KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Miki

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With the school holidays coming up (or starting now, if you’re in Tassie!) I bet a whole heap of you are planning to go away somewhere. It doesn’t matter if it’s overnight to grandma’s house, or a two week trip to Disneyland, you’re going to need some bits and pieces to keep the kids amused and organised, and the place head first is Little Explorers – www.littleexplorers.com.au.

HOT TIP: If you’re scratching your head on what to do this holidays, you can search through Little Explorers’ directory of fun, exciting, kid-friendly places to go, and gather info on taking the kids outdoors and travelling with their FREE articles.

Ok, so now you’ve decided to go on the road, what do you need?

First of all you’ll need a bag to pack the multitudes of gear in.  With a range from Rush, GR8X and Kiddysac, and some sweet little changemat clutches from ChangeMates to pop in your bag for any little ones still in nappies, you have no excuse not to find something gorgeous – and the great thing about the Rush trolley suitcases is that they’re so easy to spot on the baggage reclaim circuit!

Next you need to find things to put in the new bag.  Swimwear is usually an essential packing item for any holiday with active kids, and Little Explorers have a huge amount to choose from for girls and boys.  What about Cuddlefish at heavily reduced prices? Zoggs are there too, along with 2Chillis, Major Menace and Loose Boots among others. There’s even a section of floaties for the smallest family members.

The last thing to make sure you have before you get on the road is something to feed the kids with!  Eating accessories are ultra-important when you’re travelling – after all, nobody wants to deal with kids who are low on blood sugar!! – so make sure you have a lunchbox packed full of healthy snacks and a drink bottle to hand at all times, plus of course Kipiis are invaluable if you have a messy little eater and the HandySitt portable high chair/booster seat is a nifty way of avoiding those nasty, filthy high chairs that seem to populate airports and such places.

Now make absolutely certain that you don’t miss the super Sale Section at Little Explorers.  It’s huge and packed full of delicious discounts, including top brands at up to 50% off! They’re only there while stocks last, so go go go!

1. Long Tee – Red (sz 2 only), $44.95 $22.50
2. Squidgy Critter – Cow, $19.95 $17.95
3. Aka Pipik Sling – Red Poppy, $99.00 $89.95
4. Major Menace Racers (sz 2 & 3 only), $19.95 $9.95
5. Cuddlefish Buoyancy Swimsuit (medium only), $69.95 $54.95
6. Aussie Flag Boardies, $39.95 $34.95
7. Rush Canvas Backpack – Paper Dolls, $35.95 $32.95
8. ChangeMate Nappy Wallet, $34.95 $31.95
9. Dumpling Dynasty Explorer Kit, $29.95 $27.95
10. Aussie Flag Frilled One Piece, $29.95 $27.95
11. LittleLife Explorer Child Carrier, $469.95 $449.95

Little Explorers stocks products from Sigg, Kipiis, Danish By Design, Baby Banz, Akapipik, GR8X, MacPac, Cuddlefish, Goldbug, 2 Chillis, Zoggs, Outlook, Mr Wolf, Sitro Group, 2 Chillies, Austin, Kiddysac, Lima Bean, Freds, LittleLife, Dumpling Dynasty, Be, Annabel Trends and Loose Boots.

Little Explorers ship Australia-wide using Express Post from $7.00 for parcels up to 500g and $11.00 for parcels up to 3kgs. Please see here for more details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Well, school’s well and truly in around the country now, but as the kiddlies start bringing home library books, artwork and more, you never know when you might just “need” a cool new update, or replacement item.

These beautiful, reusable and environmentally sustainable library bag options are just the thing if you’re in the market – so much better that lugging the books around in last week’s plastic bag from Woollies – check them out!

Kiddysac make fabulous library/swim bags in two sizes (large and medium), which feature drawstring tops and adjustable backpack straps.  There’s a huge range of bold colours with striking designs, making them ideal for young kids to remember which bag is theirs (“It’s the blue one with ballet shoes on it”).

You can buy Kiddysac bags at the following stores: Kinder Kaboodle, Little Explorers, and Pastel Pink.

Next let’s look at Envirosax.  Lightweight and small enough to be wadded up into a pocket when not in use, Envirosax are like environmentally friendly, reusable shopping bags.  They’re a great size for library books, especially picture books, and they’re cheap as chips!

You can find a superb range of  Envirosax bags at Pastel Pink.

Now we have Cocoon Couture, my personal favourite.  Featuring beautiful striped fabric and appliqued animal designs, these bags are quirky and totally adorable.  If you buy one of these bags you’ll want to keep it for yourself, rather than handing it over for the kids to use!

Get your Cocoon Couture bags from Urban Child, ShopHouse, Pastel Pink, Kinder Kaboodle and 5 Little Monkeys.

And may I just remind you to always check the KidStyleFile ‘All Current Deals’ page before making a purchase, just to make sure you’re getting yourself the best possible deal?

Here are some of the cool library bags on offer:

Please check individual sites for postage details.

Today’s post written by Kat

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Now that the weather is finally heating up, it’s time to make the most of the sunshine: here’s my rundown on the coolest picks for summer swimwear. No daggy coveralls here! Each piece has passed the cute-and-cool test, presents great value for money and most importantly, will keep precious little skin protected in the scorching summer sun (and always remember to slip, slop, slap!)

Tkxi Surf do funky, yet understated,  prints in practical as well as downright cool styles. For boys I’m loving the Bones Board Shorts ($45, sizes 0-7) and Bats Rashie ($55, sizes 2-8), plus a great alternative to Speedo-style: the Euroleg pants ($33 sizes 0-8).

Girls can choose from cute one- or two-pieces, rashies and sets, and the chic colour combos and pretty prints make it darn hard to choose! My picks include the *cute-as* Ladybird One Piece ($55), the gorgeously bright printed Wonderland One Piece ($49, sizes 2-5) and for a touch of glam, the right on-trend Disco Fairy Frill Two-Piece ($50, 0-8).

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Tkxsi Surf

Baby’s Got Style stock Seafolly and Tiger Joe by Seafolly – classic Aussie style, in little people sizes! Possibly the coolest set I’ve seen for boys is the Camo Set ($54.95, sizes 1-7) and little boys will just love the GI Joe Truck Slime Rashie (the name says it all, really! $39.95, sizes 0-3). They also do very funky swim hats – try the Slime Camo ($34.95, size 1-3+) to match back with your other cool buys!

Girls can just drip with cuteness in just about any of the beautiful designs by Seafolly – you won’t be able to contain your “OMG!! That is soooo cute!!!”’s when you see your little princess in the Rose Ballerina Tutu tank ($59.95, 0-3) and I am in love with the bright swirly print of the Soda one-piece ($49.95, sizes 2-6).

Bubs are also catered for with the pink Ruffle nappy pant ($34.95, sizes 00-2), and everyone can do sun safety in style with the Swim Hats ($29.95, sizes 0-3+).

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Baby’s Got Style

Monster Baby know their stuff – with a background combining surfing and fashion, you know you’re onto a winner! From the classic Skulls to the uber cool Xray print in black or white to the hippy-cute Rainbow Love in hot pink  ($45, sizes 00-5)  they’re made in Aus, they stand out from the crowd and trust me, they last through more than just one summer of swimming!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Monster Baby

Hugely popular Cuddlefish is available by the bucketload at The Hip Infant. From the genius Buoyancy Suit ($69.95, sizes 2-4) to the sweetest swim shorts ($24.95, sizes 1-4) and thoughtfully designed long ($44.95, sizes 1-4) and short sleeve swim tees ($39.95, sizes 1-4), you can complete a perfectly matched outfit with the UPF50+ Bucket Hats ($29.95)!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from The Hip Infant

One of the biggest swimwear ranges online is at Little Explorers, and if your tot is serious about their style then this is the place to go! The Goldie Tankini ($29.95 on sale, sizes 2-5) is beautifully bright and girly, as is the gorgeous Judy Jetson Tankini ($29.95, sizes 2-6). They also have a great range of protective long sleeve rashies by Loose Boots – girls can go pretty in Pink and boys will love the cool combi print on Blue (both $44.95 on sale, sizes 1-6). I’m also thinking this Major Menace Reversible Rashie ($29.95 on sale, sizes 3-4) would be a big hit with cool little dudes!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Little Explorers

For a massive range of girl’s togs, head on over to Where Did You Get That? for the brilliantly priced, mix’n'match range from the USA, Girls 4 Sport.

With heaps of cool boardies, rashies, tops and bottoms, all in SPF50+ material, you can create your own look without breaking the budget! I’m thinking the Leilani Rashguard ($31.95, sizes 2-8) would look increditbly cute with the pink Swim Skort, or if you’re not so much into pink, the Pixie Swim Top ($24.95, sizes 2-8) and matching Swim Shorts ($24.95, sizes 2-8) make for a welcome burst of summery colour!

Above: Selection of baby and kids swimwear from Where Did You Get That?

Finally, if you’d rather choose your own adventure, head on over to Mooo, who can customise a Rashie for you. Choose from 30 unique designs, and 6 colour choice per design. They’re just $39.95 for a short-sleeved Rash top including choice of your design and customisation. Phew! That’s hot!

Please check individual websites for shipping costs and details.

Today’s post written by Miki.

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Now that the weather is warming up, I cannot wait to get to the beach!  It’ll be my boy’s first summer where he’s old enough to really enjoy the water and I want to make the most of it.

However, I do worry about his safety around the water and his delicate skin, which is why I’m thrilled to have found Little Explorers – www.littleexplorers.com.au.

With a huge range of gear for ‘out and about’ families including swimwear, bags and travel accessories to name but a few of their categories, I was able to find everything we’ll need for aquatic summer fun and hassle-free travel.

First of all, I do adore the Cuddlefish range – 50+ UV protective fabric and in-built removable floats, these suits also look adorable!  I love how you can just put them on the kids and you’re good to go, no need to worry about floaties every time they want to go back in the water!  I’m also very impressed with the prices on Cuddlefish at Little Explorers; they’re the cheapest I’ve seen anywhere!

There’s a heap of other cool swimwear for girls and boys, plus towels and swim accessories from hot brands like 2 Chillis, Loose Boots, SwimTrainer and more – and don’t miss the Kiddysac Swim Bags which are hot property. You’re good to go!

If you’re going away this summer, make sure you pay a visit to the Travel section of the site for some brilliant products designed to take the stress out of travel with children.  The LittleLife Compact Travel Bed is one such example – weighing well under 1kg, it’s an ideal bed for babies when you’re not at home, and it’s really well priced!  Likewise the 2-in-1 Harness Buddies and the Squidy Neck Pillows are really neat for travel – one stops your toddler from making a bid for freedom where it’s not safe to do so, and the other will reduce whinging on long car or plane journeys!

Also check out the Sale section for some brilliant bargains from designers like Sigg, MacPac, Yoko Ono, 2 Chillis, Cuddlefish, and the list goes on.

KSFers, you’ll be thrilled about this piece of information: until 22 November you can get 10% off at Little Explorers store-wide!  Given that most of the items are already below recommended retail prices, you’re going to scoop some brilliant savings here.  Enter ‘KSF’ at checkout to redeem your extra 10% discount.

There’s a super great range to choose from, as Little Explorers stocks products from Sigg, Kipiis, Danish By Design, Baby Banz, Akapipik, GR8X, MacPac, Cuddlefish, Goldbug, 2 Chillis, Zoggs, Outlook, Mr Wolf, Sitro Group, Austin, Kiddysac, Lima Bean, Freds, LittleLife, Dumpling Dynasty, Be, Annabel Trends and Loose Boots.

Now that you’ve stocked up on all the essentials for getting out and about with the kids this summer, you may be wondering where to take them.  Well don’t worry, Little Explorers can help with that too!  Have a look at their FREE articles on taking the kids outdoors and travelling, and search through their directory of fun, exciting, kid-friendly places to go.

Now we’re all set and ready to go! I’ll see you at the beach

1. Cuddlefish Three Colour Stripey Buoyancy Swimsuit – $69.00 $54.95 $49.45
2. Kiddysac Pink Princess Swim Bag – $32.95 $29.95 $26.95
3. Kid Squidgy Neck Pillows – $16.95 $14.95 $13.45
4. 2-In-1 Harness Buddy – Bear, $29.95 $26.95
5. Cuddlefish Pink & Grey Stripe Buoyancy Swimsuit – $69.00 $54.95 $49.45
6. Rush Racing Car Trolley Bag – $49.95 $45.95 $41.35
7. Kipiis Bib Clips – $14.95 $13.45
8. 2 Chillis Jungle Jane Long-Sleeved Rashie Set – $44.95 $34.95 $31.45
9. Loose Boots Hippie Rashie, $47.95 $44.95 $40.45
10. SwimTrainers – $34.95 $31.95 $28.75

Little Explorers ship Australia-wide using Express Post from $7.00 for parcels up to 500g and $11.00 for parcels up to 3kgs. Please see here for more details.