KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Angela

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As you may have noticed, I have a bit of a ‘thing’ for toys. I loved them in childhood, and I love them still, and am always on the lookout for brilliant toys – the ones that live up to all expectations and become key pieces in my kids’ daily lives.

Entropy – www.entropy.com.au – stocks a tremendous range of toys from the best brands (check the list below the image – you’ll need to take a biiiig breath!), handpicked by their staff of early childhood specialists, teachers and mums, and is offering a swag of them on sale up to 40% off. Entropy are sending orders under 5kg (Razor Scooters included!) out for Christmas until 21 December. Postage is FREE for orders $100+, and Entropy will wrap your gifts for free. Santa will be happy!

Entropy stock fine toys fom the following elite brands: 4M, AB Games, Active People, Alex, Alma’s Designs, Amos, Anamalz, Aristoplay, Artiwood, Australian Menagerie, Automoblox, Bananagrams, Baufix, Be Educated, Bead Bazaar, Bead Shop, Beeboo, Beleduc, Bioviva, Blue Orange, Blue Ribbon, Boikido, Bolz, Brio, Cause Toys, Chelona, Cito, Classic Toys, Clementoni, Cogno, Corolle, Crafty Kids, Creative Education, Creatives, Crocodile Creek, CSIRO, Debresk, Die Spiegelburg, Discraft, Djeco, Dobbin and Drum Toys, Dresdner Puppenmanufaktur, Drewart, Drumond Park, Dumpling Dynasty, Eddu Toy, Educational Experience, Edushape, Eeboo, Eleganter, Entropy, Eyetribe, Fagus, Fairy Girls, Fascinations, Felt Creations, Fibracolor, Fiesta Crafts, Find It Games, Fish River Crafts, Folkmanis, Fruity Face, Fun Factory, Fundex, Galt, Games for all reasons, Gamewright, Gelli Baff, Gigamic, Giotto, Goki, Goldfish Gifts, Great Gizmos, Green Board Game Co, Green Toys, Grimms Spielholzdesign, Guidecraft, Gyro Car, Haba, Hama, Hands on Toys, Hansen, HaPe, Hasbro, Heimess, Hurrican, Imagability, Independence Studio, Infinitoy, Insect Lore, Intelliquest, International Playthings, Interstar, IQ ideas, Jack Rabbit Creations, Janod, John Crane, Johnco Productions, Juggleart, Kathe Kruse, Kiddy Toys, Kikkerland, Klutz, Knox and Floyd, Kobba, Kod Kod International Games, Kushies Zolo, Lagoon Books, Le Toy Van, Learning Curve, Leisure Learning, Lisa Leleu, Live Play Create, Lundby, Magnetic Moves, Magnetic Poetry, Manhattan Toy Company, Maxitronix, McNeill Designs, Meccano, Mehano, Melissa and Doug, Merrigold Collections, Micador, Microscooters, Miller Goodman, Mindtwister, Mishi Design, Mookie, Moulin Roty, National Geographic, Navir, Neat-Oh!, Nic, Ohio Art Company, One to Ten Toy, Oobi, Orchard Toys, Outset Media, Papo, Penelope Peapod, Piatnik, Pintoy, Plan Toys, Playroom, Playsam, Project Runway, Putumayo, Pywacket, Quercetti, Raggidy Rag, Rio Grande Games, Rolobox, Rosie Flo, Rumba Games, Santoys, Sarah’s Silks, Schleich, Schylling, Science and Nature, Sekkoia, Sevi, Shure, Sigg, Sigikid, Sirch, Smart Games, Smile Education, Sparkle T, Sparrow Kids, Spy Alley, Squatter, Sticky Mosaics, Story-time, Swatch, The Birthday Company, The Little Experience, The Toy Workshop, Theatrix, Thinkfun, Tiny Love, Toot Scoot, Toys Pure, Travis Designs, Trullala, UGames, Uncle Milton, Ventura, Vida Games, Viking, Vilac, Voila, Webkinz, Wheely Bug, Windspeed Kites, Wishbone, Wonderworld, World Alive, Yamax, Yoho, and Zoobookoo.

Entropy charge a flat fee of $9.95 for delivery, Australia-wide. Orders $100+ are shippeed FREE. Click here for full postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Leah

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In only a few days our jolly friend Father Christmas will set off for his busiest night of the year. His magical elves have been working like crazy to fill his sack with gifts for all the good little boys and girls, but there is always a little room for more from The Bees Knees Kids – www.thebeeskneeskids.com.au.

First up, stop by the Sale section at The Bees Knees Kids: stock within is up to 40% off, and sure to bring smiles.

Stella Cove girls swimwear has just been added to The Bees Knees Kids website, with orders being taken now for delivery at the end of next week. Whether you’re jumping in a backyard pool or dipping your toes into the surf this summer, a pair of gorgeous bathers are called for. (I think my Miss N will look gorgeous in the Hepburn Maillot one-piece.)

Ruffle Butts are a sweet and delightful brand which brings a hip and modern approach to the traditional ruffled bloomer. Recently new lines have been added to include gorgeous tops and dresses that compliment the bottoms.  Hot this season are the swing tops such as the Colourful Camilla which offer a blast of bold colour, are fully lined with 100% cotton and are one of the easiest tops to put on and off with a single button at the back. (With a squirmy Miss N this top is a blessing!)

One of my most difficult purchases each year, has been finding the perfect hat for my kidlets for the sunny season. The brim is very important, and needs to cover both the back of the neck and the face. The Bees Knees Kids has this covered with a range of Vintage Kids hats for babies, boys and girls, which are reversible, and better still – 40% off! The patterns are so reminiscent of my own childhood that I found myself daydreaming about climbing trees….what will it take you back to?

My Little Angel offers a bracelet and charm selection specially designed for children. Compatible with the Pandora range, you are sure to find a charm to suit any occassion or personality.  Or, if you are after something a little bit daring, check out the Pirouette Petti Couture range with some gorgeous Pettiskirts which will have your little princess twirling around and around all day.

The Bees Knees Kids has a special offer for you from now until 31 December 2009. Take 25% off all Chino Kids, Plum and Sooki Baby pieces by entering discount coupon code ‘HAPPY’ at the ‘Have a coupon code?’ section at checkout, then clicking ‘Update Cart’ to apply. Happy indeed!!

1. Sooki Baby Clouds Snapsuit Was $26.95 LESS 25% = $20.21
2. Chino Kids Bardot Dress White Was $118.95 LESS 25% = $89.21
3. Chino Kids Paris Dress Mocha Was $99.95 LESS 25% = $74.96
4. Plum – Loud T Shirt Was $18.95 LESS 25%= $14.21 & Plum – Loud Shorts with Pocket $12.95 LESS 25% = $9.71
5.  Rufflebutts Tee – White “So Blessed” Angel $29.95
6. Rufflebutts Dancing Dot Peasant Top $34.95
7. ECOtanka – TeenyTanka 350 ml w/ Adaptor Lid $17.95
8. Pirouette Pettiskirts – Red Pettiskirt $70.00
9. My Little Angel – Doll Charm $19.95 & My Little Angel – Blue Teddy Bear $19.95 & My Little Angel – Letters (Blue) $9.95
10. ERGO Baby Carrier – Hawaiian Print LIMITED EDITION $195.95
11. ERGO Baby Heart Rose Carrier LIMITED EDITION Was $195.95
12. Ergobaby Carrier – Heart to Heart Infant Insert Was $34.95

The Bees Knees Kids cupboard is stocked with items from Baby Bella Maya, Babycupcakes, Babylegs, Baobab, Barrajack, Best4Baby, Billiebaby, BumpBuddy Coldpacks, Chino Kids, ERGObaby, Goldbug, GAIA, Huggalugs, Mom Invented, Plum, Ruffle Butts, Sooki Baby, Skeanie, Stella Cove and Vintage Kid.

The Bees Knees Kids ship Australia wide for the great flat fee of $6.95 per order.  International orders are calculated at checkout. For more information see here.

Today’s post written by Edwina
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Good things come to those that wait, so if you have left your Christmas shopping to the last minute then today is your lucky day!

Miss Tati & Friends – www.misstatiandfriends.com.au – have an exciting year ahead, and 2010 will see a whole new look for the company as it focuses exclusively on children’s furniture with three new furniture collections to be released, and even more amazing chandeliers, childrens lamps and interior design.

This means all accessories and baby bedding at Miss Tati & Friends are being cleared from the warehouse with a HUGE SALE with all sale items below cost and many up to 90%, while stocks last!!! Note: Furniture and lighting is not included in the sale.

If your Christmas list is already complete, don’t despair: this sale will get you some major baby shower kudos. Stock the nursery or stock the gift cupboard, but get in early because Miss Tati has some gorgeous bibs, burp cloths, nappy bags and bedding all priced to clear.

Desperate Housewives fans will love the Stroller Tote baby bags – a favourite of Marcia Cross – they were $145, now $40! The superbly featured Melobaby Nappy Wallet (love the magnetic clasps!) is down to $20 from $59.95, and gorgeous cot bedding sets that were priced at $875 are now $185, with bibs from $5, burp cloths $4, and gorgeous hats and accessories all heavily reduced.

All items are packaged in Miss Tati’s Signature Gift Bag all ready to pop under the tree so go for it!

1. Cowgirl Bib $13.50 $5.00
2. Retro Cowboy Burp Cloth Set $35.00 $12.00
3. Peanut Sleeper $168.50 $45.00
4. Pumpkin Sleeper $168.50 $45.00
5. Plane Bib $16.00 $5.00
6. Alyson Baby Bib $16.00 $5.00
7. White Peony Hat $30.00 $8.50
8. Green Polka Dot Wood Cottage Picture Frame $36.00 $10.00
9. Pink Polka Dot Footprint Frame $38.00 $10.00
10. Blue And White Stripe Wood Cottage Picture Frame $36.00 $10.00
11. Love Red Icon Stroller Tote Nappy Bag $145.00 $40.00
12. Love Gold Icon Stroller Tote Nappy Bag $140.00 $40.00
13. Silver Peace Stoller Tote Nappy Bag $145.00 $40.00
14. Canterbury Summer Cot Bedding Set $865.00 $185.00
15. Precious Petals Cot Bedding Set $875.00 $185.00

Miss Tati & Friends ship all orders either by Courier or Australia Post Express Parcel Post, with charges based on weight calculated at checkout.

Today’s post written by Miki

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There is one Australian brand which absolutely epitomises summer to me.  The prints, the colourways, the free and easy cut of the pieces; it all says ‘family day at the beach’ or ‘chasey at the playground’ or ‘barbeque in the back yard’ to me.  After all, summers are the cornerstone of an Australian childhood – who wouldn’t love a clothing line which sums it up so well?

The brand I’m talking about is, of course, none other than Baobab – www.baobab.com.au – designed by Belinda Blooman originally for her daughter, and now for all Aussie kids right up to age six (and parents – Baobab gear is super-easy to wash and wear).

My kids’ wardrobes feature a heck of a lot of Baobab gear.  I love the simple, striking prints, the soft stretch cotton, the quality of workmanship and how great it looks after a quick eco-wash, even after run the pre-school gauntlet (think play doh, marker pens, paint, mud and glitter glue).  It’s very giftable too, and more than one of my friends’ new babies has received a Baobab outfit on arrival.

The new Baobab website has just had a makeover in time for Christmas, with a bit of brightening up and tweaking to make it sleeker and easier to use.  The navigation is now incredibly intuitive, and beautiful pieces just about jump out of the screen at you, making it easier than ever to choose the ones that will perfectly suit your child.  Or why not sit them down on your lap in front of the computer and get them to help you choose?

There are also some fantastic bargains to be had with up to 30% off in the sale section, plus take advantage of the Specials & Sets section, where buying co-ordinating pieces can also save you around 30%!

To celebrate the new site and the run up to Christmas, Belinda at Baobab is currently offering *FREE Express Post shipping Australia-wide on all orders until 24 December 2009. Proceed to the ‘My Cart’ section at checkout to redeem your ‘free express shipping’ with the special discount code ‘SANTA’.

1. Pink Racer Tank, $33.95
2. Navy Racer Tank, $33.95
3. Pink Bird Envelope Tee, $33.95
4. Baby Girl Comfy Shorts, $33.95
5. Lemon Singlet Dress, $43.95
6. Striped Heart Dress, $45.95
7. Blue Scooter Stud Tee, $37.95
8. Red Scooter Envelope Tee, $33.95
9. Sage 3/4 Tulle Skirt, $41.95 $29.40 (save 30% off the original price!)
10. Miss Beba ‘Betsy’ Hairclips, $10.00
11. Dog Stud Tee, $37.95
12. Lemon Racer Shorts, $36.95
13. Navy Racer Shorts, $36.95

Baobab ship Australia-wide with cost dependent on weight; the average shipping cost per order is $7.50.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Well, we’re down to the wire now: in one week’s time exactly it will be Christmas Day, and time to rest and play with gusto! To help me in my quest to find the best Christmas gifts for kids I asked some of my favourite online stores what *their* hot picks for kids this Christmas are, and why. I have thoroughly enjoyed the diverse selection of products that have arrived in my inbox – so many fabulous ideas! – and I am thrilled to be sharing part 7, the final instalment in this series, with you today.

Read all previous instalments here.

		“The Zoo Pack is the little kid backpack where “fun meets function!”Whimsical details and durable materials make this the perfect on-the-go pack for kids on-the-go!” - Vikki at TheInfantBoutique.com.au Skip Hop Zoo Pack – (Dog & Penguin pictured) also available Monkey and Mouse, $39.95 each
“Every child needs a ride-on, and Gyro Car is one of the best out. The car moves by itself as the result of the laws of kinetics (no batteries needed: this one’s kid-powered!) when the child turns the steering wheel .” - Jo at TheToyBug.com.au The Original Gyro Car, $110.00
		“This stunning 100% cotton embroidered summer dress from Two Belles will look great on Christmas Day and will go the distance all summer long.” - Mel and Marzena at TinyThreads.com.au Two Belles Embroidered Gypsy Kaftan Dress – $69.95 $29.95
“This pack of 3 mini Automoblox, includes a red sportscar, green ute and blue sedan and would make a great present for one lucky child, or split them to make stocking stuffers or small gifts. The quality is truly remarkable, and the interchangable components utterly ingenious!” – Casey and Carolyn at LittlePossumsToys.com.au Automoblox Mini Cars 3 Pack ‘K’, $52.95
		“This dress is perfect for all Christmas festivities. Every little girl will have fun twirling around like the angel she is in this stunning piece. Made from the beautiful Figgy Pudding line, the rich festive burgundy colour is lightweight and perfect for the holiday season.” - Andrea at SodaPopKids.com.au ZoZoBugBaby Angel Wing Holiday Dress, $79.00

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Anna

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“It’s just what I’ve always wanted!” My nephew made this exclamation some years ago as he opened his Christmas gift from me, the very proud-of-herself Aunty! The only bad thing is, that beautiful reaction has set a standard in my world that I’m not quite sure I can live up to every year!

If you are on the hunt this Christmas for an exclamation like my nephew’s, I bring you news (and fabby pics) of a hot new product straight from Skip Hop New York just landed into Australia and now available at The Hip Infant – www.thehipinfant.com.au. Behold the very adorable and fun new Skip Hop Zoo Packs, which are sure to brings gasps of appreciation this Christmas day.

These gorgeous backpacks are certainly a place where “fun meets function”.  Made from durable materials that will see them go the distance and survive the journey with your little one, they are completely BPA-free, Phthalate-free and PVC free. Zoo Packs feature a roomy main compartment plus an insulated pouch for snacks and a must – have adjustable mesh pocket to house a drink bottle.  They also have padded, adjustable straps, a spot to write-on a name tag on the inside and an easy to clean lining. Plus they’re very very cute: choose from four friendly animal characters – Monkey, Dog, Mouse or Penguin.

Mel at The Hip Infant has fallen head-over-heels with these beauties and wants to make sure every little person has a Zoo Pack in their Santa sack on Christmas morning. To make it easy for you, until midnight 22 December 2009 Mel is gifting us FREE delivery Australia-wide on every order that includes at least one Skip Hop Zoo Pack. Use discount code  ‘KSF-Zoo’ at checkout to redeem. This offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other discount, voucher or offer.

Note Christmas delivery deadlines: all eastern metro cities, midday Monday 21 Dec, and western metro cities and regional centres midday *tomorrow*, 18 December.

The final shout out today goes to all the Clearance Stock to be found at The Hip Infant – with up to an incredible 80% off to be found in this section you’ll fill your Zoo Pack in no time!

1. Janod Magnetic Helicopter $29.95
2. Ouch Swim Girls Rash Vest Berry $26.95
3. Skip Hop Zoo Pack – Dog $39.95
4. Janod Suitcase Puzzle Giraffe $34.95
5. Teeny Me Hooded Beach Poncho Red Stripe $34.95
6. Teeny Me Beach Towel Pink Stripe $29.95
7. Skip Hop Zoo Pack – Monkey $39.95
8. Skip Hop Zoo Pack Penguin $39.95
9. Plan Toys Lacing Sheep $39.95
10. Alimrose Teething Ring Owl & Star Chocolate/Aqua $24.95
11. Skip Hop Zoo Packs – the entire collection on display – aren’t they cute?! $39.95 each
    
12. Skip Hop Zoo Pack – Mouse $39.95

The Hip Infant only stock hip products for infants from the following list of brands: Aden + Anais, Alimrose Designs, Alex Toys, Alphasketti, Annabel Trends, Babylicious, Baby Einstein,Baby Legs,  Bbox, Belly Art, Billie Goat Soap, Blabla, Blik Wall Graphics, Bluebird and Honey, Brio, Bobble Art, BUD, Candela, Cheeky Monkey, Chilli Kids,  Coco & Eli, Crocodile Creek, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, Dwell Studio, Elegant Baby, Evetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, Foogo By Thermos, For Walls, French Bull, Funtainer By Thermos, Gertie and Me, Giddy Giddy, Gijmmo, Goki, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, Honey Sticks Love Mae, ID Tee, Infancy, ITZBEEN, Janod, JellyCats, Jewel Queen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kiddopotamus, Kristy Clayton Art, Lima Bean, Little Einsteins, MELOBABY, Milestone Press, Milk & Co Baby, Minimonkey, Oeuf NYC, Oricom Baby Monitors, Olli & Pop, Ouch, Plum Baby, Present Time, Printspace. Pure Baby, Qubies, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Sambellina, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Snugglebum, Sparkle T, Teeny Me, The Hip Infant, The Hip Infant Limited Edition Basics, Tip Top Joey, Tippy Toes, Tiger Tribe, Tommee Tippee, Toys Pure, Trunki, Wall Candy Arts, Wee Gallery.

The Hip Infant charges a flat rate of $8.50 for Australia-wide shipping. For all details please see the delivery page. International orders are warmly welcomed: head to International Orders page for full info.