KidStyleFile

Written by Angela

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

The Baby & Toddler Show -www.babyandtoddlershow.com.au, the essential guide for your pregnancy, baby and toddler, rolls into Sydney from 30 September to 2 October 2011.  The Sydney Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour will be packed with 200+ of the finest big name and boutique brands so you can shop conveniently all under one roof. As well as the fab shopping opportunities on offer you can visit the Advice Hub and attend Seminars to access information and one-on-one consultations and expert tips on pregnancy health, breastfeeding, midwifery, sleep, post-natal depression child safety and more.

Of course there’s also plenty to keep the kids happy. Your little ones will delight in singing and dancing along with daily 30 minute live shows from New Macdonald’s Farm and Shrek, and romping in the spectacular Fisher-Price Playground where they can test drive the latest and greatest toys on offer. Plus there is face painting, balloon animals, and meet and greet with My Little Pony. There are also loads of ‘Show Only’ offers and competitions for you and your family.

The early bird catches the worm at The Baby & Toddler Show: purchase your tickets now for just $15 – a 25% off discount on the door price – and receive VIP entry from 9am, plus a bonus entry to win the brand new Volvo V60. Unbeatable shopping, fantastic toddler entertainment, expert advice and amazing show only offers : what more could you want? FREE entry for kids under 14? You got it baby!

Post written by Melody

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Even though I don’t completely agree with his logic I do like an excuse to shop, especially when the gorgeous online boutique Mini Chatterbox – www.minichatterbox.com.au has some seriously cute new summer arrivals to choose from *and* is having a massive sale. And so the search begins for a pair of ‘boxing’ shorts: I love the drastically reduced Tommy Rocket DJ Shorts, and the Bebe Boys Multi Striped Board Shorts could also work as they are just that bit shorter and super, summer cute. For girls I am loving the Bebe Abbey Rosette Lava Dress, it is a perfect party season dress.

Mini Chatterbox stock a huge array of gorgeous kids’ clothing and accessories. One that stands out for me (and between you and me, this has been added to the Christmas list) is the adorable Oomoo Leggy Table and Chair Set. Crafted out of birchwood, this makes a stylish addition to your kitchen while still looking fabulous with your decor. With extra height and an accompanying stool plus three little chairs, you can enjoy eating with the kids at ‘their’ table. Now is the perfect time to buy this great table too because it is currently on sale *and* comes with free postage – woohoo!

Pick up a bargain today at Mini Chatterbox’s huge sale where you can save up to 60% off RRP. KSF readers can also enjoy 20% off all full priced items and free shipping on all orders over $150.00. Make sure to type in KSFSEPT at the checkout, but be quick, the sale is while stocks last, and the offer ends September 30th, 2011.

Sale items are valid while stocks last; and 20% discounted full-priced items are valid with code KSFSEPT until 30 September 2011.

1. Oomoo Leggy Table and Chair Set $189.00 Sale Price = $180.00 + Free Shipping
2. Cocoon Couture $99.95 Sale Price = $89.95
3. Sooki Baby Fast Cars Play Suit $34.95 less 20% = 27.95
4. Walnut Mary Jane Chilli Red Shoes $29.95, Sale Price $22.95
5. PureBaby Shirred Dress $49.95 less 20% = $39.96
6. Bluebelle Organic Frilly Frenchi’s and Singlet Set $24.95 less 20% = $19.95
7. Bebe Aston Sky Check Shirt $42.95 less 20% = $34.35
8. Old Soles Easy Tread Black $49.95 Sale Price $44.95
9. Love Henry Floral Frilly Dress $54.95 less 20% = $43.96
10. Fox and Finch Willow Sundress with Pockets $57.95 less 20% = $46.35
11. Bebe Abbey Rose Dress Lava $37.95 less 20% = $30.35

Mini Chatterbox stock a large selection of loved brands and unique items from Aden & Anais, Alex & Charli,  Alex Toys, Alimrose Design, Baobab, b. box, Bebe, Bebe Jnr, Bobble Art, Boon, Carters, Chalk n Cheese, Cocoon Clothing, Cocoon Couture, Cried Wolf, Ellani Petite, Fixoni, Freshbaked Kids, Gymboree UK, HIPP Invitations, Jarmeez, Junior Master Chef, Lil Fraser Wraps, Little Chippi, Love Me Baby, Mill & Mia, Milky, MiniChatterbox, Mini Treasures, Moppit, Old Soles, Olli & Pop, Polarn O. Pyret, Purebaby, Rising Star, Skip Hop,Sooki Baby, Tommy Rocket, Woof, Two Belles, Vulli, Willow and Finn and Walnut.

All orders placed at Mini Chatterbox before 12pm are dispatched within 24 hours. Delivery is via Express Post as standard and starts at $7.95 Australia wide. See delivery information for full rates and information.

Written by Edwina

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Kind + Jugend is the world’s biggest  biggest trade fair for baby and toddler outfitting products and is held in Cologne, Germany. In its 51st year,  the fair brings together a huge number of designers, companies and buyers from around the world. With over 850 companies displaying their wares, Kind + Jugend provides trade buyers a veritable treasure trove of new items  from fashion, toys, decor, car safety, furniture and nursery products.

We take our hats off to the Aussie contingent flying the flag of Australian quality and design at the fair. Australian companies include: Aromababy, b.box, Cherub Baby, Cuddle Fish, Skeanie, Melobaby, Playgro, Radicool, Snazzy Baby,  Dear Charlotte Love Banjo, Ewenique, Flip Bike, Il Tutto, Isoki, Itti Bitti and more.

The trade fair also presents awards to the best new products in 8 categories. Selected by a jury of industry peers, safety inspectors and the media; they carefully review each nomination and select the best based on form, appearance, material properties, ease of use, and/or technology. We have chased down the winners of each category and brought you the round up below.

1. World of Moving Baby & Travelling Baby Accessories Category Winner – 5 Point Plus Safety-Seat Anti Escape System from Systematic Strategy Ltd. The 5 Point Safety Seat helps prevent children wriggling out of their car seat harness.
2. World of Baby Care Category Winner – Calma Feeding Bottle from Medela AG. An artificial nipple installed on the bottle eases the baby’s transition from breast to bottle feeding.
3. World of Baby Toys Category Winner -  Big Optics Workshop from HABA. These colourful cubes, blocks and balls encourage kids to use their sense of touch and to enjoy the experience of discovery.
4. World of Baby Safety at Home Category Innovation Award Winner -  Digital Monitor Sensor Pad Monitor from Closer to Nature. A key feature of the monitor is its unique sensor pad, designed to sit under the baby’s cot mattress, it monitors and sounds an alarm if no movement has been detected after 20 seconds.
5. World of Moving Baby Category Winner – Origami Stroller by4Moms Company. At the touch of a button, it folds itself. But we should mention it’s also the world’s first cell phone-charging, mileage-counting, LCD sporting stroller, with a generator in the rear wheels that charges the stroller as you walk. Plus, the Origami has daytime running lights, pathway lights for low-light conditions, and sensors that detect when a child is in the seat (so it’ll never fold by accident).
6. World of Travelling Baby Category Winner – Kiwy Safety Seat from  Segrall SRL. Oozing with Italian design the Kiwy Car Seat has a new safety system greatly reduces impact energy by means of a hydraulic damper, ensuring superior protection for babies during a collision.
7. World of Baby Furniture Category Winner – Baff Music Furniture from baff GmbH. Chairs and stools that turn into musical instruments are a novel idea and great products for rhythm training in kindergartens and pre-schools. It is impressive that such a simple piece of furniture can contribute to sensory development.
8. World of Baby Textiles Category Winner – The Wrapper Motion from Lodger. It can serve as a cape for wearing in the safety-seat, in the pram or unfolded as a play blanket: the Wrapper Motion  can be used in a number of different ways.

Written by Anna

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

As I tell myself when I’m feeling cold and grumpy, living in one of the coolest regions of Australia does have it’s benefits. It does I tell you!  I occasionally make a little list to help keep me happy and thankful.  One item always on the list is the gorgeous winter clothing produced by Aunty Ollie – www.auntyollie.com.

Aunty Ollie design and manufacture limited edition clothing for babies, children and ladies and I really could go and on about how marvelous their collections are. The designs are flawless, the prints are unique and spunky and the quality of the fabrics is just unreal. I have a particular penchant for the winter collections because I have found these clothes to be some of the best at keeping my kids happy, comfortable and stylish.

While my brood will still have opportunities to wear this winter gear, you may well and truly have entered the warmer months where you live, and if so Aunty Ollie has you covered for summer fun (not jealous, not jealous at all!). Some of these sale pieces worn on their own are great for warmer weather too. While you can, why not take a leaf out of a few of our KidStyleFile writer’s books and buy now for next winter – you will never get prices as good as these…

Aunty Ollie has dramatically reduced all past season stock in their Winter 10/11 Sale. We’re talking dresses, skirts, hoodies, jeans, jackets and the cutest raincoats you may ever lay your eyes on. Prices start at just US$10.00, with some items reduced by more than 50%! No code is needed as each item is reduced as low as you are ever going to get it and items are on sale while stocks last only. All you need to do is click your way over now for some certain shopping happiness.

Discounted prices below are only applicable while stocks last. All Aunty Ollie prices are in USD. Please use the XE currency converter to translate prices to AUD.

one. Claude Jean Blue Denim was $40.00 now $20.00
two. Sadie Skirt Pink – BABY was $20.00 now $10.00
three. Wings Dress Green Spot Flannel was $40.00 now $20.00
four. Sadie Skirt Black Denim was $30.00 now $15.00
five. Stella Dress Black Deer was $40.00 now $19.00
six. Agatha Pinafore Tulips – BABY was $30.00 now $18.00
seven. Baby Puddlejumper Raincoat – White Multi Spot was $40.00 now $25.00
eight. Daddy Zippy – Blue Cord  was $40.00 now $19.00
nine. Puddlejumper Raincoat – Black & White Damask was $49.00 now $30.00
ten. Agatha Pinafore Purple Spot Flannel – BABY was $30.00 now $18.00
eleven. Puddlejumper Coat – Black Denim was $40.00 now $20.00

Aunty Ollie shipping charges to Australia starts at US$10 for up to three items. Please see Shipping & FAQs for full shipping information.

Written by Angela

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

It’s spring time, a time when baby birds are hatching, and so it seems like perfect timing for pioneering eco homewares and fashion label Bird Textiles to bring forth their childrenswear brand Little Bird, Little Bird.

Helmed by experienced textile designer Rachel Bending, who has worked for fashion luminary Versace, Bird Textiles create their hand printed textiles, fashion and homewares from certified organic cotton, which is screen printed and heat fixed by hand using water based dyes, then turned into unique pieces by a dedicated team of artisans right here in Australia, ensuring the highest standard of quality.

Little Bird, Little Bird offers a small, but perfectly formed, collection of pieces for little girls in Bird Textiles’ signature print fabrics, plus a stunning baby sling suitable for baby boys and girls. Little Bird, Little Bird pieces are priced from $65.00 and are available direct  from the Bird Textiles website.

Little Bird, Little Bird ship via Express Post Australia wide from $14.95. International orders are welcome.

Written by Angela

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

Santa? Are you there? I *know* you can hear me, so please, listen carefully to my Christmas toy wishes for my kids, nieces, nephews and family friends this year. Please bring them durable and eco friendly toys that enhance their imaginations, pique their curiosity and teach them about their world.  Thank you, Angela xxx

PS Affordably priced items a bonus, as always! I know many of my friends want these things too, so please think of them, too.

Dear Angela (and Friends),

Thank you for your ideas list for Christmas this year. I’ll surely be stopping by Dragonfly Toys – www.dragonflytoys.com.au – which has all of your wishes covered – creative, eco friendly toys at resonable prices – all conveniently in one place. I have discovered beautiful Heidi handmade shoes and Waldorf styled dolls to delight the little girls in your lives, and phenomenally cool construction kits from German company Kraul, that are sure to appeal to little boys and girls that appreciate science.  There are stacking and shape toys perfect for the littlest ones, and stocking stuffers to please everyone (who doesn’t love a top? And the tumbling gnomes remind me of my Elves!). Because every superhero needs a cape, I’ll be snapping one of the lovely Sarah’s Silks reversible capes, which little boys and girls are sure to love, too. See you Xmas Eve! Love, Santa.

Santa can save big at Dragonfly Toys, too: until 3 October 2011 all Seedling craft kits are reduced by 25% and all Nanchen Organic Dolls are discounted by 40%. Discounts are as marked; no code is needed. In addition, orders $150+ receive FREE postage*, orders $250+ receive a 5% Dragonfly Toys VIP life-time discount and orders $500+ receive a 7.5% life-time discount. Sign up to the Dragonfly Toys newsletter (see the sign-up box on the bottom left hand side of the homepage) to be kept up to date with all the latest news and special offers and to go into the draw to win a $100 shopping spree.

1. Kraul Paper Cut Out Sheets $13.95
2. All About Heidi Leather Handmade Shoes $39.00
3. Kraul Wendolin Gravity Car $19.95
4. Dragonfly Hand Made Dolls $89.50
5. Kraul Solar Powered Carousel $82.50
6. Kraul Big Cable Car Kit $44.50
7. Sarah’s Silks Reversible Capes $39.50
8. Hess Speilzueg Spinning Top $3.80
9. Drei Blatter Natural Stacking Tower $39.90
10. Kraul Tumbling Gnomes from $5.95
11. Zora’s Rainbows $38.50

About Heidi, A okhi, Art Viva, Barefoot, Bell Pond Books, Bioviva, Chrissy Butler, Debresk, Diane Tatum, Die Spiegelburg, Dorling Kindersley, Dragonfly Handmade Dolls, Dragonfly Toys, Drei Blatter, Earth Greetings, Ergo, Etiko, Family Pastimes, Fish River, Floris Books, Gluckskafer, Green Toys, HABA, Hawthorn Press, Hess Spielzeug, Hug-a-Bub, Immortal Books, Jambu Tree Kids, Jamtown, Keptin Jr, Kinderkram, Kokonor, Kraul, Kreativekit, Laikonik, Little Green Radicals, Lyra, Mehano, Mercurius, Michaelmass Press, Nanchen, Naturally You Can Sing, Papoose, Putumayo, Putumayo Kids, Ravensburger, Sarah Laidlaw, Sarah’s Silks, Seedling, Selecta, Spiel and Holz, Steiner Books, Stockmar, Story Tree Company, Tamana, The Beadery, Treeblocks, Wool Pets, Woolganic, World Alive and Zoras Rainbows.

Dragonfly Toys charge a flat fee of $9.00 delivery* Australia-wide. Orders over $150 are shipped free*. International orders are welcome. Click here for full information. (*Excluding oversize orders and remote locations).