Children’s Graphic T-Shirts & Sweatshirts
Founded: 2009
Founder: Carolyn Caffelle
Based in: New Hampshire, USA
Category: Children’s Clothing
Specialty: Original graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts for kids
Ships From: United States
Business Model: Small-batch, direct-to-consumer and wholesale
The Wishing Elephant is a children’s clothing brand founded in 2009 by Carolyn Caffelle. The brand specializes in original graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts designed to celebrate the humor and magic of childhood.
Known for playful typography, nostalgic references, and bold vintage-inspired graphics, The Wishing Elephant creates clothing designed to be both comfortable and memorable.
Carolyn Caffelle launched The Wishing Elephant after being laid off from a teaching position during the Great Recession. Starting with handmade baby onesies photographed on her own child, the brand grew organically through Etsy and social media.
• Kids graphic t-shirts
• Kids sweatshirts
• Seasonal collections
• Limited small-batch designs
The brand focuses on:
• Original typography and illustrations
• Humor rooted in childhood moments
• Comfortable fabrics suitable for everyday wear
• Small batch production rather than mass retail distribution
The Wishing Elephant and founder Carolyn Caffelle have been featured in national media and industry platforms, including:
• Featured on The Martha Stewart Show (2011)
• Featured in BabyTalk
• Featured in Rachael Ray Every Day
• Featured by BuzzFeed
• Featured on NHPR Chronicle
• Member of the Etsy Seller Advisory Board
• Panelist at the Etsy Up Conference
