And even better we have a special discount for you!
Sometimes I see some great products, I know I want them, I need them but for some reason, I do not get them right away, and then I obsess with it. Why didn’t I get it? Sounds familiar? Well, that happened to me with the Bear Hug Blankets. I discovered them at a Ladies Who Launch conference. Ymke, the creator, had a stand there, we chatted and did not get the blankets that day. I kept in touch with her by email, she is a super cool businesswoman. I still had in mind her blankets. They are perfect for little travelers, soft, big, stylish, and they double as a backpack! They will make great gifts for my two daughters this Christmas (I am tired of obsessing with them, I am getting them!!!). Even better, Ymke gave the ‘Travel is More Fun with Kids’ blog readers a 10% discount. Just use the code: bestgift at checkout, there is no reason to wait anymore!!!
Read my interview with Ymke Dioquino, the founder of BearHugs Unlimited. Check her website www.bearhugsunlimited.com. Get your kids a blanket if you like what you see and send her website to your family and friends. The Bear Hugs blankets make great useful and stylish gifts! I know my daughters are going to love them!
Ymke: The BearHug sort of 'emerged' at the end of a creative surge. I was trying to come up with something for our two oldest kids to take along on our trip to Europe. It can get cold in an airplane and I wanted for them to have something soft snuggle up in instead of having to deal with those harsh airline blankets. Also, they would have to carry it themselves, since their baby brother filled up my arms already! The Hugs really worked for the kids and made them feel at home during the whole trip.
Lydie: When the blanket is in the backpack, is there space to put more things in the backpack?
Ymke: Yes, there is plenty of space. My daughter carries all her sleep over stuff in it: pajamas, book, and toiletry bag. There is also a smaller pocket on the front of the backpack.
Lydie: How big is the blanket?
Ymke: It's 60" by 58" and is U-shaped. It's so big, that it's like a great big furry bear hug! (Hence the name of the company!)
Lydie: What colors do you offer?
Ymke: We offer royal blue with a light blue trim, bright green with a lemon yellow trip, powdery pink with a creamy white trim and lavender with a light pink trim.
Lydie: What is the blanket made of?
Ymke: It's made with a super soft polyester fleece fabric.
Lydie: Does it shrink? Does it get damaged by the dryer?
Ymke: It holds up really well in both the washer and dryer, which was essential to me as a mom. The fabric is certified non-toxic and the colors don't bleed and stay bright and beautiful.
Lydie: What is your age recommendationt to use the BearHug Blanket?
Ymke: I think kids 5 and up really benefit from the BearHug because of its size. Having said that, I leave it up to the parents. Our 3-year-old loves his 'bee-hug'! I do recommend (also on the website and the folding instructions) loosening the straps and stuffing them inside the BearHug when in use as a pillow. You can also tie them up in 'bunny ears' to prevent entanglement. As with anything, as parents we need to use common sense.
Lydie: What are the top benefits of using the Bear Hugs blanket versus the regular blanket?
Ymke: It is super soft, practical, portable and huge! It stays on when you move around in it, which is great during the colder seasons.
Lydie: What do you have to say about the relationship blanket/touch sense/better sleep and relaxation?
Ymke: What I have found during this past year, is that kids really bond with their BearHug. It seems to help them transition easier. One mom told me she lines the cold hotel sheets with the kids' BearHug, so they can instantly feel comfortable. I always have some in the car, so when I pick up my kids from school, they feel right at home. One of our repeat customers is a realtor, who gives a BearHug to the kids of families she's sold a house to, sensing it helps with their transition.
Lydie: Do blankets really have calming benefits on children? Do blankets have benefits for children with special needs for example?
Ymke: I believe blankets do calm children. It's something familiar to the senses (touch, smell, visual) that is connected to home. In psychology we call that a 'transitional object', something that helps a child transition from one situation to the next. We believe that the spirit behind the BearHug, it being a 'Hug' enhances that effect. BearHugs proved great for some children with special needs as well. One mom told me she had her first full night's sleep in seven (!!!) years after her son received his BearHug. He is autistic and especially sensitive to touch. The Hug proved soft enough for him to feel comfortable at night!
Lydie: What is the next step for Bear Hugs?
Ymke: I would love to get the word out and expand our product line with more fun, high quality and creative ideas!
Lydie: Where can we buy the blankets?
Ymke: You can buy them online at www.bearhugsunlimited.com. From there, we can send BearHugs all over the country. Use the code: bestgift at checkout for a 10% discount! They are also available at Bears, Buddies & Toys in Daly City and Rohnert Park, as well as at Kids Only on Haight Street in San Francisco. You can find directions to these stores on our website.
