KidStyleFile

The KidStyleFile Annual Reader Survey will be wrapping up on September 30, so you have only 1 week to go to throw your name in the ring for a chance to win from the $2,000+ prize pool.

The survey takes only 5 minutes to complete, and if you refer a friend (or 5!) you get the corresponding number of extra chances to win. Too easy!

Click here to start the survey now

The Rules

• You must complete the survey to be eligible to win.
• All fields marked with an * are mandatory. You must complete the mandatory fields at a minimum to be eligible for one (1) entry into the prize draw.
• BONUS Entries: You may refer 1-5 friends to receive 1-5 additional entries into the draw.
• Completion and submission of the survey implies your agreement to receive the KidStyleFile Weekly Deals & Steals Newsletter.
• If you are already a KidStyleFile Weekly Deals & Steals newsletter subscriber, please make sure the email address you use is the same one as you signed up to the KSF newsletter with.
• Completion and submission of the survey implies your acceptance of the full Terms and Conditions of this prize draw.
  

The Prizes

And now, without further ado, the fabulous prizes: feast your eyes, and good luck!

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This prize draw commenced on 1 September, and will close midnight, 30 September, 2008. Read the full Terms and Conditions of this prize draw.

Please note that referrals that include invalid email addresses, entries in which fields have been populated indiscriminately, and Spam entries, will be disqualified from the prize draw.

KidStyleFile respects, and protects, your privacy. We will use your email address to send you the weekly KSF newsletter and to contact you if you are a lucky winner, and that’s it! The results of the survey will be anonymous, and your email address will not be shared with, or sold to, any third parties. You can read the KidStyleFile Privacy Statement here.

Today some hot decor solutions and cool toys to put a smile on your dial

Two Dads with backgrounds in industrial design, and 7 kids between them, have teamed up to give us the most extraordinary store in Mooo – www.mooo.com.au.

These guys are so on the money with what’s cool, and their slick design, through all their products down to their sublime website, demonstrates an exceptional attention to detail.

You can buy personalised wall canvases and tees in a huge choice of designs and colour-ways, the finest name puzzles I have ever seen, gorgeous wooden kitchen toys, sweet softies in your fave characters (Play School, Peter Rabbit, The Very Hungry Caterpillar etc.) boxed miniature animal sets, and the coolest wagons and ride-ons – a Jeep and a vintage styled cigar-shaped racing car for goodness sake!!

Have a browse around the Mooo site to discover products between 10% and 50% off!

I saw all the Mooo products first-hand in Melbourne recently, and was really impressed by the quality of their wares.

Mooo’s extensive range of stretched canvas artwork is just perfect for kids bedroom wall art and baby nursery decor. The artwork is digitally printed using light fast ink and hand stretched over a 35mm frame. This canvas art has a real presence to it. The colours are so true and harmonious, and rendered so crisply, the result really is an exercise in perfection.

There are over 5,000 colour, design, and sizing options, to choose from, which makes decorating your baby’s nursery, or kid’s bedroom a snap, and all pieces are custom made to order and dispatched within 7 days. Awesome!

Mooo made to order kids bedroom wall art and baby nursery decor from $59.95

The Mooo personalised wooden name puzzles are the best quality wooden puzzles I have come across. The puzzles feature the finest construction: smooth letters with 3 coats of child safe paint and easy grip solid wood pegs perfect for tiny hands.

They are generously sized, and have a thoughtful addition to them: a zoo-full of colourful animals is printed on the reverse of the puzzle for added enjoyment. Name puzzles are a fantastic way for children to learn their name, and also make great newborn gifts; a lovely personal touch.

Mooo name puzzles are available in 3 colour palettes, and are made to order and dispatched with 7 days.

Mooo personalised wooden name puzzles start at $24.95 for a three letter puzzle.   SPECIAL OFFER: 50% off solid wooden name puzzle storage boxes with the purchase of any Mooo name puzzle until 30 September.

Also, check out Mooo’s gorgeous selection of toys to score huge discounts. Hot picks below.

Clockwise from top left:

Pelican Hand Puppet $20.00 $16.95 save 15%
Wooden Food Scales $45.00 $35.00 save 22%
The Very Hungry Caterpillar 18cm Beanie $25.00 $19.95 save 20%
Gourmet Wooden Toy Kitchen $350.00 $275.00 save 21%
Farmyard Felt Board $13.00 $9.95 save 23%

Mooo postal charges start at only $5.90 Australia wide. Read the Mooo Ordering/Delivery page for full details.

They say that the apple never falls far from the tree, and if you are a super-stylish mama, then Appleseed Child- www.appleseedchild.com.au -  is just made for you. Your little master or miss will be kitted out just as finely as you are if you shop at this brand spanking new deluxe boutique.

Selling a carefully selected selection of top Antipodean fashion labels and accessories for boys and girls from 3-10 years, namely Trelise Cooper Kids, mill&mia, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Itch Design, and Lark, with Little Leona by Leona Edmiston coming soon, Appleseed Child delivers its wares via its clean and easy to navigate site.

To celebrate the opening of Appleseed Child, owner Trish is gifting all KidStyleFile readers with a 15% discount. Enter ‘KIDS’ in the discount code box at checkout to redeem. Offer ends October 5.

My picks today include one of my all time favourite Aussie designers, mill&mia.

Melissa (‘Mill’) at mill&mia comes up with such beautiful designs every season, and they are a staple in my kids’ wardrobe (they wear just great, too; an essential requirement for me).

Jodi at Itch Designs has the most playful nature with an edge; it manifests itself as exuberant coolness in the clothing, and sparks my imagination every time.

Tommy Rocket and Two Belles deliver a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll attitude with a bohemian sensibility, that delivers an effortlessly cool result, and looks superb on.

Trelise Cooper for little girls is pure decadence; the dresses evoke glitzy occassions – red carpet, anyone? – and the separates will have you wishing you could upsize them for yourself.

Indulge and enjoy!

Clockwise from top left:

Prices quoted include KidStyleFile discount, applicable until October 5.

Two Belles Embroidered Hem Swing Top $54.95  $46.70
Two Belles Yellow Pink Floral Cargo Pant $66.95  $56.90
Itch Robo Boy Tshirt$34.00 $28.90
Mill and Mia Patch Pocket Short $59.95  $50.95
Trelise Cooper Kids Bow Be Prize Top $56.00  $47.60
Trelise Cooper Kids Bright Sparkle Dress $230.00  $195.50
Tommy Rocket Grey Check Short $64.95  $55.20
Tommy Rocket Panda Tshirt $36.95  $31.40
Mill and Mia Plain V Neck Tee with print $49.95  $42.45
Mill and Mia Print Pinafore Dress $89.95  $76.45

Appleseed Child charge the following shipping rates Australia wide: $5.50 postage for orders under 500gm and $9.60 for orders between 500gm and 3kg. Parcels can be registered for an additional $2.50. Orders over $150.00 are shipped FREE.

I am always on the hunt for cool kids products that fuse superior functionality with appealing design sensibility, and today, I’m quite excited, because I have two for you!

Introducing…..{drum roll, please} ‘Fropper’ and ‘Cheeky Chick’.

Brought to you by German-owned Okiedog – www.okiedog.com – these imaginatively designed ride-ons (evocative of fabulous grasshopper-like insects to my mind)  not only look cool-as, but are designed with optimal use, storage and transportation in mind.

So what’s the difference between these stable mates?

Cheeky Chick (pictured above, left) is suitable for chitlins 18 months old, or up to 20kgs. Robust, and lightweight (just 2.2kg), with “whisper-quiet” non-abrasive wheels, this multiple award-winning foot-to-floor ride-on will help your toddler master the basics of locomotion both indoors and out.

Cheeky Chick can also be used with Okiedog’s detachable parent handle, for when you need keep your little one on a safe trajectory.  If your tyke abandons ship, you can open up the compartment under the seat, take out of the carry strap inside and sling  it over your shoulder. When the day of play is done, Cheeky Chick folds down for easy transportation, and space-saving storage

Cheeky Chick’s counterpart, Fropper (pictured above, right), is designed for older toddlers 18-36 months, or up to 20kg. Featuring a bouncy seat that will have your little one bopping and cruising all over the house with joy. Never fear: your floors won’t suffer for the cause as Fropper is fitted with quiet, non-marking caster wheels.

Like Cheeky Chick, Fropper easily and quickly folds down to a compact size. Fropper also has a built-in grip in the seat, which means you can just grab and go, and you won’t have to struggle doing so; Fropper is a featherweight 2.2kg. Fropper can also be used with Okiedog’s universal parent handle.

Finally – and this is a very important feature for kids who like to play straight away, and parents whose favourite past-time isn’t constructing toys for hours – both Cheeky Chick and Fropper are ready to ride right out of the box; absolutely *no assembly* required.

Good thinking, Okiedog!

I have even more great news for you, as both Cheeky Chick, and Fropper, are available to buy online from Australian-based Amazing Toys – www.amazingtoys.com.au – and they are both on sale.

Cheeky Chick is just $95.90 $80.90 and Fropper is just $85.90 $65.90.

The Okiedog universal parent handle, compatible with both Cheeky Chick, and Fropper, is sold separately, and can also be purchased from Amazing Toys for just $29.90.

Check the Amazing Toys Customer Service page for information on shipping charges to your state. Amazing toys ships internationally. Visit the Okiedog website for more pictures, videos and information on the Cheeky Chick and Fropper.

PS For parents of kids 7 – 12 years, you can drool over Okiedog’s G-Force Racer (picture below). It’s not available to buy in Australia as yet, but rest assured I’ll keep you posted

Today, Miki reports on some fabulous footwear finds. It’s wonderful to know that funky and fashionable can meet, with baby and kids shoe designers producing shoes that not only look superb, but support healthy foot development. With kid’s feet constantly growing, you get the chance to have a bit of fun with choosing designs, and to make it even more fun, you can snap up some bargains here. Enjoy the weekend!

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It’s well known these days how important it is to buy quality footwear for children.  The better brands of children’s shoe are designed to ensure that the little feet they protect grow and develop properly, so it’s a vital investment to make on behalf of your kids.

Luckily for us, there’s a great range online, and they aren’t just ergonomically designed, they’re extremely cute to boot! (Te he )

Here are some of our favourites:

Run by unashamed shoe fanatic Fiona, Tiny Steps - www.tinysteps.com.au is shoe heaven for toddlers! With a fabulous range of shoes for newborns through to two years, and it’s good to know that she only stocks shoes which encourage proper foot development in babies and toddlers.

Stocking brands such as Pediped, Pedoodles, diddledumpling, ShooShoos and Kinder Klobber to name but a few, you can’t help but find something perfect for your little one here.

Personally I’m eyeing off the Pediped shoes for my little guy – the hard part is choosing which ones!

From top left in rows: 

Pedoodles Flower Power $48.95
diddledumpling Snail Bootie $39.95
Pediped Tyler Navy $42.95
BlaBla Ladybug Booties $27.95

If you, like so many others – including our Ange -, are a big fan of fabulous US shoe brand Morgan & Milo then head straight to Charlipop Kids – www.charlipopkids.com.au.

Great for active kids, these are not only hard wearing but gorgeous to look at too!  Fresh, fun and sporty designs which are perfect for everyday use while still being a bit special.

The Morgan & Milo emphasis is on the fit, comfort and practical detailing, so these shoes are a winner anyway you look at it.

Don’t forget that you can get 10% off at Charlipop Kids Designer (yes, including Morgan & Milo) until 30 September!  Enter ‘KSF’ at checkout.

From top left in rows:

Morgan & Milo Avril Mary Jane Red Madras Patchwork Plaid $29.00  $26.10
Morgan & Milo Matilda Capri Blue Flower Print $29.00 $26.10
Morgan & Milo Gumboots Lou Lou Spots $45.00  $40.50
Morgan & Milo Libby Skimmer Olive Pinky $29.00  $26.10

Oh, how I love the collection of shoes at Buckets & Spades – www.bucketsandspades.com.au!  A great range of brands are there, including the delightfully frivolous (but somehow still practical) Lelli Kelly maryjanes and boots, Diesel sneakers, Fred Bare sandals, Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, Bimbi and the gorgeous Garvalin. My personal favourite, though, is Tip Toey Joey – adorable!!

Make sure you have a look at the extremely well-stocked Shoe Specials section at Buckets & Spades too!  That’s a great way to get premium quality shoes for the kids at big discounts.  And if there’s something in the full priced section that you adore, use the Shop 4 Kids discount code to take 10% off the price.  Just a tip.

No links provided here as Buckets & Spades is a frames-based site.  Use the search function to find anything you want, or just select the ‘Shoes’ link on the homepage.
From top left in rows:

Discounts below show the 10% Shop4Kids discount off full-priced items.

Tip Toey Joey Wavey 030 K – Olive/Charcoal $49.50 $44.55
Agatha Ruiz De La Prada Shoes Abadia $139.00  $125.10
Lelli Kelly Papavero Mid $99.00  $89.10
Diesel Parawil $125.00 – $140.00 $112.50 – $125.00 depending on size.

If Fair Trade is important to you (and it is to me) then Skeanie – www.skeanie.com should be your first choice for pre-walker and toddler shoes.

Made from soft, high quality leather uppers and designed to be non-slip for both walkers and crawlers, these little shoes are just adorable.  I also love the toddler boots and shoes – perfect for a little person who is determined to be a big person and wants the boots to prove it!

The baby shoes make ideal baby shower/new baby gifts, so take advantage of the Skeanie FREE giftwrapping service!

From top left in rows: 

Red Boots $39.95
Black Leather Toddler Boots $49.95  $39.95
Pink Sandals $29.95
Green Sneakers $29.95

La-La Baby – www.lalababy.com.au – make the most adorable slippers, which are super soft cotton and wool felt, guaranteed to keep baby’s toes snuggly and warm.  These are the perfect baby shower present and they’re so affordable that you don’t have to stop at one pair!

La La Baby also stock Chookleaf shoes designed for kids aged 9 months up, with lovely soft leather and bright, fun designs (for pics, see below).

Ten Sticky Fingers – www.tenstickyfingers.com.au – stock the most exquisite little booties made by mother & daughter team Red Thread Designs.  These booties are handmade using only the finest materials and the cutest little buttons, and no two booties are alike.  These booties are also heavily discounted at the moment to make way for new stock coming. Couture booties on the cheap: I love it!

From top left in rows: 

La La Baby Apple Soft Baby Slippers $18.95
Red Thread Designs ‘Little Pink Duck’ Booties $19.50  $11.90
Red Thread Designs Citrus Tart Slippers $19.50  $11.90
Chookleaf Tan Loafers at La-La Baby $54.95  $47.95

Please check individual sites for postage details.

Today, Miki helps us out with some great gift ideas at the freshly launched Gifts4Kidz.

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Buying presents for other people’s children terrifies me, and I don’t think I’m alone.

My own child is still so young, and I think it takes plenty of experience of children at all ages before you can be certain of getting something appropriate. How do I know what a teenage boy would like?  Scary stuff!

Luckily the risk is taken out of the equation at the fabulous new Gifts4Kidz – www.gifts4kidz.com.au – where there is a great selection of gifts carefully sorted into categories for boys and girls of different ages.  Phew!!

With the range extending from newborn (keep an eye out for the newborn gift packs, coming soon) through to teenagers and beyond, this lovely site makes buying presents easy – and you can pick up something special for your own kids while you’re there!

What about the Marquise Ultimate Undergarment Set for a new arrival?  All Marquise products are of the finest quality, and this gift is not only beautiful but practical too.  New parents can never have enough little bodysuits and singlets, and this set includes something for every weather condition.

The Le Toy Van products are every kid’s dreams come true.  Beautifully made wooden playsets, there are fairy towers, sweetheart cottages and whimsical teapot cafe sets, not to mention Shanghai Warrior pirate ships and auto garages a-plenty.  Kids will spend hours upon hours in imaginative play with these wonderful sets – wish I’d had one as a kid!

There is also stylish room decor. Little girls would love the Tiger Tribe ‘Pink Flowers’ bedroom set, and little boys are guaranteed to adore the Missi Missi Junior Boys beanbag, and check out the homewares section for divine cot bedding and much, much more.

Brands stocked include Britt, Djeco, Le Toy Van, Kate Finn, Chippie, Little Beetle, Tin Lid Designs, Melo Baby, Creative Education, Alperstein Designs, Missi Missi, Tiger Tribe, Little Swish, Jacques Farel and Zoe Bonbon.

There is also a range of books, including gorgeous gift sets from my all-time favourite author, Roald Dahl, plus some beautifully thought-out baby record books and master plan diaries.

Gifts4Kidz are giving KidStyleFile readers 10% off all purchases until September 30. Enter ‘KSF’ in the promotion code section at checkout to redeem.

From top left in rows:

Discounts include the 10% off for KSF readers.

The Master Plan Diary, $34.95  $31.45 (Ange’s note: I have one of these in red, and it is truly the most beautiful diary I have ever owned!)
Kate Finn Essentials Set – Blue Stripe, $64.95  $58.45
Spots n Stripes Green Cot Set, $110.00 $99.00
Tiger Tribe Bedroom Set -Blue Car, $64.95  $58.45
chippie Black Butterflies Stanley Bag, $64.95  $58.45
Le Toy Van Wooden Teapot Cafe, $84.95  $76.45
Missi Missi Beanbag – Jumbo Boys, $120.00  $108.00
Le Toy Van New York Car Set, $36.00  $32.40
Djeco Princess Marguerite Gouaches Art Set, $42.95  $38.65

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide.