KidStyleFile

Written by Domenica

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South Australia is lovely; just a few of my favourite things about it are the gorgeous beaches, beautiful architecture and lovely weather… plus it is Australia’s wine capital! The cosmopolitan suburb of Norwood, only 10 minutes from Adelaide, is also where you will find the physical home of The Infant Boutique – www.theinfantboutique.com.au. While we don’t all live in Adelaide, we can certainly all enjoy the shopping online from The Infant Boutique’s divine collection of beautiful baby gifts, baby clothing, children’s fashion, nursery furniture, bedding, nappy bags, baby carriers, books, toys, games and stationery.

If you have a nursery to decorate or any room updates on the horizon, then check out The Infant Boutique’s Furnish and Decorate categories for a large selection of cots, bassinets, tables and chairs, beanbags, playmats, floor rugs, storage solutions, wall stickers, name plaques, height charts, mobiles and bookends. I would like to include a comfy dedicated reading corner into my house to encourage literacy, and I think the Lelbys Bean Chairs (pictured at #10 below) will make a great seating option for this area. Made for children aged 1 – 5 years, they have a inner calico bag for safety and ease of cleaning, plus the outer sleeve has a child proof zip. The Infant Boutique’s Little Library category has a great selection of books to re-stock our library too. And the clothes? Oh, the clothes! They’re just the thing for Christmas Day and New Year’s festivities.

The Infant Boutique currently have a superb range of items on sale at up to 60% off with brands including Cocoon Couture, Trunki, Hugs & Inspiration, Dwell Studio, Isa Form, Bluebelle, Tutu du Monde, Boohoo? and more, while stocks last only. The Infant Boutique is also offering a postage upgrade to Express Post delivery, Australia wide, if you purchase any of the items shown in the image collage below. All you have to do is enter code (KSFX) before midnight 31 December 2011. 

Sale prices quoted below are valid until Christmas 2011, while stocks last. Free upgrade to express shipping is available to all items from the brands listed below, with the exception of item #2 & #11.

1. Bluebelle Singlet & Frilly Knickers Set – $24.95 Sale = $21.21 -
2. Reindeer Longjohn Set – $39.95 Sale = $33.96
3. Bla Bla Canvas Backpack (Charles pictured) – $49.95
4. Raggidy Rag Dolls (Veronika pictured) – $99.00
5. Boohoo? RaRa Dress & Nappy Pants Set – $44.95 Sale = $38.20
6. Tutu Du Monde (Alyna Tutu Vintage Rose pictured) – $149.95 Sale = $127.46
7. Zuny Bookends (Elephant pictured) – $69.95
8. Jack & Jill Coat Hooks – $24.00
9. Anamalz Cow – $9.95
10. Lelby’s Bean Chair – $99.95
11. Sophie The Giraffe – $34.00
12. Cocoon Couture Bean Bag – $99.95

The Infant Boutique stock the following HUGE selection of quality brands: Aero Images, Alimrose Designs, Aden and Anais, Adiri, An Angel at My Table, Anamalz, And Me Too, Annie B, ApplePie Design, Babies Only, Babu, Baby Couture, BabyLegs, Babymoov, Bajo,Bee & Tree, Bholu, BlaBla, Black & Blum, Brave New Word, Brooklan Tree, Cavania Cards, Cheeky Little Soles, Claesens, Coco & Eli, Cocoon Couture, Cuddle Fish, Cuski, Del Campo, Djeco, Dwellbaby, Earth Babies, Ebulobo, Emu Australia, Felt Tales, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly,Frankie Ray, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Giddy Giddy, Giimmo, Green to Grow, HandySitt, Happy Horse, Heimess, Herbie, I Love Mybabycino, iCandy, Imprintables, In Your Room, INKE, Isabelle Norman, IsaBooties, Isoki, Itch Design, Joanna Zhou for Mom, Karen Miles, Kids Kitchen, KinderKot, Kipiis, Kushies, Lil Fraser Collection, Lakeland Design, Lambini, Lambykins, Lark, Le Toy Van, Leander, Les Folies, Little Blue Fish, Little Chipipi, Little House, Little Kitchen, Little Pearls, Little Red Pear, Little Twig, Lorena Siminovich, Lotus Linens, Mamas & Papas, Mandalay Design, Manhattan Toy Company, Me Giant, Mi-House, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Rhubarb, Minimink, Miriam Bereson, Momiji, Monkey-do, Moulin Roty, Mumi & Bubi, Nature Baby, Natures Child, Nice4Neez, NooNoo Design, Nurtured by Nature, Oeuf, NYC, OUCH Clothing, Pakhuis Oost, Peanut Shell, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Popover Apron, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Ramalama, Ramona Ramona, Red Plum Linen, RJSP, Room Seven, Rouge Living, RosenbergCpg, Sandra Isaksson, Sandy Cousens Art, See Kai Run, Seed Organic, Sew Your Own, SIGG, Sirch, Skip Hop, Squids, Stuffit, T4Tot, Tatiri, The Grassy Garden, The Infant Boutique, The Little Experience, The Source Products, The Wall Sticker Co, Thilde, Thread Design, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Under the Nile, Usborne Books, Vessel, Vulli, WallCandy, Wheely Bugs, Ze Super heroes, Zid Zid, Zuny & Zzzoolight. Phew!

The Infant Boutique uses Receipted Regular Post or Express Australia Post and will require a signature. Delivery charges are based on destination, size and weight of your order.  Orders are usually dispatched within 48 hours. The Infant Boutique currently only delivers within Australia. Orders over $180.00 are shipped free (some bulky items are excluded). View the FAQ page for full customer service information.

Written by Miki

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Over the last few weeks, the KidStyleFile team have gone into overdrive to bring you an extensive collection of gift guides to make your Christmas purchasing as easy as possible. We’ve given you a total of twenty-one gift guides covering everything from Stocking Stuffers Under $10 to Big Ticket Items Over $100, and each of the KidStyleFile writers has shown you what we’re placing under our Christmas trees for our own kids as well. We’ve also had the owners of many of our favourite stores give their top suggestions for gifts; it’s always great to hear from the experts themselves.  In total we’ve given you 289 ideas for what to buy the special little people in your life, and we hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have!

In case you’ve missed any of our guides, today I’m going to give you a final wrap-up of everything we’ve covered. And don’t forget, if you’re still stuck for ideas, come over to the KidStyleFile Facebook page to chat to us and all our incredibly helpful fans – I can just about guarantee we’ll come up with the perfect solution.

Our Christmas Gift Guides For 2011:

Top 20 Stocking Stuffers {Under $10}  |  Top 20 Gifts {Under $25}  |  Top 20 Gifts {$25 to $50}  |  Top 20 Gifts {$50 to $100}  |  Top 20 Gifts {Big Ticket Items Over $100}  |  Besty of Etsy: Handmade Christmas Gift Guide  |  Besty of Etsy: An Australian Handmade Gift Guide  |  The Green Guide: Best Eco-Friendly Gifts  | Top 10 Advent Calendars  |  Favourite Christmas Books  |  Staff Picks: Under Dom’s Tree  | Staff Picks: Under Anna’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Melody’s Christmas Tree  | Staff Picks: Under Jen’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Edwina’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Miki’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Leah’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Angela’s Christmas Tree  |  Store Owners’ Picks: Part 1  | Store Owners’ Picks: Part 2  | Store Owners’ Picks: Part 3  | Store Owners’ Picks: Part 4

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.

Written by Miki

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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. You can also read Dom’s picks, Anna’s picks, Melody’s picks, Jen’s picks and Edwina’s picks. Enjoy! – Ange

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I have two small boys – Master A who is four-and-a-half, and Master J who is two-and-a-quarter – both who are counting down the minutes until Santa comes down that chimney. This is the first year that Master A has really become excited and involved in the lead up to Christmas, and it’s so much fun!  We’ve been getting out our copy of The Night Before Christmas at bedtime most nights, we’re listening to Christmas music in the car and we’re having a blast decorating the house with all the glitter-and-macaroni bits and bobs he’s bringing home from kindy. We’re also going to be flying home to spend Christmas in Adelaide, my hometown, which we’re incredibly excited about as the boys haven’t spent any length of time there yet.

Below are the special treats they’ll be finding under our tree on Christmas morning – after all, they have been pretty good this year – and a few things they might get beforehand if they’re extra lucky, or if I need some extra help surviving the plane trip!

1. Trunki Kids Ride-On Suitcase – Bernard The Bee, $89.00 at Metro Mum
Master A received a Trunki as a special gift a couple of years ago, and his little brother is so envious that it’s time he received one of his own. We have a 4.5 hour flight to get to our destination for Christmas, so this one will be an early gift.

2. Cheetah Dragon 16″ Boys Bike, $179.00 at The Bicycle Store
Master A is ready to graduate from his balance bike to a ‘big boy’s bike’ with pedals. This one has ticks in all the boxes: training wheels, tick! price tag, tick! handlebar streamers (because why should girls get all the fun?), tick!

3. ooMoo F1 Balance Bike, $165.00 at Metro Mum
As Master A moves up to a big new bike, so Master J will be wanting to move up from his little scoot-along trike as well. His brother’s old balance bike has seen better days, but I know this racy red option will suit him down to the ground.

4. Lego Volkswagon T1 Campervan, $169.99 at Lego Online Store
Seriously, who doesn’t love Lego? Master A will get a massive kick out of this camper, but I think the biggest smile when this box gets opened will be on the face of his dad!

5. Playmobil Super Set – Construction, $59.95 at Cradle Rock
We already have a few Playmobil toys and they’re absolutely brilliant – detailed, robust and designed with all sorts of clever little tricks. The boys will both have a brilliant time playing with this set, which will then live permanently at their grandparents’ house to be played with on visits.

6. Seedling ‘Design Your Own Box Kite’ Set, $36.95 at Design Child
This will be a great gift to be stashed until the school holidays seem to be dragging, at which point we’ll pull it out of the cupboard and have a fun day creating and flying!

7 & 8. Toshi Cotton Sunhat With Toggle – Safari, $33.95; Toshi Cotton Sunhat With Toggle – Surfing, $33.95 at Baby’s Got Style
The boys both need new sun hats, and these ones from Toshi are both practical and gorgeous.

9. Anamalz Crocodile, $9.95 at Ekidna Kidswear
The Anamalz toys make for fantastic stocking stuffers – the boys have one each already, which are proudly displayed on their bedside tables. I think they’d love to start adding to the collection.

10. Djeco Beasts Stickers, $4.95 at Where Did You Get That?
Djeco sticker packs are incredibly good value, and with a price this low they’re brilliant for shoving into stockings. I might even give them this pack before Christmas to help amuse them on the plane.

11. Books To Wear ‘My Shark’ PJs, $36.95 at Little Styles
We have a family tradition of all receiving a new pair of PJs on Christmas Eve (yes, Mum & Dad too) and these ones will be spot on for Master A…

12. Marquise Print PJs – Balloons, $32.95 at Little Styles
…while these ones will be perfect for Master J.

13. ‘Tails’ by Matthew Van Fleet (hardback), $14.67 at Book Depository
Matthew Van Fleet’s tactile, interactive books are absolutely brilliant for toddlers and young preschoolers. I can’t wait to read this one to him.

14. ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton (hardback), $9.88 at Book Depository
A childhood favourite of mine, it’s going to be so much fun settling in to read chapters to Master A at bedtime. This present might almost be more for me than it is for him!

15. Lilly & Lolly Scoop Bunkbed, $3,250.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
Okay, so this one is really a wish list item rather than something that will actually be under (beside?) our tree on Christmas morning. But isn’t it stunning? The boys are outgrowing their little IKEA beds, so I’ll need to look at getting them something like this before much longer – hint hint Santa!

PS: The background for today’s post comes from Bosco Bear who are making fabulous Christmas wall decals. What a great way to dress up your walls for the festive season!

Please check individual stores for shipping costs. Also make sure you read the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to be sure you’re getting the best deal.

Written by Miki

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When Angela and I first started discussing a ‘Stocking Stuffers Under $10′ post, I have to admit I was doubtful. “But Ange,” I said, “What if I can’t find twenty online products of KidStyleFile-worthy quality, costing less than ten bucks each?”  Fortunately Angela had more faith than I did and sent me off to do some research.  Aren’t I glad she did!  There are so many small-but-quality products out there even at the very lowest ends of the price scale, which is exactly what we all need with Christmas stockings to stuff.  In the end my main difficulty was deciding what to leave out of the top twenty!

Everything you see below is less than $10, and a good portion of it is less than $5. I’ve divided it into categories for babies, boys and girls, but it probably goes without saying that those are only very rough guidelines and that most products have a certain amount of crossover (although I’m not sure how my boys would react if I put hair accessories in their stockings – hey, maybe they’d love them).

This really is only a sample of the products available once you start looking, so consider this post a jumping-off point and start exploring. I must give Where Did You Get That? a special mention for their huge Stocking Stuffers category too; it has fourteen pages of the kinds of things just perfect for stockings.

So get to it, go stuff those stockings – if you want to follow my family’s tradition, pop a Terry’s Chocolate Orange in the toe… yummmmm.

Babies:
1.  Ebulobo Crazy Wolf Spoon, $3.95 at Metro Mum
2. Vice Versa Chicken Teething Device, $9.95 at Bubba Funk
3. Ellani Petite Red & White Stripe Clip & Elastic Set, $6.95 at Mini Chatterbox
4. Alex Toys Ducky Bath Thermometer, $8.95 at Mini Chatterbox
5. Personalised Face Washer, $9.95 at Stuck On You
6. Bouncing Wooden Ladybird Mobile, $6.45 at My Wooden Toys

Boys:
1. Digger Bag Tag, $3.95 at Bright Star Kids
2. Anamalz Crocodile, $9.95 at Ekidna Kids
3. Bobos Bandaids, $9.95 at French Bazaar
4. Ouch Striped Socks, $5.99 at Looking At You Kid
5. Micador Nuts & Bolts Crayons, $4.60 at Cocobear
6. Djeco Animal Stickers, $4.95 at Where Did You Get That?
7. Mini Wooden Tangram Puzzle, was $6.95 now $4.95 at My Wooden Toys

Girls:
1. Rhubarb Red Spot Necklace & Bracelet Set, $7.95 at Billy Lids
2. French Bull Orange Princess Juice Cup, $9.95 at Ekidna Kids
3. Handmade Hair Clips, $4.99 at Outlet Shop For Kids 
4. Djeco ‘Lady Of Circles’ Create With Stickers, $6.95 at Where Did You Get That?
5. Micador Bubblegum Brush – Mint, $2.50 at Cocobear
6. Micador Early Start No-Drip Paint – Orange Sherbet, $6.90 at Cocobear
7. Elliot Notebook, $6.95 at French Bazaar

PS: The bunting dividing the categories in the image collage is actually a Christmas wall decal by Bosco Bear. It retails for $29.95 from the Bosco Bear Online Store.

Please check individual stores for shipping costs. Also make sure you read the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to be sure you’re getting the best deal.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Today I’d like to introduce you to a wonderful new store that I discovered recently: The Toy Bug – www.thetoybug.com.au.

As you might expect, The Toy Bug stocks toys. No just any toys though: Jo Debnam, proprietor of the The Toy Bug stocks one of the finest selections I have seen online in Australia, and the prices are quite amazing! I have already placed 2 orders at The Toy Bug – after the first one was so good I had to dive straight back on in – and I can tell you that the service is an absolute knockout. I cannot speak highly enough!

So you can feel the love at The Toy Bug as I have, Jo at The Toy Bug is giving all KidStyleFile readers 10% off store-wide until 31 July 2009. Enter the code ‘ksf10′ to redeem.

I must say that I have found it very challenging to write this post and narrow it down to a few picks for you: EVERYTHING at The Toy Bug is meritous. I suggest browsing all the brands and then checking out all the categories (Pretend Play - how adorable is Sandra’s Wardrobe??, Novelty Toys – I just purchased a stash of mini compasses, tape measure and stampers for party bags, and Lachie’s Favourites: Jo’s son, Lachie has Autism Spectrum Disorder, and these are his favourite toys) so you don’t miss anything.

Those of you who have been looking for an award-winning Gyro Car, jump now while the discount is there and nab yourself an super bargain!

Some my very favourite toys are in the superlative lineup at The Toy Bug. We have all of these at home. They have been truly tried and tested and have come up trumps: buy with confidence!

Active People Bilibo – this simple open-ended toy goes on and on, powered by your child’s imagination. Is it a spinner, a bed, a scoop, a hat, a hill or a shell? It’s all of these and more!

Quercetti Georello Gears Go Round – Italian made quality, and a delightful toy: build your creation, crank the handle and watch the gears spin. A great way to teach cause and effect.

Egg Shape Sorter – a wonderful flashback to my own childhood, and an essential motor skill development toy for every littlie.

Tap A Shape Corkboard-  Perfect hammer and nail fun for the over 4 set. Comes complete with board, wooden shapes, tacks and hammer.

Fat Brain Toys Dado Cube – A construction toy with a very pleasing aesthetic. Leave it on the coffee table for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

Magnetic Maze – A game for one or two players. Set your own rules for completion. Good for hand-eye co-ordination, logic development and as a science lesson to teach how and why magnets work.

Prices marked below in red are applicable with code ‘ksf10′ until 31 July 2009 only.

A. Egg Shape Sorter $8.50 less 10% = $7.65
B. Tap a Shape Corkboard $15.00 less 10% = $13.50
C. Quercetti Georello Gears Go Round $25.99 less 10% = $23.39
D. Hickory Dickory Clock $39.00 less 10% = $35.10
E. Gyro Car $100.00 less 10% = $90.00
F. Fat Brain Toys USA made Dado Cube Set $49.95 less 10% = $44.95
G. Sparkle T Pull-along Jaffa the Dog toy $19.95 less 10% = $17.95
H. Wanju My Treetop Hideaway $99.00 less 10% = $89.10
I. Wooden Insect Self-Stampers $2.00 less 10% = $1.80
J. Wooden Breakfast Food Board $15.95 less 10% = $14.35
K. Magnetic Maze $24.00 less 10% = $21.60
L. Sandra’s Wardrobe Wooden Doll with Fashion wardrobe  $22.00 less 10% = $19.80
M. Petit Jour Paris Elmer Soft Block Set $26.00 $20.00 less 10% = $18.00

The Toy Bug stock quality brands including Active People, Anamalz, Boyle, Crocodile Creek, Djeco, EDDU Toy, Fat Brain Toy Co, Fiesta Crafts, GUND, Le Toy Van, JELLYCAT, Mamas & Papas, Manhattan Toy Company, Melissa & Doug, Petit Jour Paris, Sparkle T, Spiegelburg, TOLO, Toys Pure, Voila, WANJU and Wonderworld.

The Toy Bug charge $9.90 flat Australia-wide (with 3 product exceptions) and send via Express or Registered Post. Read the full shipping and delivery information here. Internatinalorders are welcome. Layby is also available.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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I was chatting to a friend the other day and she mentioned that she had picked out what she wanted for Mother’s Day. This statement took me a little by surprise because, firstly, I usually leave the present decisions up to The Dad and The Kids, and secondly, I am not that organised. But it certainly has got me thinking, in fact, I haven’t stopped thinking about what little treasure I could find for myself to celebrate that aspect of my life. Why should the kids have all the fun?!

So when I found out La Toriana – www.latoriana.com.au – was having a special 3 day sale…. well I just had to have a little look and see what little lovelies I could find.

Yes, the lovely Elizabeth at La Toriana is treating us all to a 20% off storewide sale (excluding the Tea Princess Winter Collection and Tummy Bear) for 3 huge days ending 9am 29 April 2009. To get the discount enter the code KidStyleFile at checkout. Make a comment on the La Toriana blog and Elizabeth will send you a free gift with your order as well!! Yeah for more presents!!

My first stop was straight to the Mums and Dads section, and I was not disappointed. They have a wonderful range of Deshabille (pronounced dez-ha-bee-ay) sleepwear made from natural fabrics and beautifully detailed. Of course, completely ignoring the coming of the colder nights, I couldn’t resist falling head over heels for the Babydoll ‘Jardin’ PJ’s from Lazybones, it is adorable, they also have matching PJ’s for girls.  Elizabeth also has a great collection of VanChi Nappy bags for Mum and Dad, and with 20% off, now is the time to grab one for yourself and one for Father’s Day!

With gift giving in mind, my next stop was the gift section. I always seem to get in the mood for stockpiling as Winter beckons, and the present cupboard in no exception. The selection is great, and there are so many things that will go click, click, clicking into my shopping cart. The Lavender Babushka Dolls are perfect tucked under the pillow to aid in restful slumber, the Guardsmen Skittle set is soooooo cute, and I am a complete sucker for Pandas.

The opportunity for 20% off shouldn’t pass without a thorough scan of the fashion in-store. Elizabeth stocks some wonderful brands at great prices. Head for the Specials section for some hugely discounted goods on sale from Tea Princes, Eternal Creation, Britt Designs, Finnigan Finn, just to name a few.

Prices in red below are after 20% discount is deducted. These prices apply with code until 9am on 29 April 2009 only.

1. Panda Anamalz $9.95, $7.95
2. 3 Piece gift set Organic Blanket, Owl and Hat $62.95, $50.35
3. Cheeky Little Soles – Cuddles Duck $31.95, $25.55
4. Babushka Lavender Dolls $14.95, $11.95
5. Babydoll Mums PJ’s by Lazybones $59.95, $47.95
6. The Traveller Designer Nappy Bag by Vanchi – Rust $149.95, $119.95
7. Britt Design – Reversible Shaggy Vest $49.95, $31.95
8. Eternal Creation Magic Forest Party Dress$69.95, $25.18
9. Eternal Creation Maroon/Olive/Beige Striped Vest $45.95, $22.05
10. Desperate Housewife Apron $25.95, $20.75
11. A Wooden Skittle Set… Queens Guardsmen $36.95, $29.55

La Toriana stock a big range of products from annieB, Britt, Tippie Toes, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, Deshabille, Vanchi, Kee Ka, Lambykins, Oobi, Toys Pure, BumpBuddy, Lazybones, Gertie and Me, Britt, Thurlby Farm, Kids Kitchen, Grommets, Mini Whisk, Annabel Trends, Vintage Kids, Babylicious, Penny Scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Three Little Trees, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi, G&T Kids, Eco Peko, TikiBoo Kids, Wild Things of Noosa, and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds.

La Toriana charge $7.95 postage Australia-wide.  Orders over $150.00 receive FREE shipping and a FREE gift.