KidStyleFile

Post written by Miki
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Following on from last week’s US Designers special feature, this week we’re heading across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom.

The UK has long been a source of leading children’s- wear and equipment. Iconic names such as Silver Cross prams instantly bring to mind classic chic, perfectly groomed nannies or the more modern ‘yummy mummies’ parading through Hyde Park with their beautifully dressed offspring on full display.

Hey, if you have a baby you’re proud of and gorgeous gear for him or her, why not show them off?

That concept shows in UK designers products - they’re always gorgeous to look at (not to mention touch) and practical to boot. And now, thanks to some of Australia’s top children’s-wear online boutiques, we can access the best of British design from the comfort of our living rooms.

So get comfy and have a look at some of my picks for the week!

Fairy Kisses

Fairy Kisses - www.fairykisses.com.au - stock the cutest little leather babyshoes from Starchild. I’m sure you’ve seen these before, they’re just so sweet! For the traditionalists among us there is Nenuphar London: timeless designs with a hint of their French heritage. Any child couldn’t help but look as though butter wouldn’t melt in their mouth wearing these clothes! They’re especially perfect for special occasions.

If you prefer organic cotton on your precious little one’s skin, there are two designers I would bring to your attention: Piccalilly Organics and Little Blue dog. Both have loads of adorable designs and are so gentle on babies’ skin!

Starchild ballerina shoes in blue, $42.95
Piccalilly red organic hoodie, $39.95
Little Blue Dog signature baseball top, $38.95
Little Blue Dog cat romper, $38.95
Nenuphar London puff sleeve dress, $84.95
Starchild gingham Jolly Roger shoes, $39.95

Urban Child

Another great place to stock up on UK designers is Urban Child - www.urbanchild.com.au. Here you can find simply beautiful baby clothes, blankets and accessories from AraVore Babies. Exclusively imported from London, all organic and knitted from exquisitely soft ‘Fair Trade’ cotton and merino wool, they are the most wonderful baby presents, especially for a winter baby. It’s the kind of gift that will become a family heirloom!

Urban Child also have the ever-popular Albetta (I’m in love with Albetta babygrows; could they get any cuter?) and a selection of WOW toys - these toys are destined to be come favourites with everyone, you can’t go wrong with them.

WOW toys ‘Motorbike Max’, $24.95
AraVore Babies organic vintage matinee coat, $105.00
Albetta Flying Machines babygrow, $42.00 $21.95 (great price!!)
AraVore Babies pink stripe jumper, $82.00
Albetta booties -blue velvet gingham, $24.95 $9.95 (even greater price!!)
Ekidna Kids

One of my all-time favourite stuffed toy brands is ‘Mamas & Papas‘ from the UK. These knitted and fleece animals are really lovely - just a bit quirky, a bit whimsical and bound to be adored.

The fleece ones can just be flung in the washing machine and the knitted ones are easy enough to spot clean. I know this because I got tomato sauce on my friend’s knitted puppy a couple of months ago - don’t ask - and was totally mortified until I realised the stain had come right out! (Promise not to tell her please )

My favourite place to get these in Australia is Ekidna Kids - www.ekidnakids.com.au.

M&P Colour Bunch soft toy - Tuli, $21.95
M&P Knitted lamb gift toy, $39.95
M&P Knitted puppy gift toy, $39.95
M&P Kitted bear gift toy, $39.95
M&P Colour Bunch soft toy - Baru, $21.95

Kids Gift List
Two fabulous UK designers at Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au. The first is Sparrowkids, designers of stunning ‘DIY’ craft kits for kids. All the materials are Fair Trade (you can have very thought-provoking discussions with the kids over this topic) and they’re great quality. Craft projects aren’t just for the girls. Show me the primary school boy who could resist the pencilcase rocket!

The other designer is Trunki, which is only the best luggage for kids in the whole wide world. Seriously, who could ever go past the funky little ride-on suitcases with horns?

Sized to be carry-on baggage compliant, light enough for parents to carry comfortably over their shoulder and robust enough for not just one but two preschoolers to ride, these little suitcases are too cool.

Perfect for 3-6 year olds, and they are just as good for overnight stays at the grandparents’ place as international jetsetting!

Sparrowkids DIY felt butterfly bag, $28.95
Sparrowkids DIY felt sparrow bag, $28.95
Sparrowkids DIY rocket pencil case, $39.95
Trunki ride-on suitcases, pink and blue, $63.95

Please check individual store for postage prices and information.

Post written by Miki
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

For those of you who are decorating/redecorating/spicing up your kids’ bedrooms take note: there are only two days left to take advantage of the 20% discount off the whole room & decor section at Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au, plus a FREE gift too!

That’s 20% off* all wall art, all wall stickers, all shelf stands, all book ends, all growth charts, all everything in the Room & Decor category! But only until Wednesday July 23, so don’t delay any longer!

Enter ‘KSFRD20‘ at checkout to take advantage of this awesome offer!

My personal favourite is the Coco Boheme elephant chalkboard wall sticker. I think it’s such a brilliant idea - wall art you can draw on! - and it wouldn’t be limited to the child’s bedroom or playroom. I can definitely picture one in my kitchen, it’d be perfect for shopping lists and for distracting a toddler while I’m trying to cook dinner. But hey, it’s a removable wall sticker! If I don’t want it in the kitchen any more then I can just move it into the playroom. That’s the kind of product I love; funky and flexible!

The wall art at Kids Gift List is fantastic too: a great range from ‘Look At The Wall’ which has a wonderfully fresh, organic feel to it and as every piece is handmade from specialty papers they’re all unique.

The deservedly-popular Little Chipipi wall stickers are there as well (20% off is a great deal on them!).

These are my picks for decor:

Prices quoted are after 20% discount:

KGL Wooden Wall Hanger ‘Butterflies’, $9.95 $7.96
Book Ends - Early Bird, $84.95 $67.96
Height Chart - Woodland, $44.95 $35.96
KGL Bookend - Green, $19.95 $15.96
KGL Room Thermometer - Pink, $9.95 $7.96
Shelf Stand - Enchanted Tree, $84.95 $67.96

Another gorgeous section at Kids Gift List is ‘Gifts under $10′. As with the rest of Kids Gift List’s range, everything in here is great quality and it all represents outstanding value. Below are pictured just a few of my ‘must haves’.

The My Child magazine discount code* is still running at Kids Gift List too, so you can use it to take 15% off (excluding the decor and room accessories products) the rest of Kids Gift List’s fab range of products. (If you can’t get a copy of My Child, email Angela and she’ll whisper it to you. )

Prices quoted are after 15% My Child discount:

KGL Bright Castanet Ladybird, $2.95 $2.51
KGL Animal Clap Elephant, $5.95 $5.06
KGL Bell Ring Red Stripe, $6.95 $5.91
KGL Combi Peace Blue, $9.95 $8.46
KGL Pull Along Pal Elephant, $9.95 $8.46
KGL Bookmark Car, $1.95 $1.66
KGL Pull Along Pal Pig, $9.95 $8.46

Kids Gift List stock fine products from Alex Designs, Baufix, Cinti does Vintage, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum Toys, Edenstar, Heavenly Creatures, KGL Gifts, Knox and Floyd, Lark Designs, Isa Toys, Like A Bike, Little Blue Fish, Little Chipipi, The Little Experience, Little Kitchen, Little Red Pear, Maiike, Merrigold, Oobi, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Rockabye Baby, Rosie Flo, Rubys & Robots, Sooki Baby, Sparrowkids, Sudo, Taltrade, Tee P, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Tonic Baby, Trunki, and Zacharia Bier, so there are heaps of fine products for you to select from.

Kids Gift List deliver Australia-wide for $6.00 per order - that’s outstanding! See here for further delivery details.

*Please note that these discount codes apply to Australian residents only.

Decorating your child’s bedroom can be a daunting thought (so many bunnies, so little time!), but Kids Gift List - Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - make it easy to transform your child’s room from drab to divine with their fine range of room and décor accessories.

Kids Gift List stock a great range of wall art from Look at the Wall, Coco Boheme and Little Chipipi.

A key decorating tip is grouping pieces together for impact.

Buy 2,4 or 6 Look at the Wall pieces for a fun and sophisticated effect. These timber-based pieces are perfect for a child’s room with their soothing organic feel.

The Little Chipipi wall stickers make creating a striking feature easy to do as they provide lots of fun and funky elements to arrange according to your room layout.

For minimalist chic choose Coco Boheme’s large silhouetted animals. You can use them as a blackboard too: double duty delight!

In the decor piece department, you cannot go past the very splendid shelf stands from Cocoon Couture. I think these look great in friendly groups of two or three (and although they come finished with clear lacquer, I think the temptation for me to paint the bird red would be too hard for me to resist!)

There are also a selection of very affordable bookends, height charts and coat hooks, and even room thermometers from the Kids Gift List house range that will have you decorating with a confident flourish.

To inspire you further, Monique at Kids Gift List is gifting KidStyleFile readers 20%* off all products from the Room and Décor section of the KGL site. Enter ‘KSFRD20‘ at checkout to qualify for the discount plus a special little treat! Offer ends Wednesday July 23.

Clockwise from top left. Prices quoted are after the 20% discount has been applied:

Tee P Custom-made Utility Wall Hanger (accessories not included) $159.95 $127.96
Coco Boheme XL Elephant blackboard $99.00 $79.20
Cocoon Couture Shelf stand - Cheeky Squirrel $44.95 $35.96
Cocoon Couture Shelf stand - Early Bird $44.95 $35.96
Little Chipipi Drive Time wall stickers, $79.95 $63.96
Krooom Storage Bench $49.95 $39.96
Kids Gift List Room Thermometers (available in green, blue and pink designs) $9.95 each $7.96
Cocoon Couture Woodland Height Chart (also available in Jungle Land) $44.95 $35.96
Look at the Wall ‘Bug’s Life’ Wall Art, $119.95 $95.96

Kids Gift List stock fine products from Alex Designs, Baufix, Cinti does Vintage, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum Toys, Edenstar, Heavenly Creatures, KGL Gifts, Knox and Floyd, Lark Designs, Isa Toys, Like A Bike, Little Blue Fish, Little Chipipi, The Little Experience, Little Kitchen, Little Red Pear, Maiike, Merrigold, Oobi, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Rockabye Baby, Rosie Flo, Rubys & Robots, Sooki Baby, Sparrowkids, Sudo, Taltrade, Tee P, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Tonic Baby, Trunki, and Zacharia Bier.

Don’t forget to check out Kids Gift List $25.00 or less clothing sale for some superlative bargains. And if you’re looking for a gift for your little one is, or his or her friends, then check out KGL’s Gifts Under $10 section, for budget friendly wow factor.

Kids Gift List also offers a FREE gift list service. This means that you can let everyone know which cool gifts you and your child would like, and need never fear the ‘gift’ of inappropriate toys, or bad fashion again!!

Simply login to create your list, pick out what your child would like or needs from the beautiful selection available, print and judiciously distribute for universal benefit.

Lastly if you’re not looking for room or decor accessories, but would still like a discount at Kids Gift List, then pick up a copy My Child and browse to pg.56 for a code that gets you 15% off*. Not near a newsagent? Leave a comment on this post, or email me, and I’ll send it to you

Without further ado, head on over to Kids Gift List to get a taste of the KGL experience for yourself !

Kids Gift List charge an unbeatable $6.00 flat for delivery, Australia wide (excluding over sized items).

*These offers apply to Australian residents only, and cannot be used on sale items, or in conjunction with any other code.

Today’s post is brought to you by the wonderful Miki. Enjoy the bargains over at Kids Gift List, and don’t forget to say ‘hi’ to Monique at Kids Gift List for me! Angela xx

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

You won’t want to miss out on this one, fellow bargain lovers!

Our friends at the uber-fabulous Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - have a massive sale - clothes under $25 section, with everything in there marked down by at least 40% and up to 70%!!

You’re going to have to be quick for this sale. Many of these items are very low in stock or could even be the last one left, so waste not a second - head on over!!

Some of the gorgeous designers featured in the under $25 sale include Zacharia Bier, Sudo, Sooki Baby, Edenstar and Cinti Does Vintage.

If you’re still needing that little push over the edge then just look at all of these beautiful products, ALL UNDER $25.00!!!

Clockwise from top left:
Edenstar Kohana top, $79.95 $24.95
Lark knitted flower hat, $29.95 $23.95 (and check out the matching MJ booties, SO adorable!)
Edenstar eternal summer tee, $44.95 $23.95
Edenstar cuffed white shorts, $69.95 $24.95
Sooki Baby frill snapsuit, $29.95 $14.35
Cinti does Vintage bib (large yellow duck print), $27.95 $23.95
Edenstar pacific pant, $79.95 $23.95

Left to right:
Sudo Alvie hood (emerald), $64.95 $24.95
Cinti does Vintage bibs in blue/red, chocolate/aqua/white, tan/blue/white stripe, $19.95 $16.95
Zacharia Bier Lifestyle Shane, $49.95 $24.95
Zacharia Bier 34 Frank, $49.95 $24.95

Now, while we’re on the topic of Kids Gift List, it would take someone with unnatural willpower to refrain from browsing through the rest of their categories.

Although I could cheerfully march you through every single product over there, I’ll contain myself and just show you my favourite-ist category: wall art.

Ohhh do Kids Gift List know what they’re doing when they choose the wall art to stock!

They’ve recently started offering ‘Look At The Wall’ collages, which are handmade from a big selection of different papers (including handmade) and each collage is a little bit unique. They’re different from anything else I’ve seen around the traps, really very well priced and just so cool!

Besides those, I LOVE the quirky-yet-useful Coco Boheme Monkey blackboard sticker - what a great product! Because it’s a sticker you can move it around the place - kitchen, bedroom, playroom, treehouse - without damaging the paint! I want one!

Also don’t forget that Kids Gift List stock the ever-popular (and rightly so) Little Chipipi wall decals, an instant uplift for any kid’s room decor.

Last but not least: don’t forget that you can use the My Child magazine discount code to take 15% off everything at Kids Gift List, except for the $25 and under clothing category. (Hey, that’s already up to 70% off so you’re not losing out there! )

Not near a newsagent? Leave a comment on this post, or email Angela, and she’ll send you the code!

Left to right, prices including the My Child magazine code 15% off
Cats On The Fence wall art, $119.95 $101.95
Cheeky Monkey wall art, $119.95 $101.95
Hungry Hippos wall art, $119.95 $101.95
Squirrel wall art, $119.95 $101.95
Coco Boheme XL Monkey blackboard, $99.00 $84.15
Little Chipipi Drive Time wall stickers, $79.95 $67.95

KGL stock fine products from Alex Designs, Baufix, Cinti does Vintage, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum Toys, Edenstar, Heavenly Creatures, KGL Gifts, Knox and Floyd, Lark Designs, Isa Toys, Like A Bike, Little Blue Fish, Little Chipipi, The Little Experience, Little Kitchen, Little Red Pear, Maiike, Merrigold, Oobi, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Rockabye Baby, Rosie Flo, Rubys & Robots, Sooki Baby, Sparrowkids, Sudo, Taltrade, Tee P, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Tonic Baby, Trunki, and Zacharia Bier.

Kids Gift List is the perfect location to head for when your little one is, or his or her friends are, having a birthday: KGL stocks 300 products under $20.00, and 100 products under $10.00, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift whatever your budget!

Kids Gift List offers a FREE gift list service. This means that you can let everyone know which cool gifts you and your child would like, and need never fear the ‘gift’ of inappropriate toys, or bad fashion again!!

Simply login to create your list, pick out what your child would like or needs from the beautiful selection available, print and judiciously distribute for universal benefit.

Head on over to the Kids Gift List site to celebrate and get a taste of the KGL experience for yourself !

Kids Gift List charge an unbeatable $6.00 flat for delivery, Australia wide (excluding over sized items).

Okey dokey. There must be something in the water this week. The deals are just unbelievably good.

Today’s offer, from Monique at Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - really is quite mind-blowing.

Get this: 45% off musical instruments plus 20% off everything else store-wide including sale items!! Whooooop-Whoop-eeeee!

PLUS, as a special offer exclusive to KidStyleFile readers, when you spend over $30.00 on musical instruments you will also receive a little gift FREE!

The discount code is SALE - enter it at checkout, and be seriously rewarded for your effort. Stunningly good! Yep, yep, yep!!!!
Mention ‘KidStyleFile‘ in the ‘Where did you find us?’ section at checkout to score your gift.

KGL stock fine products from Alex Designs, Baufix, Cinti does Vintage, Cheeky Little Soles, Dobbin and Drum Toys, Edenstar, Heavenly Creatures, KGL Gifts, Knox and Floyd, Lark Designs, Isa Toys, Like A Bike, Little Blue Fish, Little Chipipi, The Little Experience, Little Kitchen, Little Red Pear, Maiike, Merrigold, Oobi, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Rockabye Baby, Rosie Flo, Rubys & Robots, Sooki Baby, Sparrowkids, Sudo, Taltrade, Tee P, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Tonic Baby, Trunki, and Zacharia Bier.

You’ve got until May 31 to raid the joint

So go!……._NOW_!!!!!!

For those of you who don’t respond to orders and/or who want to build the anticipation just a tad more, here are my favourite things of the day.

Choose from a super selection of drums, clappers, maracas, whistles, tambourines, jingle sticks, castanets, flutes and xylophones, all 45% off!!!

Instruments start at a very low $2.95 and prices are automatically reduced by 45% at the checkout when you enter code ‘SALE’, so jump straight on into the Musical Toys section to save!

Clockwise from top left:

Tiny Revolutionary “I’ll Change the World Someday” Tee $38.95 $31.15 $25.56 after 20% off discount I love the message of this tee, and it’s eco and kids friendly mode of manufacture.

KGL Classic Combi (available in assorted colours; here dark red) $9.95 $7.96 after 20% off discount Am I a broken record with these combis? Well, what if I am? They are *the best* toy cars I have ever found (and you know I look!!). Every home should have one! (I’m off to pick up some more today!!)

Like a Bike Mountain in red $339.00 $271.20 after 20% off discount These ‘foot bikes’ are widely used in Scandinavia, where the design hails from. Riding one of these for a while is said to eliminate the need for training wheels when your small charge moves to a pedal bike. Plus, they look darn cool! I want one. Make that two, actually!!

Coco Boheme XL Monkey Blackboard Repositionable Decal $99.00 $79.20 after 20% off discount Makes a super stylish impact anywhere in your home, and will keep your child amused for hours!

Rosie Flo’s Johnny Joe and Rosie Flo’s Animals colouring books $14.95 $11.96 after 20% off discount Just add a head, legs and arms. These books are a delight, and bring creativity into the colouring book experience. Snap ‘em up!

Merrigold Circus Tent Playset $37.95 $30.36 after 20% off discount We have one of these in our home and it is sooo sweet. Five friendly characters dance in and out of the tent. I just love the monkey’s little removable skirt!!

Sparrow Kids DIY Felt Sparrow Bag (red available only) $28.95 $23.16 after 20% off discount I remember having kits like these when I was a child. It was so satisfying to complete a project, and now, as a parent I realise they are a true joy, as everything you need to make it is in the pack! Just gorgeous, and functional to boot!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Kids Gift List charge an unbeatable $6.00 flat for delivery, Australia wide (excluding over sized items).

Kids Gift List offers a FREE gift list service. This means that you can let everyone know which cool gifts you and your child would like, and need never fear the ‘gift’ of inappropriate toys, or bad fashion again!!

Simply login to create your list, pick out what your child would like or needs from the beautiful selection available, print and judiciously distribute for universal benefit.

Head on over to the Kids Gift List site to celebrate and get a taste of the KGL experience for yourself !

Musical instruments are some of the best items you can have in your toy box/parenting tool box.

They can be used from a very early age, bringing delight (and teaching cause and effect) to the smallest of infants, and they continue to be used and enjoyed as your child grows through primary school, not to mention the fun you can have with them as a parent - I find a jam session with my kids most relaxing!

Monique at Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - wants to share the love, so she’s giving us a massive 25% off musical instruments until May 31.

As a special offer exclusive to KidStyleFile readers, when you spend over $30.00 on musical instruments you will also receive a little gift FREE!

Just mention ‘KidStyleFile‘ in the ‘Where did you find us?’ section at checkout to score your gift.

Choose from a super selection of drums, clappers, maracas, whistles, tambourines, jingle sticks, castanets, flutes and xylophones!

Instruments start at a very low $2.95 and prices are automatically reduced by 25% at the checkout, so jump straight on into the Musical Toys section to save!

Kids Gift List also stock the divine Edenstar, Heavenly Creatures, Cheeky Little Soles, Little Red, Tiny Revolutionary, Cinti Does Vintage, Sooki Baby, Oobi, Sudo and Zacharia Bier.

There’s a bounty of cheap products heavily discounted, and going cheap, awaiting you in the sale section. Browse each brand to discover some superlative bargains.

Kids Gift List also offers a FREE gift list service. This means that you can let everyone know which cool gifts you and your child would like, and need never fear the ‘gift’ of inappropriate toys, or bad fashion again!! Simply login to create your list, pick out what your child would like or needs from the beautiful selection available, print and judiciously distribute for universal benefit.

Head on over to the Kids Gift List site to celebrate and get a taste of the KGL experience for yourself !

Kids Gift List charge an unbeatable $6.00 flat for delivery, Australia wide (excluding over sized items).

Oh-ho-ho! You are going to *love* this one! This week, Miki showcases a fantastic range of toys for babies and kids from birth to 6 years up. Whether you’re looking for a gift, or for a rainy day activity, your problems are solved with this great selection. Enjoy!

Next week’s Weekend Special Feature: Decor and Accessories

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Starting off with the aptly named The Hip Infant www.thehipinfant.com.au, there was so much choice that I decided I had to focus just on baby toys if I was to do any of it justice. Don’t for a second think that this is all The Hip Infant have though!

All babies love rattles as soon as they learn to grasp and focus, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the Hip Stuff Mini Maracas in Green, $6.50, which are a big favourite in our household. So hardy too; ours should have broken long ago with the kind of treatment they get, but there isn’t even a chip in the paint!

There are also the exquisite Alimrose Handsqueeker Japanese Doll, $15.95 - so sweet!

Personally, I’m coveting the Heimess Pram String ‘Teddybears’, $39.95 - I love the teddy bears! - and what little surfer wouldn’t love to drift off gazing at the Tiger Tribe Mobile ‘Surf’, $29.95?

*******

Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - stock a great range of toys for all ages. I focussed on wooden toys for pre-schoolers this time but believe me, it was hard to tear myself away from everything else they have!

Now firstly I thought the KGL Russian Doll Set in Dark Blue, $12.90 for set of five was just gorgeous. There are a number of different colour and design options, and KGL advertises them as the perfect present for a little girl which I absolutely agree with. Very affordable too!

I giggled at the Bowl Me Over Penguin Set, $19.95; what a great ‘rainy day’ indoors activity!

But my jaw dropped when I found the Exciting Zoo, $124.95. Have a close look I’m sure you’ll see why. What an amazing toy set!

Finally, Angela will never forgive me if I don’t mention her favourite, the KGL Combi in Peace Red, $9.95 (available in a multitude of colours). She claims that her daughters play with the Combi, but I think she secretly keeps it for herself…

You can take 15% off these prices using the discount code in this month’s My Child magazine - for more info click here.

*******

If, like many parents, you wish your school-aged kids would spend less time playing video games and more time doing something creative, then head straight over to ShopHouse - www.shophouse.com.au.

Now, I must mention the Little Kitchen sets first. ShopHouse are offering 20% off the entire range, and I can’t think of a better range of products to get kids interested in cooking. After all, the love of cooking can be instilled at a young age and if you play your cards right, you could have the kids cooking gourmet dinners before too long! (Well, I can dream…) Little Kitchen Boy’s Apron and Utensil Set, $49.95 $29.97.

For the budding artistes there are the ‘Build-It’ and ‘Create-It’ kits: boys and girls alike will love the range of designs here, and imagine how proud they’ll be to take their creations along to Show & Tell!

Don’t forget the extra 15% discount you can apply with the My Child discount code!

Create-It Picture Frame Kit, $16.95; Build-It Rocket Kit, $16.95; Create-It Prima Ballerina Kit, $16.95;

*******

Finally, Send-A-Toy - www.sendatoy.com.au- famous for their great deals on Wheely Bugs.

As a specialist online toy store they have an immense range, and I found it nigh on impossible to narrow it down enough to find products to feature in here.

That said, I did think the PINTOY Wooden Toys ‘My Little House’ ($164.00) was a stand-out. Feminine but funky and with a clever open-sided layout that allows more than one child at a time to play with it, it comes complete with furniture and two dolls; excellent value.

The Djeco Creanimaux Farm Stacking Blocks ($49.90) are also a great concept - create six ‘normal’ animals or mix-and-match to invent your own critters! Cool!

Crocodile Creek do beautifully made, resilient toys, of which a prime example are the Crocodile Creek Colorama Balls ($16.90 each). Once you’ve had one you’ll realise that no playground or back yard is complete without it.

And last but certainly not least, may I present to you the totally fab, retro-rockin’ Radio Flyer Retro Dual Dual Deck Tricycle ($159.90) just perfect for encouraging toddler independence!

Please check individual sites for shipping details.

kid style file kidsstylefile kidstyle file kid stylefile kids style file stylefile

Well, the Winter 2008 issue of My Child magazine is out today, and boy is it packed to the rafters with goodies for you!!

The KidStyleFile community is out in force in My Child this issue: check out the full-page KSF ad featuring incredible discounts and offers from 9 great stores.

My Child is well worth the read; it’s thought provoking, up-to-the-minute, and beautiful to look at. Subscribe to the KSF Deals & Steals Weekly newsletter to be in the running to win 1 of 10 My Child subscriptions.

(Also, check out my little ‘trend watch’ column!! Aaaah, I’m in *print*!!! Drop me a line, or leave a comment, and let me know what you think!!)

Grab a copy of the mag and check the ad to get the exclusive My Child code to unlock all these great discounts!

When you have the code in hand, head over to the 9 stores below, and enter the code at checkout to score the discounts (read to the bottom of the page to see the terms and conditions):

5 Little Monkeys - www.5littlemonkeys.com.au - 15% off store-wide*

Buckets and Spades - www.bucketsandspades.com.au - 10% off store-wide*

Frock You - www.frockyou.com.au - 20% off store-wide*

Giggle ‘n’ Groove - www.gigglengroove.com.au - FREE pair of Classic Bows**

Kids Gift List - www.kidsgiftlist.com.au - 15% off store-wide*

Kinder Kaboodle - www.kinderkaboodle.com.au - 15% off store-wide*

La Toriana - www.latoriana.com.au - 15% off store-wide plus FREE gift*

Pastel Pink - www.pastelpink.com.au - 15% off store-wide*

ShopHouse - www.shophouse.com.au - 15% off store-wide*

Here’s the official release from My Child on what’s in the mag:

“THE GREAT DEBATE! Midwives vs obstetricians In “The art of birth”, actress and TV personality Ricki Lake talks about her water birth, alongside director Abby Epstein. Also Victoria Atkinson analyses the ongoing debate in her column “What I’ve learnt so far”.

GET STYLIN’ ­Catch our new style report and trend watch sections for the latest and greatest in products. Also check out our 10 best-ever maternity wear tips.

PREGNANCY & BIRTH Drugs in labour: what are your options? Eating for two: can we really pig out when pregnant?

INFANCY Postnatal recovery guide: why rest and recuperation is essential. Solidly speaking: top weaning tips and great recipes for baby.

EARLY CHILDHOOD Kids on the net: how to make the most of this powerful tool – and protect your children.

BEAUTY, FASHION, INTERIORS and lots of INSPIRATION Gorgeous products, new concepts, amazing designs, great gift ideas. These pages will have you inspired to redecorate, renew and revitalise your life!

PLUS Join in on our battle of the blogs and win some fantastic prizes!

ALSO with every issue of My Child purchased you receive 20% off maternity wear from Queen Bee and baby skincare from Aromababy!”

Discounts codes and offers terms and conditions: *Discounts apply to store-wide purchases, excluding postage or gift-wrapping costs. Discounts not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discounts may be subject to change without notice. Discount code expires midnight July 31 2008. **Minimum spend $50.00 before postage or gift-wrapping costs. Enter discount code and preferred Classic Bows colour in the notes section at checkout. VIP discount still applies. Offer may be subject to change without notice. Discount code expires midnight June 30 2008.

Today I’d like to introduce to you to new KidStyleFile weekend contributor, Miki. Miki is mum to 9 month old Alex, and brings her stunning written style and a new perspective on boys gear to KSF. Today’s piece is Part 1 of Miki’s great expose of superb boys gear for less. Stay tuned for Part 2, coming next Saturday.
(PS Part 2 is now available here)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Do you have a boy under the age of two? Do you struggle to find fun, funky and practical clothes him… without bankrupting yourself? Me too. The good news is that since I discovered KSF I’ve been enjoying multitudes of online stores which not only stock a great range of cool gear for baby and toddler boys, but also have fantastic sales and specials.

Here are a few of my favourites:

Quinn Macool

It’s very difficult to go past Quinn Macool www.quinnmacool.com.au when you’re talking about fresh and fun clothes for little boys, and even more so now that they’ve brought in their new winter value packs starting from $50.00 for jumper and pants. There are loads of options and great savings. In fact, the savings are even better this weekend, as Quinn Macool are having a massive pre-winter sale with 30% off winter jumpers, infant pants and singlets!

Check out these great designs:

‘Beam Me Up, Scotty’ Jumper, $24.46 (was $34.95); Bravo Oscar Yankee sweatshirt, from $26.95; ‘Save Us’ sweatshirt, from $26.95 (most designs available in long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts, and long sleeve and short sleeve rompers). Enter may in redeem code on checkout for your 30% discount on winter jumpers, singlets and infant pants.

Frock You

Ok, I’ll admit it - I’m a Frock You www.frockyou.com.au addict!

My nine-month-old boy pretty much lives in their American Apparel Baby Rib Karate Pants (apparently so do loads of other little boys, given how quickly they sell out!), and the Smirk t-shirts are also a big favourite with their simple, eyecatching designs and bright colours.

Frock You have some great boys’ gear from Baobab (have you seen the dragon bodysuit?) and also from Moppit, who do some of my favourite little boys’ tees.

Pics: Baobab Dragon Bodysuit, $34.95; Smirk ‘Astronaut t-shirt, $34.95; Moppit ‘Sticks, Trucks & Rock n Roll’ t-shirt, $39.95

The Rocking Horse

I have found my all-time favourite beanie here at The Rocking Horse www.therockinghorse.com.au: the Blabla Pocket Beanie in Basil. There is also a great range of the Oobi knits, including the classic ‘Little Bear’ hoodie - little boys in hoods with bear ears are just impossibly cute, but be warned: all the grannies at the supermarket will want to stop you to admire him!

However, I think my absolute favourite products at The Rocking Horse would have to be the Well Spotted tees, as recently featured in (I hope you’re sitting comfortably) Shop 4 Kids, Timeout Sydney, Sydney Morning Herald ‘Fashion Police’, The Age, New Weekly, Sunday Life and Marie Claire. Phew! Great slogan t-shirts, sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. I’m finding it very difficult to choose between ‘I’ll have my people call your people’, ‘Far out brussel sprout’ and ‘I’m small but I know stuff’, and there are loads more besides!

Pics: Oobi ‘Little Bear’ hoodie with bear ears, $39.95; Blabla Pocket Hat in Basil, $39.95; Well Spotted ‘I’m small but I know stuff’ t-shirt, $29.95.

Chic Kids

If you, like me, worry about harsh chemicals on your precious new baby boy’s skin, then have a look at these Sckoon organics at Chic Kids www.chickids.com.au.

They are made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton, so perfect for the delicate skin of a baby. Check out the bodysuits - being in the kimono style they are wonderful for a newborn as it means not pulling anything over his little head (a guaranteed cause for screams, and not just from the baby!)

There are also some great top & pants designs, of which my personal favourite is ‘ZEN cloud’. And don’t forget to register with Chic Kids to get 10% off! Details are here.

Pics: Sckoon Organic ZEN Cloud Long Sleeved Shirt And Monkey Pants, $42.25 (was $46.95); Sckoon Organic Kimono in blue, $19.75 (was $21.95). Prices include 10% discount.

Pastel Pink

It must be said that a store called ‘Pastel Pink’ www.pastelpink.com.au is not the first place I’d have thought to look for boys’ gear. I’m so glad I did though; they’ve actually got some great stuff!

Have a look at the Bebe Marcel range, particularly the romper which is one of the nicest I’ve seen anywhere. And how cute is the David Fussenegger ‘Pirates’ bassinet blanket! There’s plenty more besides these two offerings, so it’s worth having a look for yourself. And remember that KSF readers get 10% off at Pastel Pink! Click here for details.

Pics: Bebe Marcel Romper, $35.95 (was $39.95); David Fussenegger ‘Pirates’ bassinet blanket, $44.95 (was $49.95). Prices include KSF 10% discount.

Kids Gift List

Last but certainly not least, one of my all-time favourite brands is Sooki Baby.

Kids Gift List www.kidsgiftlist.com.au has some Sooki Baby for boys on sale at the moment, so hurry on over and check it out before it all goes! I like this quirky little ‘Cruisin’ romper! (Spot the fluffy dice in the print on the front?)

There are some other great bodysuits and tees in the sale section too - I really love the environmental ones such as ‘I’ll change the world someday’ and ‘Save some green for me’.

Pics: Sooki Baby Cruisin’ Romper, $26.35 (was $32.95); ‘I’ll change the world someday’ onesie, $31.15 (was $38.95); ‘Save some green for me!’ tee, $31.15 (was $38.95)

Check individual sites for postage pricing and details.

You only have a few short hours to make the most of these superlative deals, so get a motor on it, baby!

Ekidna Kids 20% off store-wide, plus FREE Urban Rituelle lip balm with all purchases over $75.00, until April 30 - View full details

Giggle’n’Groove Spend $25.00 and go into the draw to win an $160.00 Mother’s Bracelet, closes April 30 - View full details

Itty Bitty Yuppy 15% off store-wide, including sale stock, until April 30 - View full details

Kids Gift List First Birthday Celebrations - FREE postage and FREE party loot offer, until April 30 - View full details

Little Posers Photography FREE 8×10″ portrait print with booking, until April 30 - View full details

ShopHouse 15% off all Penny Scallan products, plus discounted postage on eco.kid products, until April 30 - View full details

Other deals ending soon are listed below:

La Toriana 30% off store-wide plus FREE gift, until midnight May 1 - View full details

Buckets and Spades 15% off all new stock, until 2 May -View full details