Here are some tips for what will be big with kids in the year ahead:
1. Puppies are the new penguins: Move over happy-footed ice cuties, there’s a new dog in town. This year, pups of all sizes, shapes and types are everywhere — on television, at the movies, online, in toy boxes. The Obama girls are getting a dog; your kids will want one, too.
2. Baby foods show up in all kinds of grown-up flavors: Break out the good bib! Baby meals go upscale — check out, for instance, Gerber’s vegetable risotto with cheese or Plum Organics black bean tomato ragout. What’s next? Gourmet baby dinner parties?
3. Classic children’s books morph into books: Harry Potter was a box-office wizard; now Hollywood’s after the next kid-lit hit. “Inkheart,” “Coraline,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are” will grace the big screen.
4. Making music is the new family pastime: Thanks to the success of the Rock Band and Guitar Hero video games, companies are putting out products that let families jam together — on screen and off.
5. “The Electric Company” is hot: A revamped version of the beloved ’70s kid show lights up the tube in January. Same high energy, same mission: to convince kids that reading is fun. What’s new? It’s now online for a multiplatform extravaganza. Check it out at www.pbskidsgo.org/electriccompany
6. Kids power up electronic toys: No batteries required; The eco trend shows up on toy shelves with a variety of cars, trucks, animals and more that work off your kid’s natural energy. Crank ’em up and watch ’em go — complete with bells whistles, lights and siren sounds. Two companies to check out: Sprig Toys and See Toys.
7. Kiddie fashion rocks the ’80s: From sneakers to coats, expect to see a lot of eighties-inspired bright color, neon, and metallics popping into your kids’ wardrobes. Plus, flashbacks from your own youth in graphics like cassettes and Rollerblades.
8. Baby names are inspirational: Choice names will reflect qualities that money can’t buy. For girls, think Honor, Grace, and Serenity; for boys, Justice will be hot.
9. Zen arrives at preschool: Stress has trickled down to the little ones. Three-year olds are doing yoga, learning to breathe deeply when they feel anxious, and scaling back from activity overload.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.