KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Leah

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I’m so excited, as today I have been given the very honour of debuting a brand new  store specialising in Australian Fashion for 0-5 year olds with a community and ethical conscience. Let me formally introduce Giggle & Grow – www.giggleandgrow.com.au – who take great delight in sourcing  products that have been ethically made and supporting businesses that give back.

Giggle & Grow have a great range of products that are made and owned by some beautiful Australian Mums with new ones added daily as they expand their repertoire of fantastic labels. The range currently includes Pure Baby, Monstar Kids, Minimink, Sassilu, Amberease, Milk Baby, Oscar Blue, Lark, Wotnot, minimink, Vintage Kid, Baby Teresa (who donate a like outfit to a child in need for every outfit sold) Ergo Pouch and the favourite ERGObaby Carrier, with Hullubullu, And Me Too, White Soda, Monstar Kids and Little Bubble and Tree coming soon.

There is a mass of ideas to  source the perfect gift for the mum who has everything and both gift wrapping and a gift service are available if you need a little help. Giggle & Grow also donate 5% of their profits to the Cranio-Maxilo Foundation. I just love to see a store where my purchases help others.

If you are on the look out for a baby carrier, you really can’t go past the ERGObaby carrier for comfort for both you and babe. Giggle & Grow are ERGObaby users themselves and believe that the ERGO is the must have baby accessory and have reduced each carrier to a lower than low price (starting at $130.00) to help you begin your babywearing journey. But hurry, at these prices they are certain to sell out fast!

As a grand opening special Sarah Jayne at Giggle & Grow is offering all KSF readers FREE express postage on all orders (excluding the ERGObaby carriers which are already listed at a bargain price). Simply use redemption code ‘grandopening‘ at check out until 15 October 2010.

1. Sassilu Holly dollies $40 (Australian made)
2. Lark Duckie slippers $25 (Ethically made)
3. Breeze Baby sling $79 (Australian owned)
4 & 5. Ergo Pouch sleeping bags 1 tog $69.95 (Australian owned & organic)
6. Oscar Blue 25mm Sherbet Swirl boutique bow (Australian made)
7. Milk baby room spray (Australian owned & organic)
8 & 9. Vintage Kid Retro Space & Yippee cowboy nappy covers $26.95 (Australian owned)

Giggle & Grow posts Australia wide for the flat fee of $8.00. International orders are welcome. Please email Giggle & Grow for a quote.

Today’s post written by Leah

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Birthdays, christenings, baby showers and the birth of a new baby are joyous occasions that I eagerly anticipate. There’s nothing more special than welcoming a new little person into the world, and I often prepare months in advance. I seek out the finest gift  that my budget can manage; something, that when unwrapped will be loved, used and appreciated. I know it’s not all about the present….but for me the giving is extremely pleasurable.

I’ll let you in on a little secret spot where you can stock up on some of the greatest gifts around: Kids Gift List – www.kidsgiftlist.com.au. Filled to the brim with delights – Quirky – check; Fashionable – check;  Cute and snuggly – check;  functional yet attractive – check; unique – check;  affordable – check – the perfect gift waiting right here for you to snap up!  I have my eye on the Cuddle Cat and M is for Metal book (both featured in Shop 4 Kids magazine) for an upcoming ‘Lil’ Rocker’ birthday party and the Lark Easter Egg Box as a possible treat for my colleagues over the holiday break (they always refuse chocolate, but I’m sure they won’t be able to resist these!).

Another great feature of the Kids Gift List site is that you can create your very own gift list to share with family and friends, which I’m sure will take the frustration of gift selection away from some of the relos who, despite their best intentions, never get quite right.

Now for the biggest celebration of the day – for the next 3 days only until midnight 28 February 2010, the lovely Monique at Kids Gift List is paying it forward and offering all KSF readers a whopping 30% off store-wide – including sale stock reduced by up to 65% (also be sure to check the Sooki Baby category for more sale pieces!): that means you can save up to ***75% off!**** Woo *hoo*! The magic code to enter at checkout ‘LOVEASALE‘. (Don’t we all?) Pass it on to give this gift to your friends

Prices quoted below are available with code (read above), while stocks last only until midnight 28 February 2010.

1. KGL Marble Game $8.95 LESS 30%= $6.27
2. Build-It Space Exlporer $39.95 LESS 30%= $27.97
3. Lark Easter Egg Box $39.95 LESS 30%= $27.97
4. Create it Daisy $14.95 LESS 30%= $10.47
5. Cuddle Mouse $64.95 LESS 30%= $45.47 OR Cuddle Cat $64.95 LESS 30% = $45.47
6. Oobi Eek the Chocolate Mouse $29.95 $14.95 LESS 30% = $10.47
7. Cowboy Dress Ups (featured in Shop 4 Kids) $49.95 LESS 30% = $34.97
8. Cowgirl Dress Ups $49.95 LESS 30% = $34.97
9. M is for Metal $31.95 LESS 30% = $22.37
10. Save Some Green for Me! Tee $38.95 $18.95 LESS 30%= $13.27
11. Sudo Frankie Skinny Jean Grey $79.95 $36.95 LESS 30%= $25.87
12. Farm Play Set Was $39.95 LESS 30%= $27.97
13. Sudo Lucas Tee Mint $39.95 $24.95 LESS 30%= $17.47

Kids Gift List stock an immense varirty of items from such brands as: Alex Designs. Baufix, Cinti does Vintage, Cheeky Little Soles, CocoonCouture, Heavenly Creatures, KGL Gifts, Knox and Floyd, Knuffle Kid, Lark Designs, Isa Toys, Little Chipipi, The Little Experience, The Little Experience, Little Red Pear, Look at the Wall, Maiike, Merrigold, Miriam Bereson, Oobi, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Owly Shadow Puppets, Rockabye Baby, Rosie Flo, Sooki Baby, Sparrowkids, Sudo, Taltrade, Tee P, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Tonic Baby and Zacharia Bier.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Toys are part of the magic of childhood, and it’s always good to have a stash up for gifting purposes. Now’s the time to jump and save, as Send A Toy – www.sendatoy.com.au – are currently holding one of their rare-as sales, with a selection of quality toys reduced by up to 30%.

Sample the toy finery in-store at Send A Toy: brands stock include An Angel at my Table, Automoblox, Bajo, Brio, Cocoon Couture, Deglingos, Djeco, Dumpling Dynasty, Educo, EEBOO, Fiesta Crafts, Folkmanis, Green Toys, Haba, 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 and WonderWorld.

Please note that Send a Toy does not accept change of mind returns on sale items. Free gift wrapping is not available on some sale items, and discount vouchers, coupons or codes are not applicable on sale items.

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 Leah

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My annual trip to Victoria this past Christmas was full of sightseeing galore (two zoos in two days!), a trip to what I’m labelling the best ‘free’ playground ever (Woodend), family events and a visit to Lark in the township of Daylesford, Victoria.

You may already be aware of Lark as their lovely products have been featured many times on KidStyleFile. I am a huge fan, so you can imagine my delight when I discovered that Lark had opened their very own store only minutes from my childhood home! As it was the holidays, my whole little family joined me on my trip to check out the store at 4a Duke Street, Daylesford.

My husband was quick to note that the store felt like it was originally a petrol station, which was confirmed by owner Allison. This quirky environ enhances the ambience of the Lark store which is decidedly retro. I was quickly in love. Shelves, and shelves of delights – I just didn’t know where to start. Everywhere I looked there was something to remind me of my own childhood.

Firstly, the Lark handmade products. There is a wealth of gorgeous products to choose from – my eye was drawn to the gorgeous Lambie, so soft and cuddly – and although reminiscent of the toys my grandmother once made for me, much more trendy! They also have an abundance of pretend play toys such as knitted teapots, cups, cakes, vegetable rattles, fruit rattles, and donuts. Feast your eyes on them here.

I also came across My Sister Pat swimwear – perfect for any mother if you ask me, with sizing from 8 to 20! The collection is designed by Margie Dlahunty Spencer and handmade in the loveliest retro and vintage materials. Modelled on the 1950s era, these swimsuits have full back shirring which ensures they are flattering on all figures.

On the shelves I found a Sushi Train set. We are well known at our local Sushi Train, and I know this wooden box of felt and magnetic sushi pieces that can be places of a rounded wooden track would be perfect for the kidlets pretend play sessions.  Isn’t it delightful?

This is a shop for kids – there are no signs saying “don’t touch!”. Both Miss N and Master R loved Lark. The reception children receive when they walk through the door makes them welcome from the very start. Stringed balloons were quickly provided, which kept both kidlets amused whilst I browsed the shelves and Dear Husband chatted with Allison about the building, and when we left each child was gifted with a sweet little goodie bag with papercraft items and a whistle inside.

If you’re in the Daylesford area be sure to stop in at Lark. if you’re not in the area you can visit the online store here. Be sure to check out the sale Allison has running until 12 January 2010: you can save up to 50% off on some delightful gear!

Lark stocks products from Arthur’s Circus, Beci Orpin, Belle & Boo, byGraziela, Clothkits, Darling Clementine, Dumpling Dynasty, Engel, Frankie, I Like, Jurianne Matter, Vintage Ladybird, Lark, Lisa Jones, My Sister Pat, Miller Goodman, MT Tape, Ozowiezo, Paumes Books, Peggy, Rosie Flo’s Colouring Books, Solitaire, Sparrowkids, Sukie, Two Little Boys and Umpen Editions, all which will remind you of your own childhood.

Lark charge $5.95-$9.95 postage Australia wide, and international orders are welcome. Click here for full postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Who’s keeping count of how many days til Christmas?  I’m sure I’m not the only one, but if I am… there’s SIXTEEN DAYS TO GO!

So this means that if you haven’t finalised all your shopping, it’s time to start thinking seriously about it. I recommend doing what I’ve done this year, which is to do all my shopping online. It’s ever so much easier than fighting your way through crowded shopping centres, and with stores like Paperartzi Boutique – www.paperartziboutique.com.au – you know you’ll be getting the most stylish gifts and outfits around.

Paperartzi Boutique stocks the creme de la creme of childrens brands, including Fred Bare, Oobi, Mamas & Papas, BIG by Fiona Scanlan, Alimrose Designs and dozens more. But that’s not even close to all you’ll find in store, because there’s also a wonderful selection of fashion for the yummy mummy including the much coveted Seraphine maternity jeans, American Vintage, Juicy Bear and Hudson Jeans.  Mums will also be keen to note the divinely high end nappy bags from il Tutto and Jooki – go on, treat yourself or pointedly send your husband or partner the link.

You really can’t go wrong here for kids gifts either. I think the new freestanding puzzles from Artiwoods are absolutely beautiful – the kind of thing you’ll want to leave on display once it’s done, rather than packing it away, and there’s a great choice of designs.  I also have to point out the Wheely Bugs (my boys will be finding these under the tree this year), and the ultra snuggly teddy bears from (minimink): awwwwww.

Drop-dead bargains? Paperartzi has those too, big style: be sure to stop in at the Clearance Section where you’ll find fine designer kids clothing on sale up to 75% off.

Melissa at Paperartzi has a wonderful shopping incentive running for you this Christmas:

1. Spend over $100+ and receive a $20 gift voucher + free postage
   
2. Spend over $150 and receive a FREE Oobi Space Hopper, rrp $29.95 + free postage
   
3. Spend $300+ and receive a $45 gift voucher + a FREE Oobi Space Hopper, rrp $29.95 + free postage
   

Enter code ‘KIDSTYLE-VOUCHER’ until 24 December 2009 to redeem these offers. Free postage available to Australia delivery addresses only. Vouchers are to be used on future purchases and are not redeemable for cash.

Paperartzi Boutique also have a lovely bricks-and-mortar store located in Echuca, Victoria, so make sure you drop in for a browse and say hi to Melissa on behalf of KidStyleFile readers if you’re in the area.

1. Fred Bare Crystal Bear Head Tee, $40.95; BIG by Fiona Carnivale Skirt, $59.95
2. Kringlering, $14.95
3. Merino Kids Cocooi Baby Wrap & Beanie, $69.95
4. Claesens Short Sleeve Tee – Light Blue, $29.95; Tommy Rocket ‘Check Me Out’ Shorts, $64.95
5. Sigg Drink Bottle – Safari Fun, $38.95
6. Wheely Bug Bee – Large, $119.00
7. (minimink) Teddy – Honey, $18.00
8. Lark Knitted Cakes, $10.95 $10.40
9. Movables Outer Space Wall Stickers, $59.95
10. Artiwood Sealife Puzzle, $45.95

Paperartzi Boutique caters for babies and kids from birth right through to 16 years. Brands include Aden+Anais, Alimrose Designs, Big by Fiona Scanlan, Bobble Art, Bright Baby, Bugaboo, Cheeky Little Soles, Cocoon Clothing, Cocoon Couture, Danish By Design, David Fussenegger, Eeni Meeni Mini Moh, Eyetribe, Fairy Floss Creations, Fiona by Fiona Scanlan, Fish  Lilly, Fred Bare, Haba, Huckleberry Lane, Huggalugs, Il Tutto, Jooki, Lark Made, L’il Fraser Collection, Mamas & Papas, Melissa & Doug, Mini Metalicus, Miss Metalicus, Minimink, Movables, More 4 Boys, One Red Fly, Oobi Baby, Ouch, Paperartzi, Paper Eskimo, Silver Cross, Sooki Baby, Taia Hair Clips, Tiger Tribe, Tiny Tribe, Tip Toey Joey, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Wheely Bug, and Willow and Finn, with swimwear from Seafolly and Cuddle Fish arriving soon together with the delicious new Chook Leaf Shoes.

For maternity and yummy mummy fashion, Paperartzi stock the following labels: Metalicus, American Vintage and Juicy Bear (sooo soft and comfy!), plus Seraphine maternity jeans. Paperartzi Boutique is also expanding their labels for mums to include Gypsy 05, Hudson Jeans, Fluxus, Viktoria & Woods, Anna Campbell and Abi & Joseph, not far away.

For prestige  stationery and scrapbooking supplies, Paperartzi Boutique stock from the following brands: American Crafts, Basic Grey, Basic Grey, Bazzill Basics, Cristina Re, Hipp, Kaiser Craft, Kikki K, Making Memories, My Minds Eye, Paperartzi, Provo Craft, REDD Leather and Tombow.

Paperartzi Boutique charges a flat rate fee $8.50 for postage, Australia-wide. Orders over $150 are shipped free. International orders are welcome. Click here for full postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Miki

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It’s a big month for ShopHouse – www.shophouse.com.au- in the run up to Christmas there’s a lot going on, and all of it good!

Bronwyn has taken Christmas matters into her own hands and helpfully created a number of special Christmas categories to help out with the shopping.  Dress the tree and the house with the Christmas Decorations category; fill up those stockings with a great selection of Stocking Stuffers all below $10; get great presents on a budget with the Gifts Under $25 category; and go wild with Special Gifts of $50 and above.

There are some fantastic gift ideas to be found in all of the above categories.  The Lark knitted tree decorations are chic, adorable and fair trade – can’t ask for more than that!  I love the Annabel Trends bath caps in the Stocking Stuffers section; what a great way to make bathtime more fun!  Usborne (they of the ‘That’s Not My…’ book series) have some great activities and card games in the Gifts Under $25 section, and as for the special gifts section, the Oobi Darcy Pettiskirt and the Kobba Runna Balance Bike are shoo-ins.

ShopHouse have produced a Style Guide catalogue to help you shop this season. Besides being a great read and making for wonderful ‘window shopping’ from the comfort of your sofa, it contains an interview with Alex Riggs of Oobi who gives away what Oobi is planning for the upcoming winter collection. Can’t wait to see that!!

To save big dollars take a trip to ShopHouse’s Sale section, where markdowns up to 60% off can be found. You can also score free postage on all orders placed until 1 March 2010 with the exlusive KidStyleFile Shop 4 Kids magazine code: pickup a copy of the mag, or subscribe the the KidStyleFile Weekly newsletter get access. To top things off, all orders placed at ShopHouse between now and midnight Sunday 13 December 2009 will automatically receive a copy of the ShopHouse Style Guide, and go into the draw to win a Belle and Boo Lost + Found print, worth $99. Woo! Go forth to ShopHouse and be happy!

Gifts under $25: Usborne Animal Snap Card Game, $14.95; Bobble Art Mini Cupcake Bowling Bag, $19.95; Tippy Toes Superstar Socks, $19.95
Tree decor: Lark Hand Knitted Christmas Tree Decoration, $9.95; Lark Hand Knitted Rudolph Christmas Decoration, $9.95; En Gry + Sif Angels & Pixies Pack, $49.95
Stocking stuffers: Annabel Trends Frog Showercap, $9.95; ShopHouse Wooden YoYo – Ladybug, $6.95; Oobi Baby Bib – Apples, $9.95; Penny Scallan Wooden Bag Tag – Monster, $7.95
Special gifts: Oobi Darcy Ballerina Pettiskirt, $69.95; Kobba Runna Balance Bike, $149.00; Belle & Boo Print – Found, $99.00; En Gry + Sif Felt Doll House w/ doll & cat, $80.95

ShopHouse stocks the following brands: Adiri Natural Nurser, Alimrose, And The Little Dog Laughed, Annabel Trends, Baobab, Bod, Bonds, Cocoon Couture, Cookey Cat Artworks, Cuddlefish, Eco Kid.,Galmatic, Get Fresh, Huggalugs, ID Teen, Jedko Games Co, Kee-Ka, Kiddysac, Krooom, Lark, Lil’ Lana, Little Chipipi, Look At The Wall, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Moltex Nappies, Monday’s Child Pyjamas, OshKosh, Oobi Baby + Kids, Pebbles, Penny Scallan, Pure Baby, Red Wagon, Rileah Designs, Serena & Lily, ShopHouse, The Little Experience, Wotnot, Yunginz.

Wherever you live in Australia, ShopHouse delivers for the flat rate of $4.95. International orders are delivered for $20. See the Delivery Page for full terms and conditions.