KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Kat

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Now that the weather is finally heating up, it’s time to make the most of the sunshine: here’s my rundown on the coolest picks for summer swimwear. No daggy coveralls here! Each piece has passed the cute-and-cool test, presents great value for money and most importantly, will keep precious little skin protected in the scorching summer sun (and always remember to slip, slop, slap!)

Tkxi Surf do funky, yet understated,  prints in practical as well as downright cool styles. For boys I’m loving the Bones Board Shorts ($45, sizes 0-7) and Bats Rashie ($55, sizes 2-8), plus a great alternative to Speedo-style: the Euroleg pants ($33 sizes 0-8).

Girls can choose from cute one- or two-pieces, rashies and sets, and the chic colour combos and pretty prints make it darn hard to choose! My picks include the *cute-as* Ladybird One Piece ($55), the gorgeously bright printed Wonderland One Piece ($49, sizes 2-5) and for a touch of glam, the right on-trend Disco Fairy Frill Two-Piece ($50, 0-8).

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Tkxsi Surf

Baby’s Got Style stock Seafolly and Tiger Joe by Seafolly - classic Aussie style, in little people sizes! Possibly the coolest set I’ve seen for boys is the Camo Set ($54.95, sizes 1-7) and little boys will just love the GI Joe Truck Slime Rashie (the name says it all, really! $39.95, sizes 0-3). They also do very funky swim hats - try the Slime Camo ($34.95, size 1-3+) to match back with your other cool buys!

Girls can just drip with cuteness in just about any of the beautiful designs by Seafolly - you won’t be able to contain your “OMG!! That is soooo cute!!!”’s when you see your little princess in the Rose Ballerina Tutu tank ($59.95, 0-3) and I am in love with the bright swirly print of the Soda one-piece ($49.95, sizes 2-6).

Bubs are also catered for with the pink Ruffle nappy pant ($34.95, sizes 00-2), and everyone can do sun safety in style with the Swim Hats ($29.95, sizes 0-3+).

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Baby’s Got Style

Monster Baby know their stuff - with a background combining surfing and fashion, you know you’re onto a winner! From the classic Skulls to the uber cool Xray print in black or white to the hippy-cute Rainbow Love in hot pink  ($45, sizes 00-5)  they’re made in Aus, they stand out from the crowd and trust me, they last through more than just one summer of swimming!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Monster Baby

Hugely popular Cuddlefish is available by the bucketload at The Hip Infant. From the genius Buoyancy Suit ($69.95, sizes 2-4) to the sweetest swim shorts ($24.95, sizes 1-4) and thoughtfully designed long ($44.95, sizes 1-4) and short sleeve swim tees ($39.95, sizes 1-4), you can complete a perfectly matched outfit with the UPF50+ Bucket Hats ($29.95)!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from The Hip Infant

One of the biggest swimwear ranges online is at Little Explorers, and if your tot is serious about their style then this is the place to go! The Goldie Tankini ($29.95 on sale, sizes 2-5) is beautifully bright and girly, as is the gorgeous Judy Jetson Tankini ($29.95, sizes 2-6). They also have a great range of protective long sleeve rashies by Loose Boots - girls can go pretty in Pink and boys will love the cool combi print on Blue (both $44.95 on sale, sizes 1-6). I’m also thinking this Major Menace Reversible Rashie ($29.95 on sale, sizes 3-4) would be a big hit with cool little dudes!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Little Explorers

For a massive range of girl’s togs, head on over to Where Did You Get That? for the brilliantly priced, mix’n'match range from the USA, Girls 4 Sport.

With heaps of cool boardies, rashies, tops and bottoms, all in SPF50+ material, you can create your own look without breaking the budget! I’m thinking the Leilani Rashguard ($31.95, sizes 2-8) would look increditbly cute with the pink Swim Skort, or if you’re not so much into pink, the Pixie Swim Top ($24.95, sizes 2-8) and matching Swim Shorts ($24.95, sizes 2-8) make for a welcome burst of summery colour!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Where Did You Get That?

Finally, if you’d rather choose your own adventure, head on over to Mooo, who can customise a Rashie for you. Choose from 30 unique designs, and 6 colour choice per design. They’re just $39.95 for a short-sleeved Rash top including choice of your design and customisation. Phew! That’s hot!

Please check individual websites for shipping costs and details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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*Miki sings in best Mariah Carey impersonation*:“I don’t want a lot for Christmas, this is all I’m asking for…”

Yeah right - of course I want a lot for Christmas!  I love Christmas and putting together my wishlist, but this year just about everything on it is for Alex, my 16 month old boy.  Who can blame me?  I spend all day looking at stunning kids’ clothes, toys and accessories so it’s little wonder I covet so much of it!

I’ve put together a Top 10 list below of my absolute must-haves this festive season:

1. A Rush lunchbox - I find we’re so often out at Alex’s snack and meal times that we really do need a decent lunchbox to take with us.  This one from Rush fits the bill perfectly, and it’s so cute!

2. The adorably wacky Okiedog Fropper - a ride-on toy that bounces too!  I just wish they came in adult sizes…

3. Trunki Towgo - we’re going to be doing a lot of travelling in the new year, and what better way to entertain a toddler in the airport than with a ride-on suitcase?  Plus it’ll hold all his toys, books and essentials for the flights.

4. The Smirk Vespa s/s tee - simple, funky and great quality, I love the Smirk range of tees and onesies.  He’s going to look so cute in this one!

5. A Foogo Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Sippy Cup - non-spill, unbreakable, keeps drinks cold for up to six hours and has a comfy soft spout, what more could we ask for in a sippy cup?  Oh, you want it to be attractive too?  Check that box, the Foogo range is super-stylish!

6. mylittleseat - Ideal for keeping a wriggly toddler still and safe at mealtimes when we aren’t near a highchair, and then it folds down small enough to tuck into my handbag! This will be another handy one when travelling.

7. And speaking of handbags, why should Alex get all the good stuff?  I love this Louenhide Baby Barrel in Biscuit; it’s stylish, minimalist, will go with everything and it’s roomy enough to fit all the paraphenalia I take with me every time I leave the house.

8. The Hip Infant Wall Graphics ‘Up, Up And Away’ - Now that my baby isn’t actually a baby any more, it’s time to redecorate his nursery and turn it into a cool toddler boy’s room.  Given his obsession with balloons (every time he sees one he shrieks “Loon!! Looooon!!”) I think these stunning hot air balloon wall decals will be just the thing to give his room a new look.  They’re so affordable too!  I might get two packets at this price.

9. Some Brio Classic Wooden Race Cars - which he’ll adore, as his other obsession is cars.  Such a boy.  These ones look stunning, and they’re wooden which just makes me love them more; wooden toys last forever. These cars come in four colours so I might get him the whole fleet!

10. The Moppit Radioman T-Shirt- he’ll be cool as a cucumber in this funky green shirt from Moppit.  I have to smile every time I see the little radioman graphic, isn’t it adorable?

1. Rush Jungle Lunchbox, $24.95 at Kinder Kaboodle
2. Okiedog Fropper, $85.90 $65.90 at Amazing Toys
3. Trunki Towgo, $69.95 at Metro Mum
4. Smirk Vespa S/S tee, $34.95 $29.70 at Frock You^
5. Foogo Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Sippy Cup - Blue, $24.95 $21.20* at Ekidna Kids
6. mylittleseat - I Like Squares I Do, $50.00 at Haggus & Stookles
7. Louenhide Baby Barrel - Biscuit, $89.95 at Pastel Pink
8. The Hip Infant Wall Graphics - Up, Up And Away, $39.95 at The Hip Infant**
9. Brio Classic Wooden Race Car, $15.95 at Urban Child***
10. Moppit Radioman T-Shirt, $39.95 $33.95 at Frock You^

Please check individual stores for shipping details.

* Using the Shop4Kids discount code until 30 November 2008.
** GWP offer, see here for more details.
*** FREE $15 voucher when you sign up to the UC newsletter, see here for more details.  Also get FREE shipping using the Shop4Kids code, conditions apply.
^ Get 15% off store-wide when you sign up to the Frock You newsletter.

Today’s post brought to you by Miki.

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It’s the time of year again when everyone who has to buy a Christmas gift for a small child - whether their own children or someone elses - starts scratching their heads and wondering what would be appropriate.

With this in mind, I’ve put together a gift guide for babies to preschoolers at one of my favourite online stores, The Hip Infant - www.thehipinfant.com.au, purveyors of the finest clothing, toys and accessories for babies and kids from birth to 2 years.

Without further ado, here are my hot picks for you!

For babies (up to 12 months of age), I recommend the Alimrose handsqueekers which come in all sorts of different designs and make the cutest noises when squeezed.  They’re also very sensitive so the tiniest baby fist can get a sound out of them.

THI also has an excellent range of wooden toys, rattles and pram strings which go down a treat - I love wooden toys, they’re classy and last forever.

If you want to give clothes, I personally love gifting The Hip Infant basics range, which is affordable, stylish and excellent quality.

On to the toddlers now. From here I’ve done gender-specific gift suggestions, but it goes without saying that they’ll work just as well for the opposite gender if you simply choose a different colour or design.

Toddler girls will love the range of soft toys, especially those from Alimrose and BlaBla which are incredibly sweet and whimsical. You could also give her a lamp for her room, as it’s possible by this stage that she’s spooked by the dark.  The soft glow of a night light can be very comforting, and these ones look great as well!

My favourite idea for toddler boys is to get a funky little bag such as a Tiger Tribe drawstring bag, and fill it with board books.

Toddlers are often very proud of being able to feed themselves, so a funky dinner set (I love French Bull robots and monsters) is another idea.

Preschoolers looooove water play (don’t we all!) so I think bath toys are a great way to go here. THI has a big range of Alex Toys and Bud Luxury Ducks so there’s plenty to choose from.

Most bath toys are fairly unisex, but if you want to go gender specific then girls will love the Alex Toys Princess In The Tub set while boys are likely to shun that in favour of the Alex Toys Shaving In The Tub set - he can shave just like Daddy!  Why not make up a lovely gift package by adding a funky Annabel Trends bath cap to the bundle?

More ideas for preschoolers are to make up a parcel including a Hip Stuff Wooden Hairbrush and a selection of JewelQueen hair clips for a little girl, and the For Walls chalkboard robot or truck for a boy - as they’re designed to be safely removed and repositioned on walls, you (or his parents) will love them!

To give you the added incentive (as if you need it!) to snap swome goodies up for Christmas, Mel at The Hip Infant is offering KidStyleFile readers 15% off store-wide… but only for 48 hours! So get moving NOW as the discount ends at 9am on the 4th of November.  Enter code ‘KSF1′ at checkout to redeem.

From top left in rows:

Dicounted prices quoted are after the 15% discount has been calculated. This offer is applicable until 9am November 4, 2008 only, so get your skates on!

Fiesta Crafts Jungle Bowling, $49.95 $42.45
Eyetribe Sunnies Squids Turquoise, $39.95 33.95
Alimrose Pram Tie - Bumblebee Navy/Red, $39.95 33.95
Hip Stuff Wooden Hairbrush - Pink Hearts, $5.50 $4.67
Tiger Tribe Drawstring Bag - Wheels, $17.95 $15.25
Alex Toys Shaving In The Tub, $19.95 $16.95
Elegant Baby Bath Duck - Aqua Stripes, $9.95 $8.45
Flip A Shape - Yum! $13.95 $11.85
Elegant Baby Bath Duck - Polka Dot Orange, $9.95 $8.45
Alex Toys Dirty Pigs, $14.95 $12.70
Alimrose Doll Rattle - Delores, $29.95 $25.45
What’s That Noise? by Sally Rippin, $10.95 $9.30
Jewel Queen Hair Clip - Pink Cherries, $4.95 $4.20
Jewel Queen Hair Clip - Red Spot Bow, $5.95 $5.05

The Hip Infant stocks a huge range of designers including AKA Pipik, Albetta, Alex Toys, Alimrose Designs, Anna & Sally, Annabel Trends, Anne Claire Petit, Baby Einstein, Baby Legs, Babylicious, Benny Boy, Bical, BlaBla, Blink Designs, BUD, Built NY, Bump Buddy, Cheeky Monkey, Christmas Ideas, Coco & Eli, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, DiddleDumpling, Dirty Laundry, Elodie Details, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, For Walls, For Windows, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Go_Home JNR, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, ID Tee, Inch Blue, Infancy, Jazzy Toes, JellyCats, JewelQueen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kid Squidgy, Kiddopotamus, Kipiis, Lima Bean, Limo Basics, Little Chipipi, Little Einsteins, Little Joey, Little Twig, Liz Knits, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Glow, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Mum To Mum, My Child, Oeuf NYC, OUCH, Peanut Shell, Present Time, Pure Baby, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Rush, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Smirk Kids, Snugglebum, Snugzeez, Teeny Me, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Toys Pure, Trunki, Vessel, Wall Candy Arts, WalRUs, and Wee Gallery.

The Hip Infant charge $7.50 postage Australia-wide.  All orders are shipped via Courier or Express Post.

Today’s post written by Miki.

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Word on the street is that the just-landed Tiger Tribe gear is flying out the door at The Hip Infant - www.thehipinfant.com.au.

It’s not hard to see why: the backpacks, drawstring bags and cool new character dolls (mermaid, pirate, astronaut, super hero and fairy) are hot hot hot!

For little babes the Tiger Tribe best-seller is the Hummingbird Mobile.  I also love the Humming Bird Hanging String for a slightly different look.  Either way, your little bub is going to adore gazing up at the sweet little birds above her cot or change table.

Check out the whole Tiger Tribe range here.

For room decor and wall decoration, make sure you have a good look at The Hip Infant’s own range of Wall Graphics.  Classic, striking designs, these are really affordable and look absolutely stunning.  My pick today is the new Love Tree wall graphics, available in pink and blue.  Team the pink Love Tree (1.4m high so it’s a statement piece) with the Tiger Tribe Hummingbird Mobile mentioned above for a stylish and cost-effective little girl’s room.

Other hot products at THI right now are the Aden + Anais muslin wraps.  In fact, The Hip Infant is the only online seller to stock the entire range so you know you’ll be spoiled for choice.  I love these wraps, I think they’re the perfect size for swaddling and they look and feel so beautiful!

The Funtainers by Thermos - the big siblings of the Foogo by Thermos range - are also hot property, and it’s no wonder why! These insulated drink and food containers are boldly patterned with a butterfly print for girls and multi-sports for boys.  The ultimate Hip Infant lunch-wear!

Being a KSF reader, as you are, shopping with The Hip Infant afford you some nice benefits:

Get 10% off store-wide at The Hip Infant with the Shop4Kids discount code, available in the KidStyleFile weekly newsletter! Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here - it’s well worth it: you get the latest deals emailed to your inbox every week, and there are great prizes to win every month.

To sweeten the deal further, get a FREE completely adorable Gertie & Me duck (pictured below) by spending $65.00 or more while using the Shop4Kids discount code. This wee duckie is valued at $11.95 and it’s too cute!!

On to today’s picks now. You you can see from the graphics below why The Hip Infant’s motto is ‘if you can’t find what you’re looking for, it’s just not hip enough for us to stock!’  You’re telling me!!

From top left in rows:

Discounted price listed is after the 10% KidStyleFile Shop 4 Kids 10% discount code is applied. Code ends October 31.

The Hip Infant Wall Graphics Love Tree - blue, $54.95 $49.45
Gertie & Me Duck - FREE with purchase over $65.00 using the code above (duck valued at $11.95)
The Hip Infant Basics ‘The Big Bib’- Scarlet & Pink Stripe, $12.95 $11.65
The Hip Infant Basics Romper - Scarlet & Pink Stripe, $26.95 $24.25 (I gave this romper and the bib above as a gift just last week and it was a big hit! I’ll be buying them again in future for sure.)
Tiger Tribe Hanging String - Hummingbirds, $27.95 $25.15
Tiger Tribe Backpack - Aliens, $29.95 $26.95
Gertie & Me Isobel Mouse, $19.95 $17.95
Funtainer By Thermos Drink Bottle - Butterfly, $19.99 $17.99
Funtainer By Thermos Food Jar - Multi Sports, $19.99 $17.99
Aden + Anais Muslin Wraps Mod Style, $49.95 $44.95
Cheeky Monkey Tag Blanket - Blue, $16.00  $14.40 (Ever noticed that your baby is more fascinated with the tags than with the toy itself? This is a superb toy for the littlies!)

The Hip Infant stocks an impressive range of designers including AKA Pipik, Albetta, Alex Toys, Alimrose Designs, Anna & Sally, Annabel Trends, Anne Claire Petit, Baby Einstein, Baby Legs, Babylicious, Benny Boy, Bical, BlaBla, Blink Designs, BUD, Built NY, Bump Buddy, Cheeky Monkey, Christmas Ideas, Coco & Eli, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, DiddleDumpling, Dirty Laundry, Elodie Details, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, For Walls, For Windows, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Go_Home JNR, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, ID Tee, Inch Blue, Infancy, Jazzy Toes, JellyCats, JewelQueen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kid Squidgy, Kiddopotamus, Kipiis, Lima Bean, Limo Basics, Little Chipipi, Little Einsteins, Little Joey, Little Twig, Liz Knits, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Glow, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Mum To Mum, My Child, Oeuf NYC, OUCH, Peanut Shell, Present Time, Pure Baby, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Rush, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Smirk Kids, Snugglebum, Snugzeez, Teeny Me, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Toys Pure, Trunki, Vessel, Wall Candy Arts, WalRUs, and Wee Gallery.

The Hip Infant charge $7.50 postage Australia-wide.  All orders are shipped via Courier or Express Post.

A new baby coming into the world is a very special event, and one to celebrate with jubilation. Prepare for the imminent arrival with a baby shower filled with love, and some very special gifts. Today, Miki shares a few of her favourite picks for baby shower pressies.

Today’s post was inspired by KidStyleFile reader Tina

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If there’s one party I love going to every time it’s a baby shower.

There’s something about getting a gaggle of women together to cluck over the expectant mum, eat yummy nibbles and goo and ga over teeny tiny baby clothes and sweet little toys.

I also love choosing the gift to take. These days, of course, I don’t have to rush around every baby store in town to try to find the perfect gift because we have a plethora of beautiful baby boutiques at our fingertips online. Makes everything so much easier!

Now, in choosing what to give the ‘mum to be’ I have a few guidelines which I try to abide by.

The first applies to baby clothing, and it is simply to think about what season it’s going to be when the baby is most likely to fit into the outfit. A woolly hat and jumper in newborn size isn’t going to get as much use if the baby is due in January, so it might be better to go for a lightweight romper and cool muslin wrap.

I also try to get at least some baby clothes in a size bigger than newborn. In my experience, everyone gives exquisite, adorable, minuscule newborn sized clothes, but babies grow so fast that they don’t get a chance to wear all these beautiful pieces more than once or twice. Sizes 00 (3-6 months) or 0 (6-12 months) tend to get much more wear, and it’s lovely to have something there for the baby to grow into.

Next, I always try to get something for the mum as well. The baby shower is a great time to pamper mum as once bubs arrives all the attention will be on the little one! Some luscious skin products (there are some gorgeous ones featured below) or yummy chocolates will go down a treat.

Now what about if you’re the one organising the baby shower?

Well, first thing to think about are the games to play! Mummy’s Favourite - www.mummysfavourite.com.au - have a great list of baby shower games at the bottom of their ‘baby shower gifts’ category.

Then just make sure you have delicious, healthy nibbles and some funky invites to send out (I love the range of invitations at La La Baby - www.lalababy.com.au).

Before you know it you’ll be ready to go!

Here are some of my favourite gifts to take to baby showers:

ISOKI Petite Traveller - Zanzibar, $39.95 $33.95 from Ekidna Kids*
Pure Baby Puff Sleeve Bodysuit - Watermelon Stripe, $29.95 $13.95 from Urban Child (also available in Kiwi Stripe)
Grey Owl Applique Baby Romper, $21.95 from La La Baby**
Belli Pregnancy Gift Box, $84.95 from Urban Child
‘That’s Not My Tractor’ Touchy Feely Book, $14.95 from La La Baby**
Britt Design Twinkle Gift Boxed Set, $49.95 $42.45 from La Toriana*
Cuddle Mouse, $64.95 $55.20 from Kids Gift List*
i candy ‘nobody puts baby in a corner’ tee, $27.95 $23.75 from La Toriana*
aden + anais Muslin Wraps, $54.95 $41.21 for a pack of 4, from Pastel Pink***
The Hip Infant Basics Nightie - Scarlet & Aqua stripe, $29.95 $26.95 from The Hip Infant*
The Hip Infant Basics Long Eared Bunny - Scarlet & Aqua Stripe, $15.95 $14.35 from The Hip Infant*
David Fussenegger Pastel Bassinet Blanket, $49.50 $42.08 from Pastel Pink***

Also, check out new kids on the block Just Ripe - www.justripe.com.au - and 9 Months Waiting - www.9monthswaiting.com.au -  for a fabulous selection of products for newborn to two years, and Skeanie - www.skeanie.com - for perfect footwear for tiny tootsies.

Please check individual stores for shipping charges.

*Shop4Kids discount available from The Hip Infant, La Toriana and Kids Gift List.
**La La Baby: FREE gift with purchase until 19 September!
***Pastel Pink: 25% off storewide until midnight 7th September!

There’s a fresh and fabulous decor solution in the neighbourhood.

Following on from the success of their exclusive Basics, Birthday Tees, and Skeakies ranges, The Hip Infant - www.thehipinfant.com.au - have developed their own line of delightful Wall Graphics. These summery butterflies, hot air balloons, and soon to land alphabet graphics, are made of high quality non-toxic low tack adhesive vinyl, and may be safely used to jazz up bedrooms or living spaces around your home.

Quickly and easily create your dream nursery or bedroom: just peel and stick. And when you move (or want to move on), just peel them off, and voila! the wall is as it was before, clean and ready to decorate all over again.

Each set of Wall Graphics includes two sheets of stickers, and comes packaged in a very giftable mailing tube, making them the perfect choice for a present.

Mel at The Hip Infant - www.thehipinfant.com.au - is offering fab KidStyleFile readers a very special deal on The Hip Infant Wall Graphics: Enter ‘KSF-graphic’ in the coupon code section at checkout, and receive a huge $10.00 off!! Offer end 31 August 2008, so don’t dilly dally!

The Hip Infant Wall Graphics: Up, Up and Away! $59.95 $49.95 with $10 discount until 31 August.
The Hip Infant Wall Graphics: Butterflies and Ladybugs $59.95 $49.95 with $10 discount until 31 August.

And here’s what they look like on the sheets: you get two sheets in each pack - nice!

Also, take delight in these super sweet, The Hip Infant Alphabet Wall Graphics ($79.95 $69.95 with $10 discount until 31 August). Purchase these today, for hot-off-the-press delivery on August 28.

Also, while you’re over at The Hip Infant, be sure to take a visit to the Sale section. There are some genuine bargains in there from Mill & Mia, Smirk, Pure Baby, Infancy, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Ouch and more.

I just bought some Ouch Uggs for my kids for just $14.95, and there are a few pieces on offer now down to just $5.00.

I also love this Alimrose Bunting as a nice complemetary element to the Wall Graphics. You get 5 metres of thes 4 flags pictured for just $49.95 $29.95, and there are 3 designs to choose from.

If you’re in no need of Wall Graphics, but still want to score a discount at The Hip Infant, you can pick up a copy of Shop 4 Kids magazine at your newsagent to secure the code for a 10% discount (not applicable with any other offer, i.e. you can’t use it with the Wall Graphics discount). If you can’t make it out, you can email me, and I’ll whisper it to you

The Hip Infant stocks an impressive range of designers including AKA Pipik, Albetta, Alex Toys, Alimrose Designs, Anna & Sally, Annabel Trends, Anne Claire Petit, Baby Einstein, Baby Legs, Babylicious, Benny Boy, Bical, BlaBla, Blink Designs, BUD, Built NY, Bump Buddy, Cheeky Monkey, Christmas Ideas, Coco & Eli, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, DiddleDumpling, Dirty Laundry, Elodie Details, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, For Walls, For Windows, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Go_Home JNR, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, ID Tee, Inch Blue, Infancy, Jazzy Toes, JellyCats, JewelQueen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kid Squidgy, Kiddopotamus, Kipiis, Lima Bean, Limo Basics, Little Chipipi, Little Einsteins, Little Joey, Little Twig, Liz Knits, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Glow, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Mum To Mum, My Child, Oeuf NYC, OUCH, Peanut Shell, Present Time, Pure Baby, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Rush, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Smirk Kids, Snugglebum, Snugzeez, Teeny Me, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Toys Pure, Trunki, Vessel, Wall Candy Arts, WalRUs, and Wee Gallery.

The Hip Infant charge $7.50 postage flat Australia wide for Express Post/courier delivery. Orders are dispatched within 24 hours of receipt. The Hip Infant also ships internationally. Please visit the Delivery Info page for full information on shipping.

Post written by Miki
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Newborns are such precious little souls. Among the host of delectable features is their delicate soft-as skin. As a parent you just want them to be comfy and cosy at all times.

It’s not always easy to find practical yet beautiful clothes for them though - who wants to be fiddling with awkward fastenings at 3am or let their baby be irritated by scratchy inner seams?

Luckily for everyone with (or expecting) a newborn, there’s now The Hip Infant Basics Range which is everything you could want, and better yet, it’s genuinely affordable!

Mel at The Hip Infant - www.thehipinfant.com.au - is offering fab KidStyleFile readers special deal: spend over $50.00 on the Basic Range and receive a free matching Teddy Hat (value $14.95), or spend over $100.00 on the Basic Range and receive a free matching long-eared bunny (value $19.95).

Enter KSF-TED for the hat and KSF-BUN for the bunny. Offers end 31 July 2008. View the original post on this offer for more pics and details.

Ok, now that your newborn is clothed it’s time to have some fun in the sale section. There’s so much to choose from in there - a great range of Mill & Mia, Benny Boy, Smirk, Pure Baby, loads from Infancy, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Ouch and more.

There are also nappy bags on sale from Fleurville and Skip Hop, and some brilliant prices on the rarely discounted Peanut Shell baby slings!

Have a browse through and stock your cart with stunningly discounted goodies

The Hip Infant stocks a massive range of designers including *takes a deep breath* AKA Pipik, Albetta, Alex Toys, Alimrose Designs, Anna & Sally, Annabel Trends, Anne Claire Petit, Baby Einstein, Baby Legs, Babylicious, Benny Boy, Bical, BlaBla, Blink Designs, BUD, Built NY, Bump Buddy, Cheeky Monkey, Christmas Ideas, Coco & Eli, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, DiddleDumpling, Dirty Laundry, Elodie Details, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, For Walls, For Windows, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Go_Home JNR, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, ID Tee, Inch Blue, Infancy, Jazzy Toes, JellyCats, JewelQueen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kid Squidgy, Kiddopotamus, Kipiis, Lima Bean, Limo Basics, Little Chipipi, Little Einsteins, Little Joey, Little Twig, Liz Knits, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Glow, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Mum To Mum, My Child, Oeuf NYC, OUCH, Peanut Shell, Present Time, Pure Baby, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Rush, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Smirk Kids, Snugglebum, Snugzeez, Teeny Me, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Toys Pure, Trunki, Vessel, Wall Candy Arts, WalRUs, and Wee Gallery. Phew!

Mill & Mia babygrow chocolate stripe, $59.95 $34.95
The Hip Infant Basics Range nappy pants, scarlett & aqua stripe, $14.95
Smirk red pirate man summer tee, $33.95 $15.00
The Hip Infant sneakies in red, $27.95 (sooooo cute!!!)
The Hip Infant Basics Range nightie in scarlett & pink stripe, $29.95
Infancy cargo denim dress, $55.00 $35.00
Fleurville sling tote, gold, $198.00 $148.00
The Hip Infant Basics Range baby grow, scarlett & aqua stripe, $29.95
Hip Stuff yellow bath radio, $36.95 $26.95 (this just made me giggle, but it’s also a quirky gift idea)

The Hip Infant charge $7.50 postage flat Australia wide for Express Post/courier delivery. Orders are dispatched within 24 hours of receipt. The Hip Infant also ships internationally. Please visit the Delivery Info page for full information on shipping.

Happy New Financial Year everyone!!

This might not have the same ring to it as Happy New Year, but it many ways it’s just as fun, because it’s Tax Return time - yay! - and I have just the plan for what you can spend it on

The Hip Infant - www.thehipinfant.com.au - is one of the icons in Australian online baby-wear and accessories. If it’s cool and for the under 5 set, then The Hip Infant has it.

There has been a very exciting development over at The Hip Infant: they have just launched their very own product range, The Hip Infant Basics.

The Hip Infant Basics is essentially a capsule wardrobe for babies. It is comprised of the finest quality singlets, rompers, separates and sleeping suits, all in super-stylish and flattering colour-stripe combinations.

Mel at The Hip Infant has four children (three boys and a girl), and in a previous life was a neo-natal nurse, so there isn’t much about kids that Mel doesn’t know.

Mel has designed The Hip Infant Basics drawing from her wealth of experience as a mother, and as a children’s health professional. These products are a winning combination of comfort, style, and practicality, and as an added bonus they are inexpensive!

At $19.95-$29.95 you can afford to wear them every day, and why not when they look this good!?

As a very special exclusive offer to KidStyleFile readers, Mel at The Hip Infant is offering two incentives to buy from The Hip Infant Basics range.

OFFER 1: Spend over $50.00 on The Hip Infant Basic Range and receive a FREE matching Teddy Hat (Valued at $14.95)
Enter code KSF-TED to claim your gorgeous hat free!

OFFER 2: Spend Over $100.00 on The Hip Infant Basic Range and receive a FREE matching Long Eared Bunny (valued at $19.95)
Enter code KSF-BUN to claim your sweet bunny free!

Offers end 31 July 2008.

We are a very privileged lot over here at KidStyleFile as these gifts are limited edition items, and this promotion is exclusive to KSF. I keep thinking of what a fab gift this will make for a little new-bub…hmmm

While we’re on the subject of new products at The Hip Infant, check out their new The Hip Infant Sneakies soft-soled pre-walkers.

At just $27.95 a pair, these are such a steal!!

You are bound to find something beautiful to make you smile at The Hip Infant. They stock over 85 high end baby and kid brands.

Choose from clothing, accessories, nursery products, decor pieces, baby carriers and slings, and toys, from AKA Pipik, Albetta, Alex Toys, Alimrose Designs, Anna & Sally, Annabel Trends, Anne Claire Petit, Baby Einstein, Baby Legs, Babylicious, Benny Boy, Bical, BlaBla, Blink Designs, BUD, Built NY, Bump Buddy, Cheeky Monkey, Christmas Ideas, Coco & Eli, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, DiddleDumpling, Dirty Laundry, Elodie Details, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, For Walls, For Windows, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Go_Home JNR, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, ID Tee, Inch Blue, Infancy, Jazzy Toes, JellyCats, JewelQueen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kid Squidgy, Kiddopotamus, Kipiis, Lima Bean, Limo Basics, Little Chipipi, Little Einsteins, Little Joey, Little Twig, Liz Knits, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Glow, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Mum To Mum, My Child, Oeuf NYC, OUCH, Peanut Shell, Present Time, Pure Baby, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Rush, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Smirk Kids, Snugglebum, Snugzeez, Teeny Me, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Toys Pure, Trunki, Vessel, Wall Candy Arts, WalRUs, and Wee Gallery.

You can pick up a lot of products up for less at the moment at The Hip Infant’s end of financial year sale.

My picks from the sale are the Peanut Shell baby carriers, David Fussenegger blankets, and Trunki kids ride-on suitcases (the Trunki Towgo is one of my top 10 picks for kids), all going cheap as chips!

The Hip Infant charge $7.50 postage flat Australia wide for Express Post/courier delivery. Orders are dispatched within 24 hours of receipt. The Hip Infant also ships internationally. Please visit the Delivery Info page for full information on shipping.

Today’s post written by Miki
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You know what I love best about winter?

It’s not the hot chocolates with marshmallows melting gooily in them. It’s not the chill in the air that puts colour into my cheeks, it’s not the open fires, it’s not even the winter fashions, although I do love all of those things too.

Nope, what I love best about winter is that it always means the End of Financial Year sales begin! And do I have a doozy for you today

he lovely Mel at The Hip Infant - www.thehipinfant.com.au - has just announced their End of Financial Year sale and it’s oh-so-fab:

Up to 70% off selected items, and as an extra special bonus for KidStyleFile readers there’s an extra 5% off store-wide! Do the maths with me - that’s up to 75% off! Also, you have the jump on the sale, as it doesn’t officially start until Monday 16 June!

Enter ‘KSF‘ at checkout to receive an extra 5% off your order. Discount code is valid until 30 June. All other discount codes are suspended during the sale period. (Head straight to the sale section to start shopping.

The Hip Infant stocks over 85 high end brands including AKA Pipik, Albetta, Alex Toys, Alimrose Designs, Anna & Sally, Annabel Trends, Anne Claire Petit, Baby Einstein, Baby Legs, Babylicious, Benny Boy, Bical, BlaBla, Blink Designs, BUD, Built NY, Bump Buddy, Cheeky Monkey, Christmas Ideas, Coco & Eli, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, DiddleDumpling, Dirty Laundry, Elodie Details, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, For Walls, For Windows, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Go_Home JNR, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, ID Tee, Inch Blue, Infancy, Jazzy Toes, JellyCats, JewelQueen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kid Squidgy, Kiddopotamus, Kipiis, Lima Bean, Limo Basics, Little Chipipi, Little Einsteins, Little Joey, Little Twig, Liz Knits, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Glow, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Mum To Mum, My Child, Oeuf NYC, OUCH, Peanut Shell, Present Time, Pure Baby, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Rush, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Smirk Kids, Snugglebum, Snugzeez, Teeny Me, The Hip Infant Basics, The Hip Infant Sneakies, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Toys Pure, Trunki, Vessel, Wall Candy Arts, WalRUs, and Wee Gallery - phew!

In fact, if it’s stylish and to do with kids then I can’t think of much that The Hip Infant doesn’t stock!

The Hip Infant has everything from baby slings (check out the fab discounts on Aka Pipik and Peanut Shells) to nursery bedding (discounted David Fusseneger, anyone? Ooh, pick me!!), toys to clothes to decor and wall art, ad infinitum.

Also, check out The Hip Infant’s very own product range, including babygrows: The Hip Infant Basics (so popular, the first shipment has already sold out! Keep your eyes peeled though, more landing soon!), and pre-walker shoes: The Hip Infant Sneakies.

Also, I can’t let the moment pass without mentioning the huge discounts on nappy bags (I’m a wee bit notorious for my nappy bag addiction by now, and The Hip Infant is doing nothing to help me get over it I have to say!).

Anna & Sally Chic nappy bags are down to $89.95 from $129.95 and Fleurville Baby Bags - oh how I love Fleurville! - are reduced by $50.00, bringing them down to $148.00! Those are incredibly good prices.

I just have to show you some of my favourite sale items; check ‘em out. Don’t dilly dally too long though, at these prices stock will be gone in a flash! Head straight to the sale section to start shopping.

Anna & Sally Chic nappy bag, $129.95 $89.95
Fleurville baby bag, $198.00 $148.00
Skip Hop lunch bag, $59.95 $39.95
Bical Shoes Socks, $22.95 $15.95
Benny Boy long sleeve tees (various designs), $44.00 $29.95
Built NY bibs, $19.95 $10.95 and look out for the nifty Built NY bottle holders also at $19.95 $10.95
Mill & Mia Boatneck dress red stripe, $69.95 $39.95
Ouch babygrow denim chambray, $24.95 $15.95
Infancy spotty babygrow, $38.50 $29.50 (this one just makes me way too clucky, it’s dangerous!)
Kipiis bib clips, $16.95 $10.95 These are brilliant, I use them to hang a cloth nappy over my boy for really messy meals, but he also loves his Kipiis as a toy! Best thing ever to keep in your nappy bag, covers all eventualities.
Blabla Mini Rosalie, $42.95 $32.95

The Hip Infant charge $7.50 postage flat Australia wide for Express Post/courier delivery. Orders are dispatched within 24 hours of receipt. The Hip Infant also ships internationally. Please visit the Delivery Info page for full information on shipping.

Oh-ho-ho! You are going to *love* this one! This week, Miki showcases a fantastic range of toys for babies and kids from birth to 6 years up. Whether you’re looking for a gift, or for a rainy day activity, your problems are solved with this great selection. Enjoy!

Next week’s Weekend Special Feature: Decor and Accessories

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Starting off with the aptly named The Hip Infant www.thehipinfant.com.au, there was so much choice that I decided I had to focus just on baby toys if I was to do any of it justice. Don’t for a second think that this is all The Hip Infant have though!

All babies love rattles as soon as they learn to grasp and focus, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the Hip Stuff Mini Maracas in Green, $6.50, which are a big favourite in our household. So hardy too; ours should have broken long ago with the kind of treatment they get, but there isn’t even a chip in the paint!

There are also the exquisite Alimrose Handsqueeker Japanese Doll, $15.95 - so sweet!

Personally, I’m coveting the Heimess Pram String ‘Teddybears’, $39.95 - I love the teddy bears! - and what little surfer wouldn’t love to drift off gazing at the Tiger Tribe Mobile ‘Surf’, $29.95?

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Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - stock a great range of toys for all ages. I focussed on wooden toys for pre-schoolers this time but believe me, it was hard to tear myself away from everything else they have!

Now firstly I thought the KGL Russian Doll Set in Dark Blue, $12.90 for set of five was just gorgeous. There are a number of different colour and design options, and KGL advertises them as the perfect present for a little girl which I absolutely agree with. Very affordable too!

I giggled at the Bowl Me Over Penguin Set, $19.95; what a great ‘rainy day’ indoors activity!

But my jaw dropped when I found the Exciting Zoo, $124.95. Have a close look I’m sure you’ll see why. What an amazing toy set!

Finally, Angela will never forgive me if I don’t mention her favourite, the KGL Combi in Peace Red, $9.95 (available in a multitude of colours). She claims that her daughters play with the Combi, but I think she secretly keeps it for herself…

You can take 15% off these prices using the discount code in this month’s My Child magazine - for more info click here.

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If, like many parents, you wish your school-aged kids would spend less time playing video games and more time doing something creative, then head straight over to ShopHouse - www.shophouse.com.au.

Now, I must mention the Little Kitchen sets first. ShopHouse are offering 20% off the entire range, and I can’t think of a better range of products to get kids interested in cooking. After all, the love of cooking can be instilled at a young age and if you play your cards right, you could have the kids cooking gourmet dinners before too long! (Well, I can dream…) Little Kitchen Boy’s Apron and Utensil Set, $49.95 $29.97.

For the budding artistes there are the ‘Build-It’ and ‘Create-It’ kits: boys and girls alike will love the range of designs here, and imagine how proud they’ll be to take their creations along to Show & Tell!

Don’t forget the extra 15% discount you can apply with the My Child discount code!

Create-It Picture Frame Kit, $16.95; Build-It Rocket Kit, $16.95; Create-It Prima Ballerina Kit, $16.95;

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Finally, Send-A-Toy - www.sendatoy.com.au- famous for their great deals on Wheely Bugs.

As a specialist online toy store they have an immense range, and I found it nigh on impossible to narrow it down enough to find products to feature in here.

That said, I did think the PINTOY Wooden Toys ‘My Little House’ ($164.00) was a stand-out. Feminine but funky and with a clever open-sided layout that allows more than one child at a time to play with it, it comes complete with furniture and two dolls; excellent value.

The Djeco Creanimaux Farm Stacking Blocks ($49.90) are also a great concept - create six ‘normal’ animals or mix-and-match to invent your own critters! Cool!

Crocodile Creek do beautifully made, resilient toys, of which a prime example are the Crocodile Creek Colorama Balls ($16.90 each). Once you’ve had one you’ll realise that no playground or back yard is complete without it.

And last but certainly not least, may I present to you the totally fab, retro-rockin’ Radio Flyer Retro Dual Dual Deck Tricycle ($159.90) just perfect for encouraging toddler independence!

Please check individual sites for shipping details.

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