These have all been recommended by readers of apc; I have personal experience with only a few of them. Where I have any information about the companies' offerings, I give it; otherwise, all you'll see is a name and phone number. The obligatory disclaimer: this list is for informational purposes only and is not sanctioned by apc or any other organization. No warranty, express or implied, is provided for the products or services of the companies listed here. Nor do I guarantee that the contact info is correct, though I've tried to make it so. And it's possible that a few of these companies may want money for sending you a catalog -- though I've found that this is rather rare.
I think this is a pretty good list, chock-full of stuff you can't find in your neighborhood mall. Have fun!
Just click on these links:
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Alcazar Music. World music, children's music. 800/541-9904.
Alvarez Books. Adoption Books/Videos/Tapes for multiple adoption destinations, including China. PO Box 29, Falls Church, VA 22040-0029; www.alvarezbooks.com.
Asia for Kids. One of the biggest purveyors of multicultural goodies. Also has some adoption resources, including "When You Were Born in China" (see "adoption resources" list). 800/888-9681; www.afk.com.
Asian-American Books by Asian American Curriculum Project. Listed on the FCC web site."Originally developed by and for educators with the explicit goal of reinforcing and enhancing Asian-American self-image and esteem." Carries other items beyond books. 800/874-2242, www.best.com/~aacp.
Celebrate the Child. New business started by Kim Reber, an apc'er who is an adoptive mom and a teacher, and adoptive mom and RainbowKids e-zine editor Martha Osborne. Books, dolls, tapes, educational materials, specialty gifts. Toll free 800/237-8400 ext. 34, or call 610/372-1654 (Penn.), or E-mail Kim Reber, Celbr8Chld@aol.com www.celebratechild.com.
Cheng & Tsui Co. Boston-based publisher/distributor of Asian language-learning materials, translated literature, computer software and other products that introduce Far Eastern languages and cultures to the English-speaking world. 800/554-1963, 617/426-6074, ct@world.std.com.
China Books & Periodicals. A great selection, mostly for adults. Art, literature, history, politics, philosophy, some software, language. 415/282-2994 (Calif.); e-mail chinabks@slip.net; www.chinabooks.com.
Cultural Keepsakes. Specifically created for adoptive families who are trying to convey children's birth heritage. Formerly focused on Korea, now branching out into China, Russia, other countries. 516/588-1424 (N.Y.).
Dover Books. A generalist, but has a few inexpensive Asian resources. Write 31 E. 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501.
Every Child. Toys, games, puzzles, dolls, music, more. 800/382-4493; www.win.net/~everychild.
Frieda's. Popularizer of non-U.S. fruits and veggies. Website provides a listing of fruits and vegetables commonly used in Asian and other ethnic cooking. Can mail order baskets, and has pages of recipes. www.friedas.com.
Global Food Market. Spices and gift baskets, including the Orient, Spain, Italy, Israel, India. www.globalfoodmarket.com
Global Gifts. Multicultural and adoption books and gifts. 713/345-8750; PO Box 841407, Houston, TX 77284-1407.
Good Orient Enterprise. "The coolest stuff from the Far East" (cyber
retailer). Numerous Chinese items including silk
cheongsams (Hong Kong style dresses), kids' Chinese clothing and pajamas,
paintings, Chinese horoscope greeting cards, etc. www2.viaweb.com/goodorient/index.html.
Great Owl Books. Children's books "Celebrating the Many Voices of Our American Culture." A nice mix. Many in paperback. 800/299-3181, fax: 201-783-5899 .
Heritage Heirlooms. Run by apc'er Amy Bourland. Authentic, embroidered folk art from China. Quilts, shoulder bags, ornaments and decorations. Traditional clothing for children and adults will soon be added to the product line. www.superprism.net/doc/MARKET/c-art/index.html; guoshan@freewwweb.com.
The Heritage Key. Another classic multicultural resource catalog. Dolls, dishes, ornaments, toys, decorating items, and much much more. 602/483-3313.
Gumps by Mail . Chinese home decorating: chests, lamps, vases, boxes, prints, screens, etc. 800/284-8677.
Kane/Miller Book Publishers. Specializes in foreign children's books, including bilingual versions. No China-themed books at present, but a very nice mix of other titles, with a helpful themed index in back if you're looking to emphasize specific countries, values, etc. 718/624-5120, fax: 718/858-5452.
Lakeshore Learning Materials (cultural/educational). 800/421-5354.
Multicultural Books & Videos Inc. Just like it sounds. Dr. Seuss, Disney and many others in English/Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese). Bilingual Disney Talking Books. 800/567-2220.
Multicultural Media. Audio/video, CDs, some books. Excellent materials on Africa, South/Central/Latin America, Southeast Asia. Not so much China material, but some nice things. A great resource if you're into world music and dance. 802/223-1294 (Vermont), 800/550-9675, mcm@multiculturalmedia.com, www.multiculturalmedia.com.
National Geographic Society. Has a video flyer; lots of titles. Write 115 17th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-4688, or call Critics Choice video, 800/367-7765.
Oriental Trading Company. Paper lanterns and fans by the dozen for party decorations and goodie bags. 800/228-2269.
Roots and Wings. Specialty children's books and learning materials: multicultural, environment, family dynamics, peace & justice. 800/833-1787; fax 303/494-2693 (Colo.). NOTE: see adoption list (list 2) for info on Roots and Wings magazine, a separate enterprise.
Shen's Books and Supplies. An absolutely stunning collection of mostly Asian but also other multicultural books for kids in English, foreign languages, and dual versions. Fascinating array of ABC books and Cinderella tales from many cultures. 800/456-6660; www.shens.com.
The Shop on the Stairs, Guangzhou, PRC. Website of favorite destination for apc adopters, just down the street from the White Swan Hotel. Many cultural items. www.shop-on-stairs.com.cn.
The Smithsonian Catalog, 800/322-0344. Some nice Asian-themed gifts. Ditto for the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, 800/225-5592; and Art and Artifact, 800/231-6766.
Sounds True Catalog. Audios and videos; two pages of "healing music from China." 800/333-9185.
T-shirts: Shirts for Little Characters (tm) and Shirts for Big Characters (tm). Cotton shirts for infants and kids in red or white with traditional Chinese characters (Little Darling, Tiger, Dragon, Phoenix, Double Happiness). Cotton shirts for adults in white with traditional Chinese character for Tiger printed at left chest. Other designs may become available. E-mail apc'er Bob Crawford for details, pricing: bcrawf@roanoke.infi.net. Or see the designs at www.roanoke.infi.net/~bcrawf.
Thrift Books. Multicultural catalog available. Also includes adoption books. Run by an adoptive mom. 20% discount off list prices. 608/833-5238 (Wisc.).
Unicef. Catalog with many multicultural cards, toys, gifts. 800/553-1200.
Whole World Language Catalog. Pages on Chinese language, history, folktales, songs, videos. At the same phone number, About Music catalog has ethnic music, including Chinese. 800/243-1234.
Wind Records. Recommended by apc'ers for Chinese music, including lullabies. 800/850-5015.
Xinde Jia (New Family) Kids' Services. Run by apc'er Steven Hardy and his friend in China, Jason Xiao. Peasant artwork, notecards, Chinese commemorative postage stamps, document translation service (Chinese/English or vice versa, to encourage contact between a-families and Chinese caregivers). Xiao lives in Nanchang, Jiangxi, and will answer general China/culture questions by e-mail for free. www.jst-america.com/xdj/.
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Adoptive Families of America website doll page: www.adoptivefam.org/4-18/4-18.html.
Apple Tree Dolls & Bears. Run by apc'ers Merrily and Ted Ripley, who also run Adoption Advocates International agency. Dolls and bears. www.dollsnbears.com.
Dolls by Amanda Boyles. APC'er who crafts soft dolls. http://personal.riverusers.com/~boylese/amanda.htm.
Dolls by Pamela. Offers soft "Dolls of the World." Will make custom dolls. 612/487-6734.
Dolls of Every Description. Online catalog. Some multicultural dolls, also lots of dolls with various "special needs," some very serious. Used in hospitals, psychotherapy, etc. as well as for general play. www.teleport.com/~people/
Global Friends Dolls. Like the American Girls series, but multicultural. Recently added a Chinese doll. Includes kids' club. 800/393-5421, fax: 415/513-4066.
Magic Cabin Dolls. Soft, Waldorf-style dolls in various ethnic versions, plus other play gear and craft materials. 608/634-2848.
My Twinn. Creates dolls that look like your child. Expensive, but if this is what you want, this is the place. Also has a few noncustomized multicultural dolls. 608/634-2848.
Olmec. Makes the multicultural dolls sold at Toys-R-Us; also has a catalog. 800/677-6966.
Pleasant Company. The American Girls folks. Has Asian Bitty Baby as well as Asian American Girl of Today. Many clothes, accessories, activity kits, etc. 800/845-0005
Many of the catalogs listed under "multicultural resources" also carry dolls.
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NOTE: Many of the catalogs under "multicultural" also have adoption-related items, and vice versa.
APC official T-shirts and hats. T-shirts & hats embroidered with
the official logo of the a-parents-china listserv. Don't visit Guangzhou
without one. www.geocities.com/Tokyo/1771/apclogo.html.
Adoption Option Cards & Gifts. 206/759-2089 (Pacific time).
Adoption World Specialties. Founded by an adoption specialist and an adoptive/foster parent (mother & daughter). Cards, lifebook kit, other materials. 319/365-3454 (Iowa).
Adoptive Families of America. The premier resource supplier and advocacy organization. Ask for the Parenting Resources Catalog. Also includes multicultural materials. Adoptive Families magazine, many other services. 800/372-3300, 612/645-9955 (Minn.), or www.adoptivefam.org.
Cherished Memories. Founded by adoptive parents. Adoption announcements, cards. Separate catalogs geared to various ethnic groups. 414/251-0189 or 414/251-2167 (Wisc.).
Designs from the Heart (formerly Sunny Cedar Designs). Adoption and multicultural items and gifts. 109 S. 55th St., Omaha, NE 68132. 402/556-4304. Catalog $2.
Expression Cards. Carries Miracle of Adoption line of cards. 800/741-0711; www.adopting.org/cards/html.
Foil Works/Ellen Morris. Personalized adoption announcements. 888/460-6247, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Gotcha Angel pendants. Silver pendant of Asian angel; engravable with child's name, significant date(s). Business run by apc'er Linda White. www.bizresource.com/gotchaangels.
The Red Thread. Magazine founded by apc'er Edd Schultz, with contributing editors drawn from the listserv. Mission is to connect adoptive families of Chinese children. Includes news, poetry, features, parenting advice, children's pages, etc. $20 for 4 issues (1 year) in U.S.; other country subs are more. Write: The Red Thread, 5900 SOM Center Rod., #104, Willoughby, OH 44094; www.RedThreadMag.com.
Roots and Wings. Quarterly general adoption magazine "for families and friends touched by adoption." Articles, news, reviews, commentary. 4 issues for $19.95; 2-year sub gets discount rate of $34.95. PO Box 577, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. 908/637-8828; fax 908/637-4259; 76262.354@Compuserve.com; www.adopting.org/rw.
The Ties Program. Adoptive family organization that arranges tours to birth countries for groups of adoptive families and their children. Now compiling list of China program a-parents for future tour mailings as children get older. Becca Piper, The Ties Program, 11801 Woodland Circle, Hales Corners, WI 53130.
Seasons Catalogue. General gift catalog with some framed adoption poetry, and other family-themed items. 800/776-9777.
Super Scrap. Info on making keepsake books. 212/228-1800.
Tapestry Books Adoption Book Catalog. Excellent array of adoption resources for both kids and adults. Includes "Our Baby's First 7 Years" lifebook by the Chgo. Lying-In Hospital, designed for adopted children. (This is also available elsewhere.) Also has John McCutcheon's "Happy Adoption Day" book and the "Family Garden" recording that contains the "Happy Adoption Day" song. 800/765-2367; www.tapestrybooks.com; info@tapestrybooks.com.
"When You Were Born in China." Wonderful children's book now being sold as a fundraiser by many FCC chapters. Available from some of the other multicultural/adoption vendors as well. Great pix; sensitive text. A must for explaining the whole process and social ramifications to adopted Chinese children, as well as family members, friends. If you can't find a copy, check with the publisher: Yeong & Yeong Book Co., 612/454-1358; BBoyd@worldnet.att.net.
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Adoption Travel Services. Adoption specialist agency based in N.J. 800/414-1155; fax 908/654-5937; www.adoption-travel.com.
Chisholm Travel, Chicago. Advertises "Pacific Rim discounted air fares" in Adoptive Families magazine. 312/263-7900; fax 312/759-9234; 800/631-2324 (outside Ill.); Chisholmtr@aol.com.
Delight Travel. Adoption specialist travel agency with emphasis on Asia/Southeast Asia. Based in Wash. state. Call Wyman at 425/450-8803 or 800/328-6638; fax 425/450-8802; asiatvl@aol.com.
Federal Travel. Run by adoptive parents; adoption travel specialists. Florida-based. 800/551-8666; www.adoption.com/federal; federal@adoption.com.
Medical kit for adoptive families traveling to China. Medicines and information guides for a $75 donation. Designed by a pediatrician. Age-specific. Call Barbara Manisco 817/329-4290, or write International Adoptive Families, 110 Bent Trail Drive, Southlake, TX 76092. Check out http://home1.gte.net/cary/iaf. Contents and full ordering information also at www.roanoke.infi.net/~bcrawf/texaskit.htm.
Music World Travel. Adoption travel specialists, based in Wash. 800/500-8431; fax 360/452-8434; mwtravel@olympus.net; www.olympus.net/mwtravel.
Orvis. Offers a special traveler's catalog. 800/635-7635.
REI. Camping stuff, but recommended by an apc'er as an interesting source of travel gear. 800/426-4840.
Tam Travel Services. Recommended by apc'er; New York Based. Travel agency ccustomed to Asia/adoptive travel. Contact David Tam at (212) 406-9669; DTAM188@worldnet.att.net.
Travel Smith. Travel specialty items. 800/995-7010.
Vocabulary card set for China-adoptive travelers. 56 terms or phrases
on 26 cards (calling-card size, strung on a chain), plus a special card
saying that you have come to China to adopt and will always care for the
child. Each term or phrase is given in English, then pinyin, then simple
phonetic English and, finally, in Chinese characters (printed from a professional
Chinese font set). $14 mailed. E-mail apc'er Bob Crawford for details:
bcrawf@roanoke.infi.net. See the cards and list of contents at www.roanoke.infi.net/~bcrawf/vocabcd.htm.
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After the Stork. Kids' clothing (mostly cotton), shoes, mom/daughter outfits. 800/441-4775.
Biobottoms. 800/766-1254.
Birthday Express. Packaged theme parties (invites, tableware, goodie bags, activity kids, decorations). 800/424-7843, 425/641-0075; fax 425/641-2028; www.BirthdayExpress.com.
California Diversified. Makes the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder sling carrier ($39+4s/h). 714/361-1089.
Custom Craft Vol 1. Custom printed announcements and a few other baby things. 888/533-BABY, fax: 630/548-2108.
Earthwise Basics. Sling and other gear. 800/791-3957, 718/846-7434, ewbasics@aol.com, http://birthandbeyond.simplenet.com/ew.html.
H&F Custom Printed Announcements. Just like it sounds. 800/964-4002; fax: 913/752-1222.
Hand in Hand. Nice toys, a few multicultural, but mostly just well-chosen toys and gear. Uses Asian models, including an Asian baby on the front cover of their Spring 1997 catalog. 800/872-9745; HIHCatalog@aol.com.
HearthSong. Creative toys, craft items, wide range of pricing including very inexpensive things. 800/325-2502.
Land's End Kids catalog. Clothes. 800/734-5437.
L.L. Bean. Clothes. Has separate kids catalog. 800/246-4352.
Natural Baby. Lambskins, cotton clothes, and other non-synthetic gear. 800/388-2299; 609/771-9233.
One Step Ahead. Similar to the Right Start, including some of the same products. 800/274-8440. www. parentsoup.com. (Incidentally, there's other merchandise at parentsoup... I've made no attempt to do a comprehensive search for baby stuff on the WWW.)
Original BabySling soft carrier by NOJO. A sling designed by Dr. William Sears. $35 including s/h (see Calif. Diversified and Parenting Concepts). 800/440-NOJO.
Parenting Concepts. Sling-Ezee baby sling carrier and a few related items. Sling is about $35. 800/727-3683, 909/727-3683; fax:909/337-0969.
Peterson Infant Products. Makes Baby Trekker carrier. 800/665-3957.
The Right Start. Upscale accessories and equipment for kids. On the expensive side, but some of this stuff is hard to find elsewhere. 800/548-8531, fax:800-762-5501. Catalog sometimes includes Evenflo's Hike & Roll combo stroller/backpack, recommended by some parents for Asia travel. Or call Evenflo corporate (furniture division) for info about local dealers: 800/837-9201.
Safe Beginnings. A recommendation from several current apc'ers. 800/598-8911.
Toys to Grow On. Imagination-sparking, modestly priced (mostly) toys; catalog provides age ranges. Uses multiethnic models in its photos. 800/542-8338; in Los Angeles area call 310/874-4242. Fax 310/537-5403.
The Wooden Soldier. Traditional & special-occasion children's clothing. 800/375-6003.