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Problem: I have to buy one present for my friend’s seven-year-old son, and another for my cousin’s two-year-old daughter, and I haven’t the faintest idea what to get either of them. Solution: I go to Gifts 4 Kidz – www.gifts4kidz.com.au.

Marina and Sanja at Gifts4Kidz have a huge range of gifts for kids from all the top brands, so many in fact that I can’t list them all here!  She’s even helpfully put things into categories, so now it’s super easy to find a gift for a baby, a toddler, a kid or a teen.  Then once you’ve selected what you need to buy, Marina and her team will gift wrap it beautifully for FREE, and then send it either to you or directly to the lucky recipient.  Phew!  Thank goodness for this wonderful site.

There’s currently a big sale on at Gifts4Kidz with up to 30% off a massive range of brands including: Alperstein Designs, Automoblox, b.box, Bebe (Winter ’10), Bebe Jr (Winter ’10), Bobble Art, Books to Wear (Winter ’10), Britt Design,Christopher Vine Design, Djeco, ecococoon, Flo Dancewear, Jacques Farel, Kate Finn, Lakeland Design, Little Swish, Lovely Chubblies, Manhattan Toy Co, Melobaby Milestone Press,  Mini Treasures (Winter ’10), Minihaha (Winter ’10), Pintoy, Posh!, Rush Bags & Accessories, sunnyLIFE, Super Mario Bros, Tahlia (Winter ’10), Tiger Tribe, Tommy Rocket (Winter ’10), Uttam Kids (Winter ’10), Willow & Finn (Winter ’10), Woof! Clothing (Winter ’10), and Zoe Bonbon.

New in store now are:

• Wheely Bug
• Seedling Craft Kits
• Djeco
• Two Belles
• BLOCH
• Jarmeez

Gifts4Kidz are offering KSF readers 30% off these brands until 12 June 2010. Can you believe that? It’s true! Just enter ‘KSF30′ at checkout to carve 30% off your order!

PS: If you’re in Sydney you’re a lucky ducky: Gifts4Kidz are opening their flagship bricks and mortar store in Sydney Metro within the next month – exciting times!

The prices below are valid using the code ‘KSF30′ which expires on 12 June 2010.

1. Jarmeez Pyjamas – Rocket Raider Tee Set, $29.95 less 30% = $20.96
2. Seedlings Kits: The Junior Doctor Kit; Make Your Own Erupting Volcano; Create Your Own Kaleidescope; $54.95ea less 30% = $38.46
3. Rebecca by BLOCH – Atlantic, $89.95 less 30% = $62.96; Red Toddler Tap by BLOCH, $79.95 less 30% = $55.96
4. Wheely Bug Cow – Large, $130.00 less 30% = $91.00; Wheely Bug Ladybug – Small, $110.00 less 30% = $77.00
5. Djeco: Pirate Lantern, $19.95 less 30% = $13.96; Geoform Boxed Set, $59.95 less 30% = $41.96; Birthday Party Teatime, $74.95 less 30% = $52.46

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide and provide FREE gift packaging. For full information, including International orders, please see Delivery and Returns.

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I live in one of the coolest places in our grand land of Australia, so it’s no surprise that the change of season’s comes hard and fast here in the Apple Isle.  As my children head out the door to play I’m no longer hearing “we’re going out to find grasshoppers“:  they now call “we’re going out to find leaves!” as they head out the door, and I know that autumn has truly begun.

All stocked up and ready to kit you and yours for the colder weather are our delightful friends over at Gifts4Kidz – www.Gifts4Kidz.com.au. You will find new season fashion styling up the G4K’s pages from BLOCH shoes, Bebe and Bebe Jr Clothing, Books to Wear PJ’s, Jarmeez, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Uttam Kids, Willow & Finn and Woof!…just to name a few!

Gifts4Kidz are also now showcasing the stunning range from Flo Dancewear.  Oh it is just so dreamy! Keep your little twinkle toes dancing all year long, with tights, leotards, leg warmers and some beautiful ruffles to boot! I love the Tie Jazz Pants which will be great for the coming cooler months.

In true Gifts4Kidz style, there are some gorgeous new products perfect for gift giving. You’ll find stacks of new Bobble Art and I am falling over myself to show you the Kids Pizza Baking Kit! Our family loves ‘make your own pizza night’ and I can imagine our little men up at the bench with their chef hats and recipe book out, ready to make a new creation.

Marina and Sanja from Gifts4Kidz are so delighted in all their new products they are sharing the joy and offering KidStyleFile readers 15% off store-wide (including sale stock up to 40% off) until the 30 April 2010. Enter ‘KSF10′ at checkout to redeem. Please note that this discount cannot be used with any other offer.

Discounted prices quoted below are only applicable with code (see above) until 30 April 2010.

1. Kids Pizza Baking Kit $39.95 less 15% = $33.95
   
2. Bobble Art Money Box – Dinosaur $24.95 less 15% = $21.20
   
3. Flo Dancewear Cable Knit Crossover Top (1-5) $44.95 less 15% = $38.20
4. Willow & Finn Turquoise Chloe Skirt (3-8) $89.95 less 15% = $76.45
5. Super Mario Bros – Mario Wide Strap Watch $49.95 less 15% = $42.45
6. Flo Dancewear Tie Jazz Pants (2-11) $34.95 less 15% = $29.70
7. Flo Dancewear Cable Knit Leg Warmers (1-3) $29.95 less 15% = $25.45
8. Bobble Art Money Box – Strawberry $24.95 less 15% = $21.20
9. Bloch Glitter Toe $89.95 less 15% = $76.45
10. ecococoon Girls Dreaming Cup Set $45.00 less 15% = $38.25
11. Bebe Dexter Split Neck Jumper (00-2) $45.95 less 15% = $39.05

Brands stocked at Gifts4Kidz include: Automoblox, Bebe Clothing, Bebe Jr Clothing, BLOCH, Bobble Art, Books To Wear, Britt Design, Chippie Bags & Accessories, Christopher Vine Design, Cudworth, Custard Pie, Djeco, Jacques Farel, Jarmeez, Le Toy Van, Tin Lid Designs, Manhattan Toy Co, Marquise, Minihaha, Mini Treasures, Missi Missi, Milestone Press, Creative Education, Alperstein Designs, Paper Eskimo, Posh!, Pintoy, Seedling Craft Kids, Tahlia, Tiger Tribe, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Uttman Kids, Walnut, Willow and Finn, Wheely Bug, Woof! and Zoe Bonbon….just to name a few!

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide and provide FREE gift packaging. For full information, including International orders, please see Delivery and Returns.

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Gifts4Kidz – ww.gifts4kidz.com.au – has always been a little larger than life. Owners Marina and Sanya simply like to do things BIG: their range is enormous; they stock sizes ranging from birth right up to 14 years (designer tween and teen fashion? Check!); every purchase is beautifully packaged and their current end of season sale is no exception – in fact it’s massive!

Right now, while stocks last, you can take a very large discount of 50% off all kids clothing, sleepwear, swimwear and shoes at Gifts4Kidz.  Head straight to Kids Clothing (as pretty well everything listed in this category is included),  enter the KSF discount code ‘KSF50‘ at checkout until 14 February 2010, and watch with pleasure as your selections are reduced like magic to half the rrp! What did I tell you? Massive!

Have your children grown this summer? Two of my three children celebrated birthdays this month and I’m not sure if it’s all the birthday cake they’ve eaten or  just that I closed my eyes for a second – but oh my, there have been some major growth spurts this summer! Down at the beach yesterday I realised that my boys shorts really are short shorts!! I to need to shop – and fast!

Locating what Gifts4Kidz  stock in the size you need is really easy with the ‘Shop By Age’ sections listed on their home page. Alternatively, you might like to shop by category or brand to find what you’re looking for.

Pictured below are my favourites from the sale with a little bit of what’s on offer: clothing by brands like Woof! and Tommy Rocket for little men and Minihaha for girls; sleepwear by Books To Wear and swimwear like the very delightful Dotti Swimsuit by Sandy Feet. Plus a great range of shoes from the sylish likes of Walnut, Bebe and Bloch.

Prices quoted in red below are only applicable at Gifts4Kidz with code ‘KSF50′ while stocks last until 14 February 2010 – so get in quick!

A.  Woof Grey Marl Surf Scene Tee (5-14) $43.50 less 50% = $21.75
B. Woof Night Stripe Shirt (5-14) $62.95 less 50% = $31.48
C. Walnut Cruise Denim Shoe (21-30) $29.95 less 50% = $14.98
D. BEBE White Ballet Pump $39.95 less 50% = $19.98
E. Books To Wear Girls Stripe Shorts Pyjama (6-12) $46.95 less 50% = $23.48
F.  Tommy Rocket Tough Tommy Cruiser (3-7) $64.95 less 50% = $32.47
G. Sandy Feet Dotti Swimsuit (8-12) $45.50 less 50% = $22.75
H. Tahlia Navy Wide Lace Dress (4-14) $64.00 less 50% = $32.00
I. Minihaha Bow Pocket Pants (1-4) $54.95 less 50% = $22.48
J. Minihaha Poppy Print Savador Tiered Skirt (18m-4) $66.00 less 50% = $33.00
K.  Perlina by Bloch $89.95 less 50% = $44.98

Brands stocked at Gifts4Kidz include Automoblox, Bebe Clothing, Bebe Jr Clothing, Bobble Art, Books To Wear, Britt Design, Chippie Bags & Accessories, Christopher Vine Design, Cudworth, Custard Pie, Djeco, Jacques Farel, Le Toy Van, Tin Lid Designs, Manhattan Toy Co, Marquise, Minihaha Clothing, Mini Treasures, Missi Missi, Milestone Press, Creative Education, Alperstein Designs, Paper Eskimo, Posh!, Pintoy, Seedling Craft Kids,Tiger Tribe, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Uttman Kids, Walnut, Willow and Finn, Wheely Bug, Woof! and Zoe Bonbon.

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide and provide FREE gift packaging. For full information, including International orders, please see Delivery and Returns.

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True to its fabulous name Gifts4Kidz – ww.gifts4kidz.com.au – have some stunning gifts on offer this Christmas. The pages of this top online boutique are chock-a-block full of fantastic gifts for babies, boys and girls of all ages – each one poised and ready to delight a child on Christmas morning.

Christmas giving can be done in a variety of ways. One trend in our house that I see mirrored in many of my friends families is a “main gift” for Christmas which can then be surrounded by some smaller pressies and stocking fillers. If you are on the hunt for the “main event” gift for your little ones, Gifts4Kidz has an outstanding range on offer.

For girly inspiration, check out the Le Toy Van Honeybake Set the Micki Toys Wooden Cot and Bedding Set and the Dimian’s Beasteam 6-in-1 Pram with Doll.

Still looking for your little man?  What about a Worm Farm Kit or a Van Fire Engine Set? And it really couldn’t be summer in Australia without a Cricket Set for the beach or backyard.

As well as stocking a tremendous selection of toys, gifts and accessories, Gifts4Kidz carry kids fashion clothing from newborn right up to size 14. Right on time for Christmas, G4K have some terrific new labels on display: Mini Treasures, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, and Sandy Feet Swimwear.

I love what I see from Mini Treasures: the fabulous girly Red Floral Layer Top and the cute Blue Combie Van Tee for boys are my favourites of the day.

Sanja from Gifts4Kidz has a fantastic gift with purchase offer for KSF readers: all orders over $100 will receive a free Bobble Art Sketchbook PLUS matching Bobble Art Notebook, combined value $22.90. Enter promotion code ‘KSFGIRL’ or ‘KSFBOY’ at checkout for a boys themed set or a girls themed set until 30 November 2009 to redeem.

PS Want to nab a bargain? Check out Gift 4 Kidz’s Winter Clearance Sale for up to 40% off. Head to the homepage then browse through each clothing category to find the treasure!

1. Micki Toys Wooden Cot and Bedding Set $134.95
2. Seedling The Worm Farm Kit $69.95
3. Sunny Life Beach Cricket – Blue $49.95
4. Le Toy Van Fire Engine Set $90.00
5. Le Toy Van Honeybake Set $99.00
6. Two Belles Check Me Out Short (3-7) $59.95
7. Mini Treasures Red Floral Layer Top (6-10) $68.00
8. Tommy Rocket Tough Tommy Cruiser (3-7) $64.95
9. Dimian’s Beasteam 6-in-1 Pram with Doll $149.95
10. Rush Bowling Bag – Baboushka $39.95
11. Mini Treasures Blue Combie Van Tee (3-7) $45.00

Brands stocked at Gifts4Kidz include Automoblox, Bebe Clothing, Bebe Jr Clothing, Bobble Art, Books To Wear, Britt Design, Chippie Bags & Accessories, Christopher Vine Design, Cudworth, Custard Pie, Djeco, Jacques Farel, Le Toy Van, Tin Lid Designs, Manhattan Toy Co, Marquise, Minihaha Clothing, Mini Treasures, Missi Missi, Milestone Press, Creative Education, Alperstein Designs, Paper Eskimo, Posh!, Pintoy, Seedling Craft Kids,Tiger Tribe, Tommy Rocket, Two Belles, Uttman Kids, Walnut, Willow and Finn, Wheely Bug, Woof! and Zoe Bonbon.

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide and provide FREE gift packaging. For full information, including International orders, please see Delivery and Returns.

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Need a little sparkle and shine?  Well, you may just need a visit to Gifts4Kidz – ww.gifts4kidz.com.au. Every time I visit, I come away a little sparklier, a little shinier!  I’m not entirely sure what it is, but they seem to have the knack of making the special times special!  And that makes me happy! *Smile*

As well as stocking a tremendous selection of toys, giftss and accessories for kids, Gifts4Kidz carry clothing from newborn right up to size 14 (all the tween parents say yay!).  New season summer stock has just arrived from Little Leona, Woof!, Minihaha, Bebe by Minihaha, Willow and Finn and Uttam Kids and it will have you drooling!

There some gorgeous dresses, just perfect for Christmas Day, like the Little Leona Olivia The Owl Dress and the Willow & Finn Manon Dress which is made in sizes 4, right up to size 12.  They also have put together some great outfits ready for you to purchase as a set like the Woof! Classic Tee and Denim Set.

Gift4Kidz also stock a great range of footwear to match all the fantastic summer fashion from the ever popular brand Walnut, as well as Bebe and Hiawatha. My favourite three pair for summer are shown below.

Until 20 November 2009, you will be smiling too, as Sanja at Gifts4Kidz is offering KSF readers a fantastic discount of 20% off store wide (including winter stock marked down by up to 40%!) – enter discount code ‘KSF’ at checkout to redeem – plus the first 25 savvy shoppers who place an order $150+ will also receive a FREE Rush belt valued at $15.95. Get in quick, and smile *big*!!

*Discounted prices quoted below are applicable until 20 November 2009 code only (read above for details).

1. Bebe Two Tone White & Pink Ballet Pump $39.95 after 20% discount = $31.95
2. Walnut Tennis Grey Jersey Shoe $29.95 after 20% discount = $23.95
3. Willow & Finn Manon Dress (4-12) $129.95 after 20% discount = $103.95
4. Minihaha Grape Gathered Bow Tee $52.00 after 20% discount = $41.60
5. Little Leona Olivia The Owl Dress (2-6) $74.95 after 20% discount = $59.95
6. Woof Classic Tee and Denim Set (5-14) $115.00 after 20% discount = $92.00
7. Minihaha Poppy Print Skirt Set (18M-4) $98.00 after 20% discount = $78.40
8. Hiawatha Bejewelled Strappy Sandals $49.95 after 20% discount = $39.95
9. Bebe Navy V-Neck Pullover Vest (00-2) $47.00 after 20% discount = $37.60

Brands stocked at Gifts4Kidz include Automoblox, Britt, Bobble Art, Books To Wear, Chippie Bags & Accessories, Christopher Vine Design, Cudworth, Custard Pie, Jacques Farel, Kate Finn, Le Toy Van, Little Beetle, Little Swish, Lovely Chubblies, Tin Lid Designs, Melo Baby, Manhattan Toy Co, Marquise, Milestone Press, Creative Education, Alperstein Designs, Paper Eskimo, Posh!, Missi Missi, Tiger Tribe and Zoe Bonbon.

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide and provide FREE gift packaging. For full information, including International orders, please see Delivery and Returns.

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If the chilly days and nights of winter are getting you down, I have some news for you which should get your blood pumping:

How about 40% off all winter fashion at Gifts 4 Kidz – www.gifts4kidz.com.au?  I’m quite serious – Sanja at G4K has decided to clear all her winter fashion to make room for the summer gear (due soon), and to that end she’s giving KidStyleFile readers a whopping 40% off all of it!!  We’re talking Minihaha, Bebe, Woof!, Books To Wear, Little Leona, Marquise and more – wowee!  Just enter ‘WINTER’ at checkout to get your mega-discount until 31 August 2009, while stocks last.

There’s a huge amount covered by this sale, so I barely know where to begin, but I’ll start off with the Marquise gift sets because they’re so divine and absolutely perfect for baby showers and new baby gifts – plus, starting at $69.95 $41.97 with the discount, they’re amazingly cheap!

There’s a fab range of sleepwear for babies, boys and girls and even their mums, covered by Books To Wear, Freckles and Posh! Pyjamas.  Everybody loves snuggly new PJs – they’re my ultimate treat to myself – so at these prices you could get the kids some for next winter, plus a pair for the remainder of this one as a special treat.  And while we’re getting special treats, snap yourself up a pair by Posh! Pyjamas – they’re divine. After all, there are a lot of cold nights still to come this year and these PJs are heavily discounted…

Below are some of my winter fashion picks – have a glance for inspiration and then go shopping to find your own favourites, as there’s a huge amount to choose from. Get stocked up for next winter as I don’t think you’ll beat these prices or this range.

1. Woof! Navy Ribbed Beanie With Ear Flaps, $27.95 $16.77
2. Minihaha Dutch Denim Cropped Jacket, $89.95 $53.97
3. Woof! Double Breasted Duffle Coat, $99.00 $59.40
4. Bebe Jr Tatum Skivvy – Red, $44.95 $26.97
5. Woof! Long Sleeve Eagle Tee, $41.95 $25.17
6. Bebe Jr Chelsea Denim Panel Skirt, $54.95 $32.97
7. Bebe Blake Needlecord Pants, $32.95 $19.77
8. Serenella Minifuture Melody – White, $29.95 $17.97

Now just before you go charging off to fill your basket at Gifts 4 Kidz, let me tell you about some new arrivals in-store.  Pictured below you’ll see the Le Toy Van Fire Engine and Firefighters Triple Pack – you can also get the Fire Station set to make this a truly amazing play option.

There’s also the adorable dolls cot with bedding, and the six-in-one convertible dolls pram – a combination guaranteed to make any little girl incandescent with happiness.  And for room decor I absolutely love the Djeco Poem Tree wall sticker; its whimsical, quirky style really attracts me.

Brands stocked at Gifts4Kidz include Automoblox, Britt, Bobble Art, Books To Wear, Chippie Bags & Accessories, Christopher Vine Design, Cudworth, Custard Pie, Jacques Farel, Kate Finn, Le Toy Van, Little Beetle, Little Swish, Lovely Chubblies, Tin Lid Designs, Melo Baby, Manhattan Toy Co, Marquise, Milestone Press, Creative Education, Alperstein Designs, Paper Eskimo, Posh!, Missi Missi, Tiger Tribe and Zoe Bonbon.

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide and provide FREE gift packaging.

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I don’t know how Sanja at Gifts4Kidz – www.gifts4kidz.com.au – does it, but every time I visit her beautiful online children’s gift store her range seems to have tripled from what it was at the previous visit.  And it was already big to start with!

Not only is there a lot more to drool over – ahem, I mean look at – but every piece is fantastic.  There are loads of my favourite brands represented, such as Pintoy wooden toys, Books To Wear pyjamas, Rush and Wheelybug – and, believe me, that’s the barest sampling!

Sanja also has a knack for finding fantastic new brands and products. SunnyLIFE is one such example – I hadn’t seen their products ’til I browsed G4K – but now I’m a big fan of their beach-themed gifts for slightly older children, and Posh Pyjamas who do stunning sleepwear for teenage girls and adult women.

Sanja is also just about to introduce new lines of clothing including Minihaha, Bebe, Woof!, Marquise and Little Leona.  These will mainly be sold in sets to take all hassle out of buying clothes online – keep your eyes peeled!

The G4K homepage has also been updated with new features such as Show & Tell, featuring a new product each week, and What’s On 4 Kidz which will list up and coming events for kids and families throughout Australia.

What makes Gifts4Kidz so easy to use is that no matter what age the child you’re buying for, whether newborn or teenage or somewhere in between, there’s a whole category of thoughtfully selected presents to choose from.

This of course makes it super-easy to buy for other people’s children – I never do know what to buy for five year old girls! – but also for your own child. You don’t need to wade through a vast array of fluffy toys if you’re buying for a 12 year old boy, but you also don’t need to look at all the cricket sets and skateboards if you’re buying for a toddler girl.  See, easy!  You may *want* to look at everything though, as it’s all so cool!

Gifts4Kidz is offering KSF readers 15% off store-wide until the 10th of April 2009:  just enter ‘KSF09′ at checkout. Please note that this discount cannot be used with any other offer.

You can take 15% off all prices below with the code ‘KSF09′ until 10 April 2009.

1. Roller Surfer Pro, $199.95
2. SunnyLIFE Beach Paddles, $19.95
3. Books To Wear ‘My Fire Truck’ Pyjama, $34.95 $26.25
4. Read With Me Book Set, $32.95
5. Pintoy Teaching Clock, $45.00
6. Britt Black Poppy Mini Dress, $49.95
7. Marquise Romper Gift Set – Stone, $59.95
8. Posh Pyjamas Crest Knit Singlet & Long Pant Set, $99.95 $74.95
9. Passport To Australia Board Game, $59.95
10. Books To Wear ‘Hearts’ Pyjama, $39.95 $29.95
11. Assorted Serenella Tights, from $24.95
12. Pintoy Wooden Toys, from $39.95

Brands stocked at Gifts4Kidz include Automoblox, Britt, Bobble Art, Books To Wear, Chippie Bags & Accessories, Christopher Vine Design, Cudworth, Custard Pie, Jacques Farel, Kate Finn, Le Toy Van, Little Beetle, Little Swish, Lovely Chubblies, Tin Lid Designs, Melo Baby, Manhattan Toy Co, Marquise, Milestone Press, Creative Education, Alperstein Designs, Paper Eskimo, Posh!, Missi Missi, Tiger Tribe and Zoe Bonbon.

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide and provide FREE gift packaging.

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If you’re looking for gift ideas for the kids this Christmas, I strongly recommend paying a visit to the delightful Gifts4Kidz – www.gifts4kidz.com.au.

There’s an ENORMOUS range of gifts from all the top brands, and Sanja from G4K has helpfully divided it all into age- and gender-appropriate categories, making it easy to select the right gift for the right child.

Let’s look at some presents for the very newest members of the family.  Sanja has a wonderful range of gift packs for pregnant women and for newborns (unisex, girls and boys) which are packed full of luscious products.  Gorgeous Marquise cotton rompers, booties and puppet by Britt Design and organic toiletries from bubba can be found in them, along with a plethora of other thoughtfully selected products.  Have a look here to see the whole range.

I also love the range of books for the under-twos, in particular the ‘Read With Me’ sets.  They’re both educational and a great way for the child to spend quiet time with mum or dad (or the grandparents).  With Christmas fast approaching, consider the ‘Christmas Read With Me’ set – perfect for under the tree or to get a toddler excited about the big day!

There are loads of books for older kids too, and again they’re all divided into age appropriate categories making it easy to select the right ones.

A great gift idea for slightly older kids is a pair of funky PJs, and the Books To Wear range is one of the coolest around.  They’re all 100% cotton, which means your kids won’t wake up unpleasantly sweaty, and the designs are great! Modern and fun, and a good variety, something for every kid.

Incidentally, teenage girls also love new PJs and you’ll find some great options for them here.

Great gifts for – but not limited to – boys include the sunnyLIFE Beach Cricket Set (get them away from the gaming console and out into the fresh air) and likewise the sunnyLIFE Summertime Fun set which includes a luxury beach towel and a water- and sand-resistant AM/FM radio (it’s also iPod and MP3 compatible).  Make the most of the gorgeous summer weather!

For girls between 6 and 12, I love the Le Toy Van sets for imaginative play.  They’re so well crafted that they’ll last forever, and she’ll get many, many hours of quiet fun from playing with them.  There are kitchens, miniature cafes (including the whimsical Teapot Cafe set), and doll houses of which I love the Sweetheart Cottage set the best.

All orders made by KSF readers receive a 10% discount, with all orders over $150 receiving FREE shipping until 21 December 2008. Enter the code ‘KSF-DEC’ at checkout to redeem.

Here are some of my favourites for the day:

1. Pintoy Musical Instruments Set, $59.90
2. sunnyLIFE Summertime Fiesta, $95.00
3. chippie Black Butterflies Stanley Bag, $64.95
4. Vintage Military King Single Quilt Set, $335.00
5. Little Swish Dream Kit – Pink Star, $79.00
6. Schoenhut’s My First Piano, $145.00
7. Le Toy Van Honeybake Baking Set, $99.00
8. Le Toy Van Mike’s Auto Garage, $174.95
9. Just For Mums Gift Set – Red, $159.00
10. Britt Snuggles Teddy Puppet – Pink, $34.95

Brands stocked at Gifts4Kidz include Britt, Djeco, Le Toy Van, Kate Finn, Chippie, Little Beetle, sunnyLIFE, Tin Lid Designs, Melo Baby, Creative Education, Alperstein Designs, Missi Missi, Tiger Tribe, Little Swish, Jacques Farel and Zoe Bonbon.

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide.

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Fun and Games from birth to 6 months

Babies from newborn to six months of age aren’t much for throwing a ball around in the back yard or playing chasey, but you can have lots of giggles with them nonetheless!

Right from the first couple of weeks, it’s really important that babies spend a bit of time each day on their tummies: ‘tummy time’.  It’s essential to do this in order to relieve pressure on the backs of their little heads and to encourage their neck muscles to strengthen so that they can begin to lift their head up.

Some babies love tummy time but many don’t, so I recommend investing in a good play gym (the Mamas & Papas one pictured below is great) in order to make it more interesting and stimulating for them.

The other important activity for little babies is encouraging them to reach and grab for objects.  Again, a good quality play gym will aid this but for when you’re out and about string a pram toy across the car seat and/or pram to give them something to aim for.

Heimess Bear Rattle, $19.95 $16.95* from Ekidna Kids*
Mamas & Papas Light and Sound Playmat & Gym, $199.95 from Little Possums Toys
Mamas & Papas Musical Pram Rattle, $23.80 also from Little Possums Toys

Fun and Games from 6-12 months 

From six to twelve months babies are developing mentally and physically at an astonishing pace!  During this period they’ll probably start shuffling, crawling or even walking.

Babies this age adore peekaboo games – try throwing a cot sheet over their head and slowly dragging it off again and see if you can keep a straight face over the giggles!

Also try hiding toys under containers for the baby to ‘find’, and stacking containers into towers for the baby to knock down.  Don’t worry about potential destructive tendencies emerging here, as babies learn about building from knocking down for the first couple of years.

Other great games for this age are rolling a ball back and forth between you and the baby, and bringing puppets into play.  Whole hand puppets or cute little finger puppets are a guaranteed to be a hit!

Crocodile Creek 7″ Playground Ball – Dogs, $18.95 $16.10* from Ekidna Kids
Djeco Topanimo, $49.95 from Little Possums Toys (gorgeous set of toys and boxes, great for hiding games)
Beneath The Leaf Fairy Finger Puppets – set of 3, $24.95 also from Little Possums Toy

Fun and Games from 12-15 months 

Sometime around the ages of 12-15 months, your little one will probably start walking!

An activity they’re guaranteed to adore at this stage is walking along behind a trolley.  They can load it up with their favourite toys and head off into the sunset. It goes without saying that it’s even more important than ever to make sure they’re in a safe environment for this though.

With babies/toddlers who are on the move (crawling or walking), setting up structures to ‘hide’ in and around is loads of fun.  Make sure you get down on their level to crawl with them; it will increase the giggles tenfold.

The play teepee from Kids Gift List pictured below is perfect for this sort of game and can be used indoors or outdoors.

At this age they’re also learning to post different shapes into slots, so a posting game of some sort can be great. I love the BRIO one pictured, it’s so sleek and shiny!

KGL Pink Teepee, $259.95 $220.95 from Kids Gift List*
BRIO Wooden Sorting Box, $38.95 from Little Possums Toys
Plan Toy Baby Walker With Blocks, $120.00 also from Little Possums Toys

Fun and Games from 2 to 3 years

Two to three year olds have SO MUCH ENERGY! Keeping up with them can be a challenge and their power for destruction around the house is huge if they aren’t kept entertained.

At this age they can really start to get into dress ups, so bring out your best wardrobe gear from the 80s and let them go wild.

From the little destructive tornadoes who would knock down every tower of blocks in sight, they’re now starting to get the hang of building so a good set of blocks is a must-have.  Good quality wooden blocks will last generations, and the Toys Pure set from Ekidna Kids look beautiful as well.  These are a big favourite in our house.

You can also start to introduce simple puzzles and memory games for ‘quiet times’ play. Don’t get too carried away with fancy shapes and pictures here yet, stick to something simple like the Mooo Basic Shapes Puzzle to allow them to get the hang of things.

Mooo Basic Shapes Puzzle, from $34.95 from Mooo
Toys Pure Shalimar Puzzle, $39.95 $33.95 from Ekidna Kids*
Djeco 9 Cube Jungle Puzzle, $15.95 from Little Possums Toys (great blocks for building, and also are great as a puzzle from 3+

Fun and Games from 3 to 5 years

Three to five year olds are developing quite advanced gross motor skills and love being active, so give them plenty of practice by encouraging games like ten pin bowls – easy to be enthusiastic about, given the gorgeous range of sets available these days.

To encourage the development of fine motor skills, bring out the art supplies. Drawing, painting, stamping and so on are loads of fun and are a great tool for parents if you need to keep the kids amused on a rainy day. Giving your child their own pencil case makes them feel special and grown up – check out the Capt’n Sharky and Princess Lillifee filled pencil cases from Gifts4Kidz.

The more advanced puzzles can be brought out around now – the personalised name puzzles from Mooo are perfect as they will also help your child learn to recognise his or her own name in written form… and of course they look fabulous!

Capt’n Sharky Filled Pencil Case and Princess Lillifee Filled Pencil Case, both $45.00 from Gifts4Kidz
Bowl Me Over Penguin Set, $21.95 $18.65 from Kids Gift List*
Personalised Wooden Name Puzzle, from $24.95 from Moo

Fun and Games from 5 years+

By now your big little person is at school! The house must be seeming very quiet during the weekdays, but no doubt the noise and energy is more than making up for it after school and on weekends.

Keep the pencils and art supplies from the previous ages, as writing stories is probably starting to become a favourite pastime at this point. Encourage them in their literary and artistic pursuits by always have pencils and paper available; you’ll be amazed at what your little Picassos and Tennysons will produce!

For burning off energy you just can’t beat a jumping rope. Even professional athletes use jump rope as a cardio excercise, and the best part is that it’s so much fun! Adults can take part just as much as the kids can – get two jump ropes going and see if you remember how to double dutch like you used to in primary school.  The kids will be incredibly impressed if you can

This is a brilliant age to be bringing kids into the kitchen as well, and making a pizza can be healthy, educational and a whole heap of fun.  If you’re not exactly a Michelin-starred chef yourself, the Kids In The Kitchen Pizza Box sets from Gifts4Kidz make it easy for you.

Little girls love to play hairdressers, but please don’t exclude the boys from this game either. Bring out some gel and some hair dressing equipment (the set below means they won’t be wrecking yours!) and let them all go to town, not just on each other but on your hair too!

Hairdressing kit and cape, $44.95 from Gifts4Kidz
Kids in the Kitchen Pizza Box – Black, $24.95 from Gifts4Kidz
KGL Skipping Rope – Zebra, $6.95 $5.90 from Kids Gift List*

Please check individual sites for postage details.

*Indicates discount or special offer through the Shop 4 Kids magazine code.

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Buying presents for other people’s children terrifies me, and I don’t think I’m alone.

My own child is still so young, and I think it takes plenty of experience of children at all ages before you can be certain of getting something appropriate. How do I know what a teenage boy would like?  Scary stuff!

Luckily the risk is taken out of the equation at the fabulous new Gifts4Kidz – www.gifts4kidz.com.au – where there is a great selection of gifts carefully sorted into categories for boys and girls of different ages.  Phew!!

With the range extending from newborn (keep an eye out for the newborn gift packs, coming soon) through to teenagers and beyond, this lovely site makes buying presents easy – and you can pick up something special for your own kids while you’re there!

What about the Marquise Ultimate Undergarment Set for a new arrival?  All Marquise products are of the finest quality, and this gift is not only beautiful but practical too.  New parents can never have enough little bodysuits and singlets, and this set includes something for every weather condition.

The Le Toy Van products are every kid’s dreams come true.  Beautifully made wooden playsets, there are fairy towers, sweetheart cottages and whimsical teapot cafe sets, not to mention Shanghai Warrior pirate ships and auto garages a-plenty.  Kids will spend hours upon hours in imaginative play with these wonderful sets – wish I’d had one as a kid!

There is also stylish room decor. Little girls would love the Tiger Tribe ‘Pink Flowers’ bedroom set, and little boys are guaranteed to adore the Missi Missi Junior Boys beanbag, and check out the homewares section for divine cot bedding and much, much more.

Brands stocked include Britt, Djeco, Le Toy Van, Kate Finn, Chippie, Little Beetle, Tin Lid Designs, Melo Baby, Creative Education, Alperstein Designs, Missi Missi, Tiger Tribe, Little Swish, Jacques Farel and Zoe Bonbon.

There is also a range of books, including gorgeous gift sets from my all-time favourite author, Roald Dahl, plus some beautifully thought-out baby record books and master plan diaries.

Gifts4Kidz are giving KidStyleFile readers 10% off all purchases until September 30. Enter ‘KSF’ in the promotion code section at checkout to redeem.

From top left in rows:

Discounts include the 10% off for KSF readers.

The Master Plan Diary, $34.95  $31.45 (Ange’s note: I have one of these in red, and it is truly the most beautiful diary I have ever owned!)
Kate Finn Essentials Set – Blue Stripe, $64.95  $58.45
Spots n Stripes Green Cot Set, $110.00 $99.00
Tiger Tribe Bedroom Set -Blue Car, $64.95  $58.45
chippie Black Butterflies Stanley Bag, $64.95  $58.45
Le Toy Van Wooden Teapot Cafe, $84.95  $76.45
Missi Missi Beanbag – Jumbo Boys, $120.00  $108.00
Le Toy Van New York Car Set, $36.00  $32.40
Djeco Princess Marguerite Gouaches Art Set, $42.95  $38.65

Gifts4Kidz charge a flat rate delivery of $9.95 Australia wide.