KidStyleFile

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.

Today, Miki helps us out with some great gift ideas at the freshly launched Gifts4Kidz.

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Buying presents for other people’s children terrifies me, and I don’t think I’m alone.

My own child is still so young, and I think it takes plenty of experience of children at all ages before you can be certain of getting something appropriate. How do I know what a teenage boy would like?  Scary stuff!

Luckily the risk is taken out of the equation at the fabulous new Gifts4Kidz - www.gifts4kidz.com.au - where there is a great selection of gifts carefully sorted into categories for boys and girls of different ages.  Phew!!

With the range extending from newborn (keep an eye out for the newborn gift packs, coming soon) through to teenagers and beyond, this lovely site makes buying presents easy - and you can pick up something special for your own kids while you’re there!

What about the Marquise Ultimate Undergarment Set for a new arrival?  All Marquise products are of the finest quality, and this gift is not only beautiful but practical too.  New parents can never have enough little bodysuits and singlets, and this set includes something for every weather condition.

The Le Toy Van products are every kid’s dreams come true.  Beautifully made wooden playsets, there are fairy towers, sweetheart cottages and whimsical teapot cafe sets, not to mention Shanghai Warrior pirate ships and auto garages a-plenty.  Kids will spend hours upon hours in imaginative play with these wonderful sets - wish I’d had one as a kid!

There is also stylish room decor. Little girls would love the Tiger Tribe ‘Pink Flowers’ bedroom set, and little boys are guaranteed to adore the Missi Missi Junior Boys beanbag, and check out the homewares section for divine cot bedding and much, much more.

Brands stocked include Britt, Djeco, Le Toy Van, Kate Finn, Chippie, Little Beetle, Tin Lid Designs, Melo Baby, Creative Education, Alperstein Designs, Missi Missi, Tiger Tribe, Little Swish, Jacques Farel and Zoe Bonbon.

There is also a range of books, including gorgeous gift sets from my all-time favourite author, Roald Dahl, plus some beautifully thought-out baby record books and master plan diaries.

Gifts4Kidz are giving KidStyleFile readers 10% off all purchases until September 30. Enter ‘KSF’ in the promotion code section at checkout to redeem.

From top left in rows:

Discounts include the 10% off for KSF readers.

The Master Plan Diary, $34.95  $31.45 (Ange’s note: I have one of these in red, and it is truly the most beautiful diary I have ever owned!)
Kate Finn Essentials Set - Blue Stripe, $64.95  $58.45
Spots n Stripes Green Cot Set, $110.00 $99.00
Tiger Tribe Bedroom Set -Blue Car, $64.95  $58.45
chippie Black Butterflies Stanley Bag, $64.95  $58.45
Le Toy Van Wooden Teapot Cafe, $84.95  $76.45
Missi Missi Beanbag - Jumbo Boys, $120.00  $108.00
Le Toy Van New York Car Set, $36.00  $32.40
Djeco Princess Marguerite Gouaches Art Set, $42.95  $38.65

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide. 

Today’s post has me bouncing around like a kid in a toy shop. Which is appropriate, because today’s post *is* about a toy shop. A richly filled, inspiring and beauteous toy shop.

Toy stores represent to me, a piece of pure, fantastical magic. Going to a toy shop is for me, like waking up and discovering I live in a land where the flowers are made of marshmallows, the trees are made of Flake chocolate, and the grass under my feet is made of green icing with coconut in it.

You get the picture: it’s all about letting imagination fly, and having the most fabulous time.

Little Possums Toys- www.littlepossumstoys.com.au - brings my fantasy into reality, with a superlative range of quality toys hand selected by mums to meet the needs of a child’s growing intellect and passion for learning.

Casey and Carolyn at Little Possums Toys are offering all KidStyleFile toy aficionados a 10% store-wide discount until September 30. Please enter the promotional code ‘KSF09′ at checkout to redeem your discount.

Also, be sure to sign up for the Little Possums Toys newsletter and go in the draw to win a sumptuous plush Crumble Bear from Mamas & Papas. The winner will be drawn on September 30.

And now….on with the toys!

There really is the most luscious selection to choose from at Little Possums. The finest quality toy brands from around the globe are represented here: Alex Toys, Automoblox, Brio, Djeco, Fiesta Crafts, Goki, Le Toy Van, Mamas & Papas (the best- selling Mamas & Papas Baby Play range is 15% under RRP at Little Possums, so check it out!) , Manhattan Toy Co, Missi Missi, Orchard Toys, Plan Toys, Playmobil, Quercetti, Schleich, Schoenhut, The Little Experience, Travis Designs and WOW Toys UK.

A few things that are really putting a smile on my dial at the moment include the Travis Designs themed dress-up costumes, the Automoblox cars, and Mamas & Papas Carrots the Donkey - a tremendous bargain you simply cannot go past at a massive discount of of $75.65 off rrp after all discounts have been applied.

Check below for more fine picks.

Clockwise from top left:

Prices quoted are after 10% KidStyleFile has been applied, and are applicable until September 30.

Travis Designs King Costume with Crown $72.95 - 10% disc = $65.95
Brio Red Classic Race Car $15.95 - 10% disc = $14.35
Djeco Geoform Magnetic Box Set $54.95 - 10% disc = $49.45
Mamas & Papas Knitted Lamb Gift Box $36.95 - 10% disc = $33.25
Travis Designs Ladybird Costume $58.95 - 10% disc = $53.05
Travis Designs Sugar Plum Fairy Costume $84.95 - 10% disc = $76.45
Le Toy Van Sweetpea Fairy Doll $16.95 - 10% disc = $15.25
Mamas & Papas Carrots the Donkey Rocker - already discounted by 25% to $165.95 - 10% additional disc = $149.35
Automoblox S9 Blue Sedan $48.95 - 10% disc = $44.05

Little Possums Toys delivery charges are automatically calculated at checkout according to the Australian Post recommendation for product volume, weight and destination. Orders are delivered by either registered Australia Post or Fastway Courier. Contact Little Possums for further details.

Welcome to the week, friends!

I have a lovely treat for you today, in the form of the freshly launched Gifts4Kids - www.gifts4kidz.com.au - who bring you a wonderful range of giftable toys, nursery pieces, jewellery, and accessories for kids from birth into the teen years.

All products have been carefully selected for quality, style, uniqueness, with a focus on leading Australian and European brands including Britt, Djeco, Le Toy Van, Kate Finn, Chippie, Little Beetle, Tin Lid Designs, Melo Baby, Creative Education, Alperstein Designs, Missi Missi, Tiger Tribe, Little Swish, Jacques Farel and Zoe Bonbon.

Sanja and Marina at Gifts4Kidz are will be continuously expanding their range; look out for sleepwear, and additional newborn gift packs, which will be on the site soon.

Exceptional care and effort is taken to ensure that “wow” factor when someone receives a Gifts4Kidz gift. All purchases are packaged in our gorgeous signature gift bags free of charge, with a personalised card to match, and orders are speedily dispatched to you within 24 hours.

To celebrate their launch, Gifts4Kidz are gifting KidStyleFile readers 10% off all purchases made between 1-31 September.  Enter ‘KSF’ in the promotion code section at checkout to redeem.

See below for today’s picks.

I am enthralled by the Zoe Bonbon bracelets, particularly the “I Love Paris!”design below. Zoe resides and creates in the Loire valley in France, and was formerly a designer for fashion house Rochas. Her creations are listed as a gift for a teen, I think us Mums could easily treat ourselves to this one as well!!

The Alice in Wonderland Chess Set is another superb item on offer at Gifts4Kids. Read the book to fire the imagination, and then teach your daughter or son this timeless game of strategy.

More imaginative play is fostered with the nothing short of fabulous Le Toy Van wooden dollhouses and pirate ships (amongst other things: it’s hard to make a choice as *all* Le Toy Van products are such a delight!). I’m loving the pirate dress-up costume, which brings some theatrical pomp to the genre with it’s velour fabric, and golden tassels, and it makes a perfect accompaniment to the Pirate Ship.

For babies you cannot go past the Kanoe, said to sooth even the most unsettled babe, and the Melo Baby all-in-one nappy wrap and change mats.

Clockwise from top left. Prices quoted are after the 10% discount has been applied:

Kanoe in ‘Earth and Sky’ (also available in ‘Khaki and Natural’) $349.00 $314.10
Zoe Bonbon “I Love Paris!” bracelet (available in a range of designs) $169.00 $152.10
Le Toy Van Sweetheart Cottage Set (includes furniture and dolls) $259.95 $233.95
Le Toy Van Shanghai Warrior Pirate Ship Set (includes figurines and accessories) $145.00 $130.50
Melo Baby in ‘Melonoir’ (black. Also available in MeloChoc) $59.95 $53.95
Roald Dahl Book Pack: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The BFG $31.00  $27.90
Miss Missi Beanbag Junior Boys $79.95 each $71.95
Pirate Dress-up set $32.95 $29.65
Alice in Wonderland Chess Set $130.00 each $117.00

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide.

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 is valid while stocks last.

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.

STOP THE PRESS!

The fab Where Did You Get That? - www.wheredidyougetthat.com.au, stockists of superlative brands including Aden + Anais, BabyMoov Bebedelice and Lovenest, Bella Tunno, Bod and Bod for Bubs hair and skin-care, Coco Boheme, Coo Clocks, Deglingos, Djeco, eco.kid, Lelli Kelly, Moppit, Morgan & Milo, Opal London, Pink + Blue Yummy Mummy, Star & Rose, Tea Collection, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, and Zid Zid Kids, and the newly arrived Enchanted Faeries figurines (place your order now for November delivery) and Woolbabe sleeping bags, has just passed me this fabulous piece of information especially to share with KSF readers:

Get 20%* discount off categories listed below with code ‘STYLE20′ until August 10.

• Baby Accessories - Aden + Anais wraps, Bebedelice
• Bags - Zid Zid Kids, Pink + Blue Yummy Mummy Baby/Anytime Bags
  
• Bath & Body - Bod, Bod for Bubs and eco.kid products
• Wall art - Coco Boheme Blackboard decals, and new Djeco Wall stickers
• Boy/Girl Shoes - All Lelli Kelly, and Morgan & Milo shoes
• Clocks - all Coo Clocks
• Craft - Djeco
• Toys and Games - Puzzles, Djeco

To add to this, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles and Moppit winter stock is also now reduced by 30% (if you want another 10% discount on these brands, enter ‘STYLE10′ to get an you’ve just scored a KSF VIP 40% off!! - Please note you can’t use the two codes together, so you do have to make a choice there.)

Clockwise from top left:

Djeco 12 Colour Animal Cubes - $29.90 less 20% KSF discount = $23.92
Coo Clocks - $98.00 less 20% KSF discount = $78.40 Available in 7 different designs
Zid Zid Kids Giraffe Mask - $13.95 less 20% KSF discount = $11.16 Also available in Lion and Elephant
Zid Zid Kids Bag - $39.95 less 20% KSF discount = $31.96 Also available in Hippo, Monkey, Bird, Branch, and Elephant designs
Babymoov Bebedelice - $199.00 less 20% KSF discount = $159.20 This is a HOT price for the Bebedelice: you won’t find it cheaper anywhere.
Morgan & Milo Silver Sparkle Mary-Jane - $49.95 less 20% KSF discount = $39.96 Fantastic quality and comfort and spunky designs. I heart M&M!
Lelli Kelly Iris Cross Mild - $105.00 less 20% KSF discount = $84.00
Morgan & Milo Navy Flame Slip-on - $44.95 less 20% KSF discount = $35.96
Djeco Robinetto Waterworks Game - $19.80 less 20% KSF discount = $15.84
Coco Boheme Cat Wall Sticker/Decal - $39.00 less 20% KSF discount = $31.20 Also available in chicken and piggy
Djeco Poem Tree Wall Sticker - $44.00 less 20% KSF discount = $35.20 What a delight: 95 reusable stickers comprise this inspiring wall decoration.
Yummy Mummy Filly Bag in Black - $349.00 less 20% KSF discount = $279.20 Attention bag aficionados: This one is a must for your collection. Just fab, and what a bargain!

Just a couple of little tips for you when shopping at Where Did You Get That?

After you add products to your cart you need to click ‘Checkout’ (marked in red below) to proceed.

Set up your account, and to receive 20% off selected categories listed above at Where Did You Get That?, enter ‘STYLE20′ at the Redeem Discount Coupon section at checkout. Too easy!

Offer ends 10 August 2008.

Where Did You Get That? charge $7.95 flat-rate postage Australia wide. *Discount applies on purchases before shipping charges are applied.

It’s time to introduce the new and very wonderful Monkeytail & Wellington - www.monkeytailandwellington.com.au - onto the scene, and boy-oh-boy are your eyes in for a feast!

Monkeytail & Wellington specialise in independent designers, boutique brands and artisan crafted products, some of which have never been available in Australia before.

Vicki at Monkeytail & Wellington certainly has an eye for the unique and exquisite: brands stocked include 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.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for Little Hero capes, Lillybean Playfood, The Piggy Story bags, art folios and tableware, Wool Creations hobby horses, and Monkey Do coming soon.

As a big happy hello to KidStyleFile readers, Vicki at Monkeytail & Wellington is offering us all 20%* off plus free gift wrapping off store-wide. If you spend over $100.00 you receive a free gift too!

Pop the code ‘KSF01′ in at checkout to score your exclusive discount.

There’s so much over at Moneytail & Wellington that I’m going to split my picks into two lots: first up clothes and accessories, and second toys and decor.

Monkeytail & Welllington are featuring a lovely little selection of boutique clothing pieces.

I fell in love with the Hamb Tees at the last LifeinSTYLE/KIDSinSTYLE tradeshow in Sydney earlier this year. Made in Melbourne, the quality is superb, and the prints are quirkily cool.

Only recently Miki waxed lyrical on the joys of Amy Butler fabric, and here’s a stunning example of it put to good use: the Simply Kait Jacket in Lotus Sand. To make it even more irresistible, this jacket is fully reversible. It’s a one-off, and available in size 5.

Want to indulge you little girl’s inner fairy/ballerina/princess? Let loose with the fabulously decadent I Luv U Tutu Much tutu skirts, and pin a brooch from the Margrietje Jewellery line to complete the whimsical look.

For boys the lounge sets cannot be beaten: your little man will look cool and be comfy without hurting your hip pocket.

Finally, if you’re looking for a gift card with added value, head straight for the Sarah Jane Studios mini-cards with pin back button badge attached.

In rows from top left:

Hamb Sock Puppet Tee $39.00 less 20% = $31.20
Sarah Jane Studios ‘I love you this much’ Mini-card $5.00 less 20% = $4.00
Margrietje Jewellery Green Puppy Brooch $35.00 less 20% = $28.00
I Luv U Tutu Much tutu skirts $55.00 less 20% = $44.00
Simply Kait Jacket in Lotus Sand $55.00 less 20% = $44.00
Boys Lounge Sets Prices range from $49.95 - $99.95 less 20%

Now, on to one of my very favourite topics: toys and decor.

The best toys offer open-ended play opportunities to stimulate imagination and creativity, and provide the opportunity to exercise real-life skills. Monkeytail & Wellington have sourced some of the finest pieces available.

Le Toy Van from the UK produce simply the most original wooden painted toys. You can select from Fairyland, dolls house, mini-world, traditional toys, farms, pirate adventure, fantasy, castles and medieval villages. My favourite has to be the Honeybake Set. Let your child/ren bake away happily, and then serve you up high tea: who could ask for more?

More role-playing delight can be found with the 2 Big Kids Let’s Play Mail felted sets, exclusively stocked in Australia by Monkeytail & Wellington.

Other stand out pieces include the Owly Shadow Puppets from Chicago based Andrea Everman who uses her skills as an architectural model maker to produce these laser-cut delights. My kids are fascinated by shadows, and these puppets are at the top of my shopping list.

If you’re looking for a friendly pal for your little one then you can’t go past Monkeytail & Wellingtons very own line of sock monkeys (Vicki and her Mum make them!). Pair it with the chuckle-inducing story-book ‘Sock Monkey Goes to Hollywood: A Star is Bathed’ - the story of sock monkey’s journey to receive a special award with one hitch: he has to have a bath first! - and you have the perfect combination.

If you are a fan of Anamalz wooden toys (me me!) then you’ll love this fab offer from Monkeytail & Wellington: 7 Anamalz with Bonus CD, Storage Bag & Collector Cards - bar-gain!!

Monkeytail & Wellington are also offering a new decor solution to the Australian market in the form of Luka Surface Graphics. Select from a great choice of designs to suit from bebes to older kids (and if you’re a retailer reading this, Monkeytail & Wellington are the Australian wholesalers, so contact Vicki if you’re interested in stocking this quality product).

Finally, at the end of the day when your child is pooped out from playing they can retire to the most divine of play tents, complete with paned windows, and parent-friendly aesthetics from Lucy & Michael Play Tents, Houston USA.

Le Toy Van Honeybake Set $96.00 less 20% = $76.80
2 Big Kids Let’s Play Mail 27 piece felted set $55.00 less 20% = $44.00
Owly Shadow Puppets - Owl $15.00 less 20% = $12.00
Owly Shadow Puppets - Toothfairy and Yeti Shadow Puppets with Landscape stand $45.00 less 20% = $36.00
Monkeytail & Wellington Sock Monkey au Naturel $49.95 less 20% = $39.96
Sock Monkey Goes to Hollywood story book $24.95 less 20% = $19.96
7 Anamalz with Bonus CD, Storage Bag & Collector Cards - bar-gain!! $59.70 less 20% = $47.76
Luka Surface Graphics Party Animals Wall Decals $69.95 less 20% = $55.96
Lucy & Michael ‘Mack’ Play Tent $350.00 less 20% = $280.00

Don’t forget to 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, 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.

*Offer ends 31 July 2008, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer (normal VIP offer resumes after this time.)

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

Next week’s Weekend Special Feature: Decor and Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please check individual sites for shipping details.

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