KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Kat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please check individual sites for postage costs and delivery details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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*Miki sings in best Mariah Carey impersonation*:“I don’t want a lot for Christmas, this is all I’m asking for…”

Yeah right – of course I want a lot for Christmas!  I love Christmas and putting together my wishlist, but this year just about everything on it is for Alex, my 16 month old boy.  Who can blame me?  I spend all day looking at stunning kids’ clothes, toys and accessories so it’s little wonder I covet so much of it!

I’ve put together a Top 10 list below of my absolute must-haves this festive season:

1. A Rush lunchbox – I find we’re so often out at Alex’s snack and meal times that we really do need a decent lunchbox to take with us.  This one from Rush fits the bill perfectly, and it’s so cute!

2. The adorably wacky Okiedog Fropper – a ride-on toy that bounces too!  I just wish they came in adult sizes…

3. Trunki Towgo – we’re going to be doing a lot of travelling in the new year, and what better way to entertain a toddler in the airport than with a ride-on suitcase?  Plus it’ll hold all his toys, books and essentials for the flights.

4. The Smirk Vespa s/s tee – simple, funky and great quality, I love the Smirk range of tees and onesies.  He’s going to look so cute in this one!

5. A Foogo Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Sippy Cup – non-spill, unbreakable, keeps drinks cold for up to six hours and has a comfy soft spout, what more could we ask for in a sippy cup?  Oh, you want it to be attractive too?  Check that box, the Foogo range is super-stylish!

6. mylittleseat – Ideal for keeping a wriggly toddler still and safe at mealtimes when we aren’t near a highchair, and then it folds down small enough to tuck into my handbag! This will be another handy one when travelling.

7. And speaking of handbags, why should Alex get all the good stuff?  I love this Louenhide Baby Barrel in Biscuit; it’s stylish, minimalist, will go with everything and it’s roomy enough to fit all the paraphenalia I take with me every time I leave the house.

8. The Hip Infant Wall Graphics ‘Up, Up And Away’ – Now that my baby isn’t actually a baby any more, it’s time to redecorate his nursery and turn it into a cool toddler boy’s room.  Given his obsession with balloons (every time he sees one he shrieks “Loon!! Looooon!!”) I think these stunning hot air balloon wall decals will be just the thing to give his room a new look.  They’re so affordable too!  I might get two packets at this price.

9. Some Brio Classic Wooden Race Cars – which he’ll adore, as his other obsession is cars.  Such a boy.  These ones look stunning, and they’re wooden which just makes me love them more; wooden toys last forever. These cars come in four colours so I might get him the whole fleet!

10. The Moppit Radioman T-Shirt- he’ll be cool as a cucumber in this funky green shirt from Moppit.  I have to smile every time I see the little radioman graphic, isn’t it adorable?

1. Rush Jungle Lunchbox, $24.95 at Kinder Kaboodle
2. Okiedog Fropper, $85.90 $65.90 at Amazing Toys
3. Trunki Towgo, $69.95 at Metro Mum
4. Smirk Vespa S/S tee, $34.95 $29.70 at Frock You^
5. Foogo Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Sippy Cup – Blue, $24.95 $21.20* at Ekidna Kids
6. mylittleseat – I Like Squares I Do, $50.00 at Haggus & Stookles
7. Louenhide Baby Barrel – Biscuit, $89.95 at Pastel Pink
8. The Hip Infant Wall Graphics – Up, Up And Away, $39.95 at The Hip Infant**
9. Brio Classic Wooden Race Car, $15.95 at Urban Child***
10. Moppit Radioman T-Shirt, $39.95 $33.95 at Frock You^

Please check individual stores for shipping details.

* Using the Shop4Kids discount code until 30 November 2008.
** GWP offer, see here for more details.
*** FREE $15 voucher when you sign up to the UC newsletter, see here for more details.  Also get FREE shipping using the Shop4Kids code, conditions apply.
^ Get 15% off store-wide when you sign up to the Frock You newsletter.

Today’s post written by Miki.

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Word on the street is that the just-landed Tiger Tribe gear is flying out the door at The Hip Infant – www.thehipinfant.com.au.

It’s not hard to see why: the backpacks, drawstring bags and cool new character dolls (mermaid, pirate, astronaut, super hero and fairy) are hot hot hot!

For little babes the Tiger Tribe best-seller is the Hummingbird Mobile.  I also love the Humming Bird Hanging String for a slightly different look.  Either way, your little bub is going to adore gazing up at the sweet little birds above her cot or change table.

Check out the whole Tiger Tribe range here.

For room decor and wall decoration, make sure you have a good look at The Hip Infant’s own range of Wall Graphics.  Classic, striking designs, these are really affordable and look absolutely stunning.  My pick today is the new Love Tree wall graphics, available in pink and blue.  Team the pink Love Tree (1.4m high so it’s a statement piece) with the Tiger Tribe Hummingbird Mobile mentioned above for a stylish and cost-effective little girl’s room.

Other hot products at THI right now are the Aden + Anais muslin wraps.  In fact, The Hip Infant is the only online seller to stock the entire range so you know you’ll be spoiled for choice.  I love these wraps, I think they’re the perfect size for swaddling and they look and feel so beautiful!

The Funtainers by Thermos – the big siblings of the Foogo by Thermos range – are also hot property, and it’s no wonder why! These insulated drink and food containers are boldly patterned with a butterfly print for girls and multi-sports for boys.  The ultimate Hip Infant lunch-wear!

Being a KSF reader, as you are, shopping with The Hip Infant afford you some nice benefits:

Get 10% off store-wide at The Hip Infant with the Shop4Kids discount code, available in the KidStyleFile weekly newsletter! Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here – it’s well worth it: you get the latest deals emailed to your inbox every week, and there are great prizes to win every month.

To sweeten the deal further, get a FREE completely adorable Gertie & Me duck (pictured below) by spending $65.00 or more while using the Shop4Kids discount code. This wee duckie is valued at $11.95 and it’s too cute!!

On to today’s picks now. You you can see from the graphics below why The Hip Infant’s motto is ‘if you can’t find what you’re looking for, it’s just not hip enough for us to stock!’  You’re telling me!!

From top left in rows:

Discounted price listed is after the 10% KidStyleFile Shop 4 Kids 10% discount code is applied. Code ends October 31.

The Hip Infant Wall Graphics Love Tree – blue, $54.95 $49.45
Gertie & Me Duck – FREE with purchase over $65.00 using the code above (duck valued at $11.95)
The Hip Infant Basics ‘The Big Bib’- Scarlet & Pink Stripe, $12.95 $11.65
The Hip Infant Basics Romper – Scarlet & Pink Stripe, $26.95 $24.25 (I gave this romper and the bib above as a gift just last week and it was a big hit! I’ll be buying them again in future for sure.)
Tiger Tribe Hanging String – Hummingbirds, $27.95 $25.15
Tiger Tribe Backpack – Aliens, $29.95 $26.95
Gertie & Me Isobel Mouse, $19.95 $17.95
Funtainer By Thermos Drink Bottle – Butterfly, $19.99 $17.99
Funtainer By Thermos Food Jar – Multi Sports, $19.99 $17.99
Aden + Anais Muslin Wraps Mod Style, $49.95 $44.95
Cheeky Monkey Tag Blanket – Blue, $16.00  $14.40 (Ever noticed that your baby is more fascinated with the tags than with the toy itself? This is a superb toy for the littlies!)

The Hip Infant stocks an impressive range of designers including AKA Pipik, Albetta, Alex Toys, Alimrose Designs, Anna & Sally, Annabel Trends, Anne Claire Petit, Baby Einstein, Baby Legs, Babylicious, Benny Boy, Bical, BlaBla, Blink Designs, BUD, Built NY, Bump Buddy, Cheeky Monkey, Christmas Ideas, Coco & Eli, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, DiddleDumpling, Dirty Laundry, Elodie Details, Eyetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, For Walls, For Windows, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Go_Home JNR, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, ID Tee, Inch Blue, Infancy, Jazzy Toes, JellyCats, JewelQueen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kid Squidgy, Kiddopotamus, Kipiis, Lima Bean, Limo Basics, Little Chipipi, Little Einsteins, Little Joey, Little Twig, Liz Knits, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Glow, Mitty James, Mon Ange, Moppit, Mum To Mum, My Child, Oeuf NYC, OUCH, Peanut Shell, Present Time, Pure Baby, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Rush, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Smirk Kids, Snugglebum, Snugzeez, Teeny Me, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Toys Pure, Trunki, Vessel, Wall Candy Arts, WalRUs, and Wee Gallery.

The Hip Infant charge $7.50 postage Australia-wide.  All orders are shipped via Courier or Express Post.

Here’s some names you won’t forget: Haggus and Stookles – www.haggusandstookles.com.au.

Named for the nicknames H&S’s owners, Donna and Andrea’s kids gave to their younger siblings, Haggus and Stookles equip you to handle every outing with your baby or kids, from a trip to the local park, to a multi-country overseas expedition. You will be oh-so-glad you’ve met them: they will absolutely revolutionise and improve your life!

Donna and Andrea joke that Haggus and Stookles began with ‘a poo in the park’: kids needing to go the toilet at a park with no toilets – who hasn’t been caught out that way when toilet training kids?

Donna and Andrea saw a need for good quality and functional products to handle these sorts of situations, and many others, that parents encounter every day whilst experiencing life with kids. They then searched far and wide for the best products to help make your life easier and more enjoyable when you are out and about with the little ones.

With shopping categories like ‘In the car’, ‘For the pram’, ‘Eating out’, ‘Play on the go’,  Naptime, For bums, ‘Packing for travel’, ‘Allergy Traveller’, and ‘For bums’ (my favourite! I’ll tell you why in a minute!), and an incredible range of top quality products from — hope you’re ready! — 4 My Earth, Aden & Anais, Adore-A-View, Alex Toys, Allergy free passports, Amadeus, Annabel Karmel, Baa Baa Blind, Baby Mel, Baby Nation, Baby Sherpa, Baby U, Bags & Boxes, Bazoongi Kids, Bella Tunno, Boo Boo Buddy, Brolly Sheets, Bubbaroo, Dad Gear, Danish by Design, Design Go, Djeco, Dripstik, Drop Buddy, Easyfeed, Ellaroo, Envirotrend, Fit & Fresh, Fridge to Go, Goldbug, Goober Baby, High Road, Hurphy Durphy, Infantino, Irony Homewares, Kaboodle Bags, Kiddysac, KidsAlert, Kindy Kamper, Kozyepi, Lalapanzi, Lollipop Monkey, Longitude 151, Made by Angie, Made by Mums, Medibuddy, Melissa & Doug, Moochie-Moo, Munchee Mug, My Little Seat, myBagTag, Nest, Oobi, Pigeon, Playgro, Pure Wipes, SIGG, Snug as a Bug, Stuffit, Tantrums, The Mummy Hook, Thermos Foogo, Vanchi, and Woobee, you’ll be set and ready for anything!

Ok, so why is ‘For Bums’ my favourite category? Well, it contains the Potette Travel Potty.

This little item has been a life-saver on many occasions I cannot count. One memorable incident where it came in handy was on a plane, just before take-off, when the on-board toilets were closed, and the seat belt lights were one. Cue a little voice from one of my 2 year olds: “Mummy, I need to do a wee”. Never fear, I whipped out my trusty travel potty, with it’s special liner fitted, and saved the day (and the plane seat!)

This little wonder folds flat, is small enought to fit anywhere – a small handbag, for instance, will save your bacon through an array of toilet emergency locations, and is extremely cheap to boot. This is definitely one for you out-with-kids survival kit!

Another great little innovation is the Design Go Mosquito Bite Reliever. Drug free and effective, add it to your first aid kit; it is sure to come in handy over the summer months.

Fit & Fresh lunch boxes are an essential when you’re on the road, or even for school days, as they keep food nice and cool for 6 hours. No more spoiled yoghurt at lunch!

Sleeping is a major issue, whether at home, daycare, or travelling, and Haggus and Stookles has the perfect solutions.

For little babes, you can’t go past super-stylish Lalapanzi Collapsible Moses Basket. For bigger kids, the Kindy Kamper Day Bed is just the thing. Fully featured with bottom blanket, top sheet, pillow and removable top blanket, it rolls up into a portable swag. (Miki reports it goes perfectly in a portacot, and also uses hers for her son at daycare.)

You’ll also need a picnic rug for outdoor expeditions. The super-luxe Woobee Large Blanket is the way to go! With weather-proof backing, and the snuggliest top layer, it’s great as a picnic rug, a tummy-time blankie, or pram snug.

My super cheap and utterly gorgeous pick of the day award goes to the Envirotrend EnviroShopper bags that Haggus and Stookles are stocking.  They are enviro-kind, incredibly stylish (choose from 4 beautiful designs) and, at just $4.25 each, are an absolute STEAL!

Speaking of steals, have a look at the great range of free activities for kids you can download from Haggus and Stookles, including colouring in pages, dot to dots, travel games and a fantastic travel diary for when you are on holidays. Also, make sure you check out Haggus and Stookles’ Tips for on the Go: there is a wealth of knowledge there on being out and about with the kids in the car, on holidays, international and plane travel and for general outings to the park, shops, toilet training when out and much more!

From top left in rows:

Design Go Mosquito Bite Relief $29.95
Adore-a-View Baby Car Seat Mirror in Teddy Bear $49.95. Also available in Butterfly design
Fit & Fresh Lunch on the Go Lunch box $12.95
Lalapanzi Collapsible Moses Basket in Retro Red $325.00, pictured with co-ordinating Lalapanzzi Blanket $70.00 , and Lalapanzi Travel Sack $70.00. Also available in Chocolate Sage colour- way
Danish by Design HandySitt $139.95 Available in Beech and Cherry
Annabel Carmel Small Bowls Set $14.95
Envirotrend EnviroShopper bag $4.25 Available in 4 designs
Potette Travel Potty $14.95
Kindy Kamper Day Bed $54.95
Sigg Drink Bottle $22.95
Moochie-Moo ID Bands $4.95
Baby Mel Camille Nappy Bag in red $99.00
Super Woobee Large Blanket in Chocolate/Pistachio $132.00

Haggus and Stookles’ poistage charges are based on weight, and start at $7.50. Express, registered, and international post options are available. See the Delivery information page for full details on shipping.

Update 10 October 2008: Please note that the price of the YBike has now increased to $119.95 due to supplier increases in importing it into Australia.

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Psst! Want to get 20% off at Ekidna Kidswear - www.ekidnakidswear.com.au? Well, have I got the code for you!

Enter ‘KSF48′ in the coupon code section at checkout, and I predict you will be 20% luckier This offer is good for the next 48 hours only, so don’t dilly dally.

(If you’re coming to this post after midnight, September 12, never fear, you can still get a very healthy 15% off. Email me and I’ll give you the details).

As if you needed any other reason to shop at E-Kids, I’m going to give you two more:

1. by making a purchase in September you’ll go into the draw to win a cool-as YBike, valued at $99.95,
2. and if if you share your environmentally friendly tips with Joanne at Ekidna, you’ll be in the running to win a $50.00 Ekidna Kids voucher.

You are going to just love your little virtual road-trip over to Ekidna Kids:  Joanne has been stocking the rafters with the coolest new stock. I’m so impressed with what she has sourced for us!

First up, the YBike. A fantastic new style of balance bike, the YBike has been engineered to help improve your child’s balance and co-ordination skills.

The safety aspects of the YBike are also very appealing. The front wheel is considerably further forward, affording a bigger turning circle, which reduces the risk of falling over the front when turning. The back wheel is also covered to stop children from riding over their feet. The YBike body is designed for better clearance of obstacles and the larger wheels produce a safer ride on uneven surfaces.

The YBike is constructed to last; the injection moulding eliminates weak points, and makes this bike super-tough.

Apparently the YBike can be used by tots as young as 18 months old, so this is a product with great longevity that is robust enough to last how ever many children you need to throw at it.

The YBike sounds, and looks, incredible! While the bike’s superb features may leave you breathless, the price tag will not: the YBike is a mere $99.95 (less 20% until Friday 12 – makes it just $79.96!! - and 15% after that.)

On the clothing front, I have to mention the new Eternal Creation collection that has just landed. In my opinion, this is their best collection yet. I am very taken with the 50′s-inspired styling and prints; very mini-Audrey!The Miatom tees are also very sweet, bringing a taste of Japan, and a slice of Italy to the table with their funky prints. E-Kids have also received the new season’s Bebe by Minihaha ranges in for baby boys and girls, and it’s super sweet.

The Flirty Bird hair accessories I simply have to rave about. I am a huge fan of their cute and quirky hair ponies, and we have an extensive collection of them, including the Bambi and Bear in the Woods varieties below. Choose also from their very lovely clippies.

The Cheeky Little Soles summer sandals are just so sweet. I saw these in the flesh at the Kids inSTYLE trade show in Melbourne recently, and they really do have to be seen and touched to be believed. Sooo soft – they almost feel like a little one’s warm little foot – and Lisa at CLS has really outdone herself with the designs this season.

Tippy Toes fans will be pleased to know that Annabel Trends has brought out several new designs to delight you with. BabyLegs has also released a range of new patterns; I’m loving the Retro Herringbone for summer.

Mums of toddlers should know about the very practical, and incredibly stylish Foogo snack cups and drink containers, and mums with babes in arms will be thrilled to know that Ekidna Kids is now carrying the revolutionary Adiri baby bottles.

See my picks below to get you started, and view the New Arrivals section at Ekidna Kids to discover the whole story on new products just in.

From top left in rows:

Prices quoted are after 20% discount with code until September 12. After this date you can get a 15% off code: email me and I’ll give you the details.

Miatom Vespa Tee  $24.95 20% off = $19.96
BabyLegs Retro Blue Herringbone $16.50 20% off = $13.20
Cheeky Little Soles – ‘Boys Club’ Summer Sandal $35.95 20% off = $28.76
Bebe by Minihaha ‘Oscar’ bodysuit $28.95 20% off = $23.16
Flirty Bird Hair Ponies – sold in a pair $8.95 each 20% off = $7.16
Foogo Stainless Steel Leak-proof Straw Bottle $21.95 20% off = $17.56
Miatom Japan Doll Tee $24.95 20% off = $19.96
Eternal Creation ‘Tuscany’ sundress $46.95 20% off = $37.56
Foogo Stainless Steel Leak-proof Sippy Cup $24.95 20% off = $19.96
Adiri baby bottle Variety of flows etc. available (all bottles 236ml) $19.95 20% off = $15.96
Cheeky Little Soles – ‘Nesting’ Summer Sandal $35.95 20% off = $28.76
BabyLegs Retro Pink Herringbone $16.50 20% off = $13.20
Annabel Trends Tippy Toes socks – box of 6 $19.95 20% off = $15.96
YBike - available in 5 colour choices $99.95 20% off = $79.96

If you want to scoop up some fabulous bargains check out the ‘Specials’ page and feel oh-so-glad that you did

Ekidna Kids now have a blog; a great place to keep abreast of developments at Ekidna Kids. Check it out.

Ekidna Kidswear charge $6.95 for standard postage, and $9.95 for Express Post, Australia wide. International orders are welcome. Visit the Delivery information page for full shipping and delivery details.