The lifestyle category could also be called ‘toddler trends’, as it encompasses all the latest preschool must-haves outside of toys and books. From backpacks and umbrellas to stationery and cool bedding, kids’ lifestyle is a constantly evolving sector, making this an exciting category the Progressive Preschool Awards. PreschoolNews.net speaks to some of the finalists in this year’s Best Kids’ Lifestyle Range shortlist to find out what the awards mean to them and what their plans are for the big night.
“Being shortlisted for any award always provides a boost, but the Progressive Preschool Awards give that extra badge of honour to the trade, in the knowledge that a reputable panel of judges have spent time considering our product and its place in the UK nursery sector.
All those shortlisted are really great lifestyle products, and any of them would be a worthy winner. It is genuinely humbling to be in such auspicious company. Good luck everyone!
We will be watching as a team in the USA with our UK distributors, bébélephant and their team led by Elliot Bishop. It will still the morning in the US though, so not too much drinking (unless we win!)”
Maya Shalev, founder, Grabease
“Lassig is delighted to be nominated in the Best Kids’ Lifestyle Range category in the Progressive Preschool Awards, especially during these unprecedented times. It is such a great category to be shortlisted in and we are up against some other fantastic brands. We really love the tech products from Oaxis and the Cargoseat is such a brilliant and useful product.
Trade awards are really important for us, more so than ever this year as there are no trade shows. The Progressive Preschool Awards will really help make sure our products are seen by the right people and help bring about new opportunities and develop new relationships.
We’re all looking forward to virtually attending the awards this year and will be tuning in as a team on awards night. Good luck to all the finalists!”
Victoria Beadle, marketing manager, NSAuk and Lassig UK
“It’s amazing for the myFirst range to be recognised alongside some other established, popular brands in the industry. Kids tech is a growing category so for retail to acknowledge this and think myFirst is worthy of being a finalist in the best Kids’ Lifestyle category is a phenomenal achievement for us.
All of the products are amazing in their own right but our favourites have to be the STEM/Educational category finalists. Anything that supports children’s development and mixes education with fun is a big yes from us! Our sales team will be eagerly watching to see who wins.”
Brittany Chandler, marketing executive, Oaxis
“Here at PMC we are absolutely thrilled to have our Personalised Contemporary Rainbow be nominated for 2020. It has been a difficult year for us all in so many ways, so to see our Rainbow shine a little light for us has been really rewarding.
Having looked at all of the finalists for Progressive Preschool Awards we can see some really innovative products and the judges clearly have their work cut out this year!
The lifestyle category in particular has got some really tough competition – best of luck to everyone in the category!”
Louise Crooks, marketing associate, Personalised Memento Company
“Hearing the news that we had been nominated for a second Progressive Preschool award this year was a lovely surprise. We are especially pleased to be a finalist in the Kids’ Lifestyle category for our L.O.. Surprise! Homewares Collection. It’s great to have our hard work, design and creativity acknowledged by the industry we love working in.
There are some very strong contenders showcasing a mixture of innovation, practicality and on-trend themes. We all try and cater for what the preschooler wants and there is no doubt they would be happy to receive and enjoy any of these fantastic products. It will be fascinating to see who walks away with the trophy!
We are really looking forward to tuning into the virtual ceremony and hoping to be able to watch it with all the team if we can.”
Jo Duckworth, owner, Dreamtex
This year’s event is completely free to attend and will be taking place as a virtual ceremony on Thursday 12 November, from 6:15pm. It is already shaping up to be the most fun you’ve had from the comfort of your own home this year.
The full list of finalists for Best Kids’ Lifestyle Range is:
About Friends Collection from Lassig
CarGoSeat from CarGoSeat
Grabease Cutlery from bébélephant
L.O.L Surprise! Rainbows Home Textile Collection for Primark from Dreamtex
myFirst Range from Oaxis
MJ Skate Range from Micro
Personalised Contemporary Rainbow from Personalised Memento Company
Sunglasses Range from Babiators
Sponsors of the PPS Awards 2020 include: Amscan, Aykroyd & Sons, Azaria PR, BBC Studios, British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA), CentumBooks, Fundamentally Children and The Good Toy Guide, Harrogate International Nursery Fair, Hippychick, LicensingSource.net, Misirli, Poetic Brands, Rainbow Designs, Redan Publishing, RH Smith & Sons (Smiffys), Toymaster, ViacomCBS, Vista PR, Walker Books.
For sponsorship or any other general enquiries regarding the PPS Awards, please contact Jo Pilcher or Rob Willis at Max Publishing.
Please note: The PPS Awards will be hosted on digital platform Hopin. Attendees will need to register in advance and we will be publishing these simple instructions in the coming weeks.
