KidStyleFile

Post written by Anna

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Paper and cardboard has a longstanding role in children’s toy design with traditional cardboard toys like playing cards and puzzles. The simple toys in this field seem to get better and more beautiful with time: you may remember Eames’ House of cards which is a sight and delight to behold.  These traditional materials have been carried over into cardboard flashcards both for newborns and for children learning to read and write and continue with the endless possibilities of origami.

And who could forget the magic of assembling, decorating and playing with paper dolls? You can pass on this lovely pastime with your children with the help of the many and varied dolls available to simply click and print out – or how about a beautiful custom made paper doll made to look just like your special little girl. So lovely.

For paper craft and activities with cardboard, the world wide web has so much to offer in the way of templates and inspiring ideas for creating with your children. The coming winter months could be the perfect moment to see a resurgence of these traditions in your home – or have ago for the very first time!

In the design word there has been a rise of cardboard and paper creation in nearly every aspect of design you can think of. This trend has been mirrored in the world of children’s design and it is most definitely marvelous to see! You can now find a stunning array of playhouses, tables, chairs, paper cut artwork, cradles and high chairs made for children.

If the whole world was made of paper it would be most beautiful as you can tell in the display of some of my favourite finds below.

1. Mibo ‘The Wild Bunch’ Paper Animals $14.95 at Lark Handmade
2. Jurianne Matter Little Paper Wish Boats $19.95 at Pulp Creative Paper
3. Makedo Find And Make Car $19.95 at Kindred Gifts
4. Kikkerland Photo Mobile $14.95 at My Messy Room
5. Belkiz Feedaway portable Highchair $39.95 at State Of Green
6. Villa Carton – Decorate your own Rocking Throne Chair $66.00 at Ball and Skittle
7. Kroom Cardboard Fire Station $45.00 at Mudd Kids
8. Mini Me Ultimate Customised Paper Doll Package $27.00 USD at Lily & Thistle
9. Green Lullaby Eco Cradle $96.50 at Black Eyed Green
10. Vilac Carboard Farm $35.95 at Send-A-Toy
11. Paperpod Aeroplane $49.95 at Paperpod Australia
12. Calafant Dinosaur – small $12.50 at State Of Green

Please check individual sites for shipping details.   Also make sure you check the KidStyleFile All Current Dealspage to make sure you’re getting the very best deal.

Post written by Anna

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I love to read and do so widely: books, newspapers and blogs all fall within my range. What I always find the most captivating are the human interest stories, and there are none better than a love story, and the story of Lime Tree Kids – www.limetreekids.com.au proprietor Shelley Mason and her family will melt your heart, as it did mine.

Shelley travelled with her husband in 2007 to collect and bring home their son from Taiwan. Shelley discovered that he really needed dedicated time spent learning to be loved  – so that is exactly what she did. Shelley spent hours researching and in turn filling their home with toys and other items that would enhance her son’s experience of self esteem, bring him joy and laughter and ultimately help forge them form a very special bond. Out of Shelley’s journey came a unique perspective on the incredible benefits of one-on-one play with children.  Her labour of love covered many and varied products and she now has a passion to share all of her finds with us through Lime Tree Kids.

Lime Tree Kids is a collection of gorgeous items for learning, playing and growing with little people. As you can see by the pictures below, many of the products in store have a funky retro feel but with all the benefits that come from being made in the 21st Century. No item at Lime Tree Kids is there by chance because Shelly has handpicked each because of its “usefulness, creativity, developmental and emotional encouragement and general fun-ness!”

Shelley is extending the pages of her love story to you, dear KidStyleFile readers, with a very special introductory offer: 20% off storewide. Enter code KSF001 to redeem your discount until midnight 1 April 2011. Share the love!

Discounted prices quoted below are only applicable with discount code KSF001 until midnight 1 April 2011.

A. DINGaRING Lulu Ladybug $19.95 less 20% = $15.96
B. Aden +Anais sleeping bags $44.95 less 20% = $35.20
C. Goki Catch the Bee Game $12.95 less 20% = $10.36
D. Tin of Spaceboy Plasters $9.95 less 10% = $7.96
E. Fred Babushkups $24.95 less 20% = $19.96
F. Kikkerland Photo Mobile $22.95 less 20% = $18.36
G. SwaddleDesigns Ultimate Receiving Blanket $34.95 less 20% = $27.96
H. Fred Chowbots Cutlery Set $17.95 less 20% = $14.36
I. DwellStudio Look Book $8.95 less 20% = $7.16
J. Fred XYZ Alphabet Blocks $39.95 less 20% = $31.96
K. ERGObaby Performance Carrier Bundle – Spring Green $234.00 $204 less 20% = $163.20
L. Boon Splat Bath Toy $19.95 less 20% = $15.96

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 the page titled ‘Shipping’.

Post written by Angela

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Kikkerland Design Inc – www.kikkerland.com is a New York based design company that makes “clever things to intrigue you, smart things that make everyday tasks easier, and gentle things that make you feel happier when you use them.” I like it!

We have half a dozen of the cute, intriguing and giggle-inducing Kikkerland Wind Up’s in our house. I was first given one by a friend way before I had kids as a desk toy, and have gradually expanded my collection to the great amusement of my kids and their friends. Key wind one of these palm-sized, spring loaded critters up and watch them become animated – walking, crawling, flipping, sparking and rolling in a way that is quite life-like.

I am very keen to get my paws on Kikkerland’s new range of Jumping Critters – push them down until the suction cup connects with your table then watch them jump, jump, jump! Babies and toddlers are sure to be thrilled by a parent putting on a show for them, and bigger kids will be able to make it happen for themselves.

Kikkerland Wind Ups retail for $15-$20 each and Kikkerland Jumping Critters for around $8. You can find them locally in museum shops and other stores that specialise in designed items.

At the moment I’m loving the excellent prices at US-based store Aaron’s Tiny Toy Arcade, which is also offering  an 11% off everything, store-wide. Aaron’s ships internationally. Click here for postage and delivery information.