Features

When a given product, such as a baby gift, is not an essential, customers tend to regard it with criteria such as localism, sourcing, packaging, materials, manufacturing practices and cause-related elements.

When the item in question is a gift, the selection itself is more meaningful since it often replaces an actual physical interaction. With this important mental shift comes redefined Baby markets. Keep reading to see their new dimensions.

What’s Hot

Perhaps more crucial now than ever, interactive play through books, plush, wooden puzzles and toys engage growing minds, spark creativity and build fine motor skills is, noted Ellen Fruchtman, director of public relations, Mud Pie. “Especially popular are toys that mimic Mom and Dad, like cooking and baking sets, grocery shopping and golf themes.”

Just like throughout the industry, rainbows are also a strong theme, but here acknowledge “Rainbow Babies,” a baby born following a miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death or infant loss, pointed out Katelyn Woolley, founder and creative director, The Noble Paperie.

The empathy card category expresses itself here splendidly through Woollen’s greeting card range. “After losing our first baby to miscarriage, I created a line of greeting cards that supports those struggling through miscarriage, loss, infertility, NICU stays and complicated pregnancies. These types of cards have become more popular in recent years, and I think products to support those struggling through pregnancy and loss will always be needed by consumers.”

Also Look For

If you sell apparel, trends run the gamut from sweet florals and classic nautical prints to tie dye and leopard prints, Fruchtman added.

Tried and True

Gender-neutral icons like teddy bears, puppies, elephants and farm animals are eternally classic. Boy-friendly styles gravitate to camouflage, sports and transportation themes; for little girls, it’s princess-themed, florals and leopard prints.

Designer Quote

“With many young mothers and new grandparents at Mud Pie (including CEO Marcia Miller), we have a true connection to what resonates with children. Many of our best ideas are inspired by products we couldn’t find available in the marketplace.” — Ellen Fruchtman, Mud Pie