KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Angela

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A quickie, but a goodie today!

Ekidna Kids – www.ekidnakids.com.au is currently have a doozy of sale happening that you won’t want to miss. There’s a heap of wonderful stock and the discounts range from 10%-60%, postage is free on orders $200+ and there’s a loyalty program too so you can build up points for your next order.

Ekidna Kids stock a impressive selection of products from top baby and kids brands, including Anamalz, Annabel Trends, Aroma Baby, Babe Mode, Baby Blankie, Baby Legs, Badger Balm, Baobab, Beautiful Soles, Bebe, Bertini, Bud, Brio, Cheeky Little Soles, Chelona, Crocodile Creek, Eternal Creation, Fairy Floss, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly, For Walls, Fruity Faces, Heimess, Humphrey’s Corner, Infancy, Isoki, Itsy Bitsy, Jaffa, Karma Baby, Lark Designs, Latitude Enfant, Little Chipipi, Longueville Media, Mamas & Papas, Marquise, Messaround, Milkwrap, Minihaha, Mondays Child, My Munchkin Home, Nature’s Child, Oobi, Paper Eskimo, Peter Rabbit, Pia Eriksson, Roocci, Russ, Sigg, Skip Hop, Smart Mom, Smirk, Starchild, t4tot, Toys Pure, Uchi, Vintage Kid Designs, WallCandy Arts, Wink Designs and Woof!

Who could want for more? Go to it and reap the rewards before stock runs out!

Ekidna Kidswear charge from $7.50 postage, and orders over $200 are delivered FREE, Australia-wide.  International orders are welcome. Visit the Delivery information page for full shipping and delivery details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Wow – just when I thought the Winter sales couldn’t get any better, Joanne at Ekidna Kids – www.ekidnakids.com.au – decided to throw down the gauntlet.

Shop big at Ekidna Kids with 30% – 70% off almost every item of clothing in her store. WOW. There are very few exceptions here*, which means that pretty much the entire store is just one big bargain! The sale is on until 31 July, or until everything sells out, which I bet won’t take long. No code is needed, and prices are as marked. *Sale excludes Baby Aspen, Babylegs and personalised products.

So what sort of goodies can you snap up?  Well how about Books To Wear pyjamas as a delicious ‘just because’ mid-winter gift for the kids?  Everybody loves getting snuggly new jammies, and when they’re so heavily discounted it seems crazy to go past them.  The Books To Wear range have such great designs too!

I also really love the Eternal Creation range and the boho, retro feel that characterises their collections.  This brand has been a KSF favourite right from the get-go, and every time they release a new line I remember why – great quality, unique designs and it’s a ‘feel good’ purchase – don’t you love ethical clothing manufacturers for that warm, fuzzy feeling the clothes bring with them!  The Eternal Creation range is also heavily marked down, so I definitely recommend snapping up as much as your cart can carry – it’s not often seen at prices like this.

There’s plenty of new stock instore at Ekidna Kids too, including the extremely stylish Alannah Rose stationery range, all of which is guaranteed to get your guests’ attention when they receive a beautiful invitation in the mail. The Baby Aspen range is also just divine – how cute is the little Baby MD set?  A doctor friend of mine has just had a baby, and I think this would be a great gift for her.

Have a look at a tiny fraction of the huge discounts on offer:

1. Books To Wear ‘Nocturnal’ Pyjamas, $44.95 $31.46
2. Bebe Blue Denim Dungarees, $44.95 $29.95
3. Books To Wear ‘Little Racing Cars’ Pyjamas, $32.95 $23.05
4. Woof! Stone V-Neck Vest With Argyle, $55.00 $38.94
5. Eternal Creation Darcy Classic Pintuck Shirt, $42.95 $25.95
6. Eternal Creation Aviator Cord Overalls, $56.95 $32.95
7. Marquise Floral Printed Full Skirt Dress, $44.95 $21.95
8. Eternal Creation Bolero Hand Crocheted Cardigan, $59.95 $41.95
9. Eternal Creation Brittany Skirt, $39.95 $27.95
10. Infancy Bamboo Truck Print All-In-One, $38.50 $19.95; and Tractor Print Knotted Hat, $13.95 $8.95

Ekidna Kids stock a impressive selection of products from top baby and kids brands, including Anamalz, Annabel Trends, Aroma Baby, Babe Mode, Baby Blankie, Baby Legs, Badger Balm, Baobab, Beautiful Soles, Bebe, Bertini, Bud, Brio, Cheeky Little Soles, Chelona, Crocodile Creek, Eternal Creation, Fairy Floss, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly, For Walls, Fruity Faces, Heimess, Humphrey’s Corner, Infancy, Isoki, Itsy Bitsy, Jaffa, Karma Baby, Lark Designs, Latitude Enfant, Little Chipipi, Longueville Media, Mamas & Papas, Marquise, Messaround, Milkwrap, Minihaha, Mondays Child, My Munchkin Home, Nature’s Child, Oobi, Paper Eskimo, Peter Rabbit, Pia Eriksson, Roocci, Russ, Sigg, Skip Hop, Smart Mom, Smirk, Starchild, t4tot, Toys Pure, Uchi, Vintage Kid Designs, WallCandy Arts, Wink Designs and Woof!

Ekidna Kidswear charge $6.95 for standard postage, and $9.95 for Express Post, Australia wide. Orders over $150 are delivered for FREE.  International orders are welcome. Visit the Delivery information page for full shipping and delivery details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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There’s always so much in store at Ekidna Kids – www.ekidnakids.com.au – that I never know where to begin looking!  Do I start in ‘New Arrivals’ or the enormous specials section?  Do I look at toys for my son or at nappy bags for me?  Where do I go first?  The dilemmas!! The first the that I do is make a cup of tea and sit down for a proper browse so that I can satiate all my kidswear desires. It’s a two-cup session for me today, because…

Joanne at Ekidna Kids is having a special KSF-only 48 hour sale, with 15% off EVERYTHING, including sale stock, new arrivals, you name it, it’s all IN the zone!! YAYAYAYAYYYY!! Enter ‘KSF48′ at checkout to redeem until 9am, Saturday 25 April, 2009.

Okay then, calming down enough now to actually type! The first thing in my basket today are the new design in wraps from Aden + Anais.  The size of these wraps is a massive 120×120cm, which means even the wriggliest baby will have trouble escaping from them.  The wraps also look so darn good, and with a new range of designs you’re sure to find something that perfectly ties in with your nursery.  I have to say, they’re also extremely well priced at $49.95 for a pack of four huge wraps.

There are new styles from Bebe to be browsed through, both for baby boys and baby girls.  The little Laura tie-up shoes (pictured below, no. 1) are just too cute for words, and the Hunter print boys range is quite adorable.

If you have a birthday party coming up anytime soonish, make sure you look at the Alannah Rose stationery collection.  They come in packs of 10, include envelopes, and are really, really stylish!  Kids love them, adults covet them, and there’s a fab range of designs for you to choose from.

Ekidna Kids also stock a impressive selection of products from top baby and kids brands, including Anamalz, Annabel Trends, Aroma Baby, Babe Mode, Baby Blankie, Baby Legs, Badger Balm, Baobab, Beautiful Soles, Bebe, Bertini, Bud, Brio, Cheeky Little Soles, Chelona, Crocodile Creek, Eternal Creation, Fairy Floss, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly, For Walls, Fruity Faces, Heimess, Humphrey’s Corner, Infancy, Isoki, Itsy Bitsy, Jaffa, Karma Baby, Lark Designs, Latitude Enfant, Little Chipipi, Longueville Media, Mamas & Papas, Marquise, Messaround, Milkwrap, Minihaha, Mondays Child, My Munchkin Home, Nature’s Child, Oobi, Paper Eskimo, Peter Rabbit, Pia Eriksson, Roocci, Russ, Sigg, Skip Hop, Smart Mom, Smirk, Starchild, t4tot, Toys Pure, Uchi, Vintage Kid Designs, WallCandy Arts, Wink Designs and Woof!

You’ve got 48 hours, and your time starts…NOW! Lap it up!

Take an extra 15% off these prices by using the code ‘KSF48′, but only until 9am AEST on 25 April, 2009.

1. Bebe Laura Print Tie-Up Shoes, $29.90
2. Grannimals ‘Marie The Mouse’, $27.95
3. Cheeky Little Soles Cuddles Leather Bib, $24.95
4. Brio Pull Along Helicopter, $21.95
5. Infancy Denim Pinafore Dress, $42.90
6. Alannah Rose One Little Lala Plane Invitations (pk. of 10 w/ envelopes), $24.95
7. Bebe Basics Newborn Cotton Embroidered Bib, $10.00
8. Infancy Unicorn Knitted Hat, $29.95
9. Bebe Hearts Print Travelling/Sleeping Bag – 0-6 months, $36.95
10. Aden + Anais Camo/White Muslin Wraps (set of 4), $49.95

Ekidna Kidswear charge $6.95 for standard postage, and $9.95 for Express Post, Australia wide. Orders over $150 are delivered for FREE.  International orders are welcome. Visit the Delivery information page for full shipping and delivery details.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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Bibs are one of those things that you can never have enough of. They are the kind of thing where it is a good idea to buy quality and quantity. Good quality cotton bibs are the way to go, they wash well and keep on looking good.

For such a simple concept, the bib can come in so many shapes, colours and sizes: there are the soft small ones for newborn dribble and milk spills, the big absorbent ones for toddler munchtime, there are reversible, plastic-coated, patterned, plain, funny, cute, stylish, and co-ordinated, there are some for home, some for Grandmas, some for the nappy bag ,and some for adding a little colour to their outfits.

No matter what you are in the mood for, there is a bib out there to suit. They are also a great gift for new Mums or 1 year old birthdays!

Here are just a small selection of the best bibs out, available online from some great Aussie baby boutiques. Be sure to check the Current Deals page for shop special offers or discount codes.

a. I don’t do vegetables Bib from Just for Boys $9.95
b. Lambykins Organic Bib from from La Toriana $12.95
c. Oobi Bat Bib from La Toriana $9.95
d. eeni meeni miini moh Bib – dark chocolate from Kounia-Bella $24.00
e. eeni meeni miini moh Bib – fade grape from Kounia-Bella $24.00
f.  Infancy Bib – Navy Jungle from Just Ripe $14.50 $10.15
g. Bebe Audrey Reversible Bib from Ekidna Kids $10.95
h. Infancy Bib – Raspberry Blossom from Just Ripe $14.50 $10.15
i. Plum – Boys Multi Bibs from My Keiko $12.50
j.  Albetta Pirate Print Bib from Urban Child $14.95
k. Albetta Green Planet Print Bib from Urban Child $14.95
l. Cow Girl Bib from Miss Tati and Friends $13.50
m. Hullubullu – Multi Spot Bib from My Keiko $16.95 $15.50
n. Big Baby Bib – Cat from Chic Kids $9.95
o. Big Baby Bib – Frog from Chic Kids $9.95
p. Hullubullu – Pink Spot Bib from My Keiko  $16.95 $15.50
q. Bebe Reversible Poppy Stripe Bib from Ekidna Kids $11.95

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Kat

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It’s that time of year again…summer is being cleared out to make way for my personal fave fashion season – the cosy knits and gorgeous jackets of Autumn/Winter ‘09! Here’s part one of our sneak peek at what some of our fav labels are offering, with everything trickling into stores as we speak (well, read):

Oobi

I know this is a firm favourite with all you loyal KSF-ers, and you can view their new season collection on their website right now, with stockists including Baby’s Got Style, ShopHouse, and Urban Child. I admit we’ve already indulged a little, with the cute hooded Owl Print dress (very Scandinavian) and the print also comes in Hoodies! They’ve also redone the popular Cord Dresses – this season’s addition is Red – and the eternally cute Little Bear Hoodie Jackets (hoods with ears, bless) in navy/red stripe. Other notable pieces include the Cable Knit Cardis and beautiful Cord Peacoats (navy or red). Yes folks, classic-cute dressing with quirky modern touches just doesn’t get better than this!

Eeni Meeni Miini Moh

The exquisite designs of EMMM are available right now at Kounia Bella, with a huge selection from newborn to tween sizes. For girls, the Marshmallow Trench ($129) gets two very enthusiastic thumbs-up (you can never be too young to learn about a classic cut!), as does the Gauge Knit Dress ($99) and the Balloon Dress ($84) for a little-girl look that’s big on style. Boys can work their tres cool Grass Stain Jeans ($94) with a rockstar Stripe Scarf ($39)  and matching Tshirt (from $51); while little people are spoiled for choice – cover up in the funkiest jumpsuits around ($69), keep warm in a long-sleeved romper ($44) or team a sweet babydoll dress ($49) with knitted tights and a beanie for warmth and style! And don’t forget their adorable bibs and blankies…

Baobab

Belinda Blooman’s label just keeps getting better and better. There’s a cool new Racer print this season, which looks awesome on their thoughtfully designed Kimono Hoodies ($45.95) and Hoody Tees ($47.95) – choose from baby blue, red or a lovely warm chocolate brown. New tee prints include a Plane and funky racing car ($37.95ea), while the ever poopular girl’s long sleeved dresses have a pretty bow or come covered in the Racer print ($45.95ea) - with some patterned tights and a big chunky knit cardi they will just look superb!

Bebe by Minihaha

My daughter is too ‘growned-up’ for this beautiful label now, but that doesn’t stop my endless cooing over it…this season, I fell in love with the Tatum Cord Dress ($49.95; there’s also an adorable romper in the same print for $38.95) for it’s girly ribbon detail and whimiscal mishmash of print. I pondered it for a long time before it was time to admit that size 2 was just not going to fit my rapidly growing tot *sigh*. Anyway, you can view other coo-worthy pieces on their website, with stockists including Ekidna Kids, The Fairy Jardin and Pastel Pink. The Denim Multi Print Pinafore and Chelsea Double Breasted Knit Cardigan all get my vote, while in the boy’s JR range, the Hunter Grandpa Tee is a cool classic, the Charcoal Stripe Lambswool Jumper looks as slick as it does cosy, and the Stripey l/s rompers with feet are just perfect for keeping little toes toasty all season!

In rows, top to bottom: Oobi, Eeni Meeni Miini Moh; Baobab, Bebe & JR.

*Not all styles available at all stockists; please contact individual retailers for details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Dinner time is a funny thing with very young children, isn’t it?  It can be an absolute delight with giggles and stories, gobbling down delicious food – or it can be one of those times where the food hits the wall and you want to tear your hair out.

I can’t guarantee that any of the fabulous plates, bowls and cutlery below will fix that problem, but surely anything that distracts the kids is a good thing!  And this crockery is all so gorgeous that it will make the most hastily thrown together meal look like it came from a Michelin-starred kitchen.

The first collection here is for babies and young toddlers, right from when they are starting solids to when they are learning to feed themselves with a spoon and fork.  Look for simple, eye-catching designs and nothing that’s too hard to clean!  Trust me, you’ll end up with mashed pumpkin everywhere…

These are some of my faves:

1. Babymoov HIPPO Childrens Cup, $23.95  $19.16; Babymoov HIPPO Childrens Bowl & Lid, $23.95  $19.16; Babymoov HIPPO Plate, Lid & Spoon, $28.00  $22.40; all at Metro Mum
2. Boon Catch Bowl, $14.95; Boon Benders Adaptable Utensils, $9.95; both at Bubba Funk
3. Airfork One, $15.95 from Baby’s Got Style
4. Annabel Karmel Large Bowl Set, $18.50 from Baby’s Got Style
5. Funny Duck Plate, $7.50; Funny Frog Plate, $7.50; both from Baby’s Got Style

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Next we come to older toddlers and pre-schoolers, and even young school-aged kids, who are learning to use a knife and fork and enjoy eating ‘adult’ food.  Keep an eye out for tough, strong products, and if they look great then all the better!  Here are some of the best:

1. Boon Modware Toddler Utensils, $9.95; Boon Groovy Interlocking Plate & Bowl Set, $24.95; both from Bubba Funk
2. Dwink Box in Blue and Orange, $9.95  $8.95 each; from Ekidna Kids
3. Mother Hen Spotty Three Piece Meal Set, $16.95; from Chic Kids
4. Tommee Tippee Snack ‘n’ Straw Cup in Blue, Pink and Yellow, $13.95 each; from Baby’s Got Style
5. Mother Hen Rainbow Cutlery Set, $11.50; from Chic Kids
6. Assorted French Bull Plates & Cups, from $9.95 at The Hip Infant

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Last of all I wanted to show you some gift sets.  I recommend always having a funky dinner set in the present drawer as they make great gifts!  Also consider giving one to your kid/s as a reward for special achievements – learning to use a knife and fork correctly, for example, or mastering dinner table manners (and if you achieve this one, tell me how!).  Each mealtime with the special new dinner set will be a reminder of the child’s achievement and will make them feel special all over again!

1. Go Home Food Face Meal Set, $19.95; and Go Home Food Face Meal Set – Fruits & Veges, $19.95; both from My Messy Room
2. Monsieur & Madame Zio Six Piece Melamine Dinner Sets, $49.95 per set; from Urban Baby
3. Crocodile Creek Garden Meal Gift Set, and Crocodile Creek Dinosaur Meal Gift Set, both $39.95 from Chic Kids
4. Mini Rhubarb Sailor Sam Three Piece Dinner Set, $19.95; and Sailor Sam Cutlery, $12.95; and Mini Rhubarb Annie Apple Three Piece Dinner Set, $19.95 and Annie Apple Cutlery, $12.95; all from The Infant Boutique

I’d love to be able to show you aaaaalll my favourites but that could take several pages.  Here are a few more options for you that deserve a mention:

• Itch Design melamine plates, currently on sale at The Rocking Horse.

• Shop Until currently have cat-themed meal set from French Bull on sale reduced from $39.95 to just $15.00. Bar-gain!!

• Urban Baby for their amazing selection of cutlery – no, seriously! Check out their range!!

• IKEA, who have the coolest and cheapest feeding accessories around (plus I can’t recommend their Antilop highchair highly enough!)

Please check individual sites for shipping details.  Also check the KidStyleFile ‘All Current Deals’ page to see if you qualify for any special discounts at the stores above.

Today’s post written by Kat

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When I was backpacking in Europe and had no cashola/space for a Christmas tree, I simply cut out strips of wrapping paper, interspersed with rows of lollies, and blu-tacked them diagonally on the wall of our flat in Edinburgh.

Little did I know that our improvised wall art (which, by the way, looked pretty cool and was also edible, always a bonus) was actually the height of what’s hip in decor.

Wall stickers/art/decals or whatever you like to call them, are an inexpensive and easy way to update a room (and they’re not just for kids!) Removable – renters, rejoice! – and without the long-term commitment of a new paint job, there are SO many designs out there it can be a bit daunting. So here’s the KSF lowdown on the hippest buys you can nab online.

Mooo wall stickers are made from “a strong fine-weave adhesive fabric that doesn’t stretch easily and will stick to almost any surface including, brick, glass, and painted walls.”

Mooo have a huge range including these delightful Chalkboard Stickers from $15 a pack. Imagine your kids’ delight when they’re told they can write on the walls!

They also have a huge range of absurdly cute sticker designs, all with a plethora of colour options, from $60 for a pack of 48.

I found these For Walls Chalkboard decals over at the The Hip Infant and immediately fell in love. This little owl ($29.95) is possibly too cute to draw on, but he’d look so adorable perched on a wall! THI have a large range of For Walls stickers – look, I found elephants! – suitable for baby, boy’s and girl’s rooms.

Monsters or Robots look totally cool for little boys, while girls will love the pretty Shimmering Butterflies or Magic Tree designs.

For Wall Sticker packs start at $39.95.

Over at Urban Baby, a wide range of Wallcandy kits are just waiting to adorn your walls (or chairs, or tables, or wherever!).

Imagine how cool the Candy Factory ($119.95) would look, and how much fun to use – the kit contains 5.5m of lawn and 12 lollipop flowers for you, sorry, I mean the kids, to ‘plant’!

The Rococco Chalkboard ($49.95 inc chalk) would look equally at home in your kitchen, or try the beautiful Season Elements kit ($49.95) in the nursery.

Quite frankly, I’m lusting after them all!

Ekidna Kids stock wall art by Bosco Bear and My Munchkin Home, and you’re spoilt for choice: each and every design is just sooo cute! My picks? For the nursery, this giant mint Giraffe (on sale for $71.96) including dots to add as you like; for little girls a magical giant Fairy Castle (on sale, $103.96); or a herd of roaring Dinosaurs ($89) for little boys to play amongst! Bosco Bear also do a great range of seasonal decals (like this chic Christmas tree set, $89) so you can totally get into the spirit of the season, without necessitating a total renovation!

You’ve probably seen the gorgeous designs by Little Chippi floating around quite a few of your fave online stores – Shop House stock them all plus some cute Little Chippi Gift cards – and there’s a good reason this brand is so popular: the designs manage to combine cuteness with chic, and they’re Australian made.

I can just imagine a little boys room being suitably adorable with the Drive Time set ($82.95) and I’m seriously contemplating the Red Robin ($82.95) for my daughter’s room…if we can make space around all those elephants and owls…

Surfing around in the name of research, I also found the Wall Sticker Company, based in Melbourne and stocking designs for the home, office, kid’s rooms as well as a custom design service.

Check out this cool Elephant or Giraffe Custom name design (perfectamundo: “Charlotte” on an elephant, my search is over!) for $75, or imagine those most magical of words, “Once Upon A Time” ($55) tucked into your child’s favourite reading corner. These cute Jungle Animals ($65) are perfect for a nursery, or delight little boys with these cool Monsters ($65)! While you’re at it, add a calming influence to your work or study space with this gorgeously simple Blue Wren ($50) or consider inspirational quotes to add a point of difference to other rooms (from $65).

Please check individual sites for shipping details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Looking for a sale to make you smile? Here’s a cracker: Ekidna Kids – www.ekidnakids.com.au – have 10% to 50% off just about everything!!

That means hefty discounts off brands like Bebe, Woof!, Minihaha, Marquise, Skip Hop, Baobab, Eternal Creation and many, many more.

The bargains can be found throughout the site, so settle in for a treasure hunt through the categories at Ekidna Kids.

First stop for me is always Clothing, then a leisurely potter through Baby Bags (special note: Isoki and SkipHop are heavily discounted) and then on down through the categories.

I’m not going to give too much away in terms of pointing out bargains – after all, part of the fun is the thrill of not knowing what treasures you’ll find! – but I will just quietly suggest that you have a look through the Bebe available if you have an ‘under one’, and also Woof! if you have a boy and Minihaha if you have a girl.

Right, that’s all the hints you’re getting.  If you want further inspiration, check out my product picks below and otherwise: Happy Bargain Hunting!

PS:  Just a final note – grab a copy of My Child magazine (or check the KSF Deals & Steals weekly newsletter) and get the discount code. You can use it to take another 15% off these already fantastic prices!!

1. Woof! Chocolate & Blue Stripe Shirt, $44.00 $30.80
2. Bebe White Bunny Applique Matinee Jacket, $25.00 $17.50
3. Bebe Teepee Print Pyjamas, $23.95 $16.76
4. Infancy Sky Marle Cotton Knit Romper, $49.95 $34.96
5. Skip Hop Lunch Bag – Red, $59.95 $31.96
6. Marquise Highway Embroidered Top, $19.95 $13.96 and Highway Velour Pants, $22.95 $16.06
7. Eternal Creation Heart Patch Skirt, $54.95 $24.46
8. Bebe Red Poppy Leatherette Ballet Slippers, $31.95 $22.36
9. Minihaha Coco Spot Pinafore, $61.95 $43.36

There’s a huge range of top quality brands to choose from at Ekidna Kids, including Anamalz, Annabel Trends, Aroma Baby, Babe Mode, Baby Blankie, Baby Legs, Badger Balm, Baobab, Beautiful Soles, Bebe, Bertini, Bud, Brio, Cheeky Little Soles, Chelona, Crocodile Creek, Eternal Creation, Fairy Floss, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly, For Walls, Fruity Faces, Heimess, Humphrey’s Corner, Infancy, Isoki, Itsy Bitsy, Jaffa, Karma Baby, Lark Designs, Latitude Enfant, Little Chipipi, Longueville Media, Mamas & Papas, Marquise, Messaround, Milkwrap, Minihaha, Mondays Child, My Munchkin Home, Nature’s Child, Oobi, Paper Eskimo, Peter Rabbit, Pia Eriksson, Roocci, Russ, Sigg, Skip Hop, Smart Mom, Smirk, Starchild, t4tot, Toys Pure, Uchi, Vintage Kid Designs, WallCandy Arts, Wink Designs and Woof!

Ekidna Kidswear charge $6.95 for standard postage, and $9.95 for Express Post, Australia wide. International orders are welcome. Visit the Delivery information page for full shipping and delivery details.

Today’s post written by Nerida

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Three years ago I had to buy my first nappy bag – suffice to say, the choice was rather dismal. Sure the bags were practical but designs were rather ho hum and seem to shriek “I CONTAIN NAPPIES!”.

With the recent birth of my son I was delighted to see that bags had improved, and not just a little, but quite dramatically! Australian designers Storksak, il Tutto, Isoki, OiOi, GR8X, Jooki, Soon Melbourne and Vanchi have answered the call with a fine selection of bags catering for women wanting both style and utilitarianism.

Storksak’s bags are gorgeous with many made of hard wearing leather or canvas. They all contain thermal bottle warmers, changemats and lots of pockets for mobile phones, nappies and purses. And for those of us who like to keep on top of all things celebrity, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Liv Tyler and Julia Roberts are among the many celebrities that just can’t leave home without their Storksak nappy bags.

My favourite right now is the Elizabeth in cream (although also available in more practical shades of tan, grey or navy). Although gorgeous to look at, and incredibly practical for carrying around baby gear, it will also fit most laptops which makes it useful for when the kids are out of nappies.

Storksak is available through Just Ripe.

Isoki nappy bags have the added bonus of being reversible so they can change according to what you are wearing or to your mood. Don’t feel like leopard print today? Just convert to a more subtle shade of grey. In addition, each bag contains coordinating inner components including a change mat, cooler bag and double sided storage satchel.

And if you were wondering which bag Toni Collette carries around when out and about with her daughter Sage, it is more than likely an Isoki.

Isoki bags are available through Bubba Funk and Ekidna Kids.

il Tutto has a beautiful range of nappy bags, all practical and easy to clean. The Lucia bag is one that I would be happy to carry around any time of day. Available in black or red, a key feature (and rather a good idea!) is a zip out liner for easy cleaning. One of my all time favourite actors, Cate Blanchett has one which gives it the thumbs up from me. Buy il Tutto at Bubba Funk.

My husband is one that is often left holding the nappy bag (and often the baby as well!) For that reason, I just had to include a great bag that most men wouldn’t mind carrying about. Made by maternity brand Soon Melbourne, the canvas nappy bag is large enough to carry heaps of baby gear and best of all is fully washable. Check it out at Eco Child.

For quite some time a Bugaboo and a Grey Dot OiOi Hobo was the uniform for what seemed like every new mummy in inner Melbourne. The Grey Dot Hobo is still a gorgeous bag, and just one of many from these veteran nappy bag makers. OiOi produces bags in a range of materials including hard wearing leather and microfibre and all contain lots of pockets, change mat and bottle holder. OiOi bags are available from The Baby Shop.

Another brand that makes bags suitable for both mums and dads is GR8X. In addition to a wide range of innovative baby products, GR8X bags are incredibly practical and come in a wide range of shapes and prints. In addition to the change mat and bottle holder, GR8X bags also contain detachable stroller attachments and an external access wipes pocket. GR8X bags are available through The Baby Shop.

Jooki is an Australian brand that makes beautiful and baby friendly bags. Available in a range of fabrics including leather and hard wearing microfibre, Jooki bags are easy to clean and contain an insulated bottle warmer and change mat. I love the look of the Talissa bag, available from Paperartzi

Vanchi bags are available from 9 Months Waiting and La Toriana. With some cool shapes and colours, my favourite is the classic looking Hearts bag. Not only is it great to look at but it includes bottle thermos, wet pack and change mat. And best of all is one of the more affordable bags on the market.

Finally a cheeky baby bag for everyone who wants to thumb their nose at the whole designer bag scene, the “All the Baby sh!t” Bags from Aussie designers BagLadies. These bags are a mere $10, contain lots of pockets, feature an adjustable strap to fit over the pram and they’re eco-friendly.

1. Storksak Elizabeth $379 from Just Ripe
2. Isoki Vintage Floral Reversible Baby Bag $189.95 from Bubba Funk
3. il Tutto Mia Nappy Bag $449 from Bubba Funk
4. OiOi Black Hobo $134.95 from The Baby Shop
5. Soon Melbourne canvas nappy bag $149.95 from Eco Child
6. GR8X Camo Messenger $119.95 from The Baby Shop
7. Jooki Talissa $285 from Paperartzi
8. Vanchi Hearts $99.95 from La Toriana
9. “All the baby sh!t” $10 from BagLadies

Please check individual stores for shipping details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Nee ha nee nah – BabyLegs Christmas Stocking Stuffer mega-special coming through!!!

Ekidna Kidswear - www.ekidnakidswear.com.au has come up trumps with the ‘Legs, and is offering a fab Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer!

Simply purchase 2 pair of BabyLegs, and pop KSF, and your three preferences* for your third (and FREE!) pair in the comments field at checkout. Offer ends December 20, 2008.

BabyLegs are the perfect extra ‘layer’ for summertime dressing: pop them in your bag – they take up next to no room – and you’ll have instant warmth and sun protection for little arms and legs at your disposal.

There’s a lovely range of clothing over at Ekidna Kids just begging to be worn this Christmas day (check my picks below for outfits that look great with the BLs): Bebe by Minihaha, Marquise, Eternal Creation, Koby, Infancy, Jaffa, and Smirk Xmas themed tees can all be found heavily marked down in the ‘Specials’ section.

Also have to make mention of the Little Extenctions onesie ‘extenders’, a very cool little invention that will get you months more wear out of baby onesies – a superb idea at any time, but especially savvy in these economy conscious times.

Christmas day is not complete without toys, and there are some great finds at Ekidna Kids. Brio wooden block sets, and Playmobil sets (so hard to find usually, and soooo beautifully detailed!), and the Angel at My Table Teepees (free delivery on these makes them irresistable!) are my hot picks.

Finally, the Bosco Bear Christmas Wall Decals are tres chic: they come in a great range of colour options to suit every decor, and are budget friendly too!

Speaking of hip pockets, you can score 15% off store-wide at Ekidna Kids until 28 February 2009 with the KSF reader code which can be found inside in the Summer 2008/9 issue of My Child magazine. (I’ll be popping the code in this Tuesday’s newsletter, so make sure you sign up to be in the loop!)

1. Marquise Fleece lined vest $29.95 $19.95
2. Marquise Basics Blue Birds Tee $14.95 $9.95
3. Eternal Creation ‘Flamenco Angel’ top $47.95 $29.50
4. BabyLegs Assorted designs $16.50 – BUY 2, GET 1 FREE UNTIL 20 December 2008!
5. Marquise Basics Blue Footless Leggings $14.95 $9.95
6. Bebe by Minihaha ‘Tilly’ 3/4 leggings $22.95 $18.36
7. Brio Blocks Set of 50 $49.95
8. Playmobil sets $24.95 & $54.95 each
9. Eternal Creation ‘Tuscany’ sundress $46.95 $36.95
10. Cheeky Little Soles – Ballet Slippers $31.95
11. An Angel at My Table Teepee Tents $229.95 FREE POSTAGE on this item
12. Little Extensions Onesie extenders (Christmas babies designs) $14.95 $12.50
13. Smirk Christmas Pudding Tee $33.95 $27.95
14. Bosco Bear Christmas Wall Decals $89.00

Ekidna Kidswear charge $6.95 for standard postage, and $9.95 for Express Post, Australia wide. International orders are welcome. Visit the Delivery information page for full shipping and delivery details.