Post written by Anna

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As a mum there have been some things I have just known intuitively and other lessons I have learned the hard way. With my eldest two now in full-time school, this stage of their development has provided a bevvy of lessons to be learned. If you are preparing a child for school this year, congratulations – and, yes, it’s ok to be a little teary! – one of the major lessons I’ve learned is that it pays to prepare your little one with quality items for school life, because my word they take a hiding!

A store that knows all about preparing for school life with only the best quality items is Little Sprout – www.littlesprout.com.au.  Little Sprout are the experts of quality crafted toys and exclusive brands to nurture your child as they make their way in life.  In store you will find toys, games, puzzles, items for art and craft, science and nature, building, imaginative role play, music, parties and an extensive range of books. Their spunky pages are home to world renowned brands such as Le Toy Van, WOW, Duplo and the newly imported Sylvanian Families.

Stocked and ready to help with all your busy ‘back to school’ preparations, the extremely helpful and friendly team at Little Sprout have prepared a special category named ‘School Gear’ with you in mind.  Here you can jump straight to what you’re looking for; be it bags, books, items for lunch, stationery or wall charts. You no doubt have a list of items you need to put together and  Little Sprout can help you with much of what you’ll need. They even have the extra special touches like the super cute Mini Lunch Notes so you can send along some love in the lunch box. For any fellow LEGO crazed fans, make sure you check out the fantastic LEGO accessories including the backpacks, bag tags and stationery – my two little guys are bound to go wild for them.

As a special welcome to their store, Little Sprout are offering all KidStyleFile readers a FREE gift: a copy of the renowned children’s book, Where Is The Green Sheep? by Mem Fox, valued at $14.95. There is no minimum order, but to redeem this offer you need to register as a Little Sprout member in order to check out and select KidstyleFile as the answer to the “where did you find us?” as you complete your registration. Offer ends midnight 31 January 2012.

PS. If you are in Canberra, Australia, Little Sprout has two bricks and mortar stores – pop in and say hi, they’d love to see you.

a. Lunch Punch Sandwich Cutters – Match & Munch $13.95
b. Mini Lunch Notes $11.95 
c. Skip Hop – Zoo Lunchies – Ladybug $24.95 
d. LEGO Brick Backpack $31.95 
e. Penny Scallan – School Backpack – Tulips $59.95 
f. LEGO – Six Piece Stationery Set $10.95
g. Kids Kitchen – Craft Turntable with Buckets $31.95
h. ‘Starting School’ by Janet and Allan Ahlberg $14.95
i. ‘I Hate School’ by Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross $19.95
j. Micador – Bomsy & Crew Name Case – Green $5.95
k. Waterproof Art Smock – Long Sleeve $16.95
l. ‘Where Is The Green Sheep?’ by Mem Fox $14.95 (or FREE to KSF Readers who place an order at Little Sprout – see above for details)

Little Sprout stock from an impressive array of brand including: ABC, Aladine, Alex Allen & Unwin, Ambi, Artoy, Australian Girl, Bang on the Door, Barefoot, Battat, Beatrix Potter, BOLZ, Brainy Baby, Brio, Britt, Bruder, Calafant, Charlie & Lola, Corolle, Crocodile Creek, Discoveroo, Djeco, Dolls World, Drewart, Duo Scope, Educational Colors, Educo, eeBoo, Egmont, Enchantmints, Enchantmints, Eric Carle ,Etch A Sketch, EverEarth, Felt Creations, Fibracolor, Folkmanis, Freckleberry, Freckled Frog, Galt, Gamewright, Giimo, Goki, Gotz, Great Pretenders, Green Toys, Gund, Haba, Hardie Grant EgmontHeebie Jeebies, Heros, Hopper, In the Night Garden, Infantino, Janod, Jasnor, Jolly Kids, Kate Finn, Kids Kitchen,  Klein, Klutz, Koh-I-Noor, Le Toy Van, LEGO®, LEGO® DUPLO®, Little Hare Books, Lunch Punch, Lundby, Macmillan, Maisy, Makedo, Meccano, Melissa & Doug, Mentari, Micador, MickiMicro Scooters, Miffy, Miniland, Mobilo, Mon Petit, Moulin Roty, Mr Barry, Noddy, Nutcase, Paddington Bear, Paper Eskimo, Papo, Penelope Peapod, Penguin, Penny Scallan, Peter Rabbit, Pintoy, Plasto, Playforever, Playmobil, Playschool, Pot Head, Puffin, Quack, Ravensburger, Rosebud, Scholastic, Seedling, Sesame Street, Sevi, Sigg, Silver Cross, Sirch, Skip Hop, Skwish, Smart Games, Solvej, Spielstabil, Spot, Sterling, Stokke, Story-Time, Strider, Sun Print, Sylvanian Families, Tatiri, The Gruffalo, Tiger Tribe, Tiny Love, Tolo, Toyslink, Uberstix, Usborne, Valco, Viking, Viking Books, Vilac, Voila, VTECH, Walker Books, Wedgits, Wheely Bug, Whipple, Windspeed, Winnie the Pooh, Wishbone Design Studio and WOW.

Little Sprout deliver Australia wide. for the flat rate of $9.95 via Australia Post. For full term, conditions, delivery times and details regarding international orders, please see the Little Sprouts delivery page.

Written by Domenica

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In a former life I was a teacher, and therefore painfully aware of how quickly the school holidays seemed to pass. With some parts of Australia starting school in around two weeks, we felt it was high time to do our homework here at KidStyleFile and roundup some of our fave top ‘Back To School’ picks. Today we are starting with just a few of our fave picks for lunch related items.

At the risk of sounding very old, I must admit that I cannot believe how far the humble lunchbox and drink bottle has come design-wise in both looks and functionality! And with more and more daycare centres, kindergartens and schools becoming waste free, now is the perfect time to consider investing in a fab lunchbox and drink bottle. Nom, nom, nom!

In no particular order of preference:

A. Skip Hop Zoo Lunchies Dog -Haggus & Stookles – $21.00
B. Cooler Lunch Bag Green Robot – Lime Tree Kids – $32.95
C. Built NY Munchler Insulated Kids Lunch Box Boo – Haggus & Stookles – Was $19.95 Sale = $16.95
D. Rex Circus Parade Lunch Box – Little Styles – $11.95
E. Assorted Fluf Lunch Bags – Kindred Gifts – From $23.95
F. Lego Lunchbox Red – Metro Mum – $19.95
G. Jasnor Very Hungry Caterpillar Lunch Bag – Little Styles – $24.95
H. Dwell Lunch Box Bag – Transport – The Infant Boutique – $49.00 Sale $44.10
I. Citizenpip Polka Dot BPA Free Kids Lunch Starter Kit – Metro Mum – $59.95
J. Bobble Art Kids Lunch Box – Multi Heart – Haggus & Stookles – $24.95
K. H2Onya Stainless Steel Bottle 500ml – Buxton Baby – $17.95
L. Hatley Wild At Heart Drink Bottle – Baby’s Got Style – $14.95
M. Funtainer Drink Bottle 355mls – Dancer – Where Did You Get That? – $24.95 Sale $19.96
N. Cheeki Stainless Steel Drinking Bottle 750ml – Metallic Purple – Ekidna Kids – $17.95
O. Bobble Art Spot Drink Bottle – Ekidna Kids – $19.95
P. Contigo Kangaroo Autoseal Blue Drink Bottle – Where Did You Get That? – $21.95
Q. Crocodile Creek Jungle Jive Drink Bottle – Ekidna Kids – $19.95 Sale $15.95
R. Rocket Racing Drink Bottle 350ml – The Infant Boutique – $24.95
S. Drink Bottle – Red Star – Little Explorers – Was $19.95 Sale $11.97
T. Vapur 0.5L Anti-Bottle Cyan Blue – Where Did You Get That? – $18.95
U. Lunch Punch Fairy Princess Sandwich Cutters – Baby’s Got Style – $13.95
V. Toddler Cutlery Set – Charlie’s Bucket – $59.00
W. Lunch Punch Transport Sandwich Cutters – Baby’s Got Style – $13.95

 See individual stores for details of discounted prices as marked in red. Please check individual stores for shipping information and don’t forget to check the KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page for any special deals that might be available.

Written by Miki

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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 Edwina’s picks. You can also read Dom’s picks, Anna’s picks, Melody’s picks, Jen’s picks and Edwina’s picks. Enjoy! – Ange

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I have two small boys – Master A who is four-and-a-half, and Master J who is two-and-a-quarter – both who are counting down the minutes until Santa comes down that chimney. This is the first year that Master A has really become excited and involved in the lead up to Christmas, and it’s so much fun!  We’ve been getting out our copy of The Night Before Christmas at bedtime most nights, we’re listening to Christmas music in the car and we’re having a blast decorating the house with all the glitter-and-macaroni bits and bobs he’s bringing home from kindy. We’re also going to be flying home to spend Christmas in Adelaide, my hometown, which we’re incredibly excited about as the boys haven’t spent any length of time there yet.

Below are the special treats they’ll be finding under our tree on Christmas morning – after all, they have been pretty good this year – and a few things they might get beforehand if they’re extra lucky, or if I need some extra help surviving the plane trip!

1. Trunki Kids Ride-On Suitcase – Bernard The Bee, $89.00 at Metro Mum
Master A received a Trunki as a special gift a couple of years ago, and his little brother is so envious that it’s time he received one of his own. We have a 4.5 hour flight to get to our destination for Christmas, so this one will be an early gift.

2. Cheetah Dragon 16″ Boys Bike, $179.00 at The Bicycle Store
Master A is ready to graduate from his balance bike to a ‘big boy’s bike’ with pedals. This one has ticks in all the boxes: training wheels, tick! price tag, tick! handlebar streamers (because why should girls get all the fun?), tick!

3. ooMoo F1 Balance Bike, $165.00 at Metro Mum
As Master A moves up to a big new bike, so Master J will be wanting to move up from his little scoot-along trike as well. His brother’s old balance bike has seen better days, but I know this racy red option will suit him down to the ground.

4. Lego Volkswagon T1 Campervan, $169.99 at Lego Online Store
Seriously, who doesn’t love Lego? Master A will get a massive kick out of this camper, but I think the biggest smile when this box gets opened will be on the face of his dad!

5. Playmobil Super Set – Construction, $59.95 at Cradle Rock
We already have a few Playmobil toys and they’re absolutely brilliant – detailed, robust and designed with all sorts of clever little tricks. The boys will both have a brilliant time playing with this set, which will then live permanently at their grandparents’ house to be played with on visits.

6. Seedling ‘Design Your Own Box Kite’ Set, $36.95 at Design Child
This will be a great gift to be stashed until the school holidays seem to be dragging, at which point we’ll pull it out of the cupboard and have a fun day creating and flying!

7 & 8. Toshi Cotton Sunhat With Toggle – Safari, $33.95; Toshi Cotton Sunhat With Toggle – Surfing, $33.95 at Baby’s Got Style
The boys both need new sun hats, and these ones from Toshi are both practical and gorgeous.

9. Anamalz Crocodile, $9.95 at Ekidna Kidswear
The Anamalz toys make for fantastic stocking stuffers – the boys have one each already, which are proudly displayed on their bedside tables. I think they’d love to start adding to the collection.

10. Djeco Beasts Stickers, $4.95 at Where Did You Get That?
Djeco sticker packs are incredibly good value, and with a price this low they’re brilliant for shoving into stockings. I might even give them this pack before Christmas to help amuse them on the plane.

11. Books To Wear ‘My Shark’ PJs, $36.95 at Little Styles
We have a family tradition of all receiving a new pair of PJs on Christmas Eve (yes, Mum & Dad too) and these ones will be spot on for Master A…

12. Marquise Print PJs – Balloons, $32.95 at Little Styles
…while these ones will be perfect for Master J.

13. ‘Tails’ by Matthew Van Fleet (hardback), $14.67 at Book Depository
Matthew Van Fleet’s tactile, interactive books are absolutely brilliant for toddlers and young preschoolers. I can’t wait to read this one to him.

14. ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton (hardback), $9.88 at Book Depository
A childhood favourite of mine, it’s going to be so much fun settling in to read chapters to Master A at bedtime. This present might almost be more for me than it is for him!

15. Lilly & Lolly Scoop Bunkbed, $3,250.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
Okay, so this one is really a wish list item rather than something that will actually be under (beside?) our tree on Christmas morning. But isn’t it stunning? The boys are outgrowing their little IKEA beds, so I’ll need to look at getting them something like this before much longer – hint hint Santa!

PS: The background for today’s post comes from Bosco Bear who are making fabulous Christmas wall decals. What a great way to dress up your walls for the festive season!

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 Leah

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Team KidStyleFile are serious LEGO® addicts. Between us all we probably have enough to build an entire house from the Danish designed bricks. Of course, with such affection for this innovative product, we are somehow able to sniff out a new LEGO® product and present it to you  so you can snap it up too!

Late last year Ange brought news of Giant LEGO Storage and waged a small, yet intense, campaign for the larger-than-your-average-LEGO-brick to arrive in Australia. Guess what? They have! Giant LEGO® Bricks have arrived in Australia in a number of colours and designs! Have *stacks* of fun with this perfect storage solution and get those toys under control!

Giant LEGO® bricks can be sourced at Peter’s of Kensington and range from $12.00-$42.00 each. Read the Shipping Rates table to determine postage charges to your location (within Australia only).

Written by Edwina

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The school holidays are nearly here, and winter often provides a few school-free days for sick children, so we thought it might be a great time to bring you a selection of boredom busting activity books for kids.

Sticker books have always been a fun activity to pass the time, but this selection includes some other great books that give children lots of ideas and activities to enjoy in their own way. One of our family favourites is How to be an Explorer of the World, this is a great book full of ideas and new ways to explore the environment. My eldest son has dipped in and out of this book many times and created collections, art works and inventions inspired by the pages in the book.

Travel kits are also great for long journeys and maze books are fun for kids of all ages. The Lego Brickmaster collections are great for Lego fans and include bricks and instructions for a number of different projects.

Your kids will never be short of things to do if you grab a few of these wonderful books for your emergency kit. The Book Depository – www.bookdepository.com has got you covered with prices in our selection from $6:

1. Richard Scarry’s Big Busy Sticker & Activity Book $17.47
2. How to be an Explorer of the World $20.82
3.  52 Great Art Projects for Kids $5.97
4.  Eric Carle Animal Lacing Cards: Ten Cards and Laces $13.34
5.  Travel Activity Kit $14.67
6.  Pocket Doodline and Colouring: Holiday $9.70
7.  101 Things to Do on the Holidays $12.81
8.  Write Your Own Story Book $12.81
9.  Thomas Flintham’s Marvellous Mazes $11.20
10.  LEGO Brickmaster Castle $22.37
11.  LEGO Minifigure Ultimate Sticker Collection $13.06
12.  LEGO Star Wars Brickmaster $22.37

Book Depository ship all orders FREE, worldwide.

Post written by Anna

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Cheeki Brands – www.cheekibrands.com.au have just taken delivery of a special delivery of new designer kids wear just in time for Easter, and your eyes will pop when you see the drastically reduced prices – the Cheeki Brands bunnies must have friends in high places!! There are gorgeous new arrivals just in from Guess, BIG by Fiona Scanlan, Burberry, Chino Kids, Fiona, Lelli Kelly, OOBI Baby & Kids, Run Scotty Run, Timberland, Rhubarb, Walnut and Zaini Bambini all up to 70% off the recommended retail price.

Become a Cheeki Brands Club Member to get access to exclusive merchandise, special discounts on limited stock and updates on new arrivals. Membership is completed with your first transaction.  You may also choose to jump straight into the Cheeki Brands VIP Club which will give you an *extra* 10% discount on already reduced prices when you complete an order of $100+ before postage costs in a single transaction; some conditions apply. Cheeki Brands also run a great Invite A Friend Referral Program with great rewards.

There is extra Easter fun for you because you can receive a further 20% off the last marked price *storewide*- even on sale items up to 70% off – when you spend $75+ in one transaction at Cheeki Brands.  This special discount and is limited to one order per customer and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Enter kidstyle in the discount code section at checkout to redeem. More too, for GUESS Kids lovers: the first 20 customers that purchase from the range receive a bonus Easter OOBI gift (randomly chosen for you) and a bonus $3 credit points for use with your next order. Enter ‘Guess’ in the comments field at checkout to redeem. All offers expire on 30 May 2011.

Discounted prices below are only applicable with discount code kidstyle until 30 May 2011.

1. Guess Girl Dress with Zippers $89.95 $71.95 less 20% =$57.56
2. OOBI Red Dot bubble dress $49.95 $27.00 less 20% = $21.60
   
3. Oobi Cowboy Shirt-NAVY $34.95 $22.00 less 20% = $17.60
   
4. Guess Baby Girl Beige Blouse $49.95 $29.95 less 20% =$23.96
5. Run Scotty Run Checkmate Blazer $54.95 less 20% = $43.96
   
6. Rock Your Baby Bib L/S Sleeve Dress $29.95 $15.00 less 20% = $12.00
   
7. BIG by Fiona Scanlan Stripey Jersey dress $64.95 less 20% = $51.96
   
8. Lego Boys Boot – Navy $119.95 $69.95 less 20% = $55.96
   
9. Guess Boy SALE 2-7 years Ethnic Boy Shirt $79.95 $39.95 less 20% = $31.96
   
10. Lelli Kelly Leather trainer – Silver $99.95 $59.90 less 20 % = $47.92
    
11. FIONA Punjabi Soft Pant $79.95 $51.95 less 20% = $41.56
    
12. Guess Boy SALE 8-14 years Jean Shorts $99.95 $49.95 less 20% = $39.96
    

You will find items from this following designer portfolio at Cheeki Brands: 3 Pommes, Baby E, Bardot, Bardot Junior Baby, BIG by Fiona Scanlan, Bobbleart, Bright Bots, Burberry, Cheeki, Chino Kids, Cuddlefish, DKNY, Escada, Fiona, Frankie Ray, Guess, Happy House, Larranjinha, Lego, Lelli Kelly, Marithe Francios Girbaud, MasterChef Junior, Muchkin, OOBI Baby & Kids, Oshkosh, Ouch, Polka, Rock Your Baby, Run Scotty Run, Timberland, Walnut and Zaini Bambini.

Cheeki Brands delivery prices start at $8.50 for deliveries Australia wide via Registered Post. International deliveries are shipped via Air Mail with prices starting at $20.00. For full delivery information please see here.