Tag Archives: Review of ABC Kids Expo

Guest Post: Small for Big!

Hi hi everyone!

We have a super special guest blogger here today at MK headquarters, the wonderful Mari from Small for Big, a peach of a blog about the coolest and grooviest kiddo stuff around! She was also chosen as one of the Best Design Blogs for Mom on Babble.  When she’s not cuddling her very snuggable sweet daughter, she is an amazing toy designer!  Talk about dream job! And she was sweet enough to guest blog for us about some of her favorite vintage-inspired finds at the recent ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas last month!

So, without further ado, take it away, Mari!

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I’m thrilled to be a guest here at Modern Kiddo! Dottie and Alix’s sense of style is just like mine: modern and vintage all mish mashed together. I wanted to bring you a snippet of some of my favorite finds from the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. And, of course, we’re focusing on things that are modern and vintage-inspired! You can also visit me at my blog, Small for Big, for more coverage of the show – one of the biggest in the kids product industry (and believe me I know, I walked every inch of it!)

Little Nest

I almost came home with some of these chairs, but decided to be good since my house is packed to the brim. But maybe one of these mid-century mod masterpieces could be your child’s new throne?

The Mother Company

The video I’ve seen for this new company is filled with the sweetest things. It’s like a modern, quirky female Mr. Rogers and her quirky vintage friends. The adorable snail and Ladybug are available as plush too.

Olli & Lime

All of their luscious crib bedding has a retro vibe, but my favorite has got to be the egg crib set – those stripes are calling my name (whether it’s a boy or girl!)

Puj Booti

These booties somehow make me think of Sweden in the 70’s. I can’t tell you why, just a gut reaction. But it’s a good thing, and I’m planning on jamming my toddlers toes into a pair when they arrive in January. (and the shoes are “uni-foot” – they fit on either one!)

Manny & Simon

Simple wooden wheeled animals and rockers bring yesteryear to this year with brightly colored palettes and simple silhouettes.

Decaf Plush

Decaf Plush creates hand-appliqued felt details on dresses, hoodies, clothing and accessories. The color and pattern combos are outstanding – and you can even choose your own custom combo if you’d like.

Turtle Monkey Bug

I love seeing small companies that are broadening their horizons beyond etsy – handmade deserves to be in every retail shop. Each of these doll features it’s own unique hand-painted face.

Stuf – Wry Baby

There are several introductions to Wry Baby’s new line of plush called Stuf. If you’re smart (like me, of course) you’ll collect every single one.

Jasper Hearts Wren

The new dresses in this line are perfect – look at that high fashion exposed zipper detailing!

Skip Hop

Though Skip Hop is unabashedly modern in their styling, their expanding line of toys and accessories are looking back. The new line (coming soon) features lots of vintage patterns and colors, and these owl bookends are so on trend.

Zooni

These knit hats are definitely both retro and modern – and the fuzzy wuzzy jolly roger hat is a must for the little boys in your life!

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Squee!!!

How cool is that? I know, right? I’m jonesing for one of those ladybug dolls.  Oh that antenna-y goodness of it all! So much cuteness, so little time! And those owl bookend? I’m dying.  And don’t even get me started on that navy dress.  ME WANT!

But really, this is just the tip of the iceberg of the awesomeness that is Mari! Seriously, you should sashay on over to her bloggie, Small for Big right now and see the cuteness that is Wren. Hopefully you’ll see more of Miss Wren in the near future as a Weekly Kiddo.

OK, I just have to share one picture of little Birdie with you.

Oh, the glasses of it all. I’m in love!