KidStyleFile

Post written by Miki

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Just about all parents who have preschool, kinder or school-aged children are now in the full swing of getting ready to send their kids back to school. One of the items you’ll be needing to keep all the children’s shiny new gear together is a decent set of name labels – you’ll be sticking them on drink bottles, lunch boxes, exercise books, diaries, text books, bag tags and even in shoes and clothing, so it’s worth investing in some good quality ones that won’t peel off in the wash or schoolyard.  Luckily, name labels tend to be very affordable, even for the highest quality ones.

Below, in no particular order, is a selection of KidStyleFile’s favourite brands for personalised name labels.  Most of these brands offer many different types of labels, from the all-purpose vinyl ones to iron-on for clothing, right through to shoe labels. Get the kids to help you choose, and have fun with it!

In no particular order:

one. That’s Mine Labels – Schoolies Range, from $11.00
two. Stuck On You – Artist Series Name Labels, $29.95
three. Mooo Name Label Value Packs, from $39.90 $29.95
four.  Bosco Bear – Signature Collection, $19.95
five. Baby Smiles Boutique (Etsy Seller), USD$9.95
six. IdentiKid Large Vinyl Labels, $25.00
seven. Cash’s Designer Vinyl Stickers, $19.95
eight. Bright Star Kids Stick On Name Labels, from $13.95
nine. OzLabels, $19.00
ten. StickyBiz Name Labels, $18.95

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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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.

Post written by Miki

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I love putting up the Christmas tree each year – the smell of fresh pine is one of my favourite scents, and combined with the excitement of choosing the tree and decorating it, the experience perfectly marks the beginning of Christmas to me. But the Christmas tree only inhabits one corner of the house, and being the festive little bunny I am, I feel like the rest of the house is missing out a bit.

Enter Bosco Bear with their beautiful Christmas wall decals.  They’re stylish, they’re easy to use and they’re easily removable, meaning you can take them down at the end of Christmas without damaging your paint or wallpaper.  I love the Mini Snowflakes, available in a range of colours; I can just picture a beautiful snow flurry on my kitchen wall, and a jaunty Merry Christmas message would top it off perfectly.  There is even a range of decal Christmas Trees measuring 1.5m high, so you can even dispense with the 3D tree altogether if you want! And when you buy any Bosco Bear Christmas decal from Cheeky Little Monsters – www.cheekylittlemonsters.com.au – before 30 November 2011 you can choose a FREE height chart too!  Just nominate your preference in the comments section at checkout to redeem.

Also on offer at Cheeky Little Monsters are Zoobie Pets, snuggly plush toys which magically unzip to become blankets. These little guys are ideal gifts, and with a range of new Zoobies just landed at Cheeky Little Monsters, there’s one for every child. I know my two-year-old would adore the Spot Storytime Zoobie, while his four-year-old brother would love snuggling and wrestling with Ping the Panda. All Zoobie Pets have been marked down by 10% for the rest of November, prices are already marked down on the site.

If it’s fashion you’re after, you’ve come to the right place: everything by Fabrik, Paper Wings and Chillikids Shoes are all discounted by a massive 35% until 30 November 2011!  And while we’re talking about crazy discounts, check out the bibs at Cheeky Little Monsters as every single one of them has been marked down to $9 – that’s a saving of over 50% in some cases! Bibs make brilliant stocking stuffers for babies and young toddlers, so stock up while they’re so cheap.  No discount code is needed for either offer, the sale prices are already applied on the website.

The discounted prices below are valid until 30 November 2011. No code is needed as prices are already marked down on the website.

1. Chillikids Fleur Silver Leather Sandal, was $54.95 now $35.72
2. Chillikids David Grey Canvas Shoe, was $34.95 now $22.72
3. Elodie Bib – Army, was $16.95 now $9.00; Elodie Bib – Pink Birds, was $16.95 now $9.00
4. Mizzle Bib – Pumice, was $12.95 now $9.00
5. Zoobie Pet Blanket – Lilly Ladybug, was $49.95 now $44.96 
6. Storytime Pal – Very Hungry Caterpillar, was $54.95 now $49.46 
7. Zoobie Flavio Frog, $49.95 now $44.96
8. Zoobie Pets Blanket Baby – Tara Tortoise, $44.95 $40.46
9. Fabrik Summer 3 Tier Dress – Ava, was $84.95 now $55.22 
10. Bosco Bear Christmas Pine Tree Removable Decal, $89.00 + FREE Growth Chart Of Your Choice
11. Paperwings Organic Jersey Tee – Vintage Cheeky Girl, was $54.95 now $35.72 

Brands stocked at Cheeky Little Monsters currently include Appaman, Babykids, Bobbleart, Bosco Bear, Chillikids, Designer Kidz, Elodie Details, Frashbaked, Giimmo,  Levi, MishaLuLu, Mister Mista, Mizzle, Mocci’s, Monster Baby, Ralph Lauren, Skeanie, Small Society, Sweet Peanut, Tommy Rocket, VisualGram,  Zephire Generations and Zoobie Pets: with Milky, Lemmi, PaperWings and more coming soon.

Cheeky Little Monsters deliver Australia-wide shipping for the flat rate of $8.95. International shipping starts at $13.00 to New Zealand and $20.00 for the rest of the world. Orders over $150 are shipped FREE! See the Shipping & Returns page for full information.

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.

Post written by Miki

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I am experiencing pram lust. I may have to confess to my clunky old walking buggy that I’m having feelings for someone else – namely, the new Mima Kobi.

Available at Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au – the Kobi is not only gorgeous, it’s also intelligent. For starters it effortlessly morphs from a stylish single pram to a double pram with the purchase of a second seat unit.  The seat units themselves are remarkable in that a simple zip converts them from bassinets to toddler seats and back again in 15 seconds or less.  The seats can face forward or face the parent pushing the pram, they have two height settings and they can recline into three positions.  The pram even has a compact fold!  You can see why I’m having feelings for it.  The Kobi has a very sexy ‘single pram’ sibling called the Xari too – hubba, hubba!

There are also loads of other fabulous products on offer at Metro Mum.  I think the Tetra Organic Snuggle Bed looks like a wonderful sleep solution for a newborn. It’s cozy, portable and organic so it’s free of harmful substances.  The new Mezze Projecto Month Planner by Bosco Bear is just what my chaotic family needs to get us all in the right place at the right time. Last, but not least, the incredibly well priced package deals on stunning Leander nursery furniture have to be seen to be believed – save up to $767!  Make sure you also check out the Clearance Sale where you’ll find up to 70% off!

Spend $100 or over at Metro Mum and receive $20 off your total order! Enter the code KSF204100 to redeem your discount.  OR spend $50 or over and receive $10 off your total order by entering the code KSF10450.  This offer excludes sale items and gift vouchers, and ends 24 June 2011. There are also *two fantastic competitions running at Metro Mum worth over $1200* in total: win 1 of 5 ©Disney/Pixar Cars 2 Prize Packs worth a total of $665 by signing up for the Metro Mum newsletter, and for a chance to win 1 of 4 Rhymes Kids Musical Festival (SYD) Family Passes, valued at a total of $624, simply enter the Metro Mum colouring competition! (See terms and conditions of entry for more details.)

Only one offer per customer (either the $20 offer OR the $10 offer off the total order amount) and  only until 24th June 2011, or while stocks last. Other items are on sale while stocks last.

1. Mima Xari Pram inc. Starter Pack, $1228.00 with code KSF204100
2. Mima Kobi Pram inc. Starter Pack, $1328.00 with code KSF204100; and Second Seat, $279.00 with code KSF204100
3. Ellie Bellie Kids Reversible Tutu – Red & White, was $69.99 now $35.00
4. Mia Bossi Maria Designer Nappy Bag – Black Bean, was $450.00 now $300.00
5. Mia Bossi Katie Nappy Bag – Black, was $250.00 now $200.00
6. Silver Cross Surf Dolls Pram – Red, $99.00 with code KSF204100
7. BIG Baby Porsche, $200.00 with code KSF204100
8. Tetra Organic Snuggle Bed, $154.95 with code KSF204100
9. Bosco Bear Mezze Projecto Month Planner, $169.00 with code KSF204100
10. Leander Bed, Change Table, Cradle & Chair Package, was $3397.90 now $3126.00 save $767!

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

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

Today’s post written by Miki

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It’s a fact: hip kids shop hard at My Baby Rocks – www.mybabyrocks.com.au.  Mary, the lovely proprietor, has scoured Australia and the globe to bring you some of the best, funkiest, most unique kidswear and trust me, it’s a range you’re going to want to see for yourself.

And trust me again, you want to see it now.  Because right now at My Baby Rocks you’ll find a huge clearance sale with up to 50% off top brands!  We’re talking Sooki Baby, Two Belles, Tommy Rocket, Run Scotty Run, Monstar Kids, and that’s just the beginning. My advice in a good sale is always to stock up while the prices are low – top up your kids’ wardrobes, put some away for next year and re-stock your present drawer; after all, you know it’s going to be used.  I love putting things away for next year because I forget about them in between and then I’m twice as happy when I rediscover the lovely things I bought!

But keep reading, my lovelies, because the good news doesn’t end there: in addition to the bargains to be found in the up to 50% off clearance sale, KidStyleFile readers can take an *extra* 15% off store-wide!  Enter the code ‘ksf15‘ at checkout, and do it before 15 July 2010 when the code expires.  I’ll be taking advantage of this great opportunity to snap up some funky Scooter graphic tees, gorgeous wall art from Bosco Bear, Bobble Art bags and accessories and sweet Babylegs.

Pssst!: Want to live like a rockstar all year round? Subscribe to the My Baby Rocks newsletter and you’ll do just that with a permanent 15% off VIP store-wide discount. Rock on!

Prices below are valid while stocks last only using the code ‘ksf15′ until 15 July 2010.

1. Sooki Baby Hide & Seek Snapsuit, $28.95 $20.00 less 15% = $17.00
2. Bobble Art Drink Bottle – Strawberries, $24.95 less 15% = $21.20; Bobble Art Luggage Tag – Strawberry, $6.95 less 15% = $5.90
3. Monstar Kids Grey Marle L/S Tee – Lovebirds, $32.00 $25.00 less 15% = $21.25
4. Two Belles Koi Fish Hoodie, $69.95 $42.00 less 15% = $35.70
5. Run Scotty Run Straight Leg Jeans, $49.95 $43.00 less 15% = $36.55
6. Two Belles Zoo Baby Caftan, $56.95 $45.00 less 15% = $38.25
7. Run Scotty Run Vintage Newspaper Tee, $34.95 $28.00 less 15% = $23.80
8. Tommy Rocket Robot Dino Tee, $49.95 $30.00 less 15% = $25.50
9. Qubies Freezer Container – Aqua, $17.95 less 15% = $15.25
10. Sooki Baby Superhero Print Tee, $26.95 $16.00 less 15% = $13.60
11. Tommy Rocket Union Jack Hoodie, $69.95 $45.00 less 15% = $38.25

My Baby Rocks sends parcels via secure E-Parcel with online tracking.  Parcels weighing 500g or less are sent via E-Parcel Express, parcels weighing over 500g are sent via E-Parcel Regular.