KidStyleFile

Written by Domenica

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If you are looking for a great resource for unique, funky, sustainable and charitable Christmas gifts look no further than Kindred Gifts – www.kindredgifts.com – where the spirit of giving is alive and well.

Kindred Gifts stock sustainable gifts for the entire family, but today I am focusing on their great range for kids. Bringing a new baby into the world is a momentous occasion; one that can be appropriately marked by a gift that is kind to their new world. My top pick for babies is this Little Pumpkin Organics Arctic Berry Gift Set; containing organic massage oil, bath potion and moisture lotion it makes a perfect Christmas or new arrival gift. For children, I recommend checking out the well-priced range of Makedo Kits available at Kindred Gifts. These gifts are a perfect way to keep both boys and girls entertained for hours as they source items around them to make fabulous things to play with, including dollhouses and cars.

My *favourite* gift at Kindred Gifts is one that is suitable for the whole family, the Fun in the Sack Outdoor Fun Games 4-in-1 Gift Pack. As the name suggests this gift is all about getting the family outdoors with classic games like the Egg & Spoon Race. This would make a fabulous gift for an entire family. If you prefer to shop for individual gifts for your family and friends, check out the following categories: gifts for women, gifts for men, corporate gifts, green gifts, handmade gifts, romantic gifts.

Today, the gift is from Kindred Gifts to you – spend over $75 and get a FREE small BYO Coffee Cup, valued at $13.20! (Click here for a peek at the stunning range).  To receive your free gift, simply reply to your order confirmation email with the phrase ‘KSF sent me’, and your preferred coffee cup colour (colour preference is not guaranteed, but they will do their best). This promotion is valid until December 24th 2011. Plus, sign up to their newsletter and receive a FREE $10 Gift Card to spend in store (minimum purchase of $40.00 is required to redeem). Kindred Gifts also offer free fast shipping for all orders over $99.00 within Australia; $30.00 flat rate international delivery; and customers earn loyalty points on each purchase. To save *big* time, check out the Kindred Gifts Sale Page for up to 60% off!

Don’t forget to sign up to the newsletter to receive $10 off your $40+ order.

1. Hookturn Bubbaccino gift packs and single cups – $19.95
2. Fun in the Sack Outdoor Fun Games 4-in-1 Gift Pack – $119.95
3. Little Pumpkin Organic Skincare, Sleepy Baby Balm – $21.95
4. Hank & JoJo Unisex Bamboo Sock Sets In Reusable Lunch Box – $39.95
5. Fluf Organic Cotton Backpacks, Apple – $39.95
6. Maptote organic cotton onesie (Paris pictured, New York also available) – $34.95
7. Makedo Kits – whole range available; pictured: FreePlay Kit for One – $19.95
8. Organic Kee-Ka Clothing Range; pictured: Cupcake Organic Newborn Gift Set – Was $74.95 SALE $54.95
9. BrainBox Games, Australia – $26.95
10. Compendium Keepsake Journal My Artwork – $11.50
11. One Bottle stainless steel water bottles (Fawn & T-Rex pictured) – $19.95 each
12. Bold & Noble ‘Alphabot’ Print; also available: ‘Ark’ Print – $74.95 each

The stunning line-up of brands in stock at Kindred Gifts includes: Kee-Ka, Makedo, ScooterBees Baby Shoes, Dandelion Baby, Isak, Aden & Anais, Naturapura, Little Pumkin Organics, Diaper Dude, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Bold and Noble, Dogeared, The Original Metal Box Company, Fluf Lunch Bags, Fun In The Sack, Blue Orange Games, Gigamic, The Green Borad Game Company, Echidna Kidz, Dynomighty, Trefl, Resource Revival, Isak, Pompadour, Fuz, Dolly Rockers, Same Sky, Dogeared, Martha Goes Green, Fleabags, Vers Audio, Manor12, Purestuf, Same Sky Glass Beaded Bracelet, Oliveria Peace With Earth, Li’tya Alchemy Goods, Me Old China, Yoga Paws, Homesum,  Lexon and The Slow Guides.

Kindred Gifts have a capped shipping rate of $9.95 per order for standard shipping Australia wide and FREE shipping on all Australian orders over $99.00. They are also more than happy to ship internationally and these charges are calculated at checkout. For full delivery information click here.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Elizabeth at La Toriana – www.latoriana.com.au – has really let the festive season go to her head! I’m not sure whether it’s too much champagne or if she’s just feeling incredibly generous, but she has decided to give readers the most enormous pre-Christmas discount yet.  Are you ready for this?  Are you sure? Are you standing by with your credit card ready to pounce?

Because get this: Elizabeth has decided to mark down all full priced Oobi, Deshabille, BRITT, Miniwhisk, Thurlby Farm, Dolly Up, Huggalugs, Nanny Pickle and Penny Scallan by an extraordinary 35% (excluding sale items already reduced by up to 85%, and Tummy Bear). Use the discount code ‘Rudolph’ at checkout. Alternatively, you can get FREE shipping (with no minimum purchase amount) using the code ‘KSFpost’ at checkout. Both of these offers are valid until 10 December 2009 only, so go wild: they’re the last ones before Christmas!

There’s an awful lot to love at La Toriana at the moment, with some truly stunning labels on showcase.  There are the eternally popular Princess Ratbag pettiskirts, for example, which are adored by little girls all around Australia and fly off the shelves faster than the human eye can track!  And while we’re looking at pretty things for little princesses, take in the exquisite Tea Princess collection, which epitomises vintage chic.

I’m also quite taken by the range of aprons and tea towels by Ogilvie Designs.  High quality cotton and fun, eyecatching designs make these a winner, especially if you have a family BBQ on Christmas or Boxing Day.

If you’re looking for stocking fillers and bargains, make sure you look at the Specials section which is updated every Monday. You have to get in quick, considering that products in there are discounted by up to 85% off, they won’t last long! Cheers to that!

Prices quoted below are valid with code (read above) until 10 December 2009 only.

1. Princess Ratbag Pettiskirt – Scarlet Red, $80.00
2. Oobi Dinosaur Egg Short & Singlet Set, $39.95 Less 35% = $25.96
3. Oobi 1950s Flower Bloomers, $24.95 Less 35% = $21.20
4. Tea Princess Summer Crushed Baby Doll Dress – Pink or Blue, $79.95
5. Penny Scallan Pirate Paint Smock, $27.95 Less 35% = $18.16
6. Ogilvie Design Kids Aprons – Festive Designs, $19.95
7. Vanchi Bowler Bag – Geisha, $99.95 Sale Price: $64.95
8. Kee-Ka ‘Little Elf’ tee, $29.95 Sale Price: $14.97

La Toriana stock designer clothing, toys and accessories for babies, girls and boys, from the following brands: Acland, Alannah Rose, annieB, Britt, Boxy Design, Annabel Trends, ArgneshRose, Tippie Toes, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, Deshabille, Vanchi, Kee-Ka, Lambykins, Oobi, Eco Peko, Toys Pure, BumpBuddy, Lazybones, Gertie and Me, Britt, Kids Kitchen, Grommets, Mini Whisk, Vintage Kids, Babylicious, Penny Scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Three Little Trees, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi, G&T Kids, Eco Peko, TikiBoo Kids, Wild Things of Noosa, and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds.

La Toriana charge $7.95 flat for registered post Australia-wide.  Orders over $150.00 receive FREE shipping and a FREE gift. International orders are welcome. See here for full postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Angela

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For those new to the show, baby and kids emporium La Toriana – www.latoriana.com.au – is one of the most popular boutiques on the web to shop for your baby or child.

Elizabeth’s fine service is widely renown, and this, together with a quality selection of products from (take a deep breath!) Acland, Alannah Rose, annieB, Britt, Boxy Design, Annabel Trends, ArgneshRose, Tippie Toes, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, Deshabille, Vanchi, Kee-Ka, Lambykins, Oobi, Eco Peko, Toys Pure, BumpBuddy, Lazybones, Gertie and Me, Britt, Kids Kitchen, Grommets, Mini Whisk, Vintage Kids, Babylicious, Penny Scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Three Little Trees, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi, G&T Kids, Eco Peko, TikiBoo Kids, Wild Things of Noosa, and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds, keep customers coming back for more again and again.

For the next 5 days, La Toriana are inviting customers new and old to enjoy a massive 40% discount on the following fine brands: Three Little Trees, Oobi Baby and Kids, Eternal Creation, Babyjo Organics, Britt, Miniwhisk, Finnigan Finn, Huggalugs, Eco Peko, Grommets, Kee-Ka, Lazybones, Penny Scallan and Vintage Kid. Phew! Enter code ‘KSF20′ at checkout to redeem this wonderful offer. It ends on midnight 24 July 2009, so motor on over!

Elizabeth at La Toriana is a big supporter of prem babies – she had three herself – and is celebrating upcoming National Premmie Day (31 July this year) with a new premmie range that is the result of a collaboration between her and Lambykins range creator, Angela.

Elizabeth will also be donating 10 % of all premmie product sales to the National Premmie Foundation and the Loddon Malle Kids premmier support group ,from now until 31 July 2009.

The popular La Toriana blog is also focusing on prem babies this month, with many inspirational stories to help parents of prem babies through the journey.

Elizabeth is also putting the call out for photos, recipes, craft ideas, and garden tips for the Kool Kids section of her blog, so if you have a great idea under your hat that you’d like to share then now’s your chance – click here.

1. Eternal Creation Charcoal Winter Dress $69.95 after KSF 40% = $41.97 and matching Beret $24.95 after KSF 40% = $14.97
2. Kee-Ka ‘The Prince’ long-sleeved tee $29.95 after KSF 40% = $17.97
3. Finnigan Finn Navy with white stripes ‘Nelly’ tights $21.99 after KSF 40% = $13.19
4. Britt Faux Fur Newborn Booties $37.95 after KSF 40% = $22.77
5. Penny Scallan ‘Planes’ Library Bag $18.95 after KSF 40% = $11.37
6. Penny Scallan Small Stars Backpack $19.95 after KSF 40% = $11.97
7. Finnigan Finn Green with white stripes ‘Tabitha’ tights $21.95 after KSF 40% = $13.17
8. Three Little Trees Geisha Dress and matching stocking set $59.95 after KSF 40% = $35.97
9. Babyjo Organic Bamboo Baby Blankets $32.95 each after KSF 40% = $19.77 each
10. Huggalugs ‘Rocker’ arm/leg warmers $16.50 after KSF 40% = $9.90
11. Eco Peko Organic ‘Peach Blosson’ Kimono T-Shirt $39.95 after KSF 40% = $23.97
12. Oobi Baby and Kids Striped Pinnie Dress $39.95 after KSF 40% = $23.97 and matching Oobi Knee-high Booties $32.95 after KSF 40% = $19.77
13. Huggalugs ‘Pop Diva’ arm/leg warmers $16.50 after KSF 40% = $9.90
14. Three Little Trees Tokyo Romper $42.95 after KSF 40% = $25.77

La Toriana charge $7.95 flat for registered post Australia-wide.  Orders over $150.00 receive FREE shipping and a FREE gift. International orders are welcome. For full postage and delivery information, please click here.

Today’s post written by Kat

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There will be more green then red floating about Christmas this year, with a huge shift in consumer consciousness making all that is eco-friendly and organic number 1 on most people’s wish list. And rightly so – check out these ultra-gorgeous buys for kiddies which will keep Mother Earth happy too!

First up: the tree. Aside from letting them go crazy with Clag and pasta and creating their own special pieces, Biome (one of my new fave stores) has awesome fair-trade decorations that are bright and festive enough for kids, and will look chic on plastique too! This box of Assorted Handmade Decorations is handmade in Bangladesh and just $17.95.

Generation Wonder stock only fair-trade items, and is indeed a wonderland of beautiful gift ideas. Check out these totally biodegradable Mobile Homes by Kidsonroof ($44.90) which allows kids to create, construct and decorate to their heart’s content. Plus it makes for a novel place to store toys.

For a gorgeous keepsake I just love the Barefoot Mother and baby Elephant soft toy set ($43.50, buy together or separately for $19.75) – a percentage of proceeds go to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, each one is handmade and individual, and they come in a variety of colours.

For something simple guaranteed to keep them entertained and active for hours, a Fairtrade Skipping Rope is a great stocking filler at $14.99. Or let your little one say it loud and proud with these cool Eco tees by Tiny Revolutionary ($34.95)!

Eco Child have a huuuge range of eco-friendly products, including toys like the very funky Anamalz wooden toy, um, animals, ($9.95) which are not only cute but are also made from renewable resources, are non-toxic (always a plus), and a portion of sales is donated to various wildlife charities. Aw, feel those warm and fuzzies!

Eco Child also stock practical ideas such as these Foogo Sippy Cups ($24.95) which are unbreakable, BPA-free and FDA-Approved, which is all A-OK in my book.

Got someone super-fussy to buy for? Eco Child have it covered – stuff their stocking with Organic Cotton Balls ($7.95), which are practical, versatile and top quality. I kid, I kid, (though they are of course, very nice!) – Mums will love the range of natural beauty products (try Bod Bath Salts Princess Blend $14.95) and mums-to-be will adore these cute and comfy PJ pants by Hot Milk ($49.95).

And finally (and most importantly): clothes. There are so many gorgeous organic labels out there, and not all of them are beige (sorry, ‘natural’).

Purebaby is one of my faves, and Baby’s Got Style have a great selection. I’m loving the idea of this pretty striped knit tank dress ($44.95) as a lightweight summer option, carried through to winter with tights and a skivvy; or for boys the khaki stripe overalls ($39.95) for something cutesy but cool. The Purebaby website also has a great range of basics and premmie wear.

Gaia Organic Cotton is another well-loved label, and with good reason: the certified 100% organic cotton is whipped into beautiful creations like the Babydoll Dress ($44.95) and Grandpa Top ($39.95) or these incredibly pretty Blue Bell Botties ($29.95)!

For something a bit funky, Mini Eco have a massive range of brands including Speesees, whose bright and colourful tanks are just $25.95, and these ultra cool tees by Sckoon ($24.95). Baby Blend also do cute prints on organic tees ($29.95 a pop, my fave is “Crabby“!) as do Kee-Ka at ShopHouse ($26.00).

Wishing you all a green, clean, and very happy Festive Season!

Please check individual sites for postage costs and delivery details.

Today’s post brought to you by Miki.

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I do love to browse around La Toriana - www.latoriana.com.au. Elizabeth has recently added a swag of gorgeous new products that you simply must see (I *always* end up adding something divine to my cart!)

Take the Tabitha Emma range of purses for little girls. They are Australian designed and, importantly, Australian made.  They’re affordable, adorable and collectible, and look good enough to eat!  I love the cupcake purses for a sweet-toothed little girl, and the French Birds Nest Purse is as chic as they get.

Also for mums of girls is the Three Little Trees range of dresses (which can also be worn as tops for older kids – clever!). Hand-printed 100% cotton makes the dresses look great and feel great, and the fact that they come with free native Frangipani tree seeds really adds to the experience!  A portion of the proceeds from each dress sold will be donated to the non-profit organisation Bush Heritage Australia, so you can have a good chat to your kids about conservation while you’re planting the seeds.

Make sure you check out the Spring range from Tea Princess too.  Tea Princess have delivered another stunning collection of vintage-inspired designs that look beautiful and girly whilst still being practical.

If anyone’s after a spot of Christmas cheer to brighten their day, I recommend a visit to the Christmas 2008 section.  It’s chockablock full of sweet, funny and stylish Christmas gifts and decorations – my pick is the Kee-Ka ‘Little Elf’ tee which is just too cute to be true!

When at La Toriana I always pay a visit to their specials section, and right now I’m happily loading up my cart with bargains from designers like Finnigan Finn, Britt Design, Eternal Creation and Oobi!

When it’s information on new designers and upcoming trends I’m after, I read the La T blog – it’s always good for information, and often gives me a bit of a giggle.  Elizabeth always has a competition on the boil over there, so don’t miss it for your chance to win.

Speaking of competition, I hope you have your best running shoes on and you’re crouched on the starting block, because listen to this:

The first 50 orders from KidStyleFile readers before the November 12 will receive 15% off and a FREE Oopsidaisi lip balm!  You’re going to have to be quick to be one of the 50, so get moving ladies! The code to enter at checkout is ‘OOPS’.

The race isn’t finished yet, either!  The first 50 sign-ups to the La Toriana newsletter will receive a $10.00 gift voucher to use on their next purchase! Terms and conditions will be emailed with the voucher.

From top left in rows:

Discounts shown include the 15% discount for the first 50 readers to place an order.

AnnieB Baby Bunting, $34.95 $29.70
Tabitha Emma French Birds Nest Purse, $34.95 $29.70
Choc Mint Baby Boy Gift Pack, $52.95 $45.00
A Vintage Kid China Doll Bloomer, $29.95 $25.45
Oobi Dinosaur Egg Short & Singlet Set, $39.95 $35.16 $29.86
Tea Princess Bow Pretty Tie Top, $32.95 $28.00
Three Little Trees ‘Sugar Gum’ Designer Dress, $48.95 $41.60
Hansel & Gretel, $24.95 $21.20
Tabitha Emma Cupcake Purse, $32.95 $28.00
Oopsidaisi All Natural Lip Balm, $6.95 $5.90 (Check out the flavours available here: raspberry gelato, toffee apple, lemon and lime, strawberry cupcake and gingerbread, to name but a few of them!)
Hooded Pink Princess Cape, $22.95 $19.50
AnnieB’s Bean Chair Max Blue, $79.95 $67.95
AnnieB Designer Girls PJs, $39.95 $33.95

La Toriana stock a big range of products from annieB, Britt, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, Vanchi, Kee Ka, Lambykins, Oobi, Toys Pure, BumpBuddy, Lazybones, Gertie and Me, Britt, Thurlby Farm, Kids Kitchen, Grommets, Mini Whisk, Annabel Trends, Vintage Kids, Babylicious, Penny Scallan, Tabitha Emma, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Three Little Trees, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, and new to La Toriana, Britt, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds.

La Toriana charge $7.50 postage Australia-wide. Orders over AUD$150.00 are posted FREE.

Today’s post brought to you by Miki. 

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Just wanted to let you know that you need to head on over to La Toriana – www.latoriana.com.au – sometime before 30 September: Elizabeth is celebrating La Toriana’s first birthday and we’re all invited to join in with 20% off store-wide for KidStyleFile readers. Woo hoo!

That’s 20% off new stock, off already discounted sale stock, the lot!  Enter code ‘BirthdayKSF’ at checkout to redeem your discount.

What’s more, every order this month will receive a FREE copy of the latest My Child magazine!  And if all of that isn’t enough, make sure you sign up to the La T newsletter for a chance to win a $50 gift voucher, AND orders over $150 receive FREE postage! Wowee!

I tend to go to La Toriana thinking, “Right, I’ll just have a quick looky”… and there I am an hour later, filling up my cart.

This is because they stock so many of my favourite-est things – Eternal Creation clothes, Anamalz, Oobi Space Hoppers (and just Oobi in general actually, Vanchi super-sized wraps and designer bibs, annieB Play Palaces (what kid wouldn’t LOVE to have one of these?) and much, much more.

But La T gets even better when you start to take 20% off every price in sight! Especially when the La Toriana ‘stable’ of brands includes annieB, Britt, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum, Eternal Creation, Finnigan Finn, Hey Baby, Huggalugs, Vanchi, Kee Ka, Lambykins, Oobi, Toys Pure, BumpBuddy, Lazybones, Gertie and Me, Britt, Thurlby Farm, Kids Kitchen, Grommets, Mini Whisk, Annabel Trends, Vintage Kids, Babylicious, Penny Scallan, Tickled Pink, Djeco, Anamlaz, Nana Huchy, Jasnor, Footprints, Tummy Bear, Tea Princess, Alimrose Designs, Fairy Floss Creations, Cuski, and Gaia, and new to La Toriana, Britt, Nanny Pickle, Oopsidaisi and prem baby brands Tummy Bear and Early Birds.

Here are some of my top picks to give you an idea of what goodies are available:

Clockwise from top left in rows:

Prices quoted include the KSF 20% discount code, applicable only until Sept 30.

Eternal Creation Tri Colour Long-Sleeved Shirt With Star, $36.95  $29.56  $23.64
Strawberry Shortcake Ruche Dress, $29.95  $23.96
Finnigan Finn ‘Holly’ Denim Wrap Dress, $64.99  $51.99  $41.59
Cheeky Little Soles ‘In Bloom’, $31.95 $25.56
Peanut T by Kee-Ka, $29.95  $23.96 I have given these tops as gifts before, they come in the sweetest little gift boxes!
Footprints Nappy Cover, $9.50 $7.60 I love this range – so cute, SO affordable, and all 100% cotton!
Heidi Ho Elephant, $49.95  $39.96
Play School Stacking Boxes, $22.95  $18.36
Tractor Farm Set, $52.95  $42.36

As a final note, we all love winning stuff and the prize pool for the KidStyleFile Annual Reader Survey is especially drool-worthy – which is to be expected given that the grand prize comes from La Toriana!

Fill out the Survey before the end of September for a chance to win one of over $2,000.00 in prizes including the grand prize of an AnnieB Play Palace, and a $200.00 customised Mother & Child Pamper Pack, all up valued at $500.00 kindly sponsored by La Toriana.

La Toriana charge $7.50 postage Australia-wide. Orders over AUD$150.00 are posted FREE.