KidStyleFile

Post written by Miki

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As the final in our series of price-range Christmas gift guides, today I’m looking at the ‘big ticket items’, those items costing upwards of $100.  Some of these items might be wish list pieces, while others are more attainable.  Either way, enjoy the collection of twenty superb items guaranteed to light up any kid’s face on Christmas morning.

My two-year-old would think all his dreams had come true if he found a BIG Bobby Benz under the tree, while his older brother might be more interested in a Radio Flyer Dual Deck Red Flyer Tricycle, and I know they’d both love a Teepee from An Angel At My Table. Angela tells me that the Marble Sounding Tree is absolutely amazing – her family has one, and her daughters have had endless fun making beautiful music with it. Plus how incredibly stylish is this Janod Chic Maxi Kitchen? Boys and girls alike would have an amazing time cooking up a storm with that.

Have yourselves a merry little Christmas and enjoy all the amazing choices on offer.

1. Lilly & Lolly Child’s Desk, Toybox & Stool Set, $650.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
2. Marble Sounding Tree – Large, $136.00 at Honeybee  Toys
3. Le Toy Van Lily’s Cottage, $149.95 $144.95 at Where Did You Get That?
4. Jack’s Cubby House, $999.00 at Hip Kids
5. Classic Red Racing Car Rocker, $595.00 at Monty And Franks
6. Radio Flyer Dual Deck Red Flyer Tricycle, $154.95 at Just Toy’n Around
7. ooMoo Kids Leggy Table & Chairs, $180.00 at Mini Chatterbox
8. Little Polly Rocking Horse, $595.00 at Monty And Franks Designer Toy Co
9. IVI Interactive Play Rug – Farm, $299.95 at The Little Kidz Closet
10. KidKraft Fun Explorers Rocket Ship Playset, $199.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
11. An Angel At My Table Navy Stripe Teepee, $219.95 at Shop For Tots
12. Solvej Swing by Holmsater, $220.00 at Look Mummy
13. Micki Wooden Pram With Hood, $118.95 at Baby’s Got Style
14. Janod Chic Maxi Kitchen – Brown, $170.00 at Lime Tree Kids
15. BIG Bobby Benz, $220.00 $198.00 at Metro Mum
16. Lundy Stockholm Dollshouse, $189.95 at Cradle Rock
17. Wishbone Balance Bike – Apple A Day Special Edition, $299.00 at Metro Mum
18. Left Hand Make Small One Tables & Chairs, $510.00 at The Little Kidz Closet 
19. Janod DIY Trolley With Magnetic Tools, $129.00 at Lime Tree Kids 
20. Silver Cross Chatsworth Doll’s Pram – Red Poppy, $999.00 at Silver Cross Online Store
21. The Magic Klorifil Tree, $195.00 at The Infant Boutique (yes I know it’s cheating to have 21 items, but I couldn’t resist this one!)

Please check individual stores for shipping costs. Also make sure you read the KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page to be sure you’re getting the best deal.

Post written by Miki

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Unless you’re one of those spectacularly organised people who has had all their Christmas presents bought, wrapped and labeled since July, you’re probably in full swing doing your shopping right around now.  To continue in our series of gift guides, today I’m covering the $25 to $50 range – you can see our previous Christmas gift guides here, including Top 20 Stocking Stuffers Under $10 and Top 20 Gifts $10 to $25.

There are so many brilliant ideas in today’s price range.  The Quicksmart Scuttlebug Folding Tricycle, for example – it comes in three different colour ways (Bee, Dragonfly/blue and Flowers/pink) and at $49.95 is a fabulous gift choice for boys or girls. For babies you can never go wrong with Sophie the Giraffe who has been tried and tested for decades; my kids were both Sophie devotees as babies. Girls will adore the Rileah Design Pink Sweets Tea Set which will provide hours of role-playing fun.

Below you’ll see KidStyleFile’s top 20 choices, in no particular order, and loosely grouped into babies, girls and boys groups.  Happy shopping!

Babies
1. Apple Park Lil Bunny Picnic Pal, $33.00 at Billy Lids
2. Small Blue & Green Sausage Dog Cushion, $40.00 at Scoops Design
3. Vulli Sophie the Giraffe, $34.95 at Mini Chatterbox
4. Giimmo Bebe The Penguin, $44.95 at The Little Kidz Closet
5. Coco Boheme Chicken Bib, $25.00 at French Bazaar

Girls
6. Rileah Design Pink Sweets Tea Set, $49.00 at Shop For Tots
7. Forwalls Jumbo Castle Chalkboard Decal, $54.95 $27.48 at Forwalls Online Store
8. Lilliputiens Baby Zoe, $36.95 at Shop For Tots
9. Seedling Junior Postman Mail Kit, $49.95 $40.00 at Shop For Tots
10. Ring A Rosie Artwork, $89.00 $50.00 at Children’s Online Store
11. Oobi Darcy Pettiskirt – Graduated Pink, $74.95 $48.72 at Design Child
12. Lil Christmas Door, $38.00 at Metro Mum

Boys
13. Mini Automoblox – Purple/Orange/Aqua, $49.95 at Where Did You Get That?
14. Janod DIY Barrel, $49.95 at Look Mummy
15. Quicksmart Scuttlebug Folding Tricycle – Bee, $49.95 at Haggus & Stookles
16. Gorgeous Santa Sack, $39.95 at My Munchkin Home
17. Forwalls Robots Wall Decals, $39.95 at Bubba Funk
18. My Sweet Prints ‘Personalised World Map’ Print, $45.00 at Stylish Kiddish
19. Milky Car PJ Set, $29.95 at Looking At You Kid
20. Puggyhouse Rocket, $49.95 at The Little Kidz Closet 

Please check individual stores for shipping costs. Also make sure you read the KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page to be sure you’re getting the best deal.

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As part of our Christmas coverage this year we are sharing with you our own personal picks for our kids. Today we’re featuring Jen’s picks. You can also read Dom’s picks, Anna’s picks and Melody’s picks. Enjoy! – Ange

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Charlie, 3¾, Jen and Jack, 4 ½

With the boys now really grasping the concept of Christmas, deciding what we should ask from Santa has become a major part of our daily conversation. Keeping things in perspective has certainly been a major challenge, but I think I’m slowly getting through to them!

What I’m most excited about though is finding gifts that enhance their current interests and nourish their active imaginations. Role play, science, the world around us; all hot topics with our eldest  ’thinker’. His brother on the other hand is much more interested in kicking balls and cars, so I think my choice of toys for him should keep him entertained. So many lovely things out there, here’s hoping this selection will give you some fresh ideas.

1. Operation Alphabet, Al Maccuish $16.42 Book Depository
This is a book that I have coveted ever since it arrived in the bookshop where I work. It’s got vintage charisma, a superb homage to spy-tastic capers and is just a genius way to get kids – especially boys – interested in books.

2. Red Bi Plane Ceiling Light $66.45 Shop for Tots
We are in desperate need of a new night light and I think this would hit the spot. I mean what boy doesn’t love planes? This design is simple, unaffected and won’t date, so the boys can love it for many years ahead.

3. Classic Earth Hugg a Planet $47.56 Cornflower Blue
There are three nationalities in our household so this is an ideal gift for the boys. We are almost a mini global village filled with love, so what better thing to do than share a great big hug?

4. Peek, Seek and Find – For Boys, Little Beginnings $20.25 Cornflower Blue
Anything that tackles the major challenge of keeping boys still for longer than 5 minutes gets my vote. I like the neat packaging and thoughtful subjects that should really interest the boys as they start to express interest in numbers and letters.

5. Wooden Teaching Clock £4.99 Jesters. Email admin@jesters.com for shipping costs.
I’m sure there are many of you who have family in Europe wondering what to get grandchildren and cousins. Well I like this clock as it combines learning with style and is well considered when attempting to understand the time.

6. Janod Confetti Harmonica $8.95 Lime Tree Kids
Hmmm I might regret this, but I always wanted a harmonica as a girl and am probably buying this for me rather than the boys. It’s better than a recorder though don’t you think?

7. Kaleidoscope $7.95 Shop for Tots
The boys love kaleidoscopes, especially the ones they discovered at daycare. So maybe it’s time we had one of our own at home. This would be a perfect stocking filler

8. Captain Tee by Cried Wolf $40 and Check Slimline Shorts by Sosooki $49 About a Boy
Add a pair of Chuck Taylors and how cute would a little fella look in this outfit?

9. Mr Frog Eco Wall $59 The Lowercase
I definitely have a ‘learning’ theme going on here and just love the artwork on this wall hanging. Nature, style, decor and learning all wrapped up. Perfect?

10. Wall Candy Animal Chalkboard $99.95 Metro Mum
These animals would be so much fun to customise over and over again. I think they’d be great in the kids room, they’d be a welcome addition to their existing zoo!

11. Mini Automoblox Truck $25.95 Where Did You Get That?
I’d probably have to get two of these. The boys are so close in age that sometimes I have to treat them as twins when it comes to shopping for toys. These look rather supercool and I think they’d go nice and fast on the wooden floors…

12. Little MD role play medical bag $37.95 Shop for Tots
Our eldest was caught deep in doctor mode recently at a friends house, fixing knees and taking temperatures. Maybe it’s time I nurtured that interest, I may have a future brain surgeon on on my hands?

Please check individual stores for shipping costs. Also make sure you read the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to be sure you’re getting the best deal.

Written by Domenica

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It seems that my little girls do not like Santa very much this year. When we made a move to take a photo with him Miss M clutched at the pram with both hands, kicked her feet out against me and screamed at the top of her lungs “Nooooo Mummy!”, while Miss E looked like she might actually hit Santa with his own bell. So, it looks like last year’s beautiful smiling photo with Santa will not be replicated this year. Lucky for me I know how to get a guaranteed smile from my babies: pick them up some cool Christmas pressies at Shop For Tots – www.shopfortots.com.au.

Shop For Tots has a range of items to suit all budgets, and to make Christmas shopping super easy they have a Christmas Gift Guide section filled with a carefully selected range of quality items for a variety of ages. Today, I really want to wash away the fear of Santa with some impressive gifts for my babes. A great place to start is with these Wheely Bugs that come in a range of different animal patterns including a cow, a ladybug, a mouse and the cutest little bee ever (pictured at #8 below). They make a great gift for toddlers and they can have lots of fun tiring themselves out zooming backwards, forwards, sideways, and round and round! I am also thinking it is about time that they get their first bike and I really like the Tike Balance Bike (pictured at #9 below). Balance bikes are great because they encourage the development of balance, coordination and gross motor skills – couple that with the cool retro look of the Tike Balance Bike and you have one great big hit on your hands this Christmas!

KidStyleFile readers can enjoy a 15% storewide discount at Shop For Tots, including sale items already reduced by up to 70% off! To redeem, enter code hohoho at checkout before 4 December 2011. Check out clothing and accessories by Knuffle Kid and Bebe, and swimwear by White Soda because they have all just been reduced by 20% off – that makes a 35% saving with  your 15% storewide discount! Plus, the first 50 orders through will receive a free Oobi Wooden Shaped Necklace worth $7.95 for the girls or a free set of Playon Crayons worth $11.95 for the boys – strictly while stocks last only. Also, don’t forget that Shop For Tots offer free shipping on orders over $100.

Don’ forget to subscribe to the Shop For Tots newsletter on the left hand side of their homepage – every subscriber goes into a monthly draw to win a $200 Gift Certificate from Shop For Tots! You can also ‘like’ them on Facebook for exclusive updates and information.

Prices listed below are valid with code hohoho until 4 December 2011, while stocks last.

1. Janod Carousel Spinning Top $25.95 LESS 15% = $22.05
2. Penelope the Pig $28.95 LESS 15% = $24.60
3. Kid O Stack & Nest Cups – Cool Colours $17.95 LESS 15% = $15.26
4. Le Toy Van Bay Tree House $199.50 LESS 15% = $169.95
5. Bamboo Zoo Soft Lion $39.95 LESS 15% = $33.95
6. Superhero Cape Retro Rocket (Small) $43.95 LESS 15% = $37.35
7. Le Toy Van Fire Station With Fireman’s Pole $78.95 LESS 15%= $67.10
8. Wheely Bug – Bee $85.95 LESS 15% = $73.05
9. Tike Balance Bike $209.00 LESS 15% = $177.65
10. Flower Power Jewellery Box WAS $25.60 LESS 15% = $21.76
11. Striped Teepee (Available in Red, Navy & Taupe) WAS $219.15 LESS 15% = $186.27
12. Early Start Link & Learn Bobbles WAS 39.95 LESS 15% = $33.96

Shop For Tots stock from a very impressive range of brands including: Active People, An Angel at my Table, Annabel Trends, aden + anais, Babushka Baby, Baby KEA, Baby Leo, Baby Luxe, Baby Valentine, Babyushka, Banter & Frolic, Beatrix, Bebe, Bobble Art, Boikido, Boikido Eco, Boon, Bowtique, Brainy Baby, Brio, Britt Baby, b.box, Cherub Baby, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Dandelion, Dandi, Delightful Australia, Djeco, EM Lite, Ecococoon, Edz Kidz, Ellaroo, Elle & B, Fiona Kate, forwalls, GR8X, Goki, Goodbyn, Govinci, Graze, Green Toys, Heavenly Creatures, Hopscotch Kids, Huckleberry Lane, Huglees, Il Tutto, Infantino, Janod, Kid O, Kidlet, Kids Kitchen, Kids Konserve, Knuffle Kid, Lama Li, Lamaze, Lark, Le Toy Van, Lifestyle Parenting, Lil Fairy Doors, Lilliputiens, Little Chipipi, Little House, Live Play Create, Lullaby Linen, Lunch Punch, Mamas & Papas, Manhattan, Me2Me2, Melissa & Doug, Meri Meri, Micador, Milk Baby, More 4 Boys, mor-stor, Oishi-m, Oobi, Paper Eskimo, Plan Toys, Rex, Rileah Design, Rosemonde Et Michel, SOLVEJ, Seedling, Specklefarm, Studio Skinky, Talking Tables, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Tortellini Cushion, Tutu Du Monde, Urchin, Wheely Bug, White Soda and Zzzoolight.

Shop For Tots ship Australia wide and charges start at  $6 for orders under 500g. Delivery is FREE for orders over $100. International delivery ranges in price from $15 & $30 depending on the weight of each order. For full delivery information and list of charges please see here.

Written by Leah

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Is it just me, or do the months seem to be zooming through quicker and quicker each year? It almost feels like I’ve merely blinked and Christmas is upon us. Each year in June I promise myself that I will start sourcing Christmas gifts so I’m not madly rushing around in the week prior to the celebration. Each year I get to said week and I curse myself for not following through. This year will be different…

Whether you have completed, are mid-way there or just starting your Christmas shopping, Lime Tree Kids – www.limetreekids.com.au – is one online boutique you *must* drop by to source delightful wooden toys that will complete just about any kidlet’s wishlist. From dollhouses to pirate ships; baking sets to aeroplanes – the wealth of options to explore will ensure you find the perfect gift. And if this doesn’t complete the checking off of your Christmas list, I suggest you peruse the many other categories for further inspiration such as the Jellystone Jewellery range.

Be further tempted by the array of bargains in the specials section with such finds as the Teepees – Red Stripe (a $30 saving!), Lunch Box – Dolly Girl (at $5.00 who can resist!) and Rattle – Ollie Owl (down to $12.00). Or head over to the Stocking Fillers category for gift ideas starting from $3.50! I’m picking up the Janod – Children of the World Ball Skills, GOKI – Catch The Bee Game and Janod – Insect Catcher.

Lime Tree Kids are helping you to fulfil those Christmas orders this year by offering KSF readers FREE postage on all orders over $50.00 (exluding bulky items sent by distributor – you will be emailed if your order fits into this category). Simply enter freepost1111 at checkout before Monday 21 November to redeem. Please note: Layby is not available with FREE shipping. Don’t forget to check out the Specials section for up to 50% off!

Sale items below are valid for a limited time, while stocks last.

1. Janod – Chic French Grocery Shop  and Janod – Chic French Bakery $125.00 SALE $115.00
2. Fun Explorers Pirate Play Set $199.00
3. Deluxe Multi-Storey Car Park Play Set $179.00
4. Melissa and Doug Wooden Lacing Sneaker $24.95 SALE $20.00
5. Janod – Chic Maxi Kitchen RED & GREEN $170.00
6. Janod – Doll’s House with Furniture $260.00
7. Janod – Magnetic Rocket $34.95
8. Janod – DIY Barrel $47.95
9. Shape Sorting Cube $25.95
10. Janod – Magnetic Plane $34.95
11. Melissa and Doug – Slice and Bake Cookie Set $42.95
12. Janod – DIY Trolley with Magnetic Tools $129.00

Lime Tree Kids stocks the following quality designers: Alimrose, Aden + Anais, Lily & George, Boon, JamBerry, Melissa & Doug, Plan Toys, Fred, Puj, Fiesta Crafts, GOKI, Heimess, Janod, Lilliputiens, Doowell, lunchpunch, Rex, Engel, Oopsie, ERGObaby, Bubeewrap, KissKiss HugHug, Breeze Baby, PeanutShell, WallCandy, Flexi Bath, Lupi Lu, The Wean Machine, Bambinoz, Easy Bubs, O.B Designs, Swaddle Designs, Wee Gallery, Kikkerland, Peekaboo, Dwell Studio, Usbourne, Todd Parr, Toys Pure, Cara Jane, Jellycat, Hog Wild and JIP.

Lime Tree Kids ship Australia-wide using Express Australia Post. Fees are a flat $10 for the first 5 kg, and $3 per kilo thereafter. For full terms and conditions, including international shipping, please see ‘Shipping’.

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As part of our Christmas coverage this year we are sharing with you our own personal picks for our kids. Today we’re featuring Dom’s picks. Enjoy! – Ange
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Mia (L) & Eva (R) both 20 months old

Christmas last year was a bit of a blur to be honest. I had 10 month old twins who really didn’t know what was going on, and the only thing on my Christmas wishlist was getting to have a shower that day! This year my girls are at an age where for the very first time they might just understand the magic of Christmas, and I look forward to spoiling them silly.

My Christmas shopping list terrifies my husband with its ability to grow daily. Here is a glimpse of how it looks right now:

1. Xick Black Leather Sandals $55.00- from Wee Willie Winkie Because girls will learn from a young an age to have a love of shoes. Made from leather, these shoes are just gorgeous for warm summer days.

2. Rhubarb Birdie Handbag $14.95 – from Stylish Kiddish I need to encourage my girls away from mama’s bags and towards their own, and how better than with this gorgeous birdie bag from Rhubarb?

3. Sparkle T Cupcake Stand $55.95 – from Stylish Kiddish Truly fabulous on the waistline are these wooden cupcakes from Sparkle T. They are great at encouraging imaginative play and the act of sharing.

4. Skip Hop Zoo Backpack Owl $34.95 – from Little Styles (In an effort to encourage a few sleepovers at Nonna’s house) I am loving this cute backpack from Skip Hop – they’ll love it because it will remind them of Hoot from the ABC’s Giggle & Hoot.

5. Old Soles Pavement Tread Red $44.95 – from Cornflowerblue I am a little embarrassed to admit to the fact that my girls now own 10 pairs of Old Soles shoes between them. This pair, however, are for my nephew who will love racing around in them. Everyone knows that red runners make you go faster. I also like this pair here from Mini Chatterbox.

6. Imp Blue Playsuit $49.00 – from Aunty Ollie I love this gorgeous brand; and either one of my babes will look lovely in this on-trend jumpsuit.

7. Janod Chic French Grocery Shop $125.00 NOW $115.00 for a limited time – from Lime Tree Kids Anyone say entrepreneurs? My girls can learn the art of making money young by running their own shop in this tres chic little French grocery.

8. Missie Munster Owlwise Dress $50.00 – from Little Pinwheel My absolute favourite piece for girls this summer. I love – they need!

9. Sparkle T Markham Machine in Pink $9.95 – from Stylish Kiddish To save my girls fighting over my nephew’s trucks they can have their very own. Being pink he isn’t going to want it, and at this price I can easily buy the girls one each.

10. Nursery Rhyme Blocks $34.95 – from Cornflowerblue What a fun way to learn nursery rhymes while also further developing fine motor skills.

11. A Child’s First Numbers by Alison Jay $24.95 – available from Design Child My girls love books and we have almost all Alison Jay’s books – except this one.

12. Contigo Kid’s Autoseal Drink Bottle in Purple $11.95 – available from Where Did You Get That? I love it because it will save me cleaning up spills and they’ll love it because it looks like a big person’s drink bottle. Everyone’s happy!

 Please check out KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page for any special deals that might be available.