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Who’s the most famous giraffe in the world today? Sophie, of course!

Vulli’s enduringly popular and super-cute Sophie la Girafe has been around since 1961 and has long been a staple gift for newborn French babies. The rest of the world has caught on with celebrities and mums and dads around the world falling in love with her – check out the collection of publicly submitted ‘Sophie’ videos on YouTube! This little sweetie is much more than a pretty face: she’s PVC free (and always has been!), is easy for babies to grip and chew and emits an infectious giggly squeak when squeezed.

Sophie is so popular that Vulli have given her her own ‘boutique‘, consisting of around 40 products bearing her likeness. The latest release in the Sophie range is ‘Sophie’s House’, a fabric house suitable for babies and kids from 6 months up, can be opened up and flattened or stood up to create a multifunctional play area for Sophie and your child.

Sophie’s House is now available to purchase within Australia from Button Baby and The Infant Boutique. RRP is $165 and the price includes Sophie.

Please check individual stores for postage charges and delivery information.

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With what can only be described as exquisite taste, Vikki from The Infant Boutique – www.theinfantboutique.com.au has put her superb ‘choosing powers’ to work in selecting some new wares for her beautiful store for precious newborns right up to age 8.

Choosing products for wee little ones can be a little daunting, but Vikki has made shopping for a baby a joy with all she has pulled together.  Just landed are some really gorgeous new products from Mamas and Papas including the Jumbles attachable toys. My personal favourite is the little Pink Elephant. He’s so sweet he’s sure to keep your little sweetie amused in the pram, in the car. And check out the gorgeous new Scrapbook musical mobile for a really lovely addition for a nursery.

There are also some stunning new cotton spot bassinet blankets from Luna Ninos. They bring together some of my favourite items for nursery linen – subtle colours, pure cotton and polka dots! They would add  a gorgeous (and practical) touch to your nursery or make a gorgeous gift to welcome a little one to the world.

You can also find new ‘Mae’ fabric wall stickers at The Infant Boutique, as well as the gorgeous new 2010 range of Sigg drink bottles such as Little Bunny, Little Monkey and Little Panda.

Stay in the loop at The Infant Boutique by joining their email newsletter and become a fan on Facebook for regular product previews and updates, advance sale notices and special offers. On that note, while you’re over at The Infant Boutique, make sure you check out the current specials section – you can save up to 50%, and  there are some beautiful items, like selected Sibis Sirch birch wood ride-ons and more at 20% off, and selected Svan pieces on sale at 30% off, to peruse.

If you love any of these new products at The Infant Boutique, or make your own special discovery when you visit today – you have reason to shop and shop fast dear reader! Because until midnight 10 April 2010, Vikki is offering an exclusive 10% discount (*excluding already reduced stock, furniture, books, jewellery, custom made orders and non stock items) to KidStyleFile readers. To redeem this offer just enter code ‘KSF2010′ at the discount code section at checkout.

Discounted prices quoted below are only applicable until 10 April 2010 with the exclusive KSF code (see above).

1. Luna Gallery Cotton Spot Bassinet Blanket – Pastel $95.00 less 10% = $85.50
2. Alana Marie Educational Toys Minature Piano – Red $134.95 less 10% = $121.45
3. Mamas and Papas Jumbles – Pink Elephant $29.95 less 10% = $26.95
4. SIGG Little Monkey 0.3lt $32.60 less 10% = $29.35
5. DwellStudio Bib/Burp Set – Sparrow $55.00 less 10% = $49.50
6. Lifefactory Multi-Sensory Teether – Raspberry $14.95 less 10% = $13.45
7. Eeni Meeni Mini Moh Giraffe Hair Brush & Comb Set $39.00 less 10% = $35.10
8. DwellStudio ID Tag – Elephant $14.50 less 10% = $13.05
9. ErgoCocoon – Grey $29.95 less 10% = $26.95
10. Mamas and Papas Musical Mobile – Boys $109.95 less 10% = $98.95
11. Mae’s Branches $44.95 less 10% = $40.45

The Infant Boutique stock the following HUGE selection of quality brands: Aden and Anais, Adiri, An Angel at My Table, Anamalz, And Me Too, Annie B, ApplePie Design, Babies Only, Babu, Baby Couture, BabyLegs, Babymoov, Bajo,Bee & Tree, Bholu, BlaBla, Black & Blum, Brave New Word, Brooklan Tree, Cavania Cards, Cheeky Little Soles, Claesens, Coco & Eli, Cocoon Couture, Cuddle Fish, Cuski, Del Campo, Djeco, Dwellbaby, Earth Babies, Ebulobo, Emu Australia, Felt Tales, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly,Frankie Ray, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Giddy Giddy, Giimmo, Green to Grow, HandySitt, Happy Horse, Heimess, Herbie, I Love Mybabycino, iCandy, Imprintables, In Your Room, INKE, Isabelle Norman, IsaBooties, Isoki, Itch Design, Joanna Zhou for Mom, Karen Miles, Kids Kitchen, KinderKot, Kipiis, Kushies, Lil Fraser Collection, Lakeland Design, Lambini, Lambykins, Lark, Le Toy Van, Leander, Les Folies, Little Blue Fish, Little Chipipi, Little House, Little Kitchen, Little Pearls, Little Red Pear, Little Twig, Lorena Siminovich, Lotus Linens, Mamas & Papas, Mandalay Design, Manhattan Toy Company, Me Giant, Mi-House, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Rhubarb, Minimink, Miriam Bereson, Momiji, Monkey-do, Moulin Roty, Mumi & Bubi, Nature Baby, Natures Child, Nice4Neez, NooNoo Design, Nurtured by Nature, Oeuf, NYC, OUCH Clothing, Pakhuis Oost, Peanut Shell, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Popover Apron, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Ramalama, Ramona Ramona, Red Plum Linen, RJSP, Room Seven, Rouge Living, RosenbergCpg, Sandra Isaksson, Sandy Cousens Art, See Kai Run, Seed Organic, Sew Your Own, SIGG, Sirch, Skip Hop, Squids, Stuffit, T4Tot, Tatiri, The Grassy Garden, The Infant Boutique, The Little Experience, The Source Products, The Wall Sticker Co, Thilde, Thread Design, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Under the Nile, Usborne Books, Vessel, Vulli, WallCandy, and Wheely Bug. Phew!

The Infant Boutique uses Regular Post or Express Australia Post. Delivery charges are based on destination, size and weight of your order.  Orders are dispatched twice weekly. The Infant Boutique currently only delivers within Australia. View the FAQ page for full customer service information.

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I was about to say ‘raise your hand if you love stylish kids gear at bargain prices!’. But of course you do; that’s why you read KidStyleFile!  So instead of that I’m going to get straight down to business, because today’s showcased sale is a particularly good one.

I’m talking about The Infant Boutique – www.theinfantboutique.com.au – which has a massive Specials section with a huge range of stock up up to 50% off. Prices are as marked and the sale is only while stocks last. (Hurry, hurry drive the fire truck!)

Brands like Polka, Gaia Organic Cotton, Thilde, See Kai Run, Little Leona and Nido are half price, and prestige nappy bags  from Ramalama, Storksak, Apple & Bee are marked down by 20% which is just too much temptation for me. I’m getting my credit card out as I type!

Loads of exciting new products are arriving instore too.  The SkipHop translucent bottle dryer is a fantastic space-saving idea for a kitchen bench and looks sleek and modern as well, while the Anton’s Lane cot bedding sets are just beautiful.  I love the Forest Play set in blue, which is so sweet and fresh, and genuinely unisex, which is rare.

Enough talk now, time to make like a tiger and *pounce*!

1. Polka Bathing Suit – Peacock Mermaid, $69.95 $34.98 – that’s 50% off!
2. Ramalama Jaclyn Bag – Saltbars, $285.00 $228.00 – that’s 20% off!
3. SkipHop Translucent Bottle Dryer
4. The Thilde Pocket, $74.95 $37.48 – that’s 50% off!
5. Smaller by See Kai Run – Max Fisherman Sandal, $54.95 $38.47 – that’s 50% off!
6. Apple & Bee Canvas Baby Bag – Khaki, $129.00 $103.20 – that’s 20% off!
7. Anton’s Lane Designer Bedding Cot Sheet Set – Forest Play, $169.95 NEW!
8. Lunch Mail – I Believe In You!, $13.50 NEW!
9. Little Leona Olivia The Owl Dress, $75.00 $37.50 – that’s 50% off!
10. Nido Organic Gift Set 2, $85.95 $42.98 – that’s 50% off!
11. Gaia Organic Cotton ‘Gracie’ Dress, $39.99 $20.00 – that’s 50% off!; and ‘Gracie’ Bloomer, $32.99 $16.50 – that’s 50% off!
12. Gaia Organic Cotton ‘Ahoy’ Tee – Red Marle Stripe, $39.99 $20.00 – that’s 50% off!; and ‘Ahoy’ Shorts – Navy, $54.99 $27.50 – that’s 50% off!

The Infant Boutique stock the following HUGE selection of quality brands: Aden and Anais, Adiri, An Angel at My Table, Anamalz, And Me Too, Annie B, ApplePie Design, Babies Only, Babu, Baby Couture, BabyLegs, Babymoov, Bajo,Bee & Tree, Bholu, BlaBla, Black & Blum, Brave New Word, Brooklan Tree, Cavania Cards, Cheeky Little Soles, Claesens, Coco & Eli, Cocoon Couture, Cuddle Fish, Cuski, Del Campo, Djeco, Dwellbaby, Earth Babies, Ebulobo, Emu Australia, Felt Tales, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly,Frankie Ray, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Giddy Giddy, Giimmo, Green to Grow, HandySitt, Happy Horse, Heimess, Herbie, I Love Mybabycino, iCandy, Imprintables, In Your Room, INKE, Isabelle Norman, IsaBooties, Isoki, Itch Design, Joanna Zhou for Mom, Karen Miles, Kids Kitchen, KinderKot, Kipiis, Kushies, Lil Fraser Collection, Lakeland Design, Lambini, Lambykins, Lark, Le Toy Van, Leander, Les Folies, Little Blue Fish, Little Chipipi, Little House, Little Kitchen, Little Pearls, Little Red Pear, Little Twig, Lorena Siminovich, Lotus Linens, Mamas & Papas, Mandalay Design, Manhattan Toy Company, Me Giant, Mi-House, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Rhubarb, Minimink, Miriam Bereson, Momiji, Monkey-do, Moulin Roty, Mumi & Bubi, Nature Baby, Natures Child, Nice4Neez, NooNoo Design, Nurtured by Nature, Oeuf, NYC, OUCH Clothing, Pakhuis Oost, Peanut Shell, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Popover Apron, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Ramalama, Ramona Ramona, Red Plum Linen, RJSP, Room Seven, Rouge Living, RosenbergCpg, Sandra Isaksson, Sandy Cousens Art, See Kai Run, Seed Organic, Sew Your Own, SIGG, Sirch, Skip Hop, Squids, Stuffit, T4Tot, Tatiri, The Grassy Garden, The Infant Boutique, The Little Experience, The Source Products, The Wall Sticker Co, Thilde, Thread Design, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Under the Nile, Usborne Books, Vessel, Vulli, WallCandy, and Wheely Bug. Phew!

The Infant Boutique uses Regular Post or Express Australia Post. Delivery charges are based on destination, size and weight of your order.  Orders are dispatched twice weekly. The Infant Boutique currently only delivers within Australia. View the FAQ pagefor full customer service information.

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Well, we’re down to the wire now: in one week’s time exactly it will be Christmas Day, and time to rest and play with gusto! To help me in my quest to find the best Christmas gifts for kids I asked some of my favourite online stores what *their* hot picks for kids this Christmas are, and why. I have thoroughly enjoyed the diverse selection of products that have arrived in my inbox – so many fabulous ideas! – and I am thrilled to be sharing part 7, the final instalment in this series, with you today.

Read all previous instalments here.

		“The Zoo Pack is the little kid backpack where “fun meets function!”Whimsical details and durable materials make this the perfect on-the-go pack for kids on-the-go!” - Vikki at TheInfantBoutique.com.au Skip Hop Zoo Pack – (Dog & Penguin pictured) also available Monkey and Mouse, $39.95 each
“Every child needs a ride-on, and Gyro Car is one of the best out. The car moves by itself as the result of the laws of kinetics (no batteries needed: this one’s kid-powered!) when the child turns the steering wheel .” - Jo at TheToyBug.com.au The Original Gyro Car, $110.00
		“This stunning 100% cotton embroidered summer dress from Two Belles will look great on Christmas Day and will go the distance all summer long.” - Mel and Marzena at TinyThreads.com.au Two Belles Embroidered Gypsy Kaftan Dress – $69.95 $29.95
“This pack of 3 mini Automoblox, includes a red sportscar, green ute and blue sedan and would make a great present for one lucky child, or split them to make stocking stuffers or small gifts. The quality is truly remarkable, and the interchangable components utterly ingenious!” – Casey and Carolyn at LittlePossumsToys.com.au Automoblox Mini Cars 3 Pack ‘K’, $52.95
		“This dress is perfect for all Christmas festivities. Every little girl will have fun twirling around like the angel she is in this stunning piece. Made from the beautiful Figgy Pudding line, the rich festive burgundy colour is lightweight and perfect for the holiday season.” - Andrea at SodaPopKids.com.au ZoZoBugBaby Angel Wing Holiday Dress, $79.00

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information.

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Wow, so many stunning new products at The Infant Boutique – www.theinfantboutique.com.au!  Vikki has been celebrating the store’s 3rd birthday by going to town on sourcing new products, and I’m loving what she’s come up with.

The first items I just have to mention are the new prints by Miriam Bereson.  Based around some of the more delightful and whimsical animal collective nouns, the prints are striking and modern, and either singly or as a group are perfect for a nursery, child’s bedroom or playroom.  And at only $15.00 each they’re an incredibly cheap and cheerful decorating solution!  See below for ‘A Float of Crocodiles’ and ‘A Memory of Elephants’, but instore you’ll also find flocks of birds, parliaments of owls (who knew?!), and a symphony of colourful animals.

And speaking of whimsical, how about the new toys Vikki has sourced from French brand Ebulobo?  The fuzzy little wolves and bears in this collection are bound to become your child’s favourite new playmates.  I particularly like the Louloup Wolf Play Set, which includes one very greedy wolf and his stomach contents: a pan, a mobile phone, a chicken bell, a pig squeaker and a Little Red Riding Hood. But of course.

Heading back to interiors, and there’s a couple of stellar new bedding collections to look at. The Paper Dolls range from DwellStudio is one of those designs which is just as perfect for a tween girl as it is for a baby – modern and simple, it will grow with your child.  Along with several accessories, it’s available in a cot set and a single bed duvet set.

Also new in bedding is a collection from Copenhagen-based RosenbergCph, which features bold prints and glowing colours.  These sets will make a spectacular feature in your child’s nursery, adding a touch of that über cool Scandavian feel. There are cot sets and bed sets available, along with baby bags and one very groovy hoody.

And while we’re looking at bedding, consider the new wrap from Love Me Baby, the ‘Wrap Me Up’.  It’s the only wrap on the market designed to swaddle the baby with their arms up, the way they naturally sleep, enabling the baby to self-soothe while still remaining comfortably snug.  I think it might be just what my two-month-old Houdini needs!

To celebrate The Infant Boutique’s 3rd Birthday, Vikki, proprietor of TIB, is giving KidStyleFile readers a FREE GIFT with all orders until midnight 2 November 2009.  Enter the code ‘happybirthday’ at checkout to join in the celebration!

PS We interview Vikki of The Infant Boutique recently. Click here to meet her and find out more about her beautiful store.

1. DwellStudio Duvet Set – Paper Dolls, $266.00
2. Collective Noun Print – Crocodiles, $15.00
3. Collective Noun Print – Elephants, $15.00
4. Ladybird 2-in-1 Shampoo – Tangled Hair, $14.95
5. Little Leona Hayley Hearts Maxi Dress, $94.00
6. StorkSak Gigi Bag – Glimmer Slate, $299.00
7. Ebulobo Louloup Baby Wolf, $26.00
8. Wrap Me Up – Grey, $39.95
9. Sirch Sibis Doll Stroller, $299.00
10. RosenbergCph Baby Bedlinen – Ming Stripe Lilac, $120.00

The Infant Boutique stock the following HUGE selection of quality brands: Aden and Anais, Adiri, An Angel at My Table, Anamalz, And Me Too, Annie B, ApplePie Design, Babies Only, Babu, Baby Couture, BabyLegs, Babymoov, Bajo,Bee & Tree, Bholu, BlaBla, Black & Blum, Brave New Word, Brooklan Tree, Cavania Cards, Cheeky Little Soles, Claesens, Coco & Eli, Cocoon Couture, Cuddle Fish, Cuski, Del Campo, Djeco, Dwellbaby, Earth Babies, Ebulobo, Emu Australia, Felt Tales, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly,Frankie Ray, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Giddy Giddy, Giimmo, Green to Grow, HandySitt, Happy Horse, Heimess, Herbie, I Love Mybabycino, iCandy, Imprintables, In Your Room, INKE, Isabelle Norman, IsaBooties, Isoki, Itch Design, Joanna Zhou for Mom, Karen Miles, Kids Kitchen, KinderKot, Kipiis, Kushies, Lil Fraser Collection, Lakeland Design, Lambini, Lambykins, Lark, Le Toy Van, Leander, Les Folies, Little Blue Fish, Little Chipipi, Little House, Little Kitchen, Little Pearls, Little Red Pear, Little Twig, Lorena Siminovich, Lotus Linens, Mamas & Papas, Mandalay Design, Manhattan Toy Company, Me Giant, Mi-House, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Rhubarb, Minimink, Miriam Bereson, Momiji, Monkey-do, Moulin Roty, Mumi & Bubi, Nature Baby, Natures Child, Nice4Neez, NooNoo Design, Nurtured by Nature, Oeuf, NYC, OUCH Clothing, Pakhuis Oost, Peanut Shell, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Popover Apron, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Ramalama, Ramona Ramona, Red Plum Linen, RJSP, Room Seven, Rouge Living, RosenbergCpg, Sandra Isaksson, Sandy Cousens Art, See Kai Run, Seed Organic, Sew Your Own, SIGG, Sirch, Skip Hop, Squids, Stuffit, T4Tot, Tatiri, The Grassy Garden, The Infant Boutique, The Little Experience, The Source Products, The Wall Sticker Co, Thilde, Thread Design, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Under the Nile, Usborne Books, Vessel, Vulli, WallCandy, and Wheely Bug. Phew!

The Infant Boutique uses Regular Post or Express Australia Post. Delivery charges are based on destination, size and weight of your order.  Orders are dispatched twice weekly. The Infant Boutique currently only delivers within Australia. View the FAQ page for full customer service information.

For me shopping is much more than a store or products: it’s about the story behind them, how they came to be, what inspires and motivates them. It’s these things that imbue the experience with warmth and meaning and make me feel good.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Vikki McIntyre, proprietor of luxe baby and kids store The Infant Boutique – www.theinfantboutique.com.au- recently, and wanted you to meet her too – she has the most exquisite taste, which makes her bricks and mortar boutique in Adelaide, and the companion online boutique, a wonderful experience to shop, as I have numerous times!

Vikki lives in Adelaide, South Australia, with her husband Peter (fact: Peter is a former cricket pro who played for Victoria and South Australia and represented Australia in two Test matches!) their children Caitlin 6 ½ years and Jacob 20 months, Bronson the Cocker Spaniel, Molly the Russian Blue, and a pair of goldfish whose names change weekly.

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Tell us a little about your background

I pretty much travelled the country growing up as my Dad was in the RAAF (I went to 8 schools in my 12 school years), but I have been settled in Adelaide now for over 16 years.  I have a tertiary background in both Accounting and Interior Design.

I undertook a great deal of research, attended extra business courses and committed a great deal of time into developing a concept for The Infant Boutique. My daughter was 3 when the shop opened and only 7 months later I was expecting her baby brother! Fortunately I have a supportive network of family, friends and neighbours and have managed to keep my head above water!

I have concluded that there is no such thing as ‘work life balance’, but just ‘hang on tight’!

Above: Vikki and children Caitlin and Jacob

How long have you owned the Infant Boutique, and what motivated you to start the business?

The Infant Boutique celebrates its 3^rd birthday at the end of this month – the shop opened on November 1^st 2006, and the online e-boutique followed 12 months later.

My story is typical of many mums who begin their own business because they couldn’t find what they were looking for.  I had a great job and retail experience, but felt ready to move on and take the plunge to create a new shopping experience in my own local area.  Norwood is a fantastic shopping precinct, but was missing a baby and children’s shop that stocked the vast array of products that we do now.  I source brands and labels from Australia and overseas and look for products I would happily purchase for my own children.

Above: Inside The Infant Boutique store in Adelaide, South Australia

Although owning a business and raising a family is a constant challenge, the reward is being my own boss, having the flexibility to choose when I spend time at the park or work at my desk and having two little people to inspire me.  I personally select and review every product and many I take home to test so I know how they feel, look, wash, wear and stand up to normal every day use.  We have about six ride on toys at the moment so my kids are constantly zooming around the house!

It still amazes me how the store has grown and our website has developed a life of its own now too – so it’s twice as busy!  I love sharing the excitement of buying a gift for a new baby – helping dads pick out a new toy, choosing a special receiving blanket or new outfit with Grandma to bring baby home in, or just chatting to an excited new mum about their new little bundle.  There is also a sense of satisfaction too in packing up an online order and sending it out, knowing our customer will open their parcel to find a lovely Infant Boutique product of quality and style.

What are your top 5 baby and kids products right now?

1. Sophie the Giraffe – she is our best-seller!
2. Anything by DwellStudio – I especially love the Cot Sets – my son has the Choc Dots set in his nursery and the new fabrics just released are simply stunning.
3. Mae – these fabric wall stickers are just perfect for decorating a nursery or bedroom – the Critters are my favourite, plus the tree of course, oh and the Deer is divine….
4. The Magic Klorofil Tree – not a day goes by that someone doesn’t squeal in excitement at seeing this tree on display.  It seems every girl knew about this toy way back when and either had one or wanted one!  Now Mums are buying them as gifts for their own children!
5. Cuski Comforter – created to provide parents with a stylish, natural and compact alternative to dummies or bulky blankets, this little snuggle buddy is the perfect gift for a new baby.

What, or who, inspires you?

I recently read a book my husband brought back from a conference where John Maclean was a guest speaker. This man has an amazingly inspirational life story that needed to be told and his second book, Full Circle, will have you completely in awe of what the human body can do.  Not to mention how powerful your mind can be if you have the spirit to drive it.

Any hobbies?

Hobbies – what are they??  Owning and running a business doesn’t allow for a lot of spare time, so I can only dream about having the time to do more exercise, hitting the gym and getting back on my road bike.  I dabbled in triathlons a few years back and loved the challenge.  These days I try to take a long walk with the pram in the morning before or after school drop off to clear my head for the day.

If you didn’t run The Infant Boutique what would you be doing right now?

I guess I would be a very restless stay at home Mum, re-arranging the furniture everyday and looking for a new creative outlet.  If I had the talent I would love to paint, or perhaps take up photography.

Luckily for me I love what I do and hope it continues for some time yet!

Visit The Infant Boutique online or, if you’re in Adelaide, The Infant Boutique bricks and mortar
store at 6/136 The Parade, Norwood, South Australia.

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We all love a sale, don’t we? The rush of snapping up beautiful bargains is enough to get any heart pumping, and when the sale in question is at the luxe The Infant Boutique – www.theinfantboutique.com.au – I really get quite dizzy with excitement. With big discounts of some seriously amazing brands — I’m talking DwellStudio, Djeco, Red Plum Linen, WallCandy and Momiji to name but a few — I’m sure you will too!

Let’s look at DwellStudio first. Absolutely stunning designs, and unparalleled quality, are what make this brand of children’s textiles the worldwide phenomenon that it is fast becoming. You won’t find any frilly bows or cliched designs here; DwellStudio’s designs are both sleekly modern and encapsulating the innocence of childhood.  A selection of DwellStudio products have been marked down by 30%, so have a browse through the range here.

If you want something to look fab with your new DwellStudio bedding, then I recommend the WallCandy Chalkboard Animal Stickers.  They’ll compliment any design, and even better they’re also discounted: 20% off!

If you prefer a more traditional, yet still stylish, look to your child’s linen, then have a look at the Red Plum Linen range at The Infant Boutique.  I love how Red Plum Linen has a delicate vintage feel to it, and the quality really is lovely.  This is a timeless collection, it will never go out of fashion, and the fact that the entire range is discounted by 20% just makes it even more appealing!

Another place you’ll be wanting to explore is the Playtime>Games & Puzzles category, which has also been marked down by 20% – yep, all of it!!  My personal favourite brand in here is Djeco, but there are also pages and pages of other quality toys to choose from.  You’ll have so much fun with these toys that you won’t want to give them to the kids! Momiji collectors will be thrilled to know that these adorable little Japanese dolls are on sale at 20% off – a very rare event to find them discounted at all.

Lastly, if you’re looking for help keeping the family organised and co-ordinated, then the Milestone Press Family Master Plan or Inner-B diaries are for you.  Now marked down to 50% off, this is a fantastic way to keep track of everything a busy parent needs to keep track of – and that’s saying a lot!

The sale is on only while stock last, so chop chop now!

Prices quoted below are only valid while stocks last.

1. DwellStudio Hooded Towel – Choc Dots, $74.90 $59.92
2. Djeco Maggy Shape Sorter, $49.95 $39.96
3. Mi-House Base House, $89.95 $62.96 This special is for Adelaide shoppers ONLY: you can grab a Mi-House Base House at 30% off, or at 50% when you also purchase two accessory packs!  In-store pickup only.
4. Creanimaux Farm Stacking Game, $49.95 $39.96
5. DwellStudio Animal Cushion – Girls Pig, $51.90 $41.93
6. Family Master Plan Diary – choose from red or beige, $34.95 $17.48
7. Djeco Silhouette Cat & Kitten Puzzle, $29.95 $23.96
8. Red Plum Linen Bunting – Girls, $59.90 $41.93
9. Momiji Dolls: Cha Cha Cha and Funny Girl shown, $19.95ea $15.96ea
10. WallCandy Chalkboard Animals Decorating Kit, $99.95 $79.96

The Infant Boutique stock the following HUGE selection of quality brands: Aden and Anais, Adiri, An Angel at My Table, Anamalz, And Me Too, Annie B, ApplePie Design, Babies Only, Babu, Baby Couture, BabyLegs, Babymoov, Bajo,Bee & Tree, Bholu, BlaBla, Black & Blum, Brave New Word, Brooklan Tree, Cavania Cards, Cheeky Little Soles, Claesens, Coco & Eli, Cocoon Couture,Cuddle Fish, Cuski, Del Campo, Djeco, Dwellbaby, Earth Babies, Emu Australia, Felt Tales, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly,Frankie Ray, French Bull, Gertie and Me, Giddy Giddy, Giimmo, Green to Grow, HandySitt, Happy Horse, Heimess, Herbie, I Love Mybabycino, iCandy, Imprintables, In Your Room, INKE, Isabelle Norman, IsaBooties, Isoki, Itch Design, Joanna Zhou for Mom, Karen Miles, Kids Kitchen, KinderKot, Kipiis, Kushies, Lil Fraser Collection, Lakeland Design, Lambini, Lambykins, Lark, Le Toy Van, Leander, Les Folies, Little Blue Fish, Little Chipipi, Little House, Little Kitchen, Little Pearls, Little Red Pear, Little Twig, Lorena Siminovich, Lotus Linens, Mamas & Papas, Mandalay Design, Manhattan Toy Company, Me Giant, Mi-House, Milestone Press, Mill & Mia, Mini Rhubarb, Minimink, Miriam Bereson, Momiji, Monkey-do, Moulin Roty, Mumi & Bubi, Nature Baby, Natures Child, Nice4Neez, NooNoo Design, Nurtured by Nature, Oeuf, NYC, OUCH Clothing, Pakhuis Oost, Peanut Shell, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Popover Apron, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Ramalama, Ramona Ramona, Red Plum Linen, RJSP, Room Seven, Rouge Living, Sandra Isaksson, Sandy Cousens Art, See Kai Run, Seed Organic, Sew Your Own, SIGG, Sirch, Skip Hop, Squids, Stuffit, T4Tot, Tatiri, The Grassy Garden, The Infant Boutique, The Little Experience, The Source Products, The Wall Sticker Co, Thilde, Thread Design, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Under the Nile, Usborne Books, Vessel, Vulli, WallCandy, and Wheely Bug. Phew!

The Infant Boutique uses Regular Post or Express Australia Post. Delivery charges are based on destination, size and weight of your order.  Orders are dispatched twice weekly. The Infant Boutique currently only delivers within Australia. View the FAQ page for full customer service information.

Ok, now you’ve got the best baby and kids bedding down pat, it’s time to tackle the Thomas pj’s! There’s a whole host of stylish sleepwear options out there – and not a Disney branded logo in sight (pass this on to dear Aunt Kath if she needs some not too subtle hints for Christmas and birthdays…)!

A smart cookie obviously saw the need for a one-stop sleepwear shop long before this post was thought up (conveniently for the purposes of this post!): Pyjamarama stock the creme de la creme of what’s hot at bedtime: Bebe by minihaha, Books to Wear, Uh-Oh, Ouch, Snugglebum, Claessen’s, Monkey Do and Little Squirts, in sizes 0000-14.  Phew!

Here’s another piece of information that will get your heart racing: all pajamas are currently on sale at $20.00 per pair. I wouldn’t waste any time getting over there though, sale ends 4 March.

Ok, so what to buy? I’m a bit of a fan of the quirky prints by Monkey-Do (1) – the Balloon Bodysuit with matching pants (sizes 000 & 00, $44) is so cute and easily translates to daywear, while these very grown up yet delightful Kaftan Pjs ($59.95, sizes 2-4) are so unique.

At the other end of the budget scale, Ouch (2) pj’s are so funky and a steal at $20 a pair – the Turtle set is refreshingly free of any association with the ”teenage” and “mutant” variety; while the girl’s Flamingo set is pretty, pink and practical!

Similarly, Uh-oh (3) pj’s are also about $20 a set, and with sweet vintage designs such as this Kitty set, Floral Romper and cool Monster Claws, I think I have just found a new fave label!

But there’s more to funky pj’s than just this one store (fab as it is)…

Little Squirts (4) is a beautiful range of sleep, play and beachwear in sizes 2-10, from a very talented Melbourne designer. This gorgeous Calypso Play Dress is just $19.95 (reduced from $44.95, bargain!) while these gorgeous Summer Long Set with Sash ($54.95) is a piece you’d totally let them wear to the shops!

Boys are also catered for with muted colours and simple shapes – no gaudy cars’n'truck prints here! Long sleeve sets sell out super fast ($44.95 is cheap for something that they’ll grow out before they wear out) so keep an eye on the website for restocks. You can buy this gorgeous range online or check the stockist page for a store near you!

Dutch label Claesen’s (5) caught my eye at a recent trade show, and I just love the simple designs and superb quality. You can pick up a huge range at The Infant Boutique , with everything from briefs to bodysuits. Boys can look effortlessly cool in greys, navy stripes and camo prints, while girls are treated to baby pink, rose and tiger prints! The Rose Print slip dress (on sale for $24.46) is super sweet, while the boy’s bodysuit in baby blue ($24.95) is a perfect underlayer. A two-set of Boys Boxers ($27.95) will be worth every penny!

Books To Wear (6) is a celeb fave, but your kids will appreciate the fun factor more than the fact Moses Martin wears them – Ten Little Indians stock a great range, including My Flavours ($32.95) in a delicious spotty print, My Numbers (yes, they’re educational!) also $32.95, and these cute little rompers ($29.95) with multi-face print!

Please check individual stores for postage and delivery details.

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On those days when the kids don’t want to go outside, whether it’s because the weather is too hot, too cold or too wet, you probably find that they get bored and restless very quickly.  Having a crafty activity on hand for them can be a brilliant way of diverting bored whines into enthusiastic creativity.

Enter the world of kids DIY craft sets.  Kids can make everything from a pom-pom to a space rocket, from a musical instrument to a handbag, depending on their age, skill level and interests.

Have a hunt through your favourite online kids stores and toy shops, as there are loads of different kits available.  Most of them are bank-balance friendly, starting at about $15 and going up to around $60, and of course you should always look out for discounts on KidStyleFile to get them even cheaper

Here are a few of my picks and where to get them:

Make A Windchime, $16.50 at Young Minds
Make Your Own Balloon Drum, $17.50 $12.25 at Young Minds
Build-It Rocket, $14.95 at Kids Gift List
Pom-Pom Maker, $21.90 $28.95 at Where Did You Get That?
SYO I Made It Tote Bag, $30.00 at The Infant Boutique

Kids Gift List deserve a special mention: Monique stocks an impressive range of DIY kits for kids. Check out the KGL offerings here.

Please check individual stores for postage details.  Also remember to check the KidStyleFile ‘All Current Deals’ page to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.

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

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

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

These are some of my faves:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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