information on cyberbullying and the hazards of too much screen time. $10.99, tweens, freespirit.com

Slaying Digital Dragons

With a frank and humorous approach to a timely topic, this book pulls back the curtain on the hidden aspects of the digital world. It shares signs of how screen time can affect the lives of young adults and gives tips for protecting their privacy, safety, and reputation through social media. $24.99, ages 10-18 years, freespirit.com

My Little Pony: Virtual Magic

Ever wondered what it would be like to visit modern-day Equestria? This 18-chapter extended reality (XR) adventure will take you deep inside — with the exclusive prequel content of Izzy’s backstory. $39.99, ages 7-11, quantumstorey.com

Parents

Work, Parent, Thrive

Ditch guilt and manage overwhelm with these science-backed strategies. The friendly and supportive tips and anecdotes are designed to give working parents the tools they need to better manage the daily challenges and focus more on the joy. $19.95, shambhala.com

This May Be Difficult to Read

Brings cognitive and developmental research to life for parents to help their child with reading and comprehension. Transform interactions at home so that learning becomes a byproduct of fun by thinking as a child thinks and learning as a child learns. $19.99, parents, amazon.com

NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas visit nappaawards.com

February 14, 2023 by

Who said you always need technology to have? Check out these NAPPA Award Winners for loads of entertaining activities that don’t require a screen.

DISO Podcast

Share magical stories with your kids in the spirit of the golden days of radio. Available in English, Spanish and French. Narrated by professional actors. $3.99, ages 3+, podcasts.apple.com

Go Fish US History

Takes everyone’s favorite childhood card game and combines it with US History. No longer do you ask, “Any 4’s?” Now you ask, “any presidents?” Not do you have any kings but rather, “Do you have any Scientists, Authors, Sports Legends, Women in History? 11.99. ages 7+, KosoGames.com

Make-A-Fort Explorer Kit

You can make 5 of our Creations including forts, mazes, houses, and more. Let your imagination run wild and design your own. $94.99, ages 4+, makeafort.fun

Story Time Chess

Teaches chess to young children using silly stories, vibrant illustrations, custom chess pieces and a unique chessboard. No chess experience is required for parents or children. Makes learning to play simple and fun. $39.99, ages 3+, storytimechess.com

Dino Super Dome

Transform your little one’s playroom into a prehistoric playground. Dinosaurs roam all four walls of this play tent and they come to life with the lifelike roar button. Also includes 6 dino toys and LED lights with remote control. $44.99, ages 4-7, amazon.com

Scenties

Colorful accessories with a fun twist. The hair ties, headbands, scrunchies and face mask ear loops and mask bands are fragranced with playful scents like Cotton Candy and Vanilla Cupcake. Stretch ’em, sniff ’em, wear ’em, and share ’em. $8, ages 4-12, scenties.com

Freshwater Tank

Have you ever dreamed of making your freshwater aquarium? Now you can with this fun and educational board game. With 155 different freshwater fish and 100 incidents, see for yourself what fish you would want to have and how to take care of them. The goal of the game is to become the first person to create a compatible fish tank with 10 fish. $39.99, ages 6+, amazon.com

Bedtime Defenderz

Vigilant and fierce plush heroes that battle villains hiding in the dark. Help kids overcome bedtime fears. Comes with a comic book, a power band slap bracelet, and a glow-in-the-dark belt buckle to help kiddos feel safe and secure at night. $29.99, ages 3-7, bedtimedefenderz.com

February 14, 2023 by

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners that are BEST for Baby, Mom, and Toddlers!

Alphapals Sets

A cozy, cuddly seat full of wonder and play. The soft plush Alphabag is fully lined and includes 26 Alphapals plush letters hidden inside. Each letter includes the trademark signature embroidered smiley face giving each letter its own personality. $195, ages 2-4, alphapals.com

Momcozy Video Baby Monitor

Featuring a non-WIFI and hack-proof system that’s super easy to setup and provides a 360 all-around field of view, full HD camera and great picture quality. The long battery life provides 11.5 hours with display on and up to 22 hours with display off. $159.99, ages birth+, momcozy.com

Olababy Rechargeable Electric Baby Nail Trimmer

Features gentle rotating filing pads, preventing potential damage to surrounding skin, cuticles, and nail beds. Equipped with a built-in LED light for optimal visibility. $49.99, ages 0-3 years, olababy.com

Hubble Connected Guardian+

Features a soft wearable strap with a sensor and a Base Station. Wraps gently around the baby’s ankle and tracks sleep quality indicators such as heart rate and oxygen levels. The Base includes a nightlight and speaker that streams hundreds of sleep sounds. $149.99, ages birth-2 years, hubbleconnected.com

Farm Animals

LullabyNursery Pal Dual Vision

A smart HD baby monitor made up of a 5-inch screen parent unit and a dual-lens camera. Provides close-up and wide-angle viewing, along with AI motion tracking. Also allows for two-way audio talk and can be controlled using the free app. $229.99, ages birth+, hubbleconnected.com

Earth Breathe Safe Breathable Crib Mattress

Non-toxic and waterproof with a removable washable and breathable pad. The dual-firmness design flips from a firm infant side to a cushion firm toddler side. $279, ages infant-toddler, lullabyearth.com

Hubble Connected Eclipse+

A smart soother and Wi-Fi audio monitor. Comes equipped with a customizable multi-color night light, preloaded lullabies and hundreds of expert-curated soothing sounds and bedtime stories. Includes a digital clock and a wireless charging base so it can be moved room to room. $79.99, ages birth-5 years, hubbleconnected.com

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