KidStyleFile

Written by Miki

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Over the last few weeks, the KidStyleFile team have gone into overdrive to bring you an extensive collection of gift guides to make your Christmas purchasing as easy as possible. We’ve given you a total of twenty-one gift guides covering everything from Stocking Stuffers Under $10 to Big Ticket Items Over $100, and each of the KidStyleFile writers has shown you what we’re placing under our Christmas trees for our own kids as well. We’ve also had the owners of many of our favourite stores give their top suggestions for gifts; it’s always great to hear from the experts themselves.  In total we’ve given you 289 ideas for what to buy the special little people in your life, and we hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have!

In case you’ve missed any of our guides, today I’m going to give you a final wrap-up of everything we’ve covered. And don’t forget, if you’re still stuck for ideas, come over to the KidStyleFile Facebook page to chat to us and all our incredibly helpful fans – I can just about guarantee we’ll come up with the perfect solution.

Our Christmas Gift Guides For 2011:

Top 20 Stocking Stuffers {Under $10}  |  Top 20 Gifts {Under $25}  |  Top 20 Gifts {$25 to $50}  |  Top 20 Gifts {$50 to $100}  |  Top 20 Gifts {Big Ticket Items Over $100}  |  Besty of Etsy: Handmade Christmas Gift Guide  |  Besty of Etsy: An Australian Handmade Gift Guide  |  The Green Guide: Best Eco-Friendly Gifts  | Top 10 Advent Calendars  |  Favourite Christmas Books  |  Staff Picks: Under Dom’s Tree  | Staff Picks: Under Anna’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Melody’s Christmas Tree  | Staff Picks: Under Jen’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Edwina’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Miki’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Leah’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Angela’s Christmas Tree  |  Store Owners’ Picks: Part 1  | Store Owners’ Picks: Part 2  | Store Owners’ Picks: Part 3  | Store Owners’ Picks: Part 4

Please check individual sites for postage details and be sure to survey the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

Written by Yvette

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As a mum who has had three girls, with an eleven year gap between the first and last baby (yes, crazy I know!), I have developed an eagle eye for clothes that defy trends and can be worn year after year. The beautiful fashion pieces at Little Frenchy – www.littlefrenchy.com.au offer a plenitude of classic, elegant options that will go the distance over time.

Some of my favourite classic Little Frenchy pieces for girls include the La Queue du Chat popeline dress and this timeless organic cotton cardigan. For boys you can’t go past the La Queue du Chat dark blue long sleeved organic polo and striped shirt. If you’re looking for a baby gift or nursery items it’s hard to go past the gorgeous whimsical Paristic wall sticker of a child ‘ballooning’ over Paris. Or check out the the must-have baby item of the moment, the iconic Sophie the giraffe.

Right now is the perfect time to stock up on timeless French pieces as Little Frenchy have reduced current season Winter stock by 30%. While you are there don’t forget to check out the *huge* stocktake sale on previous season Summer clothing, with items reduced by up to 53%. As an added bonus, KidStyleFile readers can use the code KSFwin11 to get an extra 10% off. Hurry, this offer on expires 28 August 2011 and items are only available while stocks last!

Prices below are valid with code KSFwin11 until 28th August 2011, while stocks last.

1. Organic Polo Dark Denim-Long Sleeve by La Queue du Chat, was $44 now $30.80
2. Organic Twill Shirt Indigo by La Queue du Chat, was $48 now $33.60
3. Organic Girl’s Cardigan – Moss by La Queue du Chat was $49 now $34.30
4. Organic Popeline Dress by La Queue du Chat was $56 now $39.20
5. Organic Longsleeve Tshirt – Moss was $34 now $23.80
6. Wall Sticker-Dans les nuages by Paristic was $49 now $39.50
7. Sophie la Giraffe by Vulli, $36.00
8. Organic light-blue sleepsuit by La Queue du Chat was $59 now $40.00
9. Hat-Dans mon petit sac by Berlingot Was $24 now $14.00
10. Organic sleeveless bodysuit by La Queue du Chat, Was $26 now $22.00

Little Frenchy stock a select range of imported French labels including Berlingot, CdeC by Cordelia de Castellane, L’Avenue des Bebes, La Queue du Chat, Paristic, Sucre d’Orge and Vulli.

Little Frenchy offers Flat Rate postage of $7.50 Australia wide on all orders. Any orders over $150 are delivered FREE of charge (within Australia only). For full details on ordering, delivery and international purchasing, please read here.

Post written by Anna

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It is apparent to me, now, more than ever, that we need to be taking care of planet earth. I am loving seeing my children grow up in an age where there is an increased emphasis on the impact each one of us make on the environment. You can start your little ones on a path toward being eco-friendly right from the very beginning by shopping at the gorgeous new array of eco-boutiques. Of the most savvy, smart and gorgeous places you should certainly stop by is Sustainababy – www.sustainababy.com.au – where you can buy products that are both best for baby, and best for the environment.

Sustainababy stock quality, organic and sustainable baby goods including clothing, bedding, body products, toys and nappies. Proprietor Laura (who is both a proud mum and environmental professional) is leading the way for online eco-baby stores too, by providing you with the choice to offset emissions from delivery of your order so you can have shop online with no carbon footprint. That’s fabulous!

Not only does Laura choose sustainable products, but she is ensuring Sustainababy is involved in improving the environment on a much larger scale by supporting the regeneration of degraded Australian landscapes. Right now you can also enter the Sustainababy QLD Flood Relief Raffle to go in the draw to win selected eco baby items valued at over $2700! Entries are just $10, 100% of proceeds will be donated to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Appeal and the raffle will be drawn 20 February 2011.

After all that good news, it would be hard to top it, but I can! With thanks to the Sustainababy up to 50% off Summer Clearance Sale you have the opportunity to save your money *and* the environment. This sale lasts only while stocks do until 3 March 2011. Keep the good times rolling sign up to Sustainababy’s super loyalty program to receive FREE gift wrapping and discounts of up to 20% off, and ‘Like’ Sustainababy on Facebook to be notified of their private sales and the arrival of new stock.

Discounted prices quoted below are only applicable while stocks last until 3 March 2011.

1. Miller & Harry Butterfly Back Onsie was $26.95 now $16.95
2. Green Bean Mod Pod Denim Dress was $49.95 now $39.95
3. WOTNOT Baby Wash 250ml was $18.95 now $12.50
4. Baobab Baby Swallow Ruffle Dress was $44.95 now $34.95
5. Green Bean Puff Sleeve Tee – Fantail was $39.95 now $29.95
6. Grean Bean Millie Petticoat Pant was $44.95 now $34.95
7. Vulli Sophie The Giraffe “My First Hours” Case was $175.00 now $139.95
8. Green Bean Short Sleeve Tee – Trike was $39.95 now $29.95
9. Green Bean Sadie Tee was $44.95 now $29.95
10. Book – How to Turn Your Parents Green by James Russell $19.00 now $14.95
11. Green Bean Rough ‘n Tumble Short – Donkey Brown was $39.95 now $29.95

Sustainababy stocks the following sustainable, eco friendly and ethically produced brands: aiden + anais, Albetta Pure, Aromababy, Aromaplay, Baby Beehinds, Baby Bjorn, Baby Legs, Baobab, Belkiz, Billie Goat Soap, Cheeky Little Soles, Dandelion, Ecoboo, Ecobudz, Ecopeko, Ellaroo, FlatOut Bears, Green Bean, Gumdrop, Gypsy Kids, Hess Spielzeug, Innate, Kaitler Marketing, Left Hand Make, Little Chipipi, Little Pumpkin Organics, Lou&Olly, Merino Kids, Miller & Harry, Moltex, Paper Tiger, Purebaby, Real Nappies, Rockin’ Green Detergent, Serena & Lily, Smart Baby, Uimi and Woolly Wugs.

Sustainababy ships Australia-wide for a flat rate of $9.95 next day delivery (excepting rural areas which make take a day or two longer – please read the shipping page for more info).  Orders over $150 will receive FREE shipping.  Exceptionally large items have their shipping cost factored into the price; these are clearly marked. See here for further details.

Post written by Anna

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Propreitors Tamara and Francine of the hip and happening Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au – are serious go-getters and as such their gorgeous store is always filled with action. This joyful season is no exception, you can literally feel the Christmas spirit as you glance across the home page, and it doesn’t stop there: the entire store is alive with festivities!

The buzz starts with the arrival of lush new products like the brilliant Silver Cross X4 Doll’s Pram, which has been reduced in price and would make a fabulous Christmas present for a little lady or two. There are new Trunki accessories like the very reasonable priced TrunkiTote which could make a very thoughtfyl and timely gift in time for summer holidays just around the corner. And because we’re talking Metro Mum, there are always some very fine gifts on offer for stylish mums, like the very savvy Texthook Ultimate Smartphone Pram Accessory.

The festive season is being celebrated every day at Metro Mum with Tamara and Francine bringing us Daily Christmas Deals on some of their favourite Christmas Gifts. Check in each day to see what deal is on offer in the final lead up to Christmas. You can also enter the fantastic Metro Mum Christmas Competition: the prize pool is worth over $2,000 and finishes on 17 December 2010, so don’t miss it!

If you are still out to source some toys to fill up your Santa sacks, then I suggest you pause and put those car keys away and instead make a cuppa and get your fingers out ready to clickety click your way to some very happy children this Christmas morning. Why, you ask? Because….

Metro Mum are having a massive Toy Sale with up to 50% off selected toys from quality brands  like Melissa & Doug, Plan Toys, Trunki, Giimmo, Bilbo, Vulli and more. Prices are as marked; see the Metro Mumwebsite for terms and conditions. You have just one week to make the most of this fabulous sale which lasts, while stocks hold out, until midnight 20 December 2010.

Discounted priced quoted below are valid until midnight 20 December 2010, while stocks last only.

1. Trunki Penelope the Princess Carriage $88.00 reduced to $74.00
2. Giimmo Night Light ‘Rice’ the Dog $44.95 reduced to $39.95
3. TrunkiTote $18.95 reduced to $17.50
4. Melissa & Doug Dinosaur Stamp Set $24.95 reduced to $18.95
5. Silver Cross X4 Doll’s Pram $99.95 reduced to $89.96
6. Bilibo Pixel $12.95 reduced to $9.50
7. Vulli – Sophie Giraffe Natural Teething Toy $34.00 reduced to $29.00
8. Mishi Design Grow Up Transformable Toy $185.95 reduced to $165.00
9. Texthook Utimate smartphone pram accessory $39.95 reduced to $35.96

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.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Just over a year ago I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Paris. It was mid-summer, hot, crowded and I was eight months pregnant to boot, but I have seldom enjoyed days more than I enjoyed those. The French just have that indefinable flair and everything, everywhere, was a treat to the eye. I splashed out on French clothes for les enfants and ate so much French food that even my husband was in awe.  Ahhh, happy days!

Luckily for me, now that my kids have grown out of their Paris pieces I don’t have to fly back to the Northern hemisphere to buy more.  You see, a family of French expats have launched an online store in Australia called Little Frenchy – www.littlefrenchy.com.au – which brings the best of French childrenswear right to out door here in Australia.

Cyril, Aurelie and their son Thomas are importing some beautiful and hard-to-find brands including La Queue du Chat (“The Cat’s Tail”; ethical, organic cotton) and Berlingot (incredibly chic with amazing attention to detail). They have carefully selected all their pieces to ensure that each of them has that incredibly-stylish-without-trying-hard flair to it that only the French seem to be able to achieve. (And did I mention that it’s all adorable? It’s all adorable!)  And how I wish I’d known when I was pregnant about the Maternity lines they’re now importing.  They could have saved me months of looking like a beached sea cow and transformed me into one of those indescribably chic French mamas-to-be instead.

Below you can see a preview of Spring/Summer 2010-11 which has *just* landed in-store at Little Frenchy. Strike while the iron’s hot and get your kids kitted out for the warmer days to come, plus check out Little Frenchy’s 30% off sale while you’re there to help get your wardrobe together for your next European vacation. Place your order before 31 August 2010 you will also receive FREE delivery. Enter discount code ‘KSF80‘ at checkout to redeem and bonne journée!  (Have a lovely day )

un. Dress Set – Des Mots Doux, $75.00
deux.  Organic Summer Dress Set by La Queue du Chat, $59.00
trois. Organic Striped Sweatshirt by La Queue du Chat, $39.00
quatre. Hat – Vue du Ciel by Berlingot, $24.00
cinq. T-shirt Vue du Ciel by Berlingot, $36.00
six. Short Vue du Ciel by Berlingot, $48.00

Little Frenchy stock a select range of imported French labels including Berlingot, L’Avenue des Bebes, La Queue du Chat, Paristic, Sucre d’Orge and Vulli.

Little Frenchy offers Flat Rate postage of $7.50 Australia wide on all orders. Any orders over $150 are delivered FREE of charge (within Australia only). For full details on Ordering, Devlivery and International purchasing, please read here.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Who’s the most famous giraffe in the world today? Sophie, of course!

Vulli’s enduringly popular and super-cute Sophie la Girafe has been around since 1961 and has long been a staple gift for newborn French babies. The rest of the world has caught on with celebrities and mums and dads around the world falling in love with her – check out the collection of publicly submitted ‘Sophie’ videos on YouTube! This little sweetie is much more than a pretty face: she’s PVC free (and always has been!), is easy for babies to grip and chew and emits an infectious giggly squeak when squeezed.

Sophie is so popular that Vulli have given her her own ‘boutique‘, consisting of around 40 products bearing her likeness. The latest release in the Sophie range is ‘Sophie’s House’, a fabric house suitable for babies and kids from 6 months up, can be opened up and flattened or stood up to create a multifunctional play area for Sophie and your child.

Sophie’s House is now available to purchase within Australia from Button Baby and The Infant Boutique. RRP is $165 and the price includes Sophie.

Please check individual stores for postage charges and delivery information.