BuckleyBlog

Happy Birthday BuckleyBoo

2009-09-05T15:41:00.015-04:00

OMG!!!! We did it, or I should say Emily did almost all of it. We have made it to our first birthday. In our family, birthdays are a really big deal so you can expect a celebration each year as our way of saying thank you for your recent patronage, support, and simply kind, thoughtful and sometimes hilarious emails regarding the Buckleyboo addition to your family.

It is only 1 year since Emily and I took our idea (17 inch cat, dog, bear) to Las Vegas for its debut at a major convention where companies spend thousands on displays and promotions- our booth was homemade tablecloths, suitcases with sheets over them so we could stand the BuckleyBoos up, a candy bowl with tootsie rolls which nobody liked, lots of enthusiasm, anxiety, and not much knowledge about how to produce an item and then distribute it. What we did have was confidence that we had created a toy that toddlers would love and parents would recognize as a great addition to helping their child move along the developmental continuum while having soft, cuddly fun.

The first 2 days we got some really important visitors from the toy industry who liked our product, shoppers and children who were thrilled (1 child cried all night in her hotel room until she could come back and play some more). On the 3rd day, Emily and I actually stood in the middle of our booth looking goofishly at each other and saying ok, so we have a toy company- now what? Our good fortune increased as all kinds of vendors who warehouse, ship, package, account for, and charge greatly to do all the things we did not even know about came to greet us and sway us to engage their services. We listened and we learned; we made a few mistakes, not too many and not too costly.

We have had the help of some simply marvelous people who believe in our goal- to bring a great product to the market place. Many of them have worked out of kindness, for which we are forever grateful, and many of them have networked for us in ways we could never have done ourselves. For those few people who we have paid to work for us, the designer, prototype guy, manufacturing liason, accountant, OMG!!!!!! They have been creative, patient and kind and done so much more than we had ever contracted for-thank you.

The new toys are on the shelf and our creative wheels are spinning- we have some great new ideas for the 1st Buckleyboo Generation so stay tuned- we are having so much fun bringing joy to your children.

Dr. Jane

BuckleyCat- Don't leave home without him!

2009-06-12T20:24:00.004-04:00

Thank you Dr. Toy for awarding us the coveted Dr. Toy Best Vacation Children's Products Award. This award is of particular interest to BuckleyBoo because we are finding that BuckleyBoos are, in fact, THE PERFECT TRAVEL TOY! Kids love to play with their BuckleyBoos and will do so over and over as long as they have someone to help unclip the buckles if they haven't mastered that developmental task. Sitting on an airplane next to your little one is the perfect time and place to pull out the BuckleyBoo. And... as I have found, BuckleyBoos also make a pretty comfortable air plane pillow. We are off to Minneapolis in the morning, with BuckleyBoos in tow... hope you all have wonderful summer vacations... and don't forget to bring your BuckleyBoo.

My favorite blog post

2009-04-15T20:07:00.008-04:00

I was reviewing the BuckleyBoo web log files the other night and saw some traffic coming from a link I had never heard of. Eager to find any and all posts about BuckleyBoo I went to the website to investigate and was I was introduced to the Becca Morley family blog. Hmm... the name sounded familiar, I had a processed an order for a BuckleyBoo days before for Ms. Morley, (the unglamorous life of a toy company founder includes packing boxes each and every night). Ms. Morley discovered BuckleyBoo and blogged about it...

"Ella is OBSESSED with buckles. She would rather play with other people's stroller buckles at the playground than any of the play equipment. Her favorite toy is the buckle from her highchair that I had to remove so she would sit in the chair and eat rather than scream to play with the buckle. Enter the BEST TOY EVER. It arrives at our house tomorrow. I plan on taking video of Ella's first interaction with it because I believe it will be better than Christmas."

I had to smile as I read this, some people just totally get the magic of the buckle and I thought this post really captured the excitement of BuckleyBoo as a totally engaging new toy with true developmental merit. Thanks Ms. Morley, we can't wait to see the video.

2009-03-11T20:35:00.005-04:00

Every once and a while we have to call out some of our favorite new websites and City Mommy is one of them. First of all, don't miss the City Mommy interview with....me! I had the opportunity to work with City Mommy founder, Dayna Landry, who asked me to share the BuckleyBoo story with the City Mommy community. The great thing about this is that the business world is overflowing with "momprenuers," a motivated and creative bunch of women who have developed products and business based on a need that they, as moms, have had. In my case, as an "auntie"prenuer, BuckleyBoo was created because we were tired of sitting under the table with my niece while she played with the high chair buckles. Anyway, enough about me, I encourage you to check out CityMommy.com, it is a wonderfully cool, mommy resource for city moms. Find out about events, playgrounds, shopping and all the things a big city mommy needs to make it though the day. Don't see your city listed? Just send them an email and they will help you create a local community just for you and your mommy buds.

Have fun exploring.

Toy Fair 2009

2009-02-25T20:25:00.007-05:00

We just got back from our first Toy Fair where we introduced the toy industry not only to our current line, but they also got a sneak peak at our new summer line including BuckleyLion, BuckleyPig, BuckleyKitty, BuckleyMonkey and BuckleyTurtle among other exciting new products. Much to our surprise, retailers were pre-ordering some of the new items with out a confirmed release date and final price. We are so excited to bring these new products to market, with a few final tweaks, things are ready to go into production.

We had a crazy long week, but it was well worth it. My mom and I survived another shared hotel room, long days, and no sleep. We picked up some really great new retailers who will be well stocked with BuckleyBoos by the end of the week so make sure you check out our BuckleyBoo Near You page. If you know a great store that should be carrying BuckleyBoo, send us an email and we will see what we can do.

Next stop-Minneapolis in June, see you at the ASTRA show!

BuckleyBoo-m Boom- Enter to Win a BuckleyBoo!

2009-01-13T21:42:00.015-05:00

The BuckleyBoo team just got back from Los Angeles where we took part in the 2009 Babes in Wonderland Pre-Golden Globes gift suite hosted by celebrity and fashion expert Jayneoni Moore. Each year Ms. Moore brings together a select group of "must-have" products, a parade of celebs (and their families) and media who were lucky enough to make the exclusive guest list. For two days, guests were treated to all day make your own sundaes from Baskin Robbins and all the free schwag they could carry (and some of them made out). And, it was all in the name of charity; the Boom Boom Room brings together celebrity families to support LA area foster children and the Jayneoni Moore Children's fund.

As the only toy in the suite, BuckleyBoo was an instant favorite with kids of all ages who got to take home the brand new BuckleyBunny and BuckleyBoo minis (available in mid February). Rather than telling you who took home a BuckleyBoo, we thought we would let you tell us.

Ok, here is an easy one....yup, that's expectant parents Tim Allen and his wife who have a brand new mini BuckleyBunny. Click here to check out some of the other photos from the event- identify as many of the 21 celebs as you can and we will enter you into a drawing to win a 17" BuckleyBoo of your choice. Email your entry to info@buckleyboo.com. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. Feb 13, 2009.

BuckleyBoo in Beckers!

2009-01-06T19:27:00.005-05:00

The new 2009 Becker's School Supplies catalog arrived today and much to my delight, BuckleyBoo is on page 10! That's right, it is a 300 page catalog full of wonderful educational supplies. Make sure you order your free catalog ASAP, and get yourself a BuckleyBoo of course.

It's a Buckley New Year

2009-01-02T11:07:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!!!! We are excitied that in 2009 we will be introducing some new Buckleyboos to the menagerie, some infant products and some storybooks for your toddler; this gives BuckleyBoo some context in the real world - or in BuckleyBoo Land where everything buckles - of course!!!!!

I am a firm believer that the very act of reading to your child, sitting together, being together, looking at a book, whether it is great literature or colors and shapes, begins to instill in your child a love of books that will take him/her into adulthood. In our world of TV, videos, and DVDs, which bring information to your child in different ways, nothing replaces the book, the ability to quietly interact with the written word, to develop a tolerance for quiet time without the distraction of graphics, music, syncopation, etc.

With a BuckleyBoo and a child on your lap, welcome 2009 with at least 1 story a day as a way of being with your child quietly and instilling a love of the written word. I had a 6th grade teacher who told me that if I loved to read, I would never be bored! They turned out to be very wise words and a great piece of parenting advice when I had kids.

We are off to LA to the Boom Boom Room .....no doubt Emily will have lots to say about this BuckleyBoo adventure in later blog postings.....again, Happy New Year.

Dr. Jane

What about the tush tag?

2008-12-22T16:30:00.012-05:00

Growing up, I had a huge stuffed animal collection. I loved each and every one of them, as if they were pets. From Big Bear, a tan bear that stood 3 feet tall (very big to a 2 year old) to Snoopy, a classic staple, the one thing every stuffed toy has in common is the tush tag. That's right, the little hang tag that is most often attached to the tush of each stuffed animal. I never really paid attention to the tush tag until I needed one of my own for BuckleyBoo.

I hit the toy store and started examining tush tags on every toy I could find; they contained care instructions, copyright info, company names, web address, "Made in" info and a PA number. What is a PA number?

Well this is not the easiest question to answer. Many hours on the Internet steered me in the right direction. I found a service that could handle my "Law Label" needs or I could try to figure it out myself, which of course, is what I opted to do.

In the plush world, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Ohio require manufacturers to register each product's materials with the state. PA has the strictest guidelines; First you fill out a form, then pay a fee and submit a sample of your product. Once all the paper work is complete, the state of Pennsylvania will issue the product a PA number. Then you must send in the application to Ohio; fill out a form, pay a bigger fee and send in a sample. Ohio tests the materials to make sure the product complies with the state of Ohio standards. The state of Ohio sends you an official certificate. Then finally, you send the biggest check of all to MA and once they give you the OK you are good to go.

The bottom line is, you can not sell plush in these 3 states without having the official law label PA number. Oh the bureaucracy!

A note from Dr. Jane

2008-12-15T12:00:00.002-05:00

Launching BuckleyBoo has truly been a family affair and from my perspective, knowing nothing about business but quite a bit about kids, it has been amazing to not only see my grandchild grow and develop with the Buckley menagerie (at 3 1/2 and after 2 years) she is still challenged to unbuckle the last two buckles while creating a make-believe world where her menagerie reigns supreme - it never occurred to us that a child might like more than one!!!!

As I watch the little fingers probe and try to figure out the task, I am reminded of the enormous complexity of maturation and how challenge and mastery, carefully conceived and allowed to flourish tweaks all the areas of the brain that need stimulation for full development - from my vantage point as the "clinical" consultant, I am overseeing our product development to ensure that we engage children's needs in the most appropriate way'

I must remind all consumers of our product, that the best toy cannot achieve all things- conversation, touch, movement, etc.etc. Those things which you provide your child are their first tier to healthy development, long before and then along side the best toys being introduced into their lives. I will be watching the blog, and commenting on your issues and concerns as you guide your child on this most awesome journey to independence. Independence seems far off as we talk of toddler toys, but you will look back and question as does your child's grandparents, where did the time go????

Enjoy every moment, it will not be repeated.

Dr. Jane

Welcome to the world of BuckleyBoo!

2008-12-14T17:02:00.000-05:00

This is the BuckleyBoo Blog where you will find BuckleyBoo updates, new product information and anything else we feel worthy of talking about.

BuckleyBoo was officially launched 2 years ago by me and my mom, Dr. Jane, who is a practicing child psychologist. It has been a long and expensive journey to get to where we are today, but we couldn't be prouder. We have met some amazing people who have provided insight, guidance, advice and an unbelievable amount of patience in helping us bring the BuckleyBoos to market. Everyone we have met along the way has truly been essential to making this happen. We thank all of you, Fei Fei, our inspiration, Kathleen, for a fab logo, Sean for creating the most huggable, lovable little creatures, Greg for his guidance and creative genius, Jack for being an encyclopedia of information (and willingly answering every question I could think of), George for making sure this was financially feasible, Teddy for putting up with us, and of course every mom, educator, and retailer who has provided encouragement along the way by showing interest and purchasing the very first BuckleyBoos. I never could have guessed the complexities involved in making a toy but if I had to do it all again I would not change a thing. Welcome to the world of BuckleyBoo!

It's a Buckley Holiday

2008-12-14T16:41:00.001-05:00

This is our first official holiday season and while BuckleySnowman did not make it to the stores this year, he is still one of our family's favorite BuckleyBoos.