KidStyleFile

Written by Miki

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One company getting onboard the Chinese ‘Year of the Dragon’ is Trunki – www.trunki.co.uk – makers of our favourite little ride-on kids’ suitcases and other inspired children’s travel products. They’ve released a special edition Dragon Trunki to commemorate the occasion, and I’m delighted to introduce him to you today.

Regular KidStyleFile readers will need no introduction to the joys of having a Trunki when you travel with 2-6 year olds; they’re a carry-on suitcase, a ride-on toy and a method of transporting children all in one and believe me, are an absolute life saver in airports. I flew with my children a few times over the Christmas period, and our Trunkis may in fact have saved our sanity.

To complement Dragon Trunki, the company has also released a special edition Dragon SnooziHedz, which is a product just as ingenious as the Trunki itself. To quote the website, “SnooziHedz is the ultimate travel essential for the car, plane, train or even a space ship! The 3 in 1 travel pal. The cute character simply unzips to reveal an inflatable insert for the pillow and a plush fleece blanket, ensuring little ones are comfy and warm from head to toe. The blanket also features a pocket for teddy to take some shut-eye too.”

Dragon Trunki and SnooziHedz are available for pre-order in the UK, and haven’t yet made it to our shores here in Australia.  That said, watch this space! We’ll be sure to tell you as soon as they arrive.

Written by Miki

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It’s sale time at Design Child – www.designchild.com.au – and smart buyers will be flocking over to load up their shopping carts with all sorts of delightful and discounted goodies, ready to tuck them away for next summer or restock their kids’ wardrobes for the remainder of this one.  The sale racks are overflowing, so follow me and I’ll guide you through some of the very best bargains to be bagged!

First of all, have a look at how much Oobi can be found in the Sale Section. The Oobi Ava Hat in Apple print is utterly adorable, and can be worn for all-important sun protection year-round, and have you seen the incredible Rusulka Tulle Dresses, such as this one in scarlet? For boys I love the classic Bert tees, especially this one in black & green.  It will look just as cute layered over a long-sleeve tee in winter as it would worn with shorts in summer.

There’s plenty more in the Sale Section besides Oobi, such as a great selection of Purebaby and Purebaby KIDS. The Fabrik Island Dress is hard to go past, as are the Walnut Ballet Flats in Bright Stripes. With winter approaching I love the Purebaby Navy Stripe Jumper for its classic simplicity – plus Purebaby clothes are always so snuggly.

You can take an *extra 15% off sale items* until midnight 7 February 2012, just enter the code TAKE15KSF in the coupon field at checkout!  Plus there’s a bonus offer: For every $50 spent on Oobi products, you’ll receive a $5 Oobi Dollar voucher to redeem between 1 March – 30 April 2012.  In other words, spend $50 on Oobi and receive a $5 Oobi Dollar Voucher, spend $100 on Oobi products and receive a $10 Oobi Dollar voucher and so on.  You’ll need to enter the code OOBI$ in the comments field at checkout by midnight 7 February 2012 to redeem this offer.

Special note – please note orders won’t be shipped until Monday 4 February 2012.

Discounted prices listed below are available with code TAKE15KSF until midnight AEST 7 February 2012.

one. Oobi Bert Tee – Red & Blue, Was $29.95 Reduced to $20.97 Take another 15% = $17.80; Oobi Ben Hat – Red & Navy, Was $24.95 Reduced to $17.47 Take another 15% = $14.87; Oobi Teddy Short – Red & Navy, Was $34.95 Reduced to $24.47 Take another 15% = $20.80; Walnut Cruise Shoe – Red & Navy, Was $29.95 Reduced to $23.95 Take another 15% = $20.35
two. Oobi Shrug – Pink, Was $19.95 Reduced to $15.95 Take another 15% = $13.56; Oobi Amelia Dress – Apple, Was $39.95 Reduced to $27.97 Take another 15% = $23.78; Walnut Mary Janes – Red, Was $29.95 Reduced to $23.95 Take another 15% = $20.36
three. Trunki – Freddie The Fire Engine, Was $89.00 Reduced to $71.20 Take another 15% = $60.52
four. Oobi Amelia Pop Dot Dress, Was $39.95 Reduced to $27.97 Take another 15% = $23.78
five.  Uber French Houses Purse, Was $10.95 Reduced to $9.95 Take another 15% = $8.46
six. Cocoon Couture Cheeky Squirrel Wall Hook, $89.95 Take 15% = $76.45
seven. Urban Nest Canvas Print – Babushkas, Was $37.95 Reduced to $25.81 Take another 15% = $21.94
eight. DwellStudio Toucan Wooden Puzzle, Was $20.95 Reduced to $18.95 Take another 15% = $16.15
nine. Sparkle T Cupcake Patisserie Stand, Was $58.95 Reduced to $51.95 Take 15% = $44.25

Design Child stocks a huge range of products from the following brands: aden + anais • Alannah Rose • Alfie & Nina• Alimrose Designs • And Me Too • Automoblox • b.box • Baby Bloch • Baby Bonkie • Baby Couture • Baby Legs • Banter & Frolic • Belle & Boo • Bluebelle• Bluebird and Honey • Boon • Caden Lane • Cocoon Couture • Cupcake Wrapper Co. • Design Child • Dushi • DwellStudio • Ebulobo • eeBoo • Fabrik • Felt Creations • Flipsy Flopsy Doll Company • Giddy Giddy • Hape • Huckleberry Lane• Il Tutto • Inner-B • Kids Konserve • Lark & Friends • Little Chipipi • Little Choopie • Love Henry • Love Me Baby • Lunch Punch • Made By Angie •Mamas & Papas • mOmma • Monster Couture • More 4 Boys • Mudpuppy • Neige • Nurtured By Nature • Olive’s Friend Pop • OTi • Pediped • Peggy • Princess Ratbag• Printspace • Purebaby • Red Plum Linen• Robbie Adrian • Sambellina • Seagull• Seed Organic • Seedling • Sooki Baby • Soopsori • Stella Cove • Three Little Trees • Ubabub • Urban Nest Designs • Vulli • Walnut.

Design Child charge a flat rate of $7.50 postage for regular post, $9.50 for express post. International shipping is very welcome. See the Ordering & Delivery page for full information.

Post written by Miki

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You know what time of year it is, don’t you. It’s time for all of us who have kinder or school-aged children to start getting them ready for the new school year – especially exciting for those who have children starting for the first time! By now you’ve probably received lists of the supplies their school or kinder wants them to have, and the basic list will look something like this: 1 x backpack, 1 x lunchbox or lunch bag, 1 x drink bottle, 1 x library and/or swimming bag, 1 x pencil case and, in the case of preschoolers, 1 x set of naptime linen.

The place to go for all of the above is Haggus and Stookles – www.haggusandstookles.com.au - where you’ll find an excellent range of back to school gear to choose from. Take backpacks, for example – there are no fewer than 67 backpacks available from quality brands such as Bobble Art, Tiger Tribe, Stephen Joseph, Allerhand, Skiphop, LittleLife and Kiddysac, which means you will have no trouble whatsoever choosing something perfect for your kid.  Sit them down at the computer and get them to help choose; my kids love doing this! The wide range of choice available continues through drink bottles, pencil cases, library and swimming bags and bag tags (don’t let your lovely new purchases get lost!).  You’re also spoiled for choice when it comes to lunch boxes and lunch bags.  Some parents prefer the traditional lunch box style – how cute are the Yubo ones? While others like an insulated lunch bag with individual containers inside it, but whichever way you swing you’ll find plenty to choose from. Fridge To Go insulated lunch bags are the standout for keeping food cold, so if you live in an especially hot part of Australia you might like to choose one of these.  Tweens, teens and even hip mamas will love the Built NY Gourmet Getaway insulated lunch bags, and the fantastic Fit & Fresh range is also a winner.

Last of all, those of you with little ones will need to check out sheet sets for nap time. You have a few choices here, such as a colourful fitted and flat sheet in a drawstring bag from Kiddysac, or the Kozy Koala, an all-in-one padded sleeping mat with attached top sheet and pillow and a removable blanket.

Best of all, KidStyleFile readers can take 10% off store-wide at Haggus and Stookles until 9 February 2012 – just enter kidstylefile at checkout to redeem your discount. Don’t forget to check out the sale section for super savings of up to 60% off!

1. Tiger Tribe Drawstring Bag – Tools, $19.95 less 10% = $17.95; Bobble Art Kids Swimming/Library Bag – Multi Heart, $24.95 less 10% = $22.45
2. Stephen Joseph Kids Backpack – Watermelon, $39.95 less 10% = $35.95; Tiger Tribe Kids Backpack – Guitar, $31.95 less 10% = $28.75
3. Cubeo School Bag Organiser, $19.95 less 10% = $17.95; Stephen Joseph Kids Bag Tag – Shark, $11.95 less 10% = $10.75
4. Trunki Kids Pencil Cases, $14.95ea less 10% = $13.45; Bobble Art Kids Barrel Pencil Case – Rocket, $14.95 less 10% = $13.45
5. Fit & Fresh 1 Cup Chilled Snack Container, $4.95ea less 10% = $4.45ea; Dabbawalla Insulated Lunch Bag – Cute As A Bug, $39.95 less 10% = $35.95; Fit & Fresh 2 Cup Kids Chilled Snack Container, $6.95ea less 10% = $6.25ea
6. Cheeki Stainless Steel Drink Bottle ‘Back To School’ Set – Girls, $35.90 less 10% = $32.31; Thermos Funtainer Straw Bottle – Action, $21.95 less 10% = $19.75

Haggus & Stookles stock an array of products to make your life out and about with kids a breeze, including: 4 My Earth; Aden & Anais; Adore-A-View; aka Pipik; Alex Toys; Allergy free passports; Allerhand; AllyKat; Amadeus; Annabel Karmel; Annabel Trends; Baa Baa Blind; Baby Mel; Baby Nation;  Baby Sherpa; Baby U; BabyWedge; Bags & Boxes; Bazoonai Kids; Bebe au Lait; Bella Tunno; Bobble Art/Rush; Boo Boo Buddy; Brolly Sheets; Bubbaroo; Built NY; Chick Pea; Dad Gear; Danish by Design/Minui; Design Go; Djeco; Dripstik; Drop Buddy; Easyfeed; Ellaroo; Envriosax; Envirotrend; Fit & Fresh; Fridge to Go; Gaia Skin Naturals; Go Home Junior; Goldbug; Goober Baby; High Road; Houdini Stop; Hurphy Durphy; Infantino; Infoband; Innate; Irony Homewares; JazSlings; Jelly Cat; Kaboodle Bags; Kiddysac; KidsAlert; Kipiis; Kozy Koala; Kozyepi; Littlelife; Lollipop Monkey; Longitude 151; Made by Mums; Medibuddy; Melissa & Doug; Moochie-Mo; Munchee Mug; My Little Seat; myBagTag; olli&pop; OnTray; Oobi; Petit Jour Paris; Pigeon; Playgro; Pure Wipes; Scrunch; SIGG; Skip Hop; Snug as a Bug; Stick ‘n Go; Storksak; Stuffit; Swan & Sparrow; Tantrums; Tatyourtot; The Bag Tag Studio; The Mummy Hook; Thermos; Tiger Tribe; Trunki; Vanchi; Woobee

Postage and handling at Haggus & Stookles starts at $1.00. Express post within Australia and International registered post are available. Insurance is optional. See the Haggus & Stookles site for more details.

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.

Post written by Miki

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When I was a little girl, my family moved from an old 1920s bungalow to a modern brick & tile house. This was significant for me – you see, it was two weeks before Christmas and the new house had no chimneys or fireplaces. How on earth was Santa going to get in? I fretted over it for the entire two weeks before Christmas (my parents only found this out recently, much to their astonishment). Thankfully on Christmas morning I discovered that Santa had managed to squirm his way in to the house somehow. If I’d had a Lil Christmas Door from Little Fairy Doors, I wouldn’t have worried. These magical little doors are perfect for homes that don’t have chimneys – Santa can just magically pop in through the miniature door when he arrives to fill the stockings and put the presents under the tree. Available at Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au – I think these little doors are a brilliant idea and really add some Christmas whimsy to any home.

Metro Mum also has loads of other goodies just perfect for Christmas. Take the KidKraft Backyard Sandpit for example. It is big enough at 1.1m squared for several children to dig happily in, and it has a jaunty striped canopy overhead to protect delicate skin from sunburn. Imagine the hours upon hours of fun the kids could have with this installed in the back yard! I also know for a fact that the BIG Bobby Car with Trailer would make my 2yo more excited than he’d ever been before in his life; with the high weight capacity he could even take his older brother for a ride in the trailer.

There are some brilliant special offers happening at Metro Mum right now; here are some of the extra special ones:

1. The Tidybooks Bookcases, Bunk Buddies and Book Boxes are 30% off, but strictly only until 27 November 2011.
   
2. All ride-on toys are 10% off until 30 November 2011, including Y-Bike, Wishbone, ooMoo, Trunki and more.
   
3. Buy any easel and receive a FREE Micador Painting Kit valued at $10.
   
4. And lastly, buy any cot or crib from Incy Interiors, Oeuf, Nurseryworks, Touchwood or Cariboo and receive a FREE Anstel Deluxe Double Spring Inner Mattress valued at $169.95.
   
5. Ooh, and do go through the four Metro Mum sale categories (for Mums, Dads, Kids and Babies) to find bargains at up to half price!

And just to put the cherry on top, Metro Mum’s Great Christmas Giveaway is now on with over $2,400 in prizes on offer, including an Incy Interiors Rupert Cot and Egg Chair!  You don’t even need to purchase anything to enter – see here for the competition details.

1. Trunki Ride On Kids Suitcases – Trunkisaurus, $89.00 less 10% = $80.10
2. Tidy Books Bunk Bed Buddy, $125.00 less 30% = $88.00; Tidy Books Children’s Bookcase, $299.00 less 30% = $209.30
3. ooMoo Pinkalicious Balance Bike, $165.00 less 10% = $148.50; ooMoo F1 Balance Bike, $165.00 less 10% = $148.50
4. Deluxe Wood Easel With Blackboard, $249.00
5. BIG Bobby Car + Trailer, $240.00 less 10% = $216.00
6. KidKraft Backyard Sandpit with Striped Sunshade, $249.00
7. Lil Fairy Doors Christmas Door, $38.00 
8. Oeuf Sparrow Cot + FREE Cot Mattress, $1,199.00 

Metro Mum stock from the following brands: Hess-Spielzeug, Allerhand, Annabel Trends, Babymoov, Babymel, Baby Steps 123, Baufix, Babywedge, Bilibo, Bloom Baby, Boyle, Britt, BubbaMat, Bud by Design Room, BusyBee Friends, Caden Lane, Cariboo NZ, Compendium, DadGear, DanishbyDesign, David Fussenegger, Dwink Box, Ebulobo, Ellaroo, Ellie Bellie, Elodie Details, Emotion & Kids, Fatboy The Original, Fertile Mind, FLATOUTbears, Foogo by Thermos, FunPod, Giimmo, Happy Mais, Hello Babe, Il Tutto, IntelliGender®, Isoki, Kanoe, Kiddie Food Kutter, Kids Kitchen, KidsonRoof, Kipiis, Language Littles, Learning Tower, Leander, Leisure Learning, Lilbird, Little Beetle, Little Kitchen, Little Sprowtz, LittleOneBaby, Luna Lullaby, Lupi Lu, Melobaby, Metro Mum, Mia Bossi, Milk & Tickles, MilkBar, Mini Bilibo, Minimonkey, Mishi Design, Mojo, Mokopuna, Mothers Minder, Munchee Mug, My Plate-Mate, Nest, Nuance, Nurseryworks, Ocho, Oeuf, OnTray2Go, Oti, Paper Eskimo, PeeWee & PooToo, Playsam, Prego Planner, PuggyHouse, Qtees, Scout, Seed Organic, Snugabub, Storksak, Totem, Trunki, VisualGram, Vulli, Wall Candy and Zuny.

Metro Mum use Fastaway Couriers and Australia Post for delivery.  Total delivery cost will be calculated at checkout.  For estimated delivery times, international orders and all the ‘how to’ information see here.

Post written by Angela

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I love the unique; that category of things of which there is nothing quite else like them. Boutique design store Yooneek – www.yooneek.com.au – had brought together a whole bunch of unique designed products into the one location in their fab store. Stocked with great products for kids as well as a lovely range of homewares and accessories for grown-ups this is without a doubt a one-stop shop for Christmas gifting. Scope the brands list and you’ll see just what I mean: Automoblox, Bilibo, Boon, Bucket ina bag, Candela, Danny Cheung, Dekoop, DesignByThem, Doorganizer, Dosh, Driinn, Flux, Innermost, Isa Toys, Joseph Joseph, Kidsonroof, Kipiis, KOR ONE, Lamy, Magppie, mysmartpac, Nanda Home, Nuance, Pension Fur Produkte, Playsam, Plus D, Pulpo, Raplapla, Spike, Tea Forte, The Laundry Bag, The Teaspot, Travelpac Design, Trendform, Trunki, Wall Candy, Wetnoz, Wheely Bug and Wild and Wolf.

Yooneek are currently having a pre-Christmas sale with up to 50% off the RRP of selected brands across all departments, while stocks last. Prices are as marked until 20 December 2010. On sale are iconic brands like Wheely Bug, Active People Bilibo, Automoblox and Totem. Don’t miss this!!

Of particular note at Yooneek right now is the extensive range of Trunki ride-on suitcases and new add-on products. Trunki Terrence, Tipu, Trixie, Bernard and Harley are all in stock and you can now purchase extras for your Trunki of choice – holsters, saddle bags, tote bags, washbags, pencil cases and the ingenious sticker packs, which allow your child to give his or her Trunki even more personality. Trunki is one of my all time favourite products for kids and I highly recommend you add one to your kit if you’re planning any kind of travel this summer.

Special for KSF readers.  Receive a free Trunki sticker pack valued at $6.95 with every Trunki suitcase purchase, while stocks last, until 20 December 2010.  Enter KidStyleFile in the “where did you find us?” section at checkout when placing your order to redeem this offer.

Parents thinking ahead for the new year of school, child care and trips to the park should check out the new Yubo lunchbox system which combines innovative personalised style with a convenient, clean and eco-friendly design so taking lunch is always fun and easy. It ticks all the boxes – BPA free, easy to clean, good size, freezer compartment – and the interchangeable faceplates make it lots of fun for kids.

1. Trunki ride-on suitcases $84.00-$89.00 FREE Trunki sticker pack worth $6.95 with every Trunki suitcase purchase
2.  Automoblox $54.95 $42.00
3.  Wheely Bug Ladybug small $105.00 $85.00, large $125.00 $99.00
4. Clocky Alarm Clock – runs away and hides to get you out of bed! $79.00 $69.00
5. Limited edition Raplapla dolls $69.00 $50.00
6. Kidsonroof’s Totem 3D Puzzle $60.00 $45.00
7. Yubo Deluxe Lunchboxes $35.00 each
8. Trunki pencil case, tote bag, saddle bag, washbag $12.00-$25.00
9.  FREE Trunki sticker pack valued at $6.95 with every Trunki ride-on suitcase purchase $84.00-$89.00

Yooneek use Fastway Couriers and Australia Post for delivery. Freight is a low $8.00, delivering anywhere in Australia. See the Customer Care page for full shipping information.