KidStyleFile

Written by Domenica

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In a former life I was a teacher, and therefore painfully aware of how quickly the school holidays seemed to pass. With some parts of Australia starting school in around two weeks, we felt it was high time to do our homework here at KidStyleFile and roundup some of our fave top ‘Back To School’ picks. Today we are starting with just a few of our fave picks for lunch related items.

At the risk of sounding very old, I must admit that I cannot believe how far the humble lunchbox and drink bottle has come design-wise in both looks and functionality! And with more and more daycare centres, kindergartens and schools becoming waste free, now is the perfect time to consider investing in a fab lunchbox and drink bottle. Nom, nom, nom!

In no particular order of preference:

A. Skip Hop Zoo Lunchies Dog -Haggus & Stookles – $21.00
B. Cooler Lunch Bag Green Robot – Lime Tree Kids – $32.95
C. Built NY Munchler Insulated Kids Lunch Box Boo – Haggus & Stookles – Was $19.95 Sale = $16.95
D. Rex Circus Parade Lunch Box – Little Styles – $11.95
E. Assorted Fluf Lunch Bags – Kindred Gifts – From $23.95
F. Lego Lunchbox Red – Metro Mum – $19.95
G. Jasnor Very Hungry Caterpillar Lunch Bag – Little Styles – $24.95
H. Dwell Lunch Box Bag – Transport – The Infant Boutique – $49.00 Sale $44.10
I. Citizenpip Polka Dot BPA Free Kids Lunch Starter Kit – Metro Mum – $59.95
J. Bobble Art Kids Lunch Box – Multi Heart – Haggus & Stookles – $24.95
K. H2Onya Stainless Steel Bottle 500ml – Buxton Baby – $17.95
L. Hatley Wild At Heart Drink Bottle – Baby’s Got Style – $14.95
M. Funtainer Drink Bottle 355mls – Dancer – Where Did You Get That? – $24.95 Sale $19.96
N. Cheeki Stainless Steel Drinking Bottle 750ml – Metallic Purple – Ekidna Kids – $17.95
O. Bobble Art Spot Drink Bottle – Ekidna Kids – $19.95
P. Contigo Kangaroo Autoseal Blue Drink Bottle – Where Did You Get That? – $21.95
Q. Crocodile Creek Jungle Jive Drink Bottle – Ekidna Kids – $19.95 Sale $15.95
R. Rocket Racing Drink Bottle 350ml – The Infant Boutique – $24.95
S. Drink Bottle – Red Star – Little Explorers – Was $19.95 Sale $11.97
T. Vapur 0.5L Anti-Bottle Cyan Blue – Where Did You Get That? – $18.95
U. Lunch Punch Fairy Princess Sandwich Cutters – Baby’s Got Style – $13.95
V. Toddler Cutlery Set – Charlie’s Bucket – $59.00
W. Lunch Punch Transport Sandwich Cutters – Baby’s Got Style – $13.95

 See individual stores for details of discounted prices as marked in red. Please check individual stores for shipping information and don’t forget to check the KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page for any special deals that might be available.

Written by Domenica

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One of the first stores that I came across as a first time mum was Metro Mum – www.metromum.com.au. Despite the obligatory new mum sleepless haze, I knew that I had found a gem in this online boutique. Metro Mum helped eliminate the guesswork out of being a first time mum by providing me with modern, quality choices for all my baby needs. It is so much more than a baby boutique though: from mum and dad, to babies and bigger kids too, Metro Mum has a stylish and innovative range of products for the whole family!

Right now is a stellar time to visit Metro Mum because their Crazy Monkey Sale is currently in full swing. With savings of up to 70% off a huge range of quality items, this is the perfect time to stock up. If you have new baby on the way and are on the hunt for a quality pram then take a look at the Mimi Xari Pram. With its patented “carrycot inside” system, the seat can be easily converted into a carrycot by simply unzipping the seat unit – perfect for transporting your baby with minimum disruption. It was $1099.00, but if you move fast you can pick it up on sale for $879.00. If you are looking for a newborn baby gift, check out the Alimrose Design range. These coveted baby toys have all been heavily discounted at Metro Mum as part of the Crazy Monkey Sale. Reduced by over 50% to a tiny $12.50, the Alimrose Bobby Bunny Toy Rattle represents excellent value for money and makes a cute little newborn gift for friends.

Thanks to our monkey friend at Metro Mum, another 5% off has been peeled off all Crazy Monkey Sale items already reduced by up to 70% just for KSF readers. Simply enter BANANAS at the checkout to receive a further 5% off already reduced items. You will have to move quickly because the extra discount offer ends midnight 20 January 2012, and all sale items are strictly while stocks last. Metro Mum also has a fab competition running at the moment: catch the cheeky Golden Monkey who has been misbehaving and has now gone into hiding to win a $200 Metro Mum gift voucher. If you want to beat others to the reward then ‘Like’ Metro Mum on Facebook for insider information on how to track him down! Click here for full terms and conditions of this competition and happy hunting!

The Crazy Monkey Sale ends 31 January 2012, while the extra 5% discount is available with code BANANAS until 20 January 2012 – while stocks last.

1. Mima Xari Pram Dark Grey Was $1099.00 Sale $879.00 Less 5% = $835.05
2. Bluebelle Organic Bamboo Singlet & Frilly Knickers Pink Spot Set Was $24.95 Sale $17.45 Less 5% = $16.58
3. Il Tutto Portafino Beach Tote Red Was $99.00 Sale $58.00 Less 5% = $55.10
4. Boon Snack Ball Light Blue / Orange Was $16.95 Less 5% = $16.10
5. Emotion & Kids Hooded Towel Safari Was $19.95 Sale $13.95 Less 5% = $13.25
6. Alimrose Bobby Bunny Toy Rattle Was $25.95 Sale $12.50 Less 5% = $11.87
7. Seedling Paint Your Own Russian Dolls Was $95.95 Sale $55.00 Less 5% = $52.25
8. Annabel Trends Tippy Toes Socks 6 Pack Was $21.00 Sale $19.95 Less 5% = $18.95
9. Baby Steps Baby Food Freezer Tray Was $29.95 Sale $17.95 Less 5% = $17.05
10. Wall Candy Animal Chalkboard Room Decor Was $99.95 Sale $69.95 Less 5% = $66.45

Metro Mum stock from the following brands: Hess-Spielzeug, Allerhand, Annabel Trends, Babymoov, Babymel, Baby Steps 123, Baufix, Babywedge, Bilibo, Bloom Baby, Boyle, Britt, BubbaMat, Bud by Design Room, BusyBee Friends, Caden Lane, Cariboo NZ, Compendium, DadGear, DanishbyDesign, David Fussenegger, Dwink Box, Ebulobo, Ellaroo, Ellie Bellie, Elodie Details, Emotion & Kids, Fatboy The Original, Fertile Mind, FLATOUTbears, Foogo by Thermos, FunPod, Giimmo, Happy Mais, Hello Babe, Il Tutto, IntelliGender®, Isoki, Kanoe, Kiddie Food Kutter, Kids Kitchen, KidsonRoof, Kipiis, Language Littles, Learning Tower, Leander, Leisure Learning, Lilbird, Little Beetle, Little Kitchen, Little Sprowtz, LittleOneBaby, Luna Lullaby, Lupi Lu, Melobaby, Metro Mum, Mia Bossi, Milk & Tickles, MilkBar, Mini Bilibo, Minimonkey, Mishi Design, Mojo, Mokopuna, Mothers Minder, Munchee Mug, My Plate-Mate, Nest, Nuance, Nurseryworks, Ocho, Oeuf, OnTray2Go, Oti, Paper Eskimo, PeeWee & PooToo, Playsam, Prego Planner, PuggyHouse, Qtees, Scout, Seed Organic, Snugabub, Storksak, Totem, Trunki, VisualGram, Vulli, Wall Candy and Zuny.

Metro Mum use Fastaway Couriers and Australia Post for delivery.  Total delivery cost will be calculated at checkout.  For estimated delivery times, international orders and all the ‘how to’ information see here.

Written by Miki

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Welcome to the final installment of our Store Owners’ Christmas Gift Guide.  I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again – these people are the absolute experts in choosing what the perfect gifts for children are this year as they know their product ranges inside out.  Enjoy their fabulous taste as you browse through their choices below.

Read all our Christmas 2011 Gift Guides to date here. 

		“Create fun and bright Christmas holidays for your little people in these Special Edition Orange Saltwater Sandals.” Hayley Blease at LittlePinwheel.com.au Saltwater Sandals – Orange Limited Edition, $69.00 Also available for mamas, $84.00
“This gorgeous pram will be under the tree for our little girl – it is that special heirloom piece that will be warming hearts this year and bringing smiles to young and old.” Pip at BuxtonBaby.com.au Moover Dolls Pram – Red, $119.95
		“The perfect blend of feminine and playful, the Frill Dress in peony pink and crimson dot is the perfect party dress for the festive season.” Kim at eenimeeni.com Eeni Meeni Miini Moh Frill Dress – Peony Pink/Crimson Dot, from $109.00
“This chair is a replica of the classic Arne Jacobsen design circa 1958. It has been scaled down for children and is eye catching in any nursery or playroom.” Kristy at IncyInteriors.com.au Incy Egg Chair in Red, $399.00
		“This sturdy paperboard rocketship will provide hours of fun in creative play, and as a bonus the kids can spend hours decorating it with the bonus Puggy colour in stickers.” Tamara & Francine at MetroMum.com.au Puggy Paperboard Rocketship Cubby + FREE Stickers, $39.95

Please check individual sites for postage details and be sure to survey the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

Written by Miki

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As part of our Christmas coverage this year we are sharing with you our own personal picks for our kids. Today we’re featuring Edwina’s picks. You can also read Dom’s picks, Anna’s picks, Melody’s picks, Jen’s picks and Edwina’s picks. Enjoy! – Ange

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I have two small boys – Master A who is four-and-a-half, and Master J who is two-and-a-quarter – both who are counting down the minutes until Santa comes down that chimney. This is the first year that Master A has really become excited and involved in the lead up to Christmas, and it’s so much fun!  We’ve been getting out our copy of The Night Before Christmas at bedtime most nights, we’re listening to Christmas music in the car and we’re having a blast decorating the house with all the glitter-and-macaroni bits and bobs he’s bringing home from kindy. We’re also going to be flying home to spend Christmas in Adelaide, my hometown, which we’re incredibly excited about as the boys haven’t spent any length of time there yet.

Below are the special treats they’ll be finding under our tree on Christmas morning – after all, they have been pretty good this year – and a few things they might get beforehand if they’re extra lucky, or if I need some extra help surviving the plane trip!

1. Trunki Kids Ride-On Suitcase – Bernard The Bee, $89.00 at Metro Mum
Master A received a Trunki as a special gift a couple of years ago, and his little brother is so envious that it’s time he received one of his own. We have a 4.5 hour flight to get to our destination for Christmas, so this one will be an early gift.

2. Cheetah Dragon 16″ Boys Bike, $179.00 at The Bicycle Store
Master A is ready to graduate from his balance bike to a ‘big boy’s bike’ with pedals. This one has ticks in all the boxes: training wheels, tick! price tag, tick! handlebar streamers (because why should girls get all the fun?), tick!

3. ooMoo F1 Balance Bike, $165.00 at Metro Mum
As Master A moves up to a big new bike, so Master J will be wanting to move up from his little scoot-along trike as well. His brother’s old balance bike has seen better days, but I know this racy red option will suit him down to the ground.

4. Lego Volkswagon T1 Campervan, $169.99 at Lego Online Store
Seriously, who doesn’t love Lego? Master A will get a massive kick out of this camper, but I think the biggest smile when this box gets opened will be on the face of his dad!

5. Playmobil Super Set – Construction, $59.95 at Cradle Rock
We already have a few Playmobil toys and they’re absolutely brilliant – detailed, robust and designed with all sorts of clever little tricks. The boys will both have a brilliant time playing with this set, which will then live permanently at their grandparents’ house to be played with on visits.

6. Seedling ‘Design Your Own Box Kite’ Set, $36.95 at Design Child
This will be a great gift to be stashed until the school holidays seem to be dragging, at which point we’ll pull it out of the cupboard and have a fun day creating and flying!

7 & 8. Toshi Cotton Sunhat With Toggle – Safari, $33.95; Toshi Cotton Sunhat With Toggle – Surfing, $33.95 at Baby’s Got Style
The boys both need new sun hats, and these ones from Toshi are both practical and gorgeous.

9. Anamalz Crocodile, $9.95 at Ekidna Kidswear
The Anamalz toys make for fantastic stocking stuffers – the boys have one each already, which are proudly displayed on their bedside tables. I think they’d love to start adding to the collection.

10. Djeco Beasts Stickers, $4.95 at Where Did You Get That?
Djeco sticker packs are incredibly good value, and with a price this low they’re brilliant for shoving into stockings. I might even give them this pack before Christmas to help amuse them on the plane.

11. Books To Wear ‘My Shark’ PJs, $36.95 at Little Styles
We have a family tradition of all receiving a new pair of PJs on Christmas Eve (yes, Mum & Dad too) and these ones will be spot on for Master A…

12. Marquise Print PJs – Balloons, $32.95 at Little Styles
…while these ones will be perfect for Master J.

13. ‘Tails’ by Matthew Van Fleet (hardback), $14.67 at Book Depository
Matthew Van Fleet’s tactile, interactive books are absolutely brilliant for toddlers and young preschoolers. I can’t wait to read this one to him.

14. ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton (hardback), $9.88 at Book Depository
A childhood favourite of mine, it’s going to be so much fun settling in to read chapters to Master A at bedtime. This present might almost be more for me than it is for him!

15. Lilly & Lolly Scoop Bunkbed, $3,250.00 at The Little Kidz Closet
Okay, so this one is really a wish list item rather than something that will actually be under (beside?) our tree on Christmas morning. But isn’t it stunning? The boys are outgrowing their little IKEA beds, so I’ll need to look at getting them something like this before much longer – hint hint Santa!

PS: The background for today’s post comes from Bosco Bear who are making fabulous Christmas wall decals. What a great way to dress up your walls for the festive season!

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

Post written by Miki

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

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

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

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

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

Post written by Miki

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To continue our Gift Guide Series, today I’m looking at gifts in the $50 to $100 price range.  It’s an excellent price bracket for buying something a little bit special for the boy or girl in your life who has tried extra hard to be good all year (a few whacks in the direction of his/her brother or sister notwithstanding); and there some amazing choices available.

The Cloud Bookcase pictured at #4 below would look beautiful in a nursery – fill it with new or secondhand books for your baby to enjoy to create a truly amazing gift. I’ve also included the Wheely Bug in the babies’ gifts section, because although it’s technically for 12+ months, my youngest child started playing with his brother’s Wheely Bug from about 4 months old, and loved it more than anything else we had – he’d grab at the wobbly antennae, kneel up while holding onto it, push it along like a walking trolley and so on. I’m also enamoured of the TrayKit which I think might be exactly what my boys need to help us all survive the long car trip we’re planning early in the New Year; and for little girls the Bobbi Sunshine Ruffled Daisy Swimsuit is simply too sweet for words. I am cheating by mentioning an extra product in addition to my top 20, but I also think this Stephen Joseph Backpack/Lunchbag Set is adorable and great value, and it comes in several other designs if farmyards aren’t your thing.

Keep reading to see my top twenty picks (in no particular order) for gifts in this price range, loosely grouped into products for babies, boys and girls.

Babies
1. Boon Frog Pod, $69.95 at Ekidna Kids
2. Wheely Bug – Bee (small), $85.95 at Shop For Tots
3. Cloudb Sleep Sheep, $59.95 at Billy Lids
4. My Escape Cloud Bookcase, $59.95 at The Little Kidz Closet
5. Groovie Math Blocks, $74.00 $55.50 at Cornflower Blue
6. Woolly Wugs Summer Sleeping Bag – Red, $59.95 at Stylish Kiddish

Boys
7. Stuck On You Designer Value Pack of Labels, $59.95 at Stuck On You
8. TrayKit – Kids Travel Tray & Backpack, $54.95 at Haggus & Stookles
9. Monster Couture Beanbag – Captain Shaggy Red, $99.95 at Little Styles
10. Playmobil T-Rex With Raptors, $79.95 at Cradle Rock
11. It’s A Clock Educational Children’s Clock – Bubble Boy, $89.00 at Metro Mum
12. Trunki Ride On Suitcase – Freddie Fire Engine, $89.00 $80.10 at Metro Mum
13. All Terrain Balance Bike, $99.95 at Design Child

Girls
14. Pink Swan Tutu, $60.00 at Little Red Love Buttons
15. Language Littlies Bilingual Doll – French/English, $69.00 at Ekidna Kids
16. Scruffy Dog Bonnie Silver Sandal, $52.95 at Tiny Steps
17. Mooo Personalised Backpack, $69.95 at Mooo Online Store
18. Bobbi Sunshine Ruffled Daisy Swimsuit, $54.95 at Baby’s Got Style
19. Green Toys Eco Friendly Cookware & Dining Set, $74.00 at Metro Mum
20. Enchanted Animals Wall Stickers, $79.95 at My Munchkin Home 

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