KidStyleFile

Written by Miki

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

One of my kids’ favourite toys is a large wooden truck that used to belong to their dad when he was a little boy.  This truck was made by my husband’s uncle about forty years ago, and it is big enough for one of my kids to sit on while the other pulls or pushes his brother along.  Parents who visit us and see their children enjoying the truck often ask me where they can get something just like it – something big, robust and handmade with love and old-fashioned craftsmanship.  I point them straight towards Monty & Franks – www.montyandfranks.com.au.

Named in memory of the owners’ grandfathers and operating out of little workshops in Geelong and Ballarat, Monty & Frank’s Designer Toy Co. is everything a traditional toy manufacturer should be.  Everything they produce is made in Australia, from the initial concept design, right through to crafting and decorating the end result. The company is also careful to keep their practices sustainable; timber is sourced from plantations wherever possible, and two trees are planted for every product purchased.

Have a look through the Monty & Frank’s online store and you’ll see why so many people are raving about it.  Of particular note are the Express Ride-On Train (which includes building blocks in the carriage) and the Little Red Rocking Horse; both which must be way up there on the list of special presents for toddlers this Christmas.  I also know more than a few little boys who’d go stir-crazy over the Classic Red Racing Car!  The Monty & Frank’s range of toy storage is great too; stylish, solid and customisable with different shapes to complement your child’s bedroom or playroom.

Join the Monty & Frank’s Club to receive a FREE $20 voucher to put towards any purchase of $150 or more within the next 12 months, plus 50% off their custom colour service, express courier service for all online orders, optional pickup service (Melbourne only), advanced notice of sales and special offers and priority ordering on new release toys and furniture!  Simply enter your email address in the top right hand corner of their website.  Be sure to place your order before 18 November 2011 to ensure delivery in time for Christmas – remember, this is a boutique workshop and demand is high.

1. Classic Red Racing Car, $595.00
2. Mighty Toy Chest – Shapes (Pink Heart), $395.00
3. Mighty Toy Box – Boys, $295.00
4. Mighty Toy Chest – Shapes (Red Rocket), $395.00
5. Mighty Big Toy Chest – Shapes (Pink Bird), $495.00

Monty & Franks offer FREE shipping Australia wide. International shipping can be arranged with charges calculated as you complete your order and check-out. For full shipping information, including expected delivery times please see ‘Shipping’.

Written by Anna

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

With much delight, Angela recently bought you news of a wonderful new Australian kids’ toy and furniture maker Monty & Frank’s – www.montyandfranks.com. I skipped over to see for myself, and now I see why she was raving so!  At Monty & Frank’s the Aussie flag is flown very high. For each and every piece, the Monty & Frank’s team lovingly handle every aspect of the production process: right from the initial concept design, fabrication, assembly, through to the individual painting and decoration of each item… all on Australian soil.

Their stunning range of kids’ furniture and toys are made to be enjoyed for a long time, by lots of little people. There are toy boxes and chests made as sturdy homes for all your child’s special play things and tables and chairs made for them to sit at and let their imaginations run wild. Last but certainly not least there are the gorgeous ride-ons and rockers which, in my opinion, are the highlight of all Monty & Frank’s designs.

You can see below the M&F Express Train and the classic style of the Rocking Horse, but I really (like really, really) think that the Classic Red’ Rocking Racing Car is going to be a *big* hit with little boys everywhere this Christmas!

It’s really pleasing to know that every piece produced by Monty & Frank’s has been made from plantation timber. Even more pleasing is knowing  that Monty & Frank’s Tree Planting Initiative ensure that two little trees are planted in light of your purchase, and are now growing up proudly for a sustainable future. Love that!

If, like me, you’re looking at the fabulous Monty & Frank’s range for Christmas this year, it will certainly be worth your while to join the Monty & Frank’s Club. It’s FREE to join: simply enter your email address in the top right hand corner of their website and receive a $20 voucher to spend in-store*, plus 50% off their custom colour service, express courier service for all online orders, optional pickup service (Melbourne only), advanced notice of sales and special offers and priority ordering on new release toys and furniture. Place your order by 11 November 2011 to guarantee delivery before Christmas. *Please note your voucher is valid on purchases of $150 or more and must be redeemed within 12 months of joining the M&F Club.

ONE. ‘Mighty’ Toy Box – Girls $295.00
TWO. ‘Mighty’ Toy Box – Boys $295.00
THREE. ‘Classic Red’ Rocking Racing Car $595.00
FOUR. ‘M&F Express’ Ride On Train $195.00
FIVE. ‘Little Polly’ Rocking Horse $595.00
SIX. ‘Mighty’ Toy Chest $395.00

Monty & Franks offer FREE shipping Australia wide. International shipping can be arranged with charges calculated as you complete your order and check-out. For full shipping information, including expected delivery times please see ‘Shipping’.

Written by Angela

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Every time I see the statement ‘Made in Australia’ alongside a product of any kind my respect, and as often as possible my spending dollar, goes out to the maker. It’s not easy to make things in Australia: labour costs are high (thanks to proper wages and conditions for workers) and the cost of quality materials also attracts a higher price, meaning that there’s not the opportunity for profit that comes with off-shore mass production….which means less people take the risk of making here.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Shining through comes Monty & Frank’s – www.montyandfranks.com – a new kid’s toy and furniture maker who designs and produces every stunning piece by hand in their workshop in Geelong, Victoria.

Their remarkable rocking horses, ride-on trains, table and chair sets, toy boxes (*real* toy boxes, big enough to hold a child’s full complement of playthings) and building blocks will take you back to your own childhood with their beauty and quality. I love Monty & Frank’s old-fashioned attitude to customer service, where we come first: custom colours are available on their products and they ship free of charge, Australia-wide. Although I adore their nostalgic edge, I am happy to say that Monty & Frank’s are thoroughly modern in their care for the environment, using plantation timber to craft their creations and planting two trees for every purchase made. Love your work, Monty & Frank’s!

Join the Monty & Frank’s Club by entering your email address in the top right hand corner of their website and receive a $20 voucher to spend in-store, plus 50% off their custom colour service, express courier service for all online orders, optional pickup service (Melbourne only), advanced notice of sales and special offers and priority ordering on new release toys and furniture. Place your order by 11 November 2011 to guarantee delivery before Christmas.