KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…

No, before you say it, I have not hit my head and forgotten what time of year it is. I know full well that we’re in the middle of July, but I also know that starting today is the indescribably fantastic ‘Christmas In July’ Toy Sale at Where Did You Get That? – www.wheredidyougetthat.com.au.

Toni and Melony have gone all festive (too much winter eggnog?) – so much so that they’ve decided to give us a code which takes 20% off everything in their Toys & Games, Outdoor Toys and Craft sections. The code is ‘STASH-TOYS’, and it expires at midnight, 21 July 2009, so you don’t have a huge amount of time for running amok at this sale – dash on over.

It makes sense to buy now to put away for the kids for Christmas, and also any birthdays in the latter half of the year. Prices like this on top quality toys – we’re talking Radio Flyer, Djeco, Crazy Forts, Bella Tunno, Deglingos, Le Toy Van and Folkmanis – don’t come around too often.

I’m willing to bet that you’ll never find a better price on the Radio Flyer Ranger Wagon than at WDYGT – with the 20% discount it’s gone from $249.95 way down to $176.00! The Radio Flyer Wagon is a brilliant toy for both inside (makes a gorgeous and portable toy storage unit) and outside, and the kids will get years and years of use out of it. I’m also a big fan of the Radio Flyer My First Scooter, as it’s one of the only scooters on the market – and easily the coolest! – designed for littlies from 2 years.

For active imaginative play you cannot beat Crazy Forts, a giant Tinker Toy set that is infinitely configurable and endless fun – just add a bedsheet to your creation for an instant cubby house, rocket, tunnel and much more!  

In the art and craft department WDYGT? stocks a huge range of Djeco sets, as well as roleplay toys and puzzles from this prestigious French brand.

I’ve just returned from Paris, the home of Djeco, and I made sure to go to one of Paris’ most famous toy shops to check out Djeco products on their home turf. I can safely say that WDYGT’s range rivals even what can be found in Paris – brilliant news for Australian families as it’s one of the best brands in the world for children’s indoors activities.

Whether you’re after roleplay toys, a puzzle, a stained glass art kit, a stamping kit, mosaics, stencils or just some basic art supplies, there are multiple Djeco items to choose from and even there I’m only scratching the surface. Toni & Melony’s prices are fantastic too, even before the 20% discount, and after -  well!!

Have a glance at my hot picks below to get an idea of the brilliant toys and activities on sale here, and then get shopping!  And a very merry midyear Christmas to you!

Prices quoted below are applicable until midnight 21 July 2009 with code ‘STASH-TOYS’.

1. Radio Flyer Ranger Wagon, $249.95 $220.00 $176.00
2. Ivy Leaguer Laminated Play Smock, $49.95 $39.95 $31.96
3. Djeco Hansel & Gretel Silhouette Puzzle, $28.60 $22.88
4. Deglingos ‘Nonos’ The Dog, $59.95 $47.96
5. Radio Flyer My First Scooter – Pink, $149.95 $119.96 (also available in red)
6. Djeco Knights Stamping Set, $24.95 $19.96
7. Ocean Discovery Puzzle, $38.50 $30.80
8. Crazy Forts Construction Toy, $89.95 $71.96
9. Djeco Watercolour Workshop, $39.60 $31.68

Where Did You Get That? stocks a huge range from the following designers: Aden + Anais, BabyMoov Bebedelice and Lovenest, Bella Tunno, Bod and Bod for Bubs hair and skin-care, Coco Boheme, Coo Clocks, Deglingos, Djeco, eco.kid,  Enchanted Faeries figurines, Girls 4 Sport swimwear, Goorin Borthers, Lelli Kelly, Moppit, Morgan & Milo, Opal London, Pink + Blue Yummy Mummy, Star & Rose, Tea Collection, Thermos, Tommy Rocket, Tooli, Two Belles, Zid Zid Kids, and Woolbabe sleeping bags.

Where Did You Get That? charge a flat rate of $7.95 for standard postage Australia-wide.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Have you noticed what I’ve been noticing when you go to the supermarket?  Yep, it’s that time of year again – Easter is on its way and chocolate is everywhere!

Now, I’m never one to complain about chocolate being everywhere (oh my, isn’t that my fondest dream!), but Easter gifts can take all sorts of shapes and forms, and chocolate is only one of them. Keep in mind also that too much chocolate for the kids isn’t necessarily a good idea.

So here are some ideas from the inspirational Where Did You Get That? – www.wheredidyougetthat.com.au – which are so awesome that they’ll distract you from the chocolate cravings for a while, and I know that’s saying a lot!

First of all, how about a Radio Flyer wagon?  The kids will work off all their sugar-hit energy giving each other rides up and down the driveway, and the wagon can haul all their other Easter loot around.  Radio Flyer wagons are so sturdy that you’ll get years – possibly even decades! – of use out of it.

Radio Flyer also have really great scooters for little ones, and they come in a choice of racy red or pretty pink. This is another good way to help the kids burn off some of that sugar hit.

Toni and Melony at WDYGT? have stocked up on the totally adorable Deglingos ‘Lapinos’ bunnies as well.  Absolutely perfect for a lasting, adorable, whimsical Easter gift, these little guys just make me want to pick them up and cuddle them.  Actually, the same goes for the whole Degingos range, I love it!

With Easter comes school holidays, which in turn means a lot of time during which parents must entertain the kids.  And has anyone else noticed that the Easter holidays usually involve at least a few days of rain?  Rain – in moderation – is wonderful, but it does mean finding inside activities for the kids.  I recommend Djeco craft kits which are hours of fun.

The Animal Mosaics are especially great: kids will love putting together the four mosaics inside each box, and will be proud as punch of the finished designs!  Plus Toni & Melony managed to get a great price on a bulk order of Djeco Mosaics which means the savings are being passed on to us.

Now because they love us, Toni & Melony are giving KidStyleFile readers 10% off store-wide*!  Yep, that includes sale prices which means that summer clothing is down to around 50% off for Tea Collection, Tommy Rocket and Two Belles! Just enter ‘KSF-Easter’ at checkout. This offer is valid until 5 April 2009. *Excludes Gift Vouchers.

Don’t forget that you can take an extra 10% off the prices below until April 5, 2009. Simply enter ‘KSF-Easter’ at checkout to redeem.

1. Radio Flyer Ranger Wagon, $249.95 $220.00
2. Deglingoes ‘Lapinos’ The Bunny, $59.95
3. Goorin Kids Little Darling Herringbone Cabbie, $39.95
4. Djeco Animal Mosaics, $26.95
5. Goorin Kids Bottle Rocket Elephant Ear Beanie, $24.95
6. Tea Collection Bandiagara Stripe Knit Shirt – Cinnabar, $39.95 $23.97
7. Tommy Rocket Green Check Shirt, $54.95 $32.97
8. Two Belles Minnie Mouse Dress, $49.95 $29.97
9. Tea Collection Tango Silk Dress, $130.00 $78.00
10. Radio Flyer ‘My First Scooter’ – Pink, $149.95 (also available in red)
11. Girls 4 Sport Green/Lime/Periwinkle Long Sleeve Rashguard, $34.95 $24.46

Where Did You Get That? stocks a huge range from the following designers: Aden + Anais, BabyMoov Bebedelice and Lovenest, Bella Tunno, Bod and Bod for Bubs hair and skin-care, Coco Boheme, Coo Clocks, Deglingos, Djeco, eco.kid,  Enchanted Faeries figurines, Girls 4 Sport swimwear, Goorin Borthers, Lelli Kelly, Moppit, Morgan & Milo, Opal London, Pink + Blue Yummy Mummy, Star & Rose, Tea Collection, Thermos, Tommy Rocket, Tooli, Two Belles, Zid Zid Kids, and Woolbabe sleeping bags.

Please note: look for the Redeem Discount Coupon section at Where Did You Get That’s? checkout: this is where you need to pop your discount code.

Where Did You Get That? charge a flat rate of $7.95 for standard postage Australia-wide.

There’s something truly iconic about the Radio Flyer Red Wagon. It conjures up 50’s movies and perfectly groomed American housewives bearing piping hot trays of fresh-baked cookies, while kids play in the yard, towing treasures, and each other about, the wagon being a horse, a boat, and a train, in turn.

The glamour of times past may have faded, but the Radio Flyer wagons have endured, a timeless American icon, that has thrilled children endlessly, and been passed from generation to generation for over 90 years.

As well as continuing to make these classic toys – perfect for Christmas: imagine them sitting there, under the tree piled with gifts – magic! – Radio Flyer have diversified into a range of other cool vehicles, including the gorgeous retro-styled scooters, which deliver the optimal ride for little people through their considered design. These clever toys are parent friendly too: they fold down with the press of a button, making storage a breeze.

You can buy Radio Flyer Ranger Wagons and Scooters from Where Did You Get That? – www.wheredidyougetthat.com.au – 15% below RRP.

You can also purchase a cover for your wagon (sold separately). Made by WagonWare, these are great for summer protection, and for transforming your Wagon into a  mini-cubby!

As an aside, I have it on good authority that Toni from Where Did You Get That? tows her kids to school every day in their Radio Flyer Wagon: what a cool Mum!!!

Radio Flyer Ranger Red Wagon $199.00 $169.00
WagonWare Wagon Cover $59.95

Radio Flyer ‘My First Scooter in Pink $129.95 $119.00
Radio Flyer ‘My First Scooter in Red $129.95 $119.00

While I’ve got you, there are a few other things of importance that you need to know are happening at WDYGT? right now. Check 1, 2, 3, 4…

1. Specials up to 50% off Brands include Lelli Kelly, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Djeco, Pink + Blue Yummy Mummy

2. Christmas specials Items that have been reduced especially for the Christmas season Zid Zid Kids Babuches are back in stock – yay! – and they’re in this category 10% off!! Snap up the new colours, exclusive to WDYGT?: white, orange and fuchsia (see pics below to go ooh, and ahh!)

3. Stocking Stuffers Everything in this category is under $30.00

4. And one last extra special thing: you can get 25% off clothes and shoes* at WDYGT? until 30 November (*excluding items on sale, or already discounted) items with the code  ‘KSF-25′. *Hello*, Daily Tea, Tea Collection, and Morgan and Milo.

Race on over, stylish and savvy shoppers!

Zid Zid Kids Babuches $49.95 $44.95 per pair

Where Did You Get That? stocks a huge range from the following designers: Aden + Anais, BabyMoov Bebedelice and Lovenest, Bella Tunno, Bod and Bod for Bubs hair and skin-care, Coco Boheme, Coo Clocks, Deglingos, Djeco, eco.kid, Girls 4 Sport swimwear, Lelli Kelly, Moppit, Morgan & Milo, Opal London, Pink + Blue Yummy Mummy, Star & Rose, Tea Collection, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, and Zid Zid Kids, Enchanted Faeries figurines and Woolbabe sleeping bags.

Where Did You Get That? charge a flat rate of $7.95 for standard postage Australia-wide.

Oh-ho-ho! You are going to *love* this one! This week, Miki showcases a fantastic range of toys for babies and kids from birth to 6 years up. Whether you’re looking for a gift, or for a rainy day activity, your problems are solved with this great selection. Enjoy!

Next week’s Weekend Special Feature: Decor and Accessories

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Starting off with the aptly named The Hip Infant www.thehipinfant.com.au, there was so much choice that I decided I had to focus just on baby toys if I was to do any of it justice. Don’t for a second think that this is all The Hip Infant have though!

All babies love rattles as soon as they learn to grasp and focus, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the Hip Stuff Mini Maracas in Green, $6.50, which are a big favourite in our household. So hardy too; ours should have broken long ago with the kind of treatment they get, but there isn’t even a chip in the paint!

There are also the exquisite Alimrose Handsqueeker Japanese Doll, $15.95 – so sweet!

Personally, I’m coveting the Heimess Pram String ‘Teddybears’, $39.95 – I love the teddy bears! – and what little surfer wouldn’t love to drift off gazing at the Tiger Tribe Mobile ‘Surf’, $29.95?

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Kids Gift List – www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - stock a great range of toys for all ages. I focussed on wooden toys for pre-schoolers this time but believe me, it was hard to tear myself away from everything else they have!

Now firstly I thought the KGL Russian Doll Set in Dark Blue, $12.90 for set of five was just gorgeous. There are a number of different colour and design options, and KGL advertises them as the perfect present for a little girl which I absolutely agree with. Very affordable too!

I giggled at the Bowl Me Over Penguin Set, $19.95; what a great ‘rainy day’ indoors activity!

But my jaw dropped when I found the Exciting Zoo, $124.95. Have a close look I’m sure you’ll see why. What an amazing toy set!

Finally, Angela will never forgive me if I don’t mention her favourite, the KGL Combi in Peace Red, $9.95 (available in a multitude of colours). She claims that her daughters play with the Combi, but I think she secretly keeps it for herself…

You can take 15% off these prices using the discount code in this month’s My Child magazine – for more info click here.

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If, like many parents, you wish your school-aged kids would spend less time playing video games and more time doing something creative, then head straight over to ShopHouse – www.shophouse.com.au.

Now, I must mention the Little Kitchen sets first. ShopHouse are offering 20% off the entire range, and I can’t think of a better range of products to get kids interested in cooking. After all, the love of cooking can be instilled at a young age and if you play your cards right, you could have the kids cooking gourmet dinners before too long! (Well, I can dream…) Little Kitchen Boy’s Apron and Utensil Set, $49.95 $29.97.

For the budding artistes there are the ‘Build-It’ and ‘Create-It’ kits: boys and girls alike will love the range of designs here, and imagine how proud they’ll be to take their creations along to Show & Tell!

Don’t forget the extra 15% discount you can apply with the My Child discount code!

Create-It Picture Frame Kit, $16.95; Build-It Rocket Kit, $16.95; Create-It Prima Ballerina Kit, $16.95;

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Finally, Send-A-Toy – www.sendatoy.com.au- famous for their great deals on Wheely Bugs.

As a specialist online toy store they have an immense range, and I found it nigh on impossible to narrow it down enough to find products to feature in here.

That said, I did think the PINTOY Wooden Toys ‘My Little House’ ($164.00) was a stand-out. Feminine but funky and with a clever open-sided layout that allows more than one child at a time to play with it, it comes complete with furniture and two dolls; excellent value.

The Djeco Creanimaux Farm Stacking Blocks ($49.90) are also a great concept – create six ‘normal’ animals or mix-and-match to invent your own critters! Cool!

Crocodile Creek do beautifully made, resilient toys, of which a prime example are the Crocodile Creek Colorama Balls ($16.90 each). Once you’ve had one you’ll realise that no playground or back yard is complete without it.

And last but certainly not least, may I present to you the totally fab, retro-rockin’ Radio Flyer Retro Dual Dual Deck Tricycle ($159.90) just perfect for encouraging toddler independence!

Please check individual sites for shipping details.

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