Regular TechCrunch readers may remember Kidlandia, the awesome site that lets you create your own personalized fantasy maps for your kids. Choose one of Kidlandia’s pre-designed map layouts, and you can customize it with various mythical characters, your child’s name, and whatever else suits your fancy. Thing is, it can be tough for kid-friendly companies like this to really reach their target audience without a presence in retail stores. But soon, Kidlandia will be getting just that: the company has forged a deal with Pottery Barn Kids, which will soon feature the maps in its catalog, its website, and its retail stores.
Maps will be a bit more limited than they are on the main Kidlandia site — you’ll only be able to choose from a fairy-themed map or a pirate map, but you’ll still be able to customize it will up to 25 different names. Maps will sell for around $130 each and are 27×35 inches on material designed to last “up to 200 years”. You’ll have to wait until late fall if you want to get your map through Pottery Barn, but if you’re looking to grab one now you can still get it through the main Kidlandia site.
Alongside today’s news, the site is launching a revamped homepage, and is also adding support for Zazzle products — you’ll now be able to get portions of your custom map printed on mugs, T-shirts, and other items.
Making stuff personal is the way to go, however a great idea such as this does not mean automatic success, there are always probabilities that stand against the team behind it.
How will they become a household name in their market sector? I mean analytically, how will it be done?
What will it take? What is their unique voice, message – can they communicate it effectively – simply and soberly?
Gone are the days where profits were made on gut instinct alone.
seems like a pretty cool site for kids
My kids had fun mapping their friends and family on the Kidlandia site, but I decided not to purchase our maps. I was not convinced that the quality would warrant the high price – for this reason, Pottery Barn is a great fit.
too bad the link to the site returns Bad Request (Invalid Hostname)
Yeah, noticed that as well.
What say you Jason Kincaid?
I am on the Kidlandia board and yes the company is working on getting the brand spanking new site back up. Dont you know that your site is supposed to fail when you get press.
That is a bummer. Totally wanted to check it out for my little one. What are the odds you guys’ll email me when it’s back up?
we’ll post on techcrunch when the site is back up and email you if you share your address.
The site up again – sorry folks! (CEO here)
It was a cyber-attack from Tweenlandia. They’ve been fended off. The kids rule once again.
It’s gone again.
Oops, now it’s back.
In the focus group I attended on this the women there (all moms) were thrilled at the ability to customize, the options for packaging, etc. it seems a flexible, clever biz model to me – and definitely an underserved market. great business idea!
Kidlandia is one of the most clever projects for kids and parents (and uncles and aunts). It gives children a sense of place, creativity and the tavel bug.
The creator of this must be a genius! Kudos.
Impressed with how easy it is to make a high-quality map. Fun and simple!
Can’t wait to get them for all the great grand children!!
This sounds perfect for all the children on my gift list this holiday season!