KidStyleFile

Written by Miki

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Here is Part 3 of our Store-Owner Picks Gift Guide.  The five retailers featured below have chosen a beautiful range of gifts for the whole family, even mums and dads!

Read all our Christmas 2011 Gift Guides to date here. 

		“We think it’s a fantastic, unique gift idea for kids that actually gets them outside, running around in the fresh air! It doesn’t require batteries, there are no nasty chemicals or plastic, and it’s a fun game that the whole family can play together – which means quality time spent as a family, rather than kids with their heads in a video game or watching a DVD.” Kellie Byrnes at KindredGifts.com.au Fun In The Sack Egg & Spoon Race, $29.90
“The award-winning ERGObaby Carrier is your ticket to peaceful family holidays this Christmas, offering three ergonomic carry positions from birth to 20kgs – the perfect handsfree travel companion.” Anita Lincolne-Lomax at BabesInArms.com.au ERGObaby Carrier, from $159.00
		“The perfect holiday season shoe which can be worn to all occasions – super stylish and comfortable! Also available in white and red.” Fiona at TinySteps.com.au Old Soles Sienna Silver Sandal, $59.95
“Perfect for a summer’s day out at the beach, or a Christmas BBQ.” Lin at LittleUrby.com.au Maman Overall Jumpsuit, $35.00 $21.00
		“This gorgeous shoulder bag from Fair Trade label Eternal Creation features a bold cockatoo motif, two internal pockets and magnetic snap closure – divine!” Rory at EternalCreation.com Woman’s Shoulder Bag, $54.95 $39.95

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 Miki

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To continue in our series of gift recommendations from the experts, the store owners themselves, here’s instalment #2. Today we see some beautiful gifts for boys and girls, carefully selected for your viewing and shopping pleasure.

Read all our Christmas 2011 Gift Guides to date here. 

		“A great choice for little boys who love anything automotive. Just click them together in three easy steps & you’re ready for play.” Penny Wiltshire at BillyLids.com.au Click Clack Cars Dump Truck, $12.90
“Baby Chloe is a bundle of joy and would love to be cuddled on Christmas morning. Chloe has a reversible bassinette, blanket or play rug, romper and removable nappy. Perfect gift at a great price.” Kate Borg at ShopForTots.com.au Lilliputiens Baby Chloe, $36.95
		“The Ruby Red Sleeping Jane necklace by And the little dog laughed is an adorable stocking stuffer, and it even comes in a cute polka dot button-up bag.” Kate Watson at LookingAtYouKid.com.au Ruby Red Sleeping Jane Necklace, $20.00
“Fun for the whole family, building and decorating your very own Christmas Tree Centrepiece – the kids will love choosing where to place all the sparkly decorations!” Natarsha Tregloan at {P}IsForParty.com.au Tis The Season Centrepiece, $39.95
		“Wrap yourself up in Little Chipipi’s gorgeous kids bed linen this Xmas. Our 100% organic cotton quilt covers come in two designs.” Samantha Peters at LittleChipipi.com.au Tweet Hearts Single Quilt Cover by Little Chipipi, $149.95

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 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.

Written by Miki

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The proprietors of KidStyleFile’s favourite stores really are the experts when it comes to knowing which products will delight children on the big day. We’ve asked some of them to share their hot picks for Christmas gifts this year. Here’s the first instalment – enjoy!

Read all our Christmas 2011 Gift Guides to date here. 

		“This floral and beautiful dress will be a great addition to any young girl’s wardrobe. A perfect summer dress for the festive season.” Zlata at BucketsandSpades.com.au Fred Bare Botanical Print Dress, $96.80
“The Broughton Bear brings timeless charm to any small person’s room or nursery.  He comes presented in a beautiful Silver Cross gift box and will be your child’s best friend from the moment they first meet.” Kay Kennedy at SilverCross.com.au Silver Cross Broughton Bear, $39.95
		“Add some stylish sparkle to your child’s favourite outfit for the party season! Beautifully packaged with our signature wrap, it’s a perfect stocking filler for girls of all ages.” Melina Zipparo at StellinaCuteCouture.com.au Diamante Bow Comb, $24.95
“This gorgeous looking and delightful sounding xylophone from Janod ticks all the boxes for Christmas gifting this year with its bright unisex colours and the security of meeting European and Australian safety standards and all at a great price!” Megan at LookMummy.com.au Janod Metal Xylophone, $29.95
		“We think this is such a divine gift for creative crafty girls as their sewing ability develops the outfits become a little more detailed which continues to challenge and inspire. Perfect with any of the fabulous fashion outfit kits. This is our top pick for girls 7-15 years.” Melony & Toni at WhereDidYouGetThat.com.au Roos ‘Dress Your Doll’ Fitting Cubicle, $39.95 $34.95

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.

Post written by Miki

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As the final in our series of price-range Christmas gift guides, today I’m looking at the ‘big ticket items’, those items costing upwards of $100.  Some of these items might be wish list pieces, while others are more attainable.  Either way, enjoy the collection of twenty superb items guaranteed to light up any kid’s face on Christmas morning.

My two-year-old would think all his dreams had come true if he found a BIG Bobby Benz under the tree, while his older brother might be more interested in a Radio Flyer Dual Deck Red Flyer Tricycle, and I know they’d both love a Teepee from An Angel At My Table. Angela tells me that the Marble Sounding Tree is absolutely amazing – her family has one, and her daughters have had endless fun making beautiful music with it. Plus how incredibly stylish is this Janod Chic Maxi Kitchen? Boys and girls alike would have an amazing time cooking up a storm with that.

Have yourselves a merry little Christmas and enjoy all the amazing choices on offer.

1. Lilly & Lolly Child’s Desk, Toybox & Stool Set, $650.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
2. Marble Sounding Tree – Large, $136.00 at Honeybee  Toys
3. Le Toy Van Lily’s Cottage, $149.95 $144.95 at Where Did You Get That?
4. Jack’s Cubby House, $999.00 at Hip Kids
5. Classic Red Racing Car Rocker, $595.00 at Monty And Franks
6. Radio Flyer Dual Deck Red Flyer Tricycle, $154.95 at Just Toy’n Around
7. ooMoo Kids Leggy Table & Chairs, $180.00 at Mini Chatterbox
8. Little Polly Rocking Horse, $595.00 at Monty And Franks Designer Toy Co
9. IVI Interactive Play Rug – Farm, $299.95 at The Little Kidz Closet
10. KidKraft Fun Explorers Rocket Ship Playset, $199.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
11. An Angel At My Table Navy Stripe Teepee, $219.95 at Shop For Tots
12. Solvej Swing by Holmsater, $220.00 at Look Mummy
13. Micki Wooden Pram With Hood, $118.95 at Baby’s Got Style
14. Janod Chic Maxi Kitchen – Brown, $170.00 at Lime Tree Kids
15. BIG Bobby Benz, $220.00 $198.00 at Metro Mum
16. Lundy Stockholm Dollshouse, $189.95 at Cradle Rock
17. Wishbone Balance Bike – Apple A Day Special Edition, $299.00 at Metro Mum
18. Left Hand Make Small One Tables & Chairs, $510.00 at The Little Kidz Closet 
19. Janod DIY Trolley With Magnetic Tools, $129.00 at Lime Tree Kids 
20. Silver Cross Chatsworth Doll’s Pram – Red Poppy, $999.00 at Silver Cross Online Store
21. The Magic Klorifil Tree, $195.00 at The Infant Boutique (yes I know it’s cheating to have 21 items, but I couldn’t resist this one!)

Please check individual stores for shipping costs. Also make sure you read the KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page to be sure you’re getting the best deal.

Written by Edwina

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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 and Jen’s picks. Enjoy! – Ange

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Edwina, Sacha 7, Finley 4 and Luka 10

Christmas is a wonderful time of year and we love to decorate, entertain and share the good tidings with our family and friends. When I am searching for gifts for my boys I try to balance some outdoor toys to enjoy over the Summer with some crafty fun and puzzles for indoor evenings or quiet time. Even though they are getting older, they still like to share a bath occasionally and some bath toys are always fun, especially if it involves squirting your brothers.

1. Hanno the Gorilla $130 from Miles Mason Trading Company
Hanno is designed by David Weeks for Areaware. He is made from sustainable beech wood and and can hold many poses. He reminds me of a Godzilla and will hopefully become a classic that will withstand generations of play.

2. Zoologic Puzzle $13.40 from Venucci
We love puzzles and the animals in this one can double as a your own zoo friends. 2 games in 1, perfecto!

3. Stickers Mouk for Boys $4.00 from French Bazaar
Set of 60 stickers inspired from the book “Around the World with Mouk”, because who doesn’t love cool stickers.

4. Piperoid Paper Pipe Robots $22.50 from Miles Mason Trading Company
Piperoid is a Japanese company who designs and manufactures paper pipe robots.  Easy to assemble with clear instructions, simply cut and fold, and once assembled, you can pose them with small adjustments of their movable joints. My oldest boy loves origami, and I know he will love these too. Plus they are super cool looking, love at first sight.

5. Happy Giddy Bug House $18.95 from Shop For Tots
Boys + Bugs = Happy Giddy Boys House.

6. Makedo Find and Make Robot $14.95 from Kindred Gifts
What I love about this craft kit is that it is really a tool box for creativity. It also encourages thinking about design and encourages recycling and reusing objects for fun and creative pursuits. The constituent pieces can be reused over and over to create an evolution of box robots, until they take over the house, perhaps?

7. Boon Creature Bath Toy Cup Set $19.95 from Cradle Rock
Anything to encourage a bath! Seriously great stocking stuffer and all round watery fun!

8. Boon – Splat $19.95 from Look Mummy
See above, but add a little competition Ring Toss into the mix.

9. Starkick Soccer Trainer $19.95 from Cradle Rock
We *heart* Soccer, so this will go down very well and I love to encourage skill development especially when it happens *outside*.

10. All Terrain Balance Bike $99.95 from Design Child
My youngest is nearly ready for a big bike, so this will be just the thing to get his balance and confidence developed. He loves chasing his bigger brothers so hopefully he will enjoy this all terrain set of wheels.

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.