KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Kat

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There will be more green then red floating about Christmas this year, with a huge shift in consumer consciousness making all that is eco-friendly and organic number 1 on most people’s wish list. And rightly so – check out these ultra-gorgeous buys for kiddies which will keep Mother Earth happy too!

First up: the tree. Aside from letting them go crazy with Clag and pasta and creating their own special pieces, Biome (one of my new fave stores) has awesome fair-trade decorations that are bright and festive enough for kids, and will look chic on plastique too! This box of Assorted Handmade Decorations is handmade in Bangladesh and just $17.95.

Generation Wonder stock only fair-trade items, and is indeed a wonderland of beautiful gift ideas. Check out these totally biodegradable Mobile Homes by Kidsonroof ($44.90) which allows kids to create, construct and decorate to their heart’s content. Plus it makes for a novel place to store toys.

For a gorgeous keepsake I just love the Barefoot Mother and baby Elephant soft toy set ($43.50, buy together or separately for $19.75) – a percentage of proceeds go to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, each one is handmade and individual, and they come in a variety of colours.

For something simple guaranteed to keep them entertained and active for hours, a Fairtrade Skipping Rope is a great stocking filler at $14.99. Or let your little one say it loud and proud with these cool Eco tees by Tiny Revolutionary ($34.95)!

Eco Child have a huuuge range of eco-friendly products, including toys like the very funky Anamalz wooden toy, um, animals, ($9.95) which are not only cute but are also made from renewable resources, are non-toxic (always a plus), and a portion of sales is donated to various wildlife charities. Aw, feel those warm and fuzzies!

Eco Child also stock practical ideas such as these Foogo Sippy Cups ($24.95) which are unbreakable, BPA-free and FDA-Approved, which is all A-OK in my book.

Got someone super-fussy to buy for? Eco Child have it covered – stuff their stocking with Organic Cotton Balls ($7.95), which are practical, versatile and top quality. I kid, I kid, (though they are of course, very nice!) – Mums will love the range of natural beauty products (try Bod Bath Salts Princess Blend $14.95) and mums-to-be will adore these cute and comfy PJ pants by Hot Milk ($49.95).

And finally (and most importantly): clothes. There are so many gorgeous organic labels out there, and not all of them are beige (sorry, ‘natural’).

Purebaby is one of my faves, and Baby’s Got Style have a great selection. I’m loving the idea of this pretty striped knit tank dress ($44.95) as a lightweight summer option, carried through to winter with tights and a skivvy; or for boys the khaki stripe overalls ($39.95) for something cutesy but cool. The Purebaby website also has a great range of basics and premmie wear.

Gaia Organic Cotton is another well-loved label, and with good reason: the certified 100% organic cotton is whipped into beautiful creations like the Babydoll Dress ($44.95) and Grandpa Top ($39.95) or these incredibly pretty Blue Bell Botties ($29.95)!

For something a bit funky, Mini Eco have a massive range of brands including Speesees, whose bright and colourful tanks are just $25.95, and these ultra cool tees by Sckoon ($24.95). Baby Blend also do cute prints on organic tees ($29.95 a pop, my fave is “Crabby“!) as do Kee-Ka at ShopHouse ($26.00).

Wishing you all a green, clean, and very happy Festive Season!

Please check individual sites for postage costs and delivery details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Ding ding ding!  Time please gentlemen! (or should that be ladies?)  This is La Toriana’s – www.latoriana.com.au – last sale for 2008, so it’s time to get your last orders before Christmas in.

‘What sale?’ I hear you say.  Well, Elizabeth is giving us 15% off store-wide until December 10th so that those who still have Christmas presents to organise (*cough*me*cough*) can grab them in time for the big day. But as I said above, this is her last sale for 2008!

To receive your 15% off, enter ‘RUDOLPH’ at checkout.  And do it fast – the first 10 orders using this code will receive a FREE Chrissie present from Elizabeth!

Even more than that, all orders placed between now and December 14th will go into the draw to receive one of the stunning AnnieB Play Palaces, valued at over $310.00! So get ordering pronto!!

What should you order though?  Well, Elizabeth has helpfully put together a ‘Toys And Gifts Under $20′.  It’s got loads in there (142 products!) so you’ll find plenty of inspiration for stocking stuffers and things to put under the tree.

I recommend grabbing a few extra bits and pieces too, as every year I find that there’s at least one child (a family friend’s kid etc) who I’ve forgotten to buy for.  If you have a spare gift or two stashed away, no problemo!

One of the products which I think has universal appeal for kids is the Anamalz range, which La Toriana has in plenty.  The cute little wooden animals have real personality and are great, lasting quality – plus, at only $9.95 $8.45ea they are really affordable. Anamalz have four new critters out too: the panda, the black ram, the tiger and the festive little reindeer!

I also love the cool new unisex range from Wild Things of Noosa – the black animal print and the yellow dogs print look equally good on girls or boys (hint: this makes it ideal as an emergency present! stash away a hat and shorts set) and they absolutely ooze surfie cool, man.  The Spring Cherries print is adorable for little girls too!

Here are some of my favourites:

1. Djeco Puzzle – Wizard 36 Piece, $27.00 $21.60 $18.36
2. Locolili Girls Reversible 100% Cotton Headband, $10.95ea $9.31
3. Baby Girl Gift Pack, $112.95 $96.00
4. Mousy Mouse In Knitted Jumper, $24.95 $21.20
5. G&T Baby Big, Placemat & Cushion Set, $72.95 $62.00
6. Wild Things of Noosa Black Animal Print Shorts, $28.95 $24.60
7. Anamalz Music CD and Bonus Anamal, $19.95 $16.95
8. ‘I’m The Best Xmas Present’ Romper, $14.95 $12.70 And who could argue with that?
9. New Release Anamalz – Reindeer, Panda, Black Ram and Tiger, $9.95ea $8.45
10. Wild Things of Noosa Yellow Dogs Bucket Hat, $26.95 $22.90

La Toriana stock a big range of products from annieB, Britt, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, 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, and new to La Toriana, Britt, 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 $7.50 postage Australia-wide.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Ready? Steady. GO!!! It’s the La Toriana - www.latoriana.com.au – 48 hour Pre-Xmas Sale!

Scoop 30% off the following labels: Oobi, Penny Scallan, Britt, Djeco, Finnigan Finn, Eternal Creation, Grommets, Huggalugs, Kee-Ka and Lazybones. This discount also applies to items from these designers already on sale, which means some products are discounted by <quick calculation> up to 80%!!!!!

Enter code ‘Twinkle’ at checkout to redeem. This sale runs while stocks, finishing at midnight on December 4.

Elizabeth at La Toriana has assembled a fine range of clothes and accessories for babies and kids, and a great selection of toys. Elizabeth is making Christmas shopping very easy for us too, with a section of La T just for Christmas 2008.

I highly recommend the Anamalz range: we have the whole collection, and now there are 4 new characters for us to collect!

Eco friendly, and very affordable, these are great stocking fillers. The Xmas set is lots of fun; my kids love to make up Christmas scenarios any time of the year, and the CD is quite addictive (“the Anamalz are so excite-e-d, tomorrow is Christmas Day, to-mo-rrow is Christ-mas daaay!”).

If you’re looking for Xmas day attire, you just can’t go past the Oobi party dresses, and matching bloomers for girls up to 2 years (we had these too: I love them because they do wonderfully as tops after they are no longer feasible as dresses, and the detachable rosette means you can dress them up or down). For boys up to 2 years, the Dino egg set is both cool, and comfy.

For kids of any ages Egglings are wonderful. Plant the little seeds in the Japanese ceramic egg (you have to crack the top open first!), and watch them grow. These are great gifts, as they teach kids about how things grow, and also a sense of responsibility and care, as they have to be watered daily.

Looking for toys? Djeco from France offers high quality and imaginative options. The Djeco Cubanimo set, and 6-Sided block puzzle are true delights.

For Penny Scallan fans, the 30% is just incredible. Those looking for the limited edition spot designs should jump in quick – these won’t last long!

Also, check out TikiBoo Kids and G& T Kids, both new to La Toriana.

All orders placed at La Toriana between now and 14 December also receive a FREE Oopsidaisi All Natural Lip Balm, and you’ll also go in the draw for the La T Great Christmas Giveaway: an annieB Play Palace worth $399. Shop away: you may just be the lucky winner…

Don’t forget to swing by the La T blog. Elizabeth is a very busy bunny, and there’s always something exciting happening over there.

Discounted prices listed below are after the 30% discount has been deducted. Prices return to normal at midnight on December 4.

PS If you would like a 10% discount on products listed below that are not included in the 30% sale click here. Note you can only use one discount code at a time.

1. Djeco Cubanimo 17 piece set $45.95 $32.16
2. Penny Scallan Small Backpack $19.95 $13.96
3. Finnigan Finn White Crossover Blouse $39.95 $35.95 $25.16
4. Oobi 1950′s Party Dress $42.95 $30.06
5. Anamalz Christmas Set with CD $39.95
6. NEW RELEASE Anamalz $9.95
7. Djeco 6-sided Puzzle $16.50 $11.55
8. Hansel and Gretel Twin Elves $22.45
9. G&T Kids Bib, Placemet, and Cushion set $72.95
10. Annabel Trends Xmas Romper $14.95
11. Oobi Egglings $19.95 $13.96
12. Oobi Dino Egg Short and Singlet Set $39.95 $27.96 and Oobi Dino Egg Bib $9.95 $6.96

La Toriana stock a big range of products from annieB, Britt, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, 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, and new to La Toriana, Britt, 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 $7.50 postage Australia-wide. Orders over AUD$150.00 are posted FREE, and receive a FREE pressie too!

Today’s post brought to you by Miki. 

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Just wanted to let you know that you need to head on over to La Toriana – www.latoriana.com.au – sometime before 30 September: Elizabeth is celebrating La Toriana’s first birthday and we’re all invited to join in with 20% off store-wide for KidStyleFile readers. Woo hoo!

That’s 20% off new stock, off already discounted sale stock, the lot!  Enter code ‘BirthdayKSF’ at checkout to redeem your discount.

What’s more, every order this month will receive a FREE copy of the latest My Child magazine!  And if all of that isn’t enough, make sure you sign up to the La T newsletter for a chance to win a $50 gift voucher, AND orders over $150 receive FREE postage! Wowee!

I tend to go to La Toriana thinking, “Right, I’ll just have a quick looky”… and there I am an hour later, filling up my cart.

This is because they stock so many of my favourite-est things – Eternal Creation clothes, Anamalz, Oobi Space Hoppers (and just Oobi in general actually, Vanchi super-sized wraps and designer bibs, annieB Play Palaces (what kid wouldn’t LOVE to have one of these?) and much, much more.

But La T gets even better when you start to take 20% off every price in sight! Especially when the La Toriana ‘stable’ of brands includes annieB, Britt, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, 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, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, and new to La Toriana, Britt, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds.

Here are some of my top picks to give you an idea of what goodies are available:

Clockwise from top left in rows:

Prices quoted include the KSF 20% discount code, applicable only until Sept 30.

Eternal Creation Tri Colour Long-Sleeved Shirt With Star, $36.95  $29.56  $23.64
Strawberry Shortcake Ruche Dress, $29.95  $23.96
Finnigan Finn ‘Holly’ Denim Wrap Dress, $64.99  $51.99  $41.59
Cheeky Little Soles ‘In Bloom’, $31.95 $25.56
Peanut T by Kee-Ka, $29.95  $23.96 I have given these tops as gifts before, they come in the sweetest little gift boxes!
Footprints Nappy Cover, $9.50 $7.60 I love this range – so cute, SO affordable, and all 100% cotton!
Heidi Ho Elephant, $49.95  $39.96
Play School Stacking Boxes, $22.95  $18.36
Tractor Farm Set, $52.95  $42.36

As a final note, we all love winning stuff and the prize pool for the KidStyleFile Annual Reader Survey is especially drool-worthy – which is to be expected given that the grand prize comes from La Toriana!

Fill out the Survey before the end of September for a chance to win one of over $2,000.00 in prizes including the grand prize of an AnnieB Play Palace, and a $200.00 customised Mother & Child Pamper Pack, all up valued at $500.00 kindly sponsored by La Toriana.

La Toriana charge $7.50 postage Australia-wide. Orders over AUD$150.00 are posted FREE.

I just adore Monkeytail & Wellington – www.monkeytailandwellington.com.au. Owner Vicki has created a wondrous boutique of uniquely creative and exuberant products from passionate local and overseas independent designers, boutique brands and artisan crafted products that inspire me every time, and she’s always adding more new and fabulous things.

If I had to explain the feeling Monkeytail & Wellington gives me, it reminds me of reading my favourite childhood story over again and loving it every time – “more! more! again! again!”. It also tickles my fancy to see what the M&W mascots, the dino and monkey, are up to on each page – it’s just a delight and a joy.

Monkeytail & Wellington stock the following brands: Wonderworld Toys, Anamalz, Le Toy Van, Dejco, Little Beetle, Imprintables, Mara Mi & Zoomerang Invitations, Walter Foster craft & dress up kits, various books and CD’s, mostly hard to find or imports, Luka Surface Graphics, Lucy and Michael play tents, and the cream of Indie brands and crafters: Sarah Jane Studios, Fall Down Tree art & stationery, Owly Shadow Puppets, Kait Emerson Design clothes, Mountain Aven Baby clothes, bibs & blankets, Cutecumber hair accessories, SW Designs activity mats & bags, Margrietje Jewellery, I Luv U Tutu Much tutu skirts, Monkeytail & Wellington Sock Monkey’s, Little Jenny Wren Waldorf dolls, 2 Big Kids Let’s play mail sets, and Hamb t-shirts.

Little Hero capes, Lillybean Playfood, The Piggy Story bags, art folios and tableware, and Monkey Do (beautiful made-in-Melbourne quality and designs. I met the designers recently, and I tell you what, their clothes really channel the loveliness of the people who make them) have also now arrived.

To help you celebrate childhood (your child’s and your own second childhood!), Vicki at Monkeytail & Wellington is offering KidStyleFile reader 15%* off store-wide until August 31.

Use the code ‘KSF02′ in at checkout to score your exclusive discount.

Woohoo! <sound of running feet and front door slamming>

That’s the sound of me heading over the M&W pronto: I’m off to buy some Little Hero capes and accessories, Cutecumber goldfish hairclips (we just acquired some real goldfish, and we love them!), Verve jazz CD (major cred for their musical education), and another Owly Shadow Puppet or two for me to play with for my children’s upcoming birthdays.

Head on over to discover the magical world of Monkeytail & Wellington for yourself. Picks of the day below to inspire you

Clockwise from top left. Prices in red are after 15% KSF discount, and are applicable until 31 August only, so get your skates on!

Red Zinnia Lounge Set Set (one off: size 2 only) $49.95 less 15% = $42.45
The Piggy Story Doggy Diary Handy Notecard Set with case $34.95 less 15% = $29.70
Monkey Do Flower Sunday Dress (available in sizes 4 & 6) $65.00 less 15% = $55.25
Monkey Do Holiday T-shirt in Avocado (available in sizes 4 & 6) $38.00 less 15% = $32.30
Little Campers Blue Planet Lounge Set (one off: size 2 only) $49.95 less 15% = $42.45
The Piggy Story Ramblin’ Kid Cow suitcase & accessories $59.95 less 15% = $50.95
Verve records Jazz for Kids $30.00 less 15% = $25.50
Owly Shadow Puppets – Dinosaur $15.00 less 15% = $12.75
Cutecumber Goldfish Swimming Practice Hairclips $7.00 less 15% = $5.95
Little Hero Capes - choose from 8 fab designs. Matching power cuffs and masks sold separately  $39.95 less 15% = $33.95

*Offer ends 31 August 2008, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, or custom orders. VIP discounts not applicable during the promotional period.

Subscribe to the Monkeytail & Wellington newsletter to become a VIP’s and be eligible for 10% off all orders OR free shipping on orders over $150.00 during non-promotional periods, plus free gift wrapping and other special offers and pre-order incentives. Read Vicki’s blog to keep abreast of the latest cool additions at Monkeytail & Wellington.

Monkeytail & Wellington’s postage charges start at $6.00. International post is also available. View the Postage Charges Info page for full details.

Looking to feel bright and breezy today? Go no further than the delightful Happy Little Hippos – www.happylittlehippos.com.au – run by super stylish Mums, Ania and Hesn.

Every time I hit their site, with its blue skies, fluffy white clouds and vivid herd of happy hippopotamuses I go all warm and fuzzy.

The beauty of Happy Little Hippos is much more than skin deep though. It is lovely and easy to use, the $5.95 postage Australia wide is knockout price, and their thoughtfully selected and high quality range of products are just divine.

Indulge in a fine range of toys, art and craft activities, books, nursery and decor products, and accessories, from Bla Bla, Alimrose, Lundby, Brio, Anamalz, Wheely Bug, Quadrilla, Baufix, Quercetti, Dobbin and Drum, Tolo, K’s Kids, Mooo, Djeco, Mama & Papas, Wanju, Binthe, Automoblox, David Fussenegger, Plan Toys, Cuski, Little Blue Fish, Envirosax, Crocodile Creek, and more.

Mums aren’t forgotten either: treat yourself to Miss Uchi purses, Willow and Finch heat packs and T2 Teas.

Happy Little Hippos are having a great winter stocktake sale: - they have reduced the price of more items just today – save up to 40%! Woo hoo!

And because the girls at Happy Little Hippos want to give you yet another reason to smile and be happy, they’re giving everyone who spends over $100.00 an Alimrose Red Striped Monkey Rattle, valued at $24.95. Offer ends 31 August, 2008.

This is a seriously good offer, as I’m sure you know! I often buy these monkeys for friends children as they are such friendly little fellows. Also, their stripes are just the thing to stimulate developing minds, their long lanky limbs are made for clutching, the rattle is a nice sensory feature, and they are a decent size (29cm long), which makes them the perfect gift.

Want the monkey? I hear you! Here are some picks to inspire

Clockwise from top left:

My Fancy Girls Doll’s House (accessories included) – $199.95 now $179.95
Blabla Pumpkin blanket – $89.95 now $79.95
Tolo Toys Stacking cups $17.95 These will last your child/ren years: mine play with theirs in the bath now.
Alimrose Funky Marnie Rattle – $22.95 now $19.95
Plan Toys Wooden Deluxe Road System (accessories included) – $131.95 now $99.95 Super bargain – snap it up!
Isak Counting Poster (framed) from Kindergallery – $160.00 now $149.95 A beautiful decor piece that will stand the test of time.
Baufix Build a Buggy – $29.95 now $24.95
Navy red star ottoman $49.95 So stylish, and so practical: use it to put your feet up when the little ones are in bed!
Brown white star beanbag $99.95
Alimrose Funky Freddie Squeaker – $14.95 now $12.95 I’ve said it before, and I think it bears repeating: these are *the best* handsqueakers in the world! Pure giggles, and so easy for tiny hands to use.
Little Blue Fish Balance Bike in pink – $179.95 now $149.95 Huge in Europe, these bikes foster great balance and negate the use for training wheels once your child moves to a pedal bike. I have my eagle eye on these, so you’d better get in quick!

Happy Little Hippos charge $5.95 flat rate postage, Australia-wide. Conditions apply – see website for details.