KidStyleFile

Post written by Angela

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Soon Easter will be here and the Easter Bunny will be hippity hoppitying down your path and into your home a joyous celebration of life springing eternal. Chocolate eggs and bunnies are a common (and yummy!) feature of this festival, but if you’d like to supplement or sidestep the choc-fest then there are a fine array of gifts suitable for little ones of all ages. Today we bring you part 2 of our Easter Gift Guide (EGG – geddit?)  for Kids. Miss part 1? Don’t depair, read it here

We also have a wonderful Easter Party we’d like to invite you to attend with loads of wonderful prizes to be won (new prizes are addded each day!) so hop on over and check it out!

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1. Two Belles Dont Mess With Me Romper $49.95 at A Little Bit Of Cheek – Give your little bundle a little bunny attitude this Easter and she’ll be as snug as a bug in a rug!

2. Bashful Beige Bunny $27.95 at Lime Tree Kids – This little guy surely wins the prize for most likely to become a lifelong buddy. Go on, give him a good home before I do!

3. Fluf Lunch Bag – Chirp $26.95 Kindred Gifts – You’ve gotta love a gift that goes on, and this lunch bag ticks all the boxes. Use for gifting on Easter Sunday then for lunch and snacks every day of the year.

4. Hatching Chick $8.95 at Happy Little Hippos – Pop the egg in water and watch it hatch out! You can use this cool gift as an impromptu science lesson, too!

5. Mery Jane Ariel Pin $7.90 at Little Urby – Unique is good in my books – I’m always seeking it! – and I’ve never seen another hairclip like these ones: just beautiful! Snap them up!

6. Bunny in a Box by Lil and Maud $34.95 at Cornflowerblue – This velvety soft gift-boxed bun would make the perfect present for baby’s first Easter.

7. Two Belles Cheeky Rabbit Sloppy Joe $70.00 at Whimsy Child – Every child needs a comfy warm sweater to get them through the colder months and this one from Two Belles is a super choice with its fleecy lining and cute print.

8. Uber French 3 x Red Owl suitcase set $64.95 at Design Child – Buy the set, pop eggs and trinkets within each and – voila! – you have Easter gifting all sorted. Your child can use on outings or to store small toys within once the party is over.

9. The Bean Bag $79.95 at Penny Scallan – Winter weather inevitably means more time spent inside. A bean bag is a great place for kids to spend time reading or relaxing (and makes a great crash pad for leaps off the couch, if my kids are anything to go by!). These are available in 5 designs to suit every taste.

10. Lauren Hinkley Bracelet $29.95 at ShopHouse – For those looking beyond the choc this Easter a stunning bracelet might be just the thing. Available in lots of designs with prices starting at $24.95.

11. Mamas & Papas Pip Bunny $35.95 at Little Possums Toys – Snuggle up this Easter with your own little snuggle bun. Suitable for babies through to grown ups.

Please check individual sites for shipping and postage details.

Always check the KidStyleFile ‘All Current Deals’ and ‘Magazine Offers’ pages before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting yourself the best possible deal.

Post written by Leah

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School holidays have begun their roll-out across Australia starting this week.  Whether you are planning a trip to warmer climates warmer states or just daydreaming  about when the skies are blazing with the sun once more, there’s a great opportunity here for you to take advantage of:

Aunty Ollie – www.auntyollie.com, *the* place to shop for fresh and quirky garments for your little ones, is currently hosting an impressive sale with up to 62% off beautifully created items from both summer 2010/11 and winter 2009/10 ranges.  Sign up to the Aunty Ollie newsletter via the sign up box on the right hand side of the homepage, and score an EXTRA 10% discount store-wide! Please note that Aunty Ollie prices are in USD$. With such an amazing Australian dollar at the moment, this provides even greater savings: click here for currency conversion.

Keep your eyes on the Aunty Ollie site over the next couple of weeks: new winter 2011 stock is being uploaded daily. My picks for winter? The Wings Dress in Dark Denim and the Puddlejumper Raincoat – White Multi Spot. If you’d love Aunty Ollie for kids so much you wish it came in grown-up sizes then your wish has come true: check out the Aunty Ollie ladies range to treat yourself.

Note: Prices below are as marked, while stocks last and are in USD$. Please use the XE currency converter to translate prices to AUD$.

1. Angel Romper Floral $32.00 now $20.00 (37.5% 0ff)
2. Mama Play With Me Top Purple Circles $35.00 now $18.00 (48% off)
3. Museum Moocher Top Geisha $39.00 now $15.00 (62% 0ff)
4. Demis Kaftan Blue Cupcakes $40.00 now $20.00 (50% off)
5. Daddy Hoodie Fish $43.00 now $18.00 (58% 0ff)
6. Flippy Skirt Red $35.00 now $15.00 (62% off)
7. Prepster Shirt Blue $40.00 now $19.00 (47% off)
8. Lunch With Gran Dress Black $45.00 now $18.00 (60% off)
9. Tearaway Romper Nautical $32.00 now $20.00 (37.5% off)
10. Promenade Skirt Yellow $35.00 now $15.00 (62% off)
NEW WINTER: Wings Dress Blue Denim $40.00: Sign up to the Aunty Ollie newsletter to receive a 10% discount.

Aunty Ollie shipping charges to Australia starts at US$10 for up to three items.

Post written by Angela

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Soon Easter is here and the Easter Bunny will be hippity hoppitying down your path and into your home a joyous celebration of life springing eternal. Chocolate eggs and bunnies are a common (and yummy!) feature of this festival, but if you’d like to supplement or sidestep the choc-fest then there are a fine array of gifts suitable for little ones of all ages. We have part 1 of our Easter Gift Guide (EGG – geddit?)  for Kids for you today and part 2 will follow tomorrow.

We also have a wonderful Easter Party we’d like to invite you to attend with loads of wonderful prizes to be won so hop on over and check it out!

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1. Norlie Denmark Pullover $99.95 at 55 Degrees North – Prince Christian of Denmark has been seen sporting this luxe sweater. Pop it on your own little prince this Easter and laugh at the cold all through winter.

2. Giimmo Night Light ‘Lemon’ Rabbit $34.95 at Metro Mum – Light up the night with this cute bunny friend for your little one.

3. Oobi Bunny Headband $14.95 at Little Styles – Your little girl can get into the spirit of things with these cute-as bunny ear headbands, available in a selection of vintage-inspired fabrics.

4. A night (or two!) at a Medina Apartment Hotel – Fancy a little break away? Medina Apartment Hotels have properties in most Australian states and have some super deals happening over Easter. Go alone or take the whole family – Medina loves kids!

5. Baobab Denim Shirt Dress $54.95 at Baobab.com.au – The dress is a winner on so many scales; the soft chambray denim hangs beautifully, it’s wonderfully comfotable and the detailing – mitten pockets and colourful poppers – is sublime. Wish it came in my size!

6. And The Little Dog Laughed Henry The Bunny – $40 $30 at Threads of Red – This super soft little bundaloop comes complete with the most adorable little crocheted overalls and shoes and is a super price right now – don’t miss it!

7. Stuck On You Easter Hunt Bag $14.95 at Stuck On You – I love these sweet little egg hunting bags that come customised with your child’s name. They’re terrific value, too – you’ll be able to re-use them every year.

8. Little Lamb Bunny Bangle $90.00 at The Little Kidz Closet – This beautiful, tasteful bangle makes a lovely gift that will be treasured by your child for years to come.

9. Apple Park Bunny Soft Teething Toy $18.00 at Billy Lids – Awwww!! You can’t get cuter than this little guy! His grabby body, long loppy ears and friendly face make him the perfect pick for little babies this Easter.

Please check individual sites for shipping and postage details.

Always check the KidStyleFile ‘All Current Deals’ and ‘Magazine Offers’ pages before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting yourself the best possible deal.

Post written by Miki

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The Easter Bunny may be hopping into town in a couple of weeks, but the goodies have already arrived at Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au – and the team can’t wait to send them out to you!  They’re tripping over themselves with amazing offers and giveaways, so I’m going to cut straight to the chase and tell you all about them.

• Take 15% off everything in-store for 48 hours only; excludes furniture, sale pieces and other discounts/offers. Use the code KSFVIP at checkout, and remember it expires at midnight on Wednesday 13 April 2011.
• Buy any full priced nappy bag worth $150 or more and receive a FREE silicone Mother Minder (RRP $8.95) and a $25 Metro Mum voucher!
• Find the Easter Bunny hopping around the Metro Mum website and be in to win a $150 gift voucher!

There’s lots more to get excited about too, such as Giimmo nightlights (check out the adorable rabbit at #2 below) down from $44.95 to $34.95. I can personally recommend these nightlights, they emit a lovely soft glow with changing colours and can be used without being plugged in making them ideal for middle-of-the-night toilet runs for the kids. There is also the NEW Bebedelice from Babymoov, which is a baby food processor which also sterilises baby bottles and defrosts, cooks and reheats baby’s food. What a great way to make your life in the kitchen easier!

Shopping at Metro Mum has never been easier as now you have the choice of shopping online, over the phone or, if you’re in Sydney, in person at their showroom in Moorebank. No excuse not to take full advantage of all the special offers. Hop to it!

Take 15% off full priced items (excluding furniture) using the code KSFVIP, valid until midnight Wednesday 13 April 2011.

Nappy bags: a. Storksak Jools, $179.00; b. Stokke Xplory Changing Bag, $169.95; il Tutto Layla, $449.00; Storksak Emily Shoulder Sak Nappy Bag, $189.95
Easter treats: 1. Alimrose Knitted Bunny Rattle, $9.95; 2. Giimmo Nightlight ‘Lemon The Rabbit’, $44.95 $34.95; 3. Scout Explore Romper, $38.00; 4. Woodours Baby Bear Eggcup, $9.95
Stylish homewares: 5. Olli & Lime ‘George’ Fitted Sheet for Leander Bed & Cot, $79.95; 6. Reduce BPA Free 5 Pack Bottles For Adults, $24.95; 7. NEW IMPROVED Babymoov Bebedelice Food Processor, $159.00; PuggyHouse Paperboard Castle Cubby House, $39.95

Metro Mum stock from the following brands: Hess-Spielzeug, Allerhand, Annabel Trends, Babymoov, Babymel, Baby Steps 123, Baufix, Babywedge, Bilibo, Bloom Baby, Boyle, Britt, BubbaMat, Bud by Design Room, BusyBee Friends, Caden Lane, Cariboo NZ, Compendium, DadGear, DanishbyDesign, David Fussenegger, Dwink Box, Ebulobo, Ellaroo, Ellie Bellie, Elodie Details, Emotion & Kids, Fatboy The Original, Fertile Mind, FLATOUTbears, Foogo by Thermos, FunPod, Giimmo, Happy Mais, Hello Babe, Il Tutto, IntelliGender®, Isoki, Kanoe, Kiddie Food Kutter, Kids Kitchen, KidsonRoof, Kipiis, Language Littles, Learning Tower, Leander, Leisure Learning, Lilbird, Little Beetle, Little Kitchen, Little Sprowtz, LittleOneBaby, Luna Lullaby, Lupi Lu, Melobaby, Metro Mum, Mia Bossi, Milk & Tickles, MilkBar, Mini Bilibo, Minimonkey, Mishi Design, Mojo, Mokopuna, Mothers Minder, Munchee Mug, My Plate-Mate, Nest, Nuance, Nurseryworks, Ocho, Oeuf, OnTray2Go, Oti, Paper Eskimo, PeeWee & PooToo, Playsam, Prego Planner, PuggyHouse, Qtees, Scout, Seed Organic, Snugabub, Storksak, Totem, Trunki, VisualGram, Vulli, Wall Candy and Zuny.

Metro Mum use Fastaway Couriers and Australia Post for delivery.  Total delivery cost will be calculated at checkout.  For estimated delivery times, international orders and all the ‘how to’ information see here.

Post written by Angela

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I love getting to know the people behind the stores I shop with. Knowing the story and philosophy behind the business really gives meaning and a sense of connection to what I buy. It’s a wonderful feeling getting to know the owners and them getting to know me; knowing what I like, tipping me off about new things in the works that I might enjoy, and sharing family and parenting experiences along the way.

I know the story behind wonderful South Australian based online baby and kids store Where Did You Get That? – www.wheredidyougetthat.com.au quite well now – the two sisters behind the store, Toni and Melony are the most sparky and warm-hearted girls you’ll ever find, and have 7  kids between them as well as their thriving business – and today share it with you so you can get to know and love them as I have. Enjoy! ~ Angela

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Who is Where Did You Get That?

Melony: WDYGT? is me and my sister Toni. I’m WDYGT? and mum by day, and nurse by night at the local country hospital. I live with my husband David, a sheep and cereal crop farmer, and my three kids Matilda, 5 years, Eloise, 2.5 years and Harrison, 11 months in Wynarka in the Murray Mallee in South Australia. It’s been pretty tough these last few years with the drought, but somehow we make it work and we love our farm life.

Toni: I live with my husband Thomas, and sons Mayson, 9 years, and Aidan,  6 years, and daughters Morgan, 6 years, and Jorja, 4 years, and two ferrets, Henry and Edmund, on a property in the Adelaide Hills. Even though Melony and I live 150 kilometres apart we’re a close knit family and love spending time together. Easter and Christmas has always been important family time. We are looking forward to Easter as we go camping on family 70 acre bush block which was originally our grandfather’s. We have been camping there for over 25 years. Our children now are part of this tradition and love going the “the block”.  We really enjoy it as we have a few days away from the business and the kids get to run wild and get a good dose of dirt!

Tell us a little about your business?

Melony: After having children and spending a lot of time shopping online here and overseas we really developed a passion for gorgeous children’s fashion and products. We absolutely loved Tea Collection which was not available in Australia and we just kept saying to each other we are sure there must be other mums who will love the beautiful designs and incredible quality as much as we do. From there it snowballed rather quickly and within five months of making the initial decision to start a business we were open. We’re coming up to our third birthday in May this year!

Toni: Once my sister and I started having children we found a love of shopping online both here and overseas for quality and unique clothing for our children.  I was a fashion eccentric in my late teens and early 20’s so I wanted my children to have fabulously different clothes and accessories too.  Friends and family kept asking us “where did you get that?”  So when we were thinking of business names this seemed like the perfect choice, we wanted to sell great products that were not readily available in all the big chain stores.  We wanted our customers to be asked “Hey I love what your child is wearing, where did you get that?”

How do you want people to feel when they come to your store?

Melony: We want them to have an easy shopping experience and too feel thrilled when they receive their order. We have a lovely customer from New Zealand who purchased Daily Tea and contacted us as soon as she received it and ordered more straight away! It is really nice when customers feel the same excitement that we do for the products: sharing that great feeling is what it’s all about.

Toni: Excited that they have found something different or new and can’t wait to get it in the post.

What are your 5 favourite things for kids right now?

Melony:

1. Anything Djeco – it is absolutely wonderful! There are so many fabulous new products coming out this year – Toni and I are really like kids in a lolly shop when we get to pore over the new catalogues!

2. Claesen’s Peacock range for girls – the colours are just so stunning.

3. Claesen’s boxers and singlets; they wash up like a dream and the kids love wearing them.

4. Two Belles Cheeky Rabbit Sloppy Joe. My daughter Eloise looks so cute in this; she asks to wear her ‘rabbit’!

5. Anything Daily Tea. Equally great boys andf girls ranges, super comforable and perfect for play or going out.

Toni:

1. Tea Collection Girls Stretch Slim Cord Pant – they’ll go with everything this winter.

2. Crazy Forts – even my husband loves playing with them.

3. Goodbyn Lunch boxes – My kids won’t let me make their lunch they love these lunch boxes so much they make their own, and I love not having to use plastic bags.

4. Djeco’s new craft box Bird House Window Workshop – too cute!

5. Claesen’s Boy’s Herringbone Sports Jacket – Both of my boys wanted this jacket. It covers both dressy and casual occasions and is great quality.

What can’t you live without?

Melony: A cup of tea, preferably a pot of Fortnum & Mason’s Orange Pekoe. Of course my husband and kids! Toni’s Norwegian cinnamon scrolls.

Toni: Besides the obvious like husband and children it has to be my coffee machine, My husband bought me a really nice one a few years ago to make up for all the missed gifts (he hates shopping). I have it on a timer so when it turns on in the morning it wakes me up, that is all the motivation I need to get out of bed.  I also love making my friends and family coffee when they come over too and if time permits I make them a batch of Norwegian cinnamon scrolls.

How do you relax when you have a free moment?

Melony: Free moment?? I really love reading however since having kids my concentration has just….vanished! Night duty doesn’t help much with that either. Watching a favorite movie is a real treat.

Toni: That’s easy: Make a coffee and hide from the children with a kids fashion magazine!  Having 4 children has definitely made me a speed reader. If the children are in bed and the TV is all mine then I definitely unwind by watching an episode or 3 of Grand Designs.  I really want to build my own house one day.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

Melony: Spending time together as a family. Going on the occasional car holiday in the Kingswood. Dad coming home from being away shearing. Time spent with our grandparents in Coonawarra – they had the best mulberry tree;  we spent hours up that tree!

Toni: Sometimes on a Sunday, when dad was home from shearing and mum was not working a shift at the local hospital, we would all pile into the old Holden Kingswood.  Dad would drive us down to the beach and we would get fish and chips in Port MacDonald, and then on the drive home we would stop in at Badenochs Deli for a double scoop ice cream in a cone. Happy times.

From left to right: Toni, 4 years, brother Ben, 6 years, Melony, 8 years

What’s next for Where Did You Get That?

Melony: Our big move!

Toni: In the next few weeks we are moving!  At long last WDYGT? is leaving home. WDYGT? started behind my couch. Eight months after that we had a shed build in our backyard to house both WDYGT and my husband’s business.  We recently moved into the Adelaide Hills, as we had outgrown our little house and yard in the city and we wanted room for the kids to run and get a taste of country life.  The new property had no shed to convert, so WDYGT? has been in our dining room. We have been really lucky and have just secured a great warehouse at the Old Lobethal Woollen Mills in Adelaide.  They have been converted and are run by the Adelaide Hills Business and Tourism Centre and are just fantastic.

To help make the move easier we are having a moving sale: 30% off store wide* until 15 April 2011. KidStyleFile readers can enter code MOVEIT in the redeem discount coupon field at checkout to get the discount.

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Where Did You Get That? stocks Allen & Unwin Publishers, Bella Tunno, Belly Art, Budkins, Candela, Cat Nap, Chic by Sha, Claesen’s Evergreens, Coco Boheme, Coo Clocks, Crazy Forts, Daily Tea, Deglingos, Djeco, Dezign with a Z, EcoCocoon, Enchanted Faeries, Eric Carle, Folkmanis, Foogo & Funtainer By Thermos, Fraggle Rock, Fruut Sacks & Fruut Trees, Girls 4 Sport, Goodbyn, Goorin Brothers, Intelliplay, Le Toy Van, Lelli Kelly, Manhattan Toy Company, Merrigold Wooden Toys, MOJO, Morgan & Milo, Radio Flyer, Stella Cove, Tango Books, Tea Collection, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Wagonware, Zid Zid Kids, The String Doll Gang, Freak-O-Bags and Blabbos Buddies.

*While stocks last; not retroactive.

Where Did You Get That? ships Australia wide for $8.95 signed-for. Click here for full information, including info on shipping to New Zealand.

Post written by Anna

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In the midst of intermittent moody weather and falling autumn leaves, this past weekend we have enjoyed some surprise sunshine! We have squeezed every minute of daylight with lots of fun outside activities and it has been truly delightful. As I have watched my children frolic in the great outdoors I have been reminded that the time is coming when there will be some looong days in winter when we just cannot get outside to play. Which in turn has prompted my yellow sticky note saying ‘must stock up on new toys’!

Helping put sticky note reminders like mine at ease all around the country are the clever folk at Organised Kaos 4 Kids – www.ok4kids.com au – a fantastic store with loads of smart, creative and imaginative toys from the world’s best brands. Just run your eye over this impressive list: Active People, Alex, Automoblox, Bioviva, Chicken Socks, Cog-Ein_O Science, Creative Edication Aids, Creativity For Kids, Djeco, Eeboo, Ezyshaid, Faro, Foxmind, Galt, Haba, Humphrey’s Corner, Infantino, Klutz, Le Toy Van, Manhattan Toy Co., Melissa & Doug, Mon Petit Art, Mudpuppy, Orchard, Peacable Kingdom, Playdoh, Smart Games, Sparkle T, Speigelburg, The Little Architect, The Little Experience, Thinkfun, Thomas & Friend, Usborne and Wild Science. You can search by age to find lots of great products for wee little babes, right up to fantastically fun and educational kits to keep your 8 year old enthralled after school and on the weekend.

Right now is the perfect time to be shopping at Organised Kaos 4 Kids with up to 50% off sale items, while stocks last. Please note you will need to click through to the individual products to reveal the discounted price. In addition to their best of the best products, Organised Kaos 4 Kids are big on customer service with free gift wrapping service and free postage Australia-wide on orders $150+.

Discounted prices quoted below apply while stocks last only.

1. Infantino Dylan The Duck was $25.95 now $19.95
2. Baby Wheels Sports Car was $9.95 now $4.95
3. Automoblox Mini 3 Pack was $49.95 now $39.95
4. The Little Experience – Create-It Picture Frame Kit was $12.95 now $6.95
5. Gondwana Paper Flower Kit was $14.95 now $9.95
6. Infantino Purrscilla The Witty Kitty was $25.95 now $19.95
7. Picture Talk Puzzle – In The Street was $6.95 now $3.95
8. Ein-O Science Kitchen Chemistry was $29.95 now $24.95
9. Banana’s In PJ’s – B2 was $15.95 now $9.95
10. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Game was $28.95 now $19.95

Ok4Kids ship Australia-wide for the flat rate of $8.95 for standard shipping, with the possibility of upgrading to Express post at checkout. For complete delivery information, please see here.