KidStyleFile

Post written by Raquel

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As sure as day becomes night Christmas is coming! Make it as green as can be this year with my pick of the crop of beautiful environmentally and kid friendly gifts. Enjoy!

Read all Christmas 2010 coverage to date here.You can view last year’s picks here.

The Green Guide is published on the second Friday of each month. Read previous ‘The Green Guide’ posts here.

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1. These chubby, stackable Playon Crayons from Studio Skinky are non toxic, stain free and easy for equally chubby fingers to grip. $12.90

2. Created by the Lawrence Hall of Science – University of California, Berkeley, Sunprint Kits allow kids to harness the sun’s power in an artfully fun way.  $14.50

3. The Funny Paper Cubby House is made from 85% recycled corrugated fibreboard with skylights and internal shelves, for tikes who fancy a place of their own. $109.95

4. Calafant’s Recycled Treehouse slots together easily, comes ready to decorate and won’t take up space in the yard. $39.95

5. Give your resident fairy a wee makeover with Eternal Creation’s fabulously fun and fair trade Fairy Wings. $39.95

6. Featuring 53 amazing species, Terra Toy’s Animal Playing Cards are an awesome way to play while sneaking in some math and natural world learning. $6.95

7. It’s got plenty of creepy crawly appeal so you know he’ll be digging Kidsonroof’s Totem Spider recycled construction set. $26.95

8. Alleviate the burden of carrying all the kid’s gear by inspiring them to carry it themselves with these super funky organic Kids Satchels from Apple & Bee. $29.95

9. Handmade by Tibetan refugees, these Steiner Dolls are an extra special friend for extra special boys and girls. $88.50

10. Gotta love a snazzy piece of green real estate that’s interest free. The Melrose Dollhouse is made from recycled paper and won’t break the bank. $55.00

11. An affordable birchwood balance bike with its own stand and storage basket? Runna bikes will be running out the door when Santa finds out about these. Available in pink or black. $149.95

12. After100% organic and 200% groovy?  Check out this Gandhi tee from Tiny Revolutionary. $32.95

13. For mini tradies ready to graduate from pretend play, Moulin Roty’s Wooden Tool Box contains kid sized tools that are the real deal. Suitable for eight and over. $59.95

14. Made from recycled milk containers, all this Dump Truck from Green Toys needs is a naturally charged driver to help clean up the planet; one play session at a time! $54.95

15. Lilly Pilly Arts’ lovely vintage look Personalised Blocks are handmade and can be customised with baby’s name. From $16

16. Once I Was A Comic is made from – yep, that’s right – recycled comics and is richly packed with tonnes of interesting facts and gorgeous illustrations about endangered tigers. $11.95

17. Pure Baby’s organic cotton Woven Bodysuit is almost as cute as bubs. Almost. $39.95

18. Push it, match it, chew it: Mokuyusya’s handmade Elephant Mum and Baby provides a naturally tactile play experience for eco tots. $66

Please check individual sites for postage details and be sure to survey the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

Post written by Miki

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I first became a devotee of Stuck On You – www.stuckonyou.biz – a couple of years ago when my eldest son started at childcare.  I needed good, reliable labels that would stay stuck to his various belongings, and naturally I wanted them to look great too.  Stuck On You has never once let me down and those labels from two years ago are still going strong despite daily trips to kindy and nightly cycles through the dishwasher.  Can’t complain about that!

Over the years Stuck On You has expanded their range of personalised items for kids children and now offers an extensive selection, including recent additions: embroidered bathrobes, towels and face washers, jumpsuits and bibs for babies, laundry hampers, hair brushes (great Christmas stocking fillers!) and even clocks – all fully personalised for your child.

I can’t rave enough about personalised gifts for children. Kids *love* having their name on their belongings, it makes them feel special and helps teach them to look after their things with pride. It can also solve tricky sibling issues. My two squabble over a certain towel, of all things, both wanting it for their bath. Solution: buy them personalised towels from Stuck On You (and face washers for good measure), and they both have lovely towels of equal merit with their names embroidered in their favourite colours!

To help with your Christmas gift list Stuck On You is offering all KidStyleFile readers 10% off all items in the Gift Ideas section. Enter discount code KSFNOV at checkout until 25 November 2010 and put the money you save into your own present

All items pictured above are available in the Stuck On You Gift Ideas section.  Take 10% off these products until 25 November 2010 using the discount code KSFNOV at checkout.

Stuck On You despatch all orders within four working days and postage start as at a low $2.00 – $5.30 via standard Australia Post delivery. If you need your order faster the charges are $7.50 for Express Post, or $15.00 for courier delivery.

As part of our Christmas coverage this year we are sharing with you our own personal picks for our kids. Today we’re featuring Edwina’s picks. Enjoy! – Ange

Read all Christmas 2010 coverage to date here.You can view last year’s picks here.

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Edwina and her boys, 4, 6 and 9 years

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Bring on the Brandy Butter! The countdown to the big day has started and while I am nowhere near being organised at least there is still a bit of time to get there. I have three boys (plus a grown up one) to cater for each year and I have to say finding presents that they will love and get a lot of play time with is a fine art.

This year my youngest (who is nearly 4) is hopefully going to love the train set below. Boys + Trains are usually a winner and this set comes with over 5 metres of track, plus town buildings, trees, cars and people. It is also compatible with BRIO and other brands of wooden trains which means we can add to it easily.

Deciding on the ‘big’ presents for the older boys (6 years and 9 years) is still keeping me up at night so I will be keeping an eye on the rest of the KidStyleFile Christmas picks for inspiration, but one thing that I have already decided on is a very cool Tidy Books Bunk Buddy as a ‘bedside table’ for the top bunk. I also routinely wrap up a few new t-shirts for Christmas each year and this year my boys will find tees from MungBean under the tree.

The Stocking Stuffers are in the bag this year. Santa likes to replenish the art supplies at our house just in time for the summer holidays. He is so clever,  he knows we would just love some new Studio Skinky Crayons, Are Off! Decoupage Kit and a set of 12 new ejeco Gouache Paints. The YumBots silicon cupcake moulds are also super cute and perfect for creating a squad of Robot Cakes in the kitchen to match the collectible Lilliput Robot.

Books, books books are a perennial Christmas fave, and with Book Depository offering free international shipping now is the time to order. The fantastic thing about online shopping is just how easy it is – no parking, no crowds, no stress, and if you start clicking soon you will be all done and dusted and can enjoy the delights of the season, just like I plan to.

1. Are Off! Decoupage Kit- $9.95
2. YumBots Robot Cup Cake Moulds – $24.95
3. Djeco Gouache Paint set of 12 - $18.95
4. Studio Skinky – Crayons – $12.95
5. Pokemon Adventure Books – $7.70
6. Big Jijs Town Country Train Set – $119.95
7. Mung Bean Bike T-Shirt – $30
8. Tidy Books Bunk Bed Buddy – $125
9. Fantastic Co Lilliput Robot – $35

Please check individual sites for postage details and be sure to survey the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

Post written by Angela

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It’s mid November and a great time to starting thinking about Christmas. Now’s the time to surreptiously stash pressies to take the pressure off Santa! To help me find the perfect picks I have asked some of our favourite online stores what their hot picks for kids this Christmas are. I am delighted to share part 2 with you today. Stay tuned for more instalments happening every week until Xmas.

Read all Christmas 2010 coverage to date here. View our 2009 coverage here.

		” We love that you can coordinate a pair to your favourite Oobi outfits, and the handy elastic back means they stay on. Available in three colourways and come in a handy carry bag.” - Terri at LittleStyles.com.au Oobi Flip Flops /  Thongs, available in Whale, Blue Strawberry and Red Spot ffrom 1-8 years  $17.95
“A gorgeous ‘take anywhere’ toy that makes a stylish and fun gift idea for Christmas this year.  This delightful wooden set packs up neatly ready for the next play.” – Paula at LittleLiving.com.au Tiger Tribe Plane Box Set, also available in ‘car’ variety $59.95
		“Ragbags take the guess work out of gift giving this Christmas, what girl wouldn’t love a gorgeous handbag embellished with flowers, pearls and organza ribbons!” - Mary at MyBabyRocks.com.au Ragbag, $33.90
“One of these stunning silver name necklaces – or gold, if you prefer – is sure to bring a smaile to your little girl’s face come Christmas morning.” - Lesley at TheLittleKidzCloset.com.au Personalised silver or gold name necklace, POA
		“With so many fabulous Djeco items in store it truly is a tough decision on what to choose! The Birds of Paradise Coloured Sand Workshop is just so beautiful and will provide hours of creative joy with four stunning masterpieces to create.” - Toni and Melony at .com.au Djeco Birds of Paradise Sand Workshop $31.95

Please check individual sites for postage details and be sure to survey the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

Post written by Anna

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If you are looking for a classy present to sit front and centre under your tree this Christmas The Little Kidz Closet - www.thelittlekidzcloset.com.au has some absolutely stunning gifts bound to inspire and delight as the wrapping is peeled back on Christmas morning. Proprietor Lesley has such sublime taste that really anything in store at The Little Kidz Closet is going to suit gift-giving this Christmas. In fact, I would even hazard a guess that most items sourced from TLKC will never make it into a closet: they are just so stylish they need to be out on display for everyone to admire!

If you are pregnant or have a wee little babe (*congratulations!*) now would be a great time to source a gift that will add a special touch to your nursery. I love, and I mean love these Felt Ball Mats and think are such a perfectly stylish and practical little number. These mats are bound to impress everyone who sees them, as well as impressing baby who play on it for years to come.  Or how about one of these super cute clocks from Decoylab? There are perfect for nurseries and kid’s rooms as the motor is whisper quiet – no ticking noise. You can choose from a Squirrel, a Hedgehog, an Elephant, an Owl or how about (my personal favourite) the Baby Owl?

The Little Kidz Closet also stock the acclaimed Hanke for Kids Le Baron Kids Lounge Chair. This is a beautiful designer piece of furniture, specifically designed with little people in mind. It comes in a range of colours, is adjustable in height meaning it can suit a 1 yearold all the way up to your 10 yearold. I love the thought of how much lounging, snuggling and reading will be done over the years in one of these chairs.

Proving that she has perfect timing to match her perfect style, Lesley at The Little Kidz Closet is offering KidStyleFile readers some great offers just in time for all this Christmas giving. The very popular range from Seedling has been reduced by 10% making certain of thoughtful, creative pressies for all the little ones in your world – prices as marked. You can also make the most of FREE Delivery on all orders of clothing over $50.00 ( including what’s on offer in the sale section with up to 50% off) and bed linen orders of $200+. Enter special code Xmas to redeem these offers until midnight, 25 December 2010.  Delivery on all items other than clothing and bedlinen will be calculated at checkout.

ONE. Felt Ball Mat Smarties $299.00
TWO. Decoylab Baby Owl Bamboo Clock $64.95
THREE. Seedling Design your own Yo Yo $19.95 sale price $17.95
FOUR. Hanke for Kids Le Baron Kids Lounge Chair $319.95
FIVE. Seedling Create your own Tutu $79.95 sale price $71.00
SIX. Kidkraft Deluxe Multi-Storey Car Park Play Set $169.00
SEVEN. Tea Princess Gingham & Floral Swing Dress $79.95
EIGHT. Seedling Royal Blue Bunting $39.95 sale price $35.95
NINE. Sudo Houston Pants $74.95
TEN. Klop – Outdoor Fun $60.00
ELEVEN. Jacob and Bonomi Little Traveler Quilt Set $135.00
TWELVE. Jacob and Bonomi Tree Of Life Cot Sheet Set $85.00

The Little Kidz Closet stock products from the following brands: adorning al, Alex & Charli, An Angel at my Table, Antons Lane, Ani & Trio, Baby Kas, Baby Legs, Bebe by Minihaha, Bloom, boodalee, Bosco Bear, BugRugs, Busybee Friends, Buttons by LouLou, Cariboo, Cici Art Factory, Cocoon Clothing, Cot Couture, Cubby Canvas, Dingsbums, Dotty Spot Designs, Ecococoon, Forwalls, Fresh Baked, G for George, Giimmo, Green Lullaby, Heavenly Creatures, IDC Kids, Innate Gear, IVI, Jacob & Bonomi, Kas Kids,Kid Kraft, Kouch, Left Hand Make, Lelbys Bean Chairs, Lilly & Lolly, Lindy Loo, Linea 1930, Little Chillies, Little Lamb, Little Light House,  Little Miss J, littlenest, Look at the Wall, Lovestamp, Mini by Angi Mac, MiniMi, Miss Ruby May, Missimoo Designs, Monstar Kids, NurseryWorks, ooMoo Kids, Pickle, Pirouette Pettiskirts,  Pooki & Co, Puggyhouse, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Rondeau Industries, Seed Organic, SleepiSpaces Stickytiki, Tea Princess, Teeny Me, Three Little Trees, Tommy Rocket, Touchwood Furniture, Treehouse, Two Belles, Ubabub, Urban Nest Designs, Vivi Celebrations, Walnut Melbourne, Whimsy, Zuny Classic and Zzzoolight.

The Little Kidz Closet postage charges start at $7.50. Clothing orders over $150.00 are shipped free of charge. Visit The Little Kidz Closet Information page for full details.

Post written by Miki

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If your kids need an injection of style into their summer wardrobes, there is one place you need to visit: My Keiko – www.mykeiko.com.au.  With a gorgeous range of quirky, sweet fashion and gear for babies and kids, I guarantee you’ll find exactly what you need.  Got lots of end of year parties coming up for the kids?  Need something for the small people to wear on Christmas day?  My Keiko has loads to choose from including brands such as Penny Scallan, Babylegs, Naturebaby and Woolly Wugs, and it’s all simply beautiful.

I am eyeing off the Hullubullu bibs and Babylegs as fantastic stocking stuffers for babies and toddlers, and I might just grab a Woolly Wugs Twin Pack of gorgeous sleeping bags as a present for a friend whose baby is due soon.  For myself I think I deserve a treat…the DashBaby Clutch in blue!

Right now you can take a whopping *30% off* store-wide at My Keiko including current season fashion, footwear, bedding and decor and much more.  You can even take 30% off everything in the sale section, meaning that there are bargains in there going as low as 85% off!  To redeem this truly super offer just enter discount code KSF at checkout until 1 December 2010. Orders over $150 (before post charges added) also receive FREE delivery, Australia-wide, so you’re justified in adding a few more goodies to your cart

Discounted prices quoted below are valid using the code KSF until 1 December 2010.

one. Beep Beep Slings – 50s Flora, $75.00 LESS 30% = $52.50
two. Hullubullu Pink Cat Bib, $16.95 $13.95 LESS 30% = $9.76
three. Uchi Bubblegum Dot Baby Backpack, $110.00 $80.00 LESS 30% = $56.00
four. Tyrrell Katz Fairy Kit Bag, $29.95 LESS 30% = $20.96
five. Penny Scallan Girl Stripe Raincoat, $49.95 LESS 30% = $34.96
six. hiPP Invitations – Social Butterfly (pack of 25 inc. envelopes), $14.50 $11.50 LESS 30% = $8.05
seven. Infancy Green Forest Print Dress – sz 4 only, $42.00 $25.00 LESS 30% = $17.50
eight. ‘I See’ Kids Travel Journal, $34.95 $25.95 LESS 30% = $18.16
nine. Eco Peko ‘Eco Babies Love To Save Water’ – sz 2 only, $39.95 $15.95 LESS 30% = $11.16
ten. Hotbubba Red Star T-Shirt, $16.00 LESS 30% = $11.20
eleven. ’52 Tips For A Fabulous Pregnancy’ by Lynn Gordon, $16.95 LESS 30% = $11.86

My Keiko stocks a very stylish collection of brands including Aden & Anais, Appaman, Babu, BabyLegs, babysparewear, Baobab, Beep Beep Slings, Billie Goat Soap, Blue Racoon, BoscoBear, Brolly Sheets, Custard Pie, Dripstick, Elegant Baby, Fairy Floss Creations, Fehn Baby, Gin & Tonic, hiPP, Hotbubba, Hullubullu, Il Tutto, Infancey, Jock & Tilly, Locolili, Look At The Wall, Lotus Linens, Luv A Bub, Melobaby, My Keiko, Nature Baby, Nature’s Child, Penny Scallan, Plumb, Read With Me, Renee Pinto, Respisense, Scout, Skeani, Snuza, Sticky Baby Company, Totseat, Tyrrell Katz London, Uchi and Urban Rituelle.

My Keiko charge $8.50 for standard postage, and $10.50 for Express Post, Australia wide. Orders over $150 are delivered for FREE. International orders are welcome. Visit the My Keiko Terms and Conditions page for full shipping and delivery details.