KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Anna

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Strolling through the amazing collection of online boutiques for children is one of my favourite pastimes.  I love to sit with a coffee and some quiet time, to peruse and ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at my leisure.  Though I must say, as the days tick by, and only 20 (‘eek!’) sleeps until Christmas Day, that leisurely pace has turned into something of a frenzy!  But today dear readers I bring you news of a fantastic offer that is sure to help bring some calm to your Christmas preparations.

With many thanks to the lovely Denise from Chic Kids – www.chickids.com.au – starting today, for the next 5 days until 9 December 2009, you can take 20% off all your purchases at CK. This offer includes all products in the Delicious Discounts section, which are all already on sale at 30% off. Do the math: that’s up to 50% off at Chic Kids! Enter code ‘KSFXMAS’ to redeem this offer.  All orders until 9 Dec will also receive a free wooden jungle animal bookmark while stocks last.

Denise is a mum of extraordinary proportions: she’s a mum of triplets! Her little ones are now full-grown and have their own children who Denise is an involved grandmother to. Denise has utilised her extensive parenting (and grandparenting) experience to source a wonderful range of the best kids fashion, toys and accessories (plus a few special items for mums) for Chic Kids.

Brands include (ready, for it?): Aden + anais, Annabel Trends, Aroma Baby, Asthma Friendly, Babymode, Baby Einstein, Babyboo, Babylegs, Baobab, Baby Bee Cino, Beach Bums, Bebe by Minihaha, Bebe Jnr by Minihaha, Books To Wear, Bright Starts, Brio, Bunnykins, Cheeky Monkey, Chic Kids, Crocodile Creek, Disney DVD, Eternal Creation, Fairy Girls, Fresh Baked, Get Fresh, GUND, Jacques Farel, Kaloo, Kate Finn, Kiddy Sac, Le Bon, Little Heros, Little Swish, Look at the Wall, Mamas & Papas, Marquise, Mini Mermaid, Mon Tressor, Mooo, Mooo – New, Mooo T-shirts, Mooo Toys, Moppit, Mother Hen, New Seasons, No Throw, okidokie, Opal London, Ozbozz, Pebbles, Plumb, Poche, Princess Ratbag Pettiskirts, S & S Fortuna, Sckoon Organic, Soda Kids, Sparkle T, Star & Rose, Starchild, Taggies, The Happiest Baby, Tickled Pink, Tkxi Surf, verymeri, Walt Disney Records, Wild Eagle Trading, and yoli-poli.

My current favourites (shown below) showcase some serious bargains (like the Bebe Print Dress, and the Moppit Black Stretch Jeans – what a deal on these babies?!) plus a collection of wonderful Christmas gift ideas to get you started.

Ok, that’s it from me: time to put the kettle on and do a little shopping!

Discounts quoted below are applicable with code (read above) until midnight 9 December 2009.

1. Bebe Print Dress – Sue $38.95 $27.26 $21.81
2. Moppit Robot Tee $39.95 $27.96 $22.37
3. Bebe Moccasin in Putty $39.95 $31.96
4. Baobab Pink Racer Bodysuit $35.95 $28.76
5. Moppit Black Stretch Jeans $59.95 $41.97 $33.58
6. Sparkle T Cake Time $21.95 $17.56
7. Crocodile Creek Animal ABC Memory Game $24.95 $19.96
8. Wild Eagle Trading – Record Book – My Life As A Baby Boy $24.95 $19.96
9. Bay Bee Cino Organic Wrap $49.95 $39.96
10. Baobab Summer Body Suit $34.95 $24.47 $19.58

Postage at Chic Kids is determined by weight and/or size. For most items postage will be $7.95. Orders over $200 receive free postage. See the Chic Kids FAQs for details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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For me, the ideal Christmas present for a child must fulfill three key criteria: it should be educational, it should encourage the child’s environmental and social conscience, and above all, it must be fun.  It can be really quite difficult to find gifts which qualify under all three criteria, as I’m sure you can imagine!

Luckily, local emporium Generation Wonder – www.generationwonder.com – stocks a fantastic range of present ideas which more than fit my criteria, and what’s even better is that they’re all under $40 – in fact, most are under $25!

Mihiri has searched far and wide to choose these games and activities, and she’s made sure to focus on products with a nature, ‘world around us’ and cultural theme.  And just as an added bonus, they’re almost all in boxes, which will make my gift wrapping so much easier this year.

I particularly like the Botanicals sets, which are miniature greenhouses complete with everything you need to grow a little garden all year round.  All you need to provide is a little bit of potting mix and you’re set to go!  They come in two varieties: Enchanted Fairy Garden, and Exotic Jungle, and suit kids aged about seven upwards, although I can imagine younger kids having fun with it with some help from mum or dad.

I also love the Crocodile Creek range at Generation Wonder. Crocodile Creek products are BPA-free and PVC-free and they’re also bright and eye catching, and sport some fantastic animal-focused designs. A Crocodile Creek lunchbox is a great gift for a kid who is starting school or kinder in the new year, and I know for a fact that my two year old would adore one of the placemats for his mealtimes.

All orders at Generation Wonder between now and Christmas will receive a FREE sheet of stylish festive gift wrap and a gift card.  You can shop right up til the last minute too, as Mihiri and her team are working right up until Christmas Day, and Express Shipping is standard with all orders. Now that’s handy!

1. Ocean Block Puzzle, $27.95
2. Experimental Cube – Mysteries of Nature, $34.95
3. Botanicals – Enchanted Fairy Garden, $39.99
4. Animals, Babies & Habitats, $12.00
5. Crocodile Creek Flowers Lunchbox, $29.95
6. ‘Nature Keeps You Guessing’ Card Game, $18.95
7. Crocodile Creek ‘Busy As A Bee’ Bib, $9.99
8. Crocodile Creek Dragonflies Bib, $9.99
9. Crocodile Creek Lion Bib, $9.99
10. Crocodile Creek Jungle Jive Placemat, $7.00

Generation Wonder stock an amazing range of ethical brands, including Kidsonroof, Barefoot, Zid Zid Kids, Fleurville, Thermos, Piccallilly, Crocodile Creek, Craft Aid Mauritius, Essential Angel, Taylor and Khoo, Global Fund for Children, Global Mamas, Lanka Kade, OBON, Organic Bubs, Papoose, Plato Puzzles, Remarkable UK, Sisters of Good Shepherd, Third World Craft Nepal, Turtlegreen, Whole Child Series, Frugi, Shainswear, and Blessed Earth.

Generation Wonder charge from $7.00 for postage Australia wide. Read the full post charges schedule here. Generation Wonder also ship globally. Contact Mihiri for a quote.

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 Angela

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If you’re in the market for some of the finest toys in the land, then I recommend taking a trip over to Send a Toy – www.sendatoy.com.au - who stock some of the coolest local and European brands out.

“Who?”, you ask, well try An Angel at my Table, Automoblox, Bajo, Brio, Cocoon Couture, Deglingos, Djeco, Dumpling Dynasty, Educo, EEBOO, Fiesta Crafts (my girls received this gorgeous puppet theatre/shopfront from Santa last Christmas), Folkmanis, Green Toys, Haba (don’t miss the Petit Fours), Heimess, Honeysticks, Janod, Kaloo Baby Gifts, Kathe Kruse, Lark, Le Toy Van, Mamas & Papas, Melissa & Doug, Moulin Roty, Nici, Pintoy, Plan Toys, Quadrilla, Rosie Flo activity books, Sevi, SIGG Bottles, Trudi Soft Toys, Vilac, Voila Toys, Wheely Bug (one of the best deals on the web for these iconic ride-ons), and WonderWorld!

To sweeten the Send a Toy experience, they are having a fab sale with selected items up to 50% off while stocks last. Check my hot picks below, and keep an eye out for new additions to the sale category – they are regularly popping new goodies in.

Send a Toy postage charges start at $9.90 for standard post (less for those in Adelaide, and for small single-item orders) and $11.90 for Express for orders up to 3kg, Australia-wide, excluding bulky items. Free gift-wrapping applies on most items. International orders are also welcome. Please see the Send a Toy Delivery Guide for full details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Dinner time is a funny thing with very young children, isn’t it?  It can be an absolute delight with giggles and stories, gobbling down delicious food – or it can be one of those times where the food hits the wall and you want to tear your hair out.

I can’t guarantee that any of the fabulous plates, bowls and cutlery below will fix that problem, but surely anything that distracts the kids is a good thing!  And this crockery is all so gorgeous that it will make the most hastily thrown together meal look like it came from a Michelin-starred kitchen.

The first collection here is for babies and young toddlers, right from when they are starting solids to when they are learning to feed themselves with a spoon and fork.  Look for simple, eye-catching designs and nothing that’s too hard to clean!  Trust me, you’ll end up with mashed pumpkin everywhere…

These are some of my faves:

1. Babymoov HIPPO Childrens Cup, $23.95  $19.16; Babymoov HIPPO Childrens Bowl & Lid, $23.95  $19.16; Babymoov HIPPO Plate, Lid & Spoon, $28.00  $22.40; all at Metro Mum
2. Boon Catch Bowl, $14.95; Boon Benders Adaptable Utensils, $9.95; both at Bubba Funk
3. Airfork One, $15.95 from Baby’s Got Style
4. Annabel Karmel Large Bowl Set, $18.50 from Baby’s Got Style
5. Funny Duck Plate, $7.50; Funny Frog Plate, $7.50; both from Baby’s Got Style

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Next we come to older toddlers and pre-schoolers, and even young school-aged kids, who are learning to use a knife and fork and enjoy eating ‘adult’ food.  Keep an eye out for tough, strong products, and if they look great then all the better!  Here are some of the best:

1. Boon Modware Toddler Utensils, $9.95; Boon Groovy Interlocking Plate & Bowl Set, $24.95; both from Bubba Funk
2. Dwink Box in Blue and Orange, $9.95  $8.95 each; from Ekidna Kids
3. Mother Hen Spotty Three Piece Meal Set, $16.95; from Chic Kids
4. Tommee Tippee Snack ‘n’ Straw Cup in Blue, Pink and Yellow, $13.95 each; from Baby’s Got Style
5. Mother Hen Rainbow Cutlery Set, $11.50; from Chic Kids
6. Assorted French Bull Plates & Cups, from $9.95 at The Hip Infant

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Last of all I wanted to show you some gift sets.  I recommend always having a funky dinner set in the present drawer as they make great gifts!  Also consider giving one to your kid/s as a reward for special achievements – learning to use a knife and fork correctly, for example, or mastering dinner table manners (and if you achieve this one, tell me how!).  Each mealtime with the special new dinner set will be a reminder of the child’s achievement and will make them feel special all over again!

1. Go Home Food Face Meal Set, $19.95; and Go Home Food Face Meal Set – Fruits & Veges, $19.95; both from My Messy Room
2. Monsieur & Madame Zio Six Piece Melamine Dinner Sets, $49.95 per set; from Urban Baby
3. Crocodile Creek Garden Meal Gift Set, and Crocodile Creek Dinosaur Meal Gift Set, both $39.95 from Chic Kids
4. Mini Rhubarb Sailor Sam Three Piece Dinner Set, $19.95; and Sailor Sam Cutlery, $12.95; and Mini Rhubarb Annie Apple Three Piece Dinner Set, $19.95 and Annie Apple Cutlery, $12.95; all from The Infant Boutique

I’d love to be able to show you aaaaalll my favourites but that could take several pages.  Here are a few more options for you that deserve a mention:

• Itch Design melamine plates, currently on sale at The Rocking Horse.

• Shop Until currently have cat-themed meal set from French Bull on sale reduced from $39.95 to just $15.00. Bar-gain!!

• Urban Baby for their amazing selection of cutlery – no, seriously! Check out their range!!

• IKEA, who have the coolest and cheapest feeding accessories around (plus I can’t recommend their Antilop highchair highly enough!)

Please check individual sites for shipping details.  Also check the KidStyleFile ‘All Current Deals’ page to see if you qualify for any special discounts at the stores above.

Today’s post written by Angela

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For back to childcare/pre-school/kinder/school supplies you just can’t go by Kinder Kaboodle – www.kinderkaboodle.com.au. This fabulous store, run by genuine sweetheart Bernice, is purpose-built to make life kitting your kids as easy as pie.

For backpacks, large enough to accommodate lunch, snacks, art projects, and a change of clothes, whilst still being small enough for a little person to carry, choose from Kinder Kaboodle’s fab range from Rush, Tiger Tribe, Mini Rhubarb, Fleurville (my personal faves!), and Zebra Crossing (now on sale!). For swim bags and library bags, check out the range from Kiddysac. Choose from the cute range of bag tags from The Bag Tag Studio to ensure that your backpack is easily identifiable.

Drink bottles from Alex & Charli, Rush and Tatiri are essential to keep your little one hydrated.

Lunch boxes are another essential, and the insulated varieties are great for keeping food fresh and bacteria free. Fleurville Kids, and Fridge-To-Go lunch bags are just the thing. There are also a super selection of lunch bags from Penny Scallan, Bestever, 4 My Earth (fantastic eco-friendly options!), Crocodile Creek, and Rush.

Many schools are now requesting that your child front up with a hand towel with a loop. Kinder Kaboodle saves the day, with towels from Feef (who also make the world’s best smocks, in my opinion -  *nothing* can soak through these babies!).

Name personalisation services are also available on many of the products at Kinder Kaboodle – Kinder Kaboodle is a full service!

To further sweeten your shopping experience, you can enter ‘KSF’ in the discount code/coupon section at checkout to receive 10% off all orders at Kinder Kaboodle until 31 January 2009.

PS: Don’t forget to check out the Sale section at Kinder Kaboodle for lots of quality goodies for less.

Take 10% off all the prices quoted below with the code mentioned above until 31 January 2009.

A. The Bag Tag Studio Bag Tags $9.95 each
B. Fleurville Kids Backpack $59.95
C. Feef Hand Towels $10.95 each
D. Penny Scallan Lunchbag $19.95
E. Rush Dinosaur Backpack $39.95
F. Bestever Alligator Lunchbag $29.95 $23.95
G. Crocodile Creek Lunchbag $29.95
H. Kiddysac Library bag $19.95
I. Fridge-To-Go Lunchbag $26.95
J. Zebra Crossing Backpack $39.95 $31.95

These top brands are stocked at Kinder Kaboodle: Alex & Charli, Bazoongi Kids, Bestever, Bobble Art, Boys Don’t Wear Bows, Charlie and Lola, Chelona, Chick Pea, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Cupcakes Jewellery, Feef, Fleurville, Fruity Faces, Giddy Giddy, Goldfish Gifts, Happy Guru, Hotbods, Jam Industries, Kiddysac, Kids Cold Packs, Little Chipipi, Little Swish, Milestone Press, Mini Rhubarb, Mini Whisk, 4 My Earth, Oscar Blue, Penny Scallan, Rolly Poly Kids, Rush, Smelly Welly, Tatiri, The Bag Tag Studio, Vintage Kid, Western Chief, and Zebra Crossing Club.

Kinder Kaboodle charge $6.00 for parcels up to 500gms and $9.00 for parcels 501gms-3kg, Australia wide. Orders over 4.3kg will display the charge at checkout. Orders over $120 are shipped free!

Posted in Bobble Art, Cocoon Couture, Fleurville Kids, Kinder Kaboodle, Rush, Tiger Tribe
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Today’s post written by Miki

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Last week Angela visited Kinder Kaboodle – www.kinderkaboodle.com.au.  You can see her post here.

Now frankly, I don’t see why she should get all the fun – I love Kinder Kaboodle too!!

So today I’m getting all rebellious.  I don’t care that Angela brought you some gorgeous gift ideas from Kinder Kaboodle just last week; today I’m going to bring you some even better gift ideas from the gorgeous KK, and you, our wonderful KSF readers, can decide for yourselves who chose the better products. (Hint: it’ll be me )

I do concede that Ange did well to point out the 15% discount store-wide - also good for sale items! – valid until December 31 2008 using the new My Child magazine discount code (found inside the front cover of the latest edition).

I will also admit that she got it right when pointing out Kinder Kaboodle’s FREE gift-wrapping. Take advantage of that when you order!

In fact, all of her product picks were fabulous; I love the Mini Rhubarb range too, and the Cocoon Couture Beanbags are a super deal with a number of designs marked down to only $129.95 $85.00.

Hmmm, well….I’m not to be outdone!!

For my first pick, check out the adorable new Taia Hair Clips.  These are the perfect accessories for style-conscious mini fashionistas and look equally pretty in long hair or short, straight or curly, wispy or thick.  There are some great little retro-inspired designs in here.

On the topic of hair accessories, I also love the LocoLili! Reversible Headbands.  Now Bernice has just received a brand new shipment of these so there’s a great range of styles to choose from, but they always sell like hotcakes so please make sure you don’t miss out on the styles you’re after.  Like the Taia Hair Clips they’re really affordable and make perfect stocking stuffers for special little girls.

Mamas & Papas soft toys are always a great choice (I love giving these as baby shower gifts), and they’re also perfect for baby’s first – or second or third! – Christmas.  How sweet is the Classic Rag Doll?  Don’t you just want to hug her?

Lastly, for bags and accessories there are two fabulous brands I have a very hard time choosing between.  They are, of course, Rush and Tiger Tribe.  Both do affordable, well-made products which are appropriately tough in order to survive all the abuse your little tornadoes will put them through.  Just as important, though, are their spectacular good looks!  Both Rush and Tiger Tribe specialise in bold, colourful designs which really stand out on the bag racks at kinder.

Well, what do you think? Who’s the winner, me or Ange? Maybe you’ll just have to pick a little Kinder Kaboodle from both of us….

Don’t forget that you can take 15% off these prices using the My Child discount code!

1. Rush ‘Dinosaur’ Large Canvas Tote, $44.95
2. Assorted Taia Hair Clips, from $8.95ea
3. Tiger Tribe Pencil Case ‘Ice Creams’, $14.95
4. Mamas & Papas Classic Rag Doll, $75.95
5. Crocodile Creek ‘My First Puzzle’ – Vehicles, $29.95
6. Mamas & Papas Canvas Picture ‘Owl’, $44.95
7. Tiger Tribe Jumbo Backpack ‘Wheels’, $39.95
8. Bobble Art Girl Hair Brushes, $12.95ea
9. Crocodile Creek Across The Room Puzzle ‘Kids World ABC’, $29.95
10. Bobble Art Multi-Coloured Button Necklace, $9.95

You’ll find the following brands at Kinder Kaboodle: Alex & Charli, Bazoongi Kids, Bestever, Bobble Art, Boys Don’t Wear Bows, Charlie and Lola, Chelona, Chick Pea, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Cupcakes Jewellery, Feef, Fleurville, Fruity Faces, Giddy Giddy, Goldfish Gifts, Happy Guru, Hotbods, Jam Industries, Kiddysac, Kids Cold Packs, Little Chipipi, Little Swish, Milestone Press, Mini Rhubarb, Mini Whisk, 4 My Earth, Oscar Blue, Penny Scallan, Rolly Poly Kids, Rush, Smelly Welly, Tatiri, The Bag Tag Studio, Vintage Kid, Western Chief, and Zebra Crossing Club.

Kinder Kaboodle charge $6.00 for parcels up to 500gms and $9.00 for parcels 501gms-3kg, Australia wide. Orders over 4.3kg will display the charge at checkout. Orders over $120 are shipped free!

Today I’d like you to meet the beautiful Mihiri from Generation Wonder. Mihiri lives in Sydney with her husband Raj, and their two children Maya, 6, and Arjan, 3.

Mihiri provides us with the most inspiring eco, organic and Fair Trade products through her specialty store Generation Wonder, and it is truly a wonder to discover these gorgeous goodies accompanied by such uplifting stories of how they came into being.

Mihiri’s passion and care shines through all her choices. I hope you enjoy meeting her, and hearing her story today – Angela.

Mihiri is extending two very special offers to KSF Readers for the next 7 days, ending December 9, 2008:

1. 15% off Zid Zid Kids (one of my very favourite Fair Trade brands!!) Enter ‘KSF Zid Zid’ in the Special Instructions Box when ordering.
2. 10% off the stunning New York artists Ida Pearle’s framed custom name prints. Enter ‘KSF Ida‘ in the Special Instructions Box when ordering.

Hot Tip: To locate all the brands on the Generation Wonder site, I like to use the site map.

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Tell us about your life, and what you did before you had your children?

Right now life is hectic…and I’m loving it!  I think between my husband and I we have more jobs than there are people; we’re still working out why that is!

My life revolves around our little family of four and the communities we exist in.  Generation Wonder takes up a big chunk of the day, we have a small extended family we see often, lots to do with school and preschool life, and a  lovely group of friends we enjoy spending time with.

I’m also thriving on doing voluntary work with a very special charity called Room to Read, which builds schools and libraries for children (mostly in Asia and Africa) who would not otherwise have access to the lifelong gift of education.

Life was certainly moving at a more reasonable pace a few years ago, and before children…well, looking back, it seems like we had all the time in the world, even though we felt very busy at the time.

I grew up in Sydney, then Brisbane, then back to Sydney for University.  I qualified as an Occupational Therapist and worked in the field of mental health for many years before taking up a human resources training and development role in the health sector.

I always had this sense of wanting to do a job that helped people.  I did return to work after my first child but after the second, decided I needed to do something that was closer to home and allowed me to spend more time with the children and less time running them up and down to day care.

You stock only Fairtrade, eco and organic products only at Generation Wonder, and they’re all based around ‘stories’. Tell us a little about that.

As a child, I could always be mesmerised by a story.  My happiest childhood memories are long lazy days reading books under the bed covers.

Of the things I remember learning about at school, much of what I remember is because I learned the story of it, the background, the bit that makes a trivial fact or figure vivid and real.  So when I started Generation Wonder, the love of story, combined with the desire to do a job that helped others, led me to find wonderful products with wonderful stories.

I really believe our littlest citizens have the biggest capacity to make a difference in the world.  Children are so receptive to learning, I feel it’s a missed opportunity not to introduce to them from a young age, stories that connect them to their global community.  I believe that if we give them the opportunity to learn about the environment, or someone else’s human experience, we give them the opportunity of growing up knowing that they matter, and that they can make a difference in the world, just by the choices they make.

Because a major role in the life of a child is play, and that is how they learn, at Generation Wonder, I’ve combined the wonder of play with global stories, and hope that a little learning follows.

What are your top 5 bestsellers, and why?

My First Doctor’s Kit and My First Picnic Basket are very popular.  Perhaps it’s the wonderful story of the ladies in Thailand who are supported by a local group of nuns to make these beautiful toys by hand.  Plus they are delightful and imaginative and have lots of stuff in them!

Fair Trade dolls by Lanka Kade – I think everyone can find a doll that looks a little like the child they are buying for, because these dolls represent kids looking different, and that reality is generally not represented very well in children’s dolls.

Crocodile Creek bibs and place mats – These are selling well encourages me a lot.  The message about the value of PVC FREE items for our kids and in manufacturing processes must be getting out there.

Zid Zid Kids Mini Poofs – I’ve barely loaded these on to the website and they are flying out the door!  Zid Zid Kids is a family business in Morocco – their pieces are just beautifully designed, beautifully hand made – the stuff of whimsy and fantasy.  I sigh with awe every time I see them.

The Purple Flower Felt Bag by Third World Craft, Nepal, is tops  – it’s such a gorgeous colour and I think it’s just the right size for a young girl, not too big, not too small, just right.  And teamed with a Lanka Kade skipping rope and a TWC heart purse, it’s a gorgeous, and completely Fair Trade, gift.

What’s your favourite activity to do with your kids?

Can I say putting them to bed at night??  Seriously though,there is something very soothing about that time of night when rapid-fire conversations slow down to hushed whispers and restless little bodies relax into the sheets.

We do love to go to the swimming pool or the beach.  It’s an activity we can all do together, gets us outside, and everyone gets to relax.

Complete this sentence: Generation Wonder is…

…a community of families out to make a difference in the world!

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Generation Wonder stock the following brands:

Hot Tip: To locate all the brands on the Generation Wonder site, I like to use the site map.

Kidsonroof, Barefoot, Zid Zid Kids, Fleurville, Thermos, Crocodile Creek, Craft Aid Mauritius, Essential Angel, Taylor and Khoo, Ethica Accessories,  Global Fund for Children, Global Mamas, Kindred Magazine, Lanka Kade, OBON, Organic Bubs, Papoose, Plato Puzzles, Remarkable UK, Sisters of Good Shepherd, Third World Craft Nepal, Tiny Revolutionary, Turtlegreen, Whole Child Series, and Blessed Earth.

Generation Wonder charge from $7.00 for postage Australia wide. Read the full post charges schedule here. Generation Wonder also ship globally. Contact Mihiri for a quote.

Today’s post written by Miki.

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Bebe alert! Bebe alert!!

That’s Bebe by Minihaha, in case you’re one of the few KSF readers who doesn’t already know and love Bebe – it’s one of the most beloved baby brands around, and there’s a heap of new season styles at Chic Kids – www.chickids.com.au.

But what’s better than new season Bebe?  Nothing on earth… except maybe for discounted new season Bebe!

Yes, you read that right – and it’s not even only Bebe that’s discounted at Chic Kids, oh no!

Just for being KidStyleFile readers, you all get 15% off store-wide until midnight December 14, 2008. Just enter ‘CHICKIDS’ at checkout to redeem, it’s super-easy.

And because Denise at Chi Kids loves us, everyone who uses that code and spends more than $50 (not incl. postage) will receive a FREE Chic Kids bib!

So with that in mind, let’s have a happy browse around Chic Kids together

First up I want to point out the new season Marquise: clean, classic and cool, I think Marquise is a winner for every occasion, and it’s well priced even before the 15% discount so you definitely can’t go wrong there.

Mums of girls, have you seen the one-off dresses by Mini Mermaid before?  If not then make sure you check them out; they’re something different and really quite stunning.  Bold colourful prints and simple cuts make them excellent summer pieces for strong minded, individual little girls.

The Playtime section is particularly well stocked, and I want to mention the Sparkle T wooden toys which are new in store.  I’m very tempted to get the Sparkle T Wooden Magnetic Car Blocks for my boy, and that’s just one of the many things that caught my eye!

Also check out the adorable dress up outfits in the Playtime -> Just For Fun section – assorted fairies for girls and the cutest little pirate outfit for boys.  Is there such a thing as a child who doesn’t love dressing up?  If so, I’ve never met them!  But I bet these outfits would be enough to change their minds.

Other great gift ideas: Crocodile Creek meal sets for big boys and girls who are learning to feed themselves are always a hit, and for older kids who are learning to tell the time, what about a funky alarm clock or watch?

It’s always worth having a look in the Delicious Discounts section at Chic Kids too, as you never know what treasures you’ll find!

From top left in rows:

Discounted prices quoted are after the 15% discount code has been deducted. These prices are effective until 14 December 2008 only, so make your move now.

Bebe Embroidered Tee & Leggings, $43.95 $37.35
verymeri ‘Blast Off!’ tee – short sleeve, $29.95 $25.45
Eternal Baby Floral Playsuit, $43.95 $37.35
Crocodile Creek Dinosaur Meal Gift Set, $39.95 $33.95
Bebe Boy’s Long-Sleeved Romper – Oscar, $29.95 $25.45
Mini Mermaid Trinity Dress – 3 yrs, $55.00 $46.75
Tickled Pink Dress, Hat & Briefs, $54.95 $46.73
Eternal Classic Babies’ Overalls, $59.95 $50.95
Astronaut Alloy Glow Watch, $38.95 $33.10
Fairy Rainbow Dress, $29.95 $25.45
Motorcycle Alarm Clock, $38.95 $33.10

Chic Kids range of designers includes Moppit, Bebe by Minihaha, Tickled Pink, Kate Finn Toys, Eternal Creation, Cheeky Monkey, Sckoon Organic Clothing, Starchild Shoes, Tippy Toes Socks, BabyLegs, Star & Rose, yoli-poli, Asthma Friendly, Plum, Annabel Trends, Mini Mermaid, Marquise, Sparkle T and the uber cool US label verymeri.

Chic Kids post Australia-wide from $7.95 using Express Post.  Please see here for further details.

Today, Miki has gathered together some wonderful suggestions to keep your children amused and stimulated. Whether your kids are little babies, or ‘grown-up’ bigger kids, there’s something here for everyone, so turn off the telly and let the games begin!

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Fun and Games from birth to 6 months

Babies from newborn to six months of age aren’t much for throwing a ball around in the back yard or playing chasey, but you can have lots of giggles with them nonetheless!

Right from the first couple of weeks, it’s really important that babies spend a bit of time each day on their tummies: ‘tummy time’.  It’s essential to do this in order to relieve pressure on the backs of their little heads and to encourage their neck muscles to strengthen so that they can begin to lift their head up.

Some babies love tummy time but many don’t, so I recommend investing in a good play gym (the Mamas & Papas one pictured below is great) in order to make it more interesting and stimulating for them.

The other important activity for little babies is encouraging them to reach and grab for objects.  Again, a good quality play gym will aid this but for when you’re out and about string a pram toy across the car seat and/or pram to give them something to aim for.

Heimess Bear Rattle, $19.95 $16.95* from Ekidna Kids*
Mamas & Papas Light and Sound Playmat & Gym, $199.95 from Little Possums Toys
Mamas & Papas Musical Pram Rattle, $23.80 also from Little Possums Toys

Fun and Games from 6-12 months 

From six to twelve months babies are developing mentally and physically at an astonishing pace!  During this period they’ll probably start shuffling, crawling or even walking.

Babies this age adore peekaboo games – try throwing a cot sheet over their head and slowly dragging it off again and see if you can keep a straight face over the giggles!

Also try hiding toys under containers for the baby to ‘find’, and stacking containers into towers for the baby to knock down.  Don’t worry about potential destructive tendencies emerging here, as babies learn about building from knocking down for the first couple of years.

Other great games for this age are rolling a ball back and forth between you and the baby, and bringing puppets into play.  Whole hand puppets or cute little finger puppets are a guaranteed to be a hit!

Crocodile Creek 7″ Playground Ball – Dogs, $18.95 $16.10* from Ekidna Kids
Djeco Topanimo, $49.95 from Little Possums Toys (gorgeous set of toys and boxes, great for hiding games)
Beneath The Leaf Fairy Finger Puppets – set of 3, $24.95 also from Little Possums Toy

Fun and Games from 12-15 months 

Sometime around the ages of 12-15 months, your little one will probably start walking!

An activity they’re guaranteed to adore at this stage is walking along behind a trolley.  They can load it up with their favourite toys and head off into the sunset. It goes without saying that it’s even more important than ever to make sure they’re in a safe environment for this though.

With babies/toddlers who are on the move (crawling or walking), setting up structures to ‘hide’ in and around is loads of fun.  Make sure you get down on their level to crawl with them; it will increase the giggles tenfold.

The play teepee from Kids Gift List pictured below is perfect for this sort of game and can be used indoors or outdoors.

At this age they’re also learning to post different shapes into slots, so a posting game of some sort can be great. I love the BRIO one pictured, it’s so sleek and shiny!

KGL Pink Teepee, $259.95 $220.95 from Kids Gift List*
BRIO Wooden Sorting Box, $38.95 from Little Possums Toys
Plan Toy Baby Walker With Blocks, $120.00 also from Little Possums Toys

Fun and Games from 2 to 3 years

Two to three year olds have SO MUCH ENERGY! Keeping up with them can be a challenge and their power for destruction around the house is huge if they aren’t kept entertained.

At this age they can really start to get into dress ups, so bring out your best wardrobe gear from the 80s and let them go wild.

From the little destructive tornadoes who would knock down every tower of blocks in sight, they’re now starting to get the hang of building so a good set of blocks is a must-have.  Good quality wooden blocks will last generations, and the Toys Pure set from Ekidna Kids look beautiful as well.  These are a big favourite in our house.

You can also start to introduce simple puzzles and memory games for ‘quiet times’ play. Don’t get too carried away with fancy shapes and pictures here yet, stick to something simple like the Mooo Basic Shapes Puzzle to allow them to get the hang of things.

Mooo Basic Shapes Puzzle, from $34.95 from Mooo
Toys Pure Shalimar Puzzle, $39.95 $33.95 from Ekidna Kids*
Djeco 9 Cube Jungle Puzzle, $15.95 from Little Possums Toys (great blocks for building, and also are great as a puzzle from 3+

Fun and Games from 3 to 5 years

Three to five year olds are developing quite advanced gross motor skills and love being active, so give them plenty of practice by encouraging games like ten pin bowls – easy to be enthusiastic about, given the gorgeous range of sets available these days.

To encourage the development of fine motor skills, bring out the art supplies. Drawing, painting, stamping and so on are loads of fun and are a great tool for parents if you need to keep the kids amused on a rainy day. Giving your child their own pencil case makes them feel special and grown up – check out the Capt’n Sharky and Princess Lillifee filled pencil cases from Gifts4Kidz.

The more advanced puzzles can be brought out around now – the personalised name puzzles from Mooo are perfect as they will also help your child learn to recognise his or her own name in written form… and of course they look fabulous!

Capt’n Sharky Filled Pencil Case and Princess Lillifee Filled Pencil Case, both $45.00 from Gifts4Kidz
Bowl Me Over Penguin Set, $21.95 $18.65 from Kids Gift List*
Personalised Wooden Name Puzzle, from $24.95 from Moo

Fun and Games from 5 years+

By now your big little person is at school! The house must be seeming very quiet during the weekdays, but no doubt the noise and energy is more than making up for it after school and on weekends.

Keep the pencils and art supplies from the previous ages, as writing stories is probably starting to become a favourite pastime at this point. Encourage them in their literary and artistic pursuits by always have pencils and paper available; you’ll be amazed at what your little Picassos and Tennysons will produce!

For burning off energy you just can’t beat a jumping rope. Even professional athletes use jump rope as a cardio excercise, and the best part is that it’s so much fun! Adults can take part just as much as the kids can – get two jump ropes going and see if you remember how to double dutch like you used to in primary school.  The kids will be incredibly impressed if you can

This is a brilliant age to be bringing kids into the kitchen as well, and making a pizza can be healthy, educational and a whole heap of fun.  If you’re not exactly a Michelin-starred chef yourself, the Kids In The Kitchen Pizza Box sets from Gifts4Kidz make it easy for you.

Little girls love to play hairdressers, but please don’t exclude the boys from this game either. Bring out some gel and some hair dressing equipment (the set below means they won’t be wrecking yours!) and let them all go to town, not just on each other but on your hair too!

Hairdressing kit and cape, $44.95 from Gifts4Kidz
Kids in the Kitchen Pizza Box – Black, $24.95 from Gifts4Kidz
KGL Skipping Rope – Zebra, $6.95 $5.90 from Kids Gift List*

Please check individual sites for postage details.

*Indicates discount or special offer through the Shop 4 Kids magazine code.