KidStyleFile

Written by Domenica

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

Bags, bags, bags! I have my own (ahem) slight obsession with them, so it seems appropriate that I undertake some research in the name of KidStyleFile’s ‘Back To School’ backpack and library roundup. I must admit, some of the bags had my heart racing a little with that ‘have to have it’ kinda feeling, including the Fernando Bear Packpack by Beatrix NY and the Cocoon Couture Library Bags – so sweet!

We are spoiled for choice these days with so many different designs to choose from, and of course functionality is always an important consideration too. So, whether you are after a backpack, a messenger bag, a drawstring bag, a tote bag, a daysack, a library bag, a kinder bag, a swim bag … or just a bag to be seen out and about in, we hope you’ll find one that will have your child counting down the days until kindergarten or school starts.

In no particular order of preference:

1. Skip Hop Zoo Bee Backpack – Haggus & Stookles – $34.95
2. Allerhand Kids Backpack Shadow – Haggus & Stookles – $77.00
3. Stephen Joseph Go Go Backpack – Ballet – Metro Mum – $26.99
4. Little Life Animal Daysack – Shark – Haggus & Stookles – $48.95
5. Medium Personalised Backpack – Mooo – $49.95
6. Lassig Mini Messenger Bag (4 Designs Available) – Metro Mum $49.95
7. Poppy Lou Little Miss Bus Ride Backpack – Baby’s Got Style – $35.00
8. Peace Little Eco Backpack - Cornflowerblue – $49.50
9. Fernando Bear Packpack Beatrix NY – Cornflowerblue – $54.50
10. Fluf Organic Cotton Backpack I Heart You – Kindred Gifts – $39.95
11. Poppy Lou Jazzi Snazzy Giraffe Library Bag – Baby’s Got Style – $35.00
12. Personalised Backpack – Stuck On You – $49.95
13. Shoulder Bag – Gorgeous Giraffe – The Infant Boutique – $39.95
14. Tiger Tribe Rainbow Drawstring Bag - Little Styles – $19.95
15. FREAK*O*BAG™ Monster With Horns Where Did You Get That? – Was $17.95 Sale $12.56
16. Bobble Art Swimming/Library Bag Traffic - Lime Tree Kids – $24.95
17. Bobble Art Swimming/Library Bag Multi Heart – Lime Tree Kids – $24.95
18. Oobi Booky Library Backpack Truck - Little Styles – $12.95
19. Magic Circus Library Bag – Cocoon Couture – $14.95
20. Enchanted Forest Library Bag – Cocoon Couture – $14.95

 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 KidStyleFile’s All Current Deals page for any special deals that might be available.

Post written by Miki

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

You know what time of year it is, don’t you. It’s time for all of us who have kinder or school-aged children to start getting them ready for the new school year – especially exciting for those who have children starting for the first time! By now you’ve probably received lists of the supplies their school or kinder wants them to have, and the basic list will look something like this: 1 x backpack, 1 x lunchbox or lunch bag, 1 x drink bottle, 1 x library and/or swimming bag, 1 x pencil case and, in the case of preschoolers, 1 x set of naptime linen.

The place to go for all of the above is Haggus and Stookles – www.haggusandstookles.com.au - where you’ll find an excellent range of back to school gear to choose from. Take backpacks, for example – there are no fewer than 67 backpacks available from quality brands such as Bobble Art, Tiger Tribe, Stephen Joseph, Allerhand, Skiphop, LittleLife and Kiddysac, which means you will have no trouble whatsoever choosing something perfect for your kid.  Sit them down at the computer and get them to help choose; my kids love doing this! The wide range of choice available continues through drink bottles, pencil cases, library and swimming bags and bag tags (don’t let your lovely new purchases get lost!).  You’re also spoiled for choice when it comes to lunch boxes and lunch bags.  Some parents prefer the traditional lunch box style – how cute are the Yubo ones? While others like an insulated lunch bag with individual containers inside it, but whichever way you swing you’ll find plenty to choose from. Fridge To Go insulated lunch bags are the standout for keeping food cold, so if you live in an especially hot part of Australia you might like to choose one of these.  Tweens, teens and even hip mamas will love the Built NY Gourmet Getaway insulated lunch bags, and the fantastic Fit & Fresh range is also a winner.

Last of all, those of you with little ones will need to check out sheet sets for nap time. You have a few choices here, such as a colourful fitted and flat sheet in a drawstring bag from Kiddysac, or the Kozy Koala, an all-in-one padded sleeping mat with attached top sheet and pillow and a removable blanket.

Best of all, KidStyleFile readers can take 10% off store-wide at Haggus and Stookles until 9 February 2012 – just enter kidstylefile at checkout to redeem your discount. Don’t forget to check out the sale section for super savings of up to 60% off!

1. Tiger Tribe Drawstring Bag – Tools, $19.95 less 10% = $17.95; Bobble Art Kids Swimming/Library Bag – Multi Heart, $24.95 less 10% = $22.45
2. Stephen Joseph Kids Backpack – Watermelon, $39.95 less 10% = $35.95; Tiger Tribe Kids Backpack – Guitar, $31.95 less 10% = $28.75
3. Cubeo School Bag Organiser, $19.95 less 10% = $17.95; Stephen Joseph Kids Bag Tag – Shark, $11.95 less 10% = $10.75
4. Trunki Kids Pencil Cases, $14.95ea less 10% = $13.45; Bobble Art Kids Barrel Pencil Case – Rocket, $14.95 less 10% = $13.45
5. Fit & Fresh 1 Cup Chilled Snack Container, $4.95ea less 10% = $4.45ea; Dabbawalla Insulated Lunch Bag – Cute As A Bug, $39.95 less 10% = $35.95; Fit & Fresh 2 Cup Kids Chilled Snack Container, $6.95ea less 10% = $6.25ea
6. Cheeki Stainless Steel Drink Bottle ‘Back To School’ Set – Girls, $35.90 less 10% = $32.31; Thermos Funtainer Straw Bottle – Action, $21.95 less 10% = $19.75

Haggus & Stookles stock an array of products to make your life out and about with kids a breeze, including: 4 My Earth; Aden & Anais; Adore-A-View; aka Pipik; Alex Toys; Allergy free passports; Allerhand; AllyKat; Amadeus; Annabel Karmel; Annabel Trends; Baa Baa Blind; Baby Mel; Baby Nation;  Baby Sherpa; Baby U; BabyWedge; Bags & Boxes; Bazoonai Kids; Bebe au Lait; Bella Tunno; Bobble Art/Rush; Boo Boo Buddy; Brolly Sheets; Bubbaroo; Built NY; Chick Pea; Dad Gear; Danish by Design/Minui; Design Go; Djeco; Dripstik; Drop Buddy; Easyfeed; Ellaroo; Envriosax; Envirotrend; Fit & Fresh; Fridge to Go; Gaia Skin Naturals; Go Home Junior; Goldbug; Goober Baby; High Road; Houdini Stop; Hurphy Durphy; Infantino; Infoband; Innate; Irony Homewares; JazSlings; Jelly Cat; Kaboodle Bags; Kiddysac; KidsAlert; Kipiis; Kozy Koala; Kozyepi; Littlelife; Lollipop Monkey; Longitude 151; Made by Mums; Medibuddy; Melissa & Doug; Moochie-Mo; Munchee Mug; My Little Seat; myBagTag; olli&pop; OnTray; Oobi; Petit Jour Paris; Pigeon; Playgro; Pure Wipes; Scrunch; SIGG; Skip Hop; Snug as a Bug; Stick ‘n Go; Storksak; Stuffit; Swan & Sparrow; Tantrums; Tatyourtot; The Bag Tag Studio; The Mummy Hook; Thermos; Tiger Tribe; Trunki; Vanchi; Woobee

Postage and handling at Haggus & Stookles starts at $1.00. Express post within Australia and International registered post are available. Insurance is optional. See the Haggus & Stookles site for more details.

Written by Domenica

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

Uh oh! Despite best intentions, have you left your Christmas shopping to the last minute? Don’t despair, Little Styles – www.littlestyles.com.au – is here to save the day. Boasting 4000+ products, 130+ brands, 750+ gifts under $25, and free shipping for orders over $150, consider Little Styles your personal little Christmas helper to get your preparations back on track.

With a huge range of gifts still making their way onto the virtual shelves, you are spoiled for choice.  Take a look at the What’s New section to see offerings from Tiger Tribe, Oobi, Ridley’s, Bobbleart, Alimrose, Paper Eskimo, Spiegelburg, Jellycat, Oobi, Skip Hop, Alex Toys & much more! And remember, Little Styles has great Christmas picks for babies, toddlers, bigger kids and even grown ups. Girls will squeal with delight at the gorgeous Tiger Tribe Wooden Boxset Doll House; while boys will have hours of fun with the Sevi Village With Train Wooden Playset with its large landscape mat, 19 piece wooden train track and 14 wooden vehicles. For little babes I recommend the Skip Hop Hug & Hide Activity Bear; with over 10 developmental activities for under $30 bucks it represents excellent value. If you are on budget then check out the Gifts Under $25 section where there are around 650 choices to help keep you on track.

Little Styles also stock a fabulous range of perfect party season outfits for ages newborn to 8 years. If you are in need of inspiration then check out the Christmassy Clothing Ideas. For girls I adore the Oobi Rusalka Dress in Scarlet, while for boys I like the Fox & Finch Red Check Woven Shirt paired with the Sosooki Boy’s Denim Shorts and belt.

Last minute gift shopping is made easier today because Little Styles are offering KidStyleFile readers a 15% *storewide* discount, including a monster load of sale items already reduced by up to 40%. To access the savings, just enter code santa15 at checkout before midnight 16 December 2011. Remember, you can use this discount across all departments, so if you are hosting Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebrations this year check out the Party section. The huge range of party bits and bobs includes brands such as Robert Gordon and Paper Eskimo; designs sure to brighten your tables this festive season. While stocks last, Little Styles are also sending out a free Christmas gift bag with every order, flat-packed and ready for your use.

Discounted prices below are valid with code santa15 while stocks last, until 16 December 2011.

1. Tiger Tribe Wooden Boxset – Doll House, $59.95 LESS 15% = $50.95
2. Alimrose Designs Fairy Doll, $54.95 LESS 15% = $46.70
3. Alimrose Designs Claire Doll – Red Dress, $31.95 LESS 15% = $27.15
4. Skip Hop Zoo Bookends – Owl, $59.95 LESS 15% = $50.95
5. Oobi Summer Rusalka Dress – Scarlet, $59.95 LESS 15% = $50.95
6. Sevi Village With Train Wooden Playset, $129.95 LESS 15% = $110.45
7. Sosooki Toddler Boy’s Tee Sunset, $32.95 LESS 15% = $28.00; Khaki Patched Pant, $44.95 LESS 15% = $38.20
8. Little Styles Animal Puzzle Truck, $29.95 LESS 15% =25.45
9. Tiger Tribe Cheekies Softies – Pink Panda & Blue Dog, $27.95 each LESS 15% = $23.75

Fashion, toy and accessory brands stocked include Aden & Anais, Adiri, Albetta, Alex, alex & charli, Alimrose Designs, Annabel Trends, Baby Gund, Baby Bloch, Babykids, Babylegs, Babylicious, Baobab, Bbox, Bebe, Bebe Au Lait, Belly Art, Big by Fiona Scanlan, Blabla, BLINK Designs, Bluebird & Honey, Bobbleart, Bonds, Busybee Friends, Cheeky Little Soles, Cheeky Monkey, Cloud B, Cocoon Couture, Dashbaby, Deglingos, Elodie Details, Fish Lilly, Flipsy Flopsy Doll Co., Flirty Bird, Flo, ForWalls, French Bull, Fresh Bakes, Gala Organic Cotton, Gertie and Me, Giddy Giddy, Gimmo, Global Style custom, Haba, Hess-Spielzebug, Indy & the Ninja, Infancy, Infantino, Isoki, Itch Design, Jack & Lily, Jasnor, Kathe Kruse, Lakeland Design, Lark and Friends, L’il Fraser Collection, Little Chippi, Little Styles, Love Police, Mamas and Papas, Marquis, Melissa & Doug toys, Miatom, Milk Baby, Minimonkey, Minti, Moppit, Muddy Cloud, Noo Design, Oobi, Paper Eskimo, Pinkberry Kisses, Pink Thodore, Plum, Precious L’il Things, Purebaby, Rockabye baby!, Rush, Russ, Sevi, Sigikid, Skeanie, Skip Hop, Sooki Baby, Super Zeros, SwaddleDesigns, Three Little Trees, Tiny Mammoth, Tiny Revolutionary, Tiny Tribe, Vintage Kid, Walnut, Well Spotted, Woof!, and WOW toys.

Little Styles deliver Australia-wide for the flat fee of $7.50 with orders over $150 are delivered FREE of charge. See ordering and delivery for more information, including international shipping rates.

Written by Anna

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

For two of my three pregnancies I spent Christmas heavily pregnant. It was my first pregnancy, eight years ago, when I first turned to the wonderful world of online shopping, and I’ve never looked back! I adore online shopping at the best of times, and shopping online at Christmas really is the icing on the cake for me.

Shop For Tots – www.shopfortots.com.au – burst onto the scene earlier this year, and have quickly become one of KidStyleFile’s favourite stores for their huge range and great service. If it’s gifts for little tots you’re after, head straight to the gift section where there are some stunning gifts bound to put smiles on faces on Christmas day – and every day after in fact. I love the Janod Pink Maxi Cooker and Accessories and also from Janod the gorgeous French Chic Bakery. In the midst of busy days with my little people, I occasionally daydream of a holiday in Paris. I can’t think of a better way to entertain this  daydream and role play with the kids at the same time. Serious love, love.  If you have a little person finding their feet, a walker would make a great Christmas gift. Again from Janod, Shop For Tots stock this colourful ABC Walker.

Books make great gits for children, period, but a well chosen book for Christmas may be the most cherished gift a child might receive; providing words to fuel their imagination for hours. Just in time for Christmas, Shop For Tots have also introduced a brilliant selection classic, must read books for little ones – including some lovely Christmas titles like Spot’s First Christmas, How The Grinch Stole Christmas and one of my favourites for this time of year The Jolly Christmas Postman. 

On top of their sale section where some items have already been reduced by up to 70%: (roll call Oobi, Bebe, Knuffle Kid, White Soda and more) Shop For Tots are have reduced the rest of their store by 20% (prices as marked, no code needed) PLUS all orders $100+ receive free shipping, and every newsletter subscriber goes into the draw to win a $100 Shop For Tots gift certificate every month! These offers apply until midnight 16 December 2011, so head on over to Shop For Tots now!

Discounted prices quoted below are only applicable while stocks last, until 16 December 2011.

1. Janod Pink Maxi Cooker and Accessories $170.50 less 20% = $136.40
2. Janod ABC Walker $129.20 less 20% = $103.36
3. Tiger Tribe Miss Penny Purse $10.95 less 20% = $8.76
4. Spot’s First Christmas $14.95 less 20% = $11.96
5. Janod French Chic Bakery $142.40 less 20% = $113.92
6. Goki Castle Building Set $81.30 less 20% = $65.04
7. The Jolly Christmas Postman $27.95 less 20% = $22.36
8. Janod Flower Press $15.80 less 20% = $11.16
9. How The Grinch Stole Christmas $8.95 less 20% = $12.64
10. Active People Bilbo Pixel $12.30 $9.05 
11. Oobi Ginger Skirt Wintergarden $42.70 $29.95
    

Shop For Tots stock from a very impressive range of brands including: Active People, An Angel at my Table, Annabel Trends, aden + anais, Babushka Baby, Baby KEA, Baby Leo, Baby Luxe, Baby Valentine, Babyushka, Banter & Frolic, Beatrix, Bebe, Bobble Art, Boikido, Boikido Eco, Boon, Bowtique, Brainy Baby, Brio, Britt Baby, b.box, Cherub Baby, Cocoon Couture, Crocodile Creek, Dandelion, Dandi, Delightful Australia, Djeco, EM Lite, Ecococoon, Edz Kidz, Ellaroo, Elle & B, Fiona Kate, forwalls, GR8X, Goki, Goodbyn, Govinci, Graze, Green Toys, Heavenly Creatures, Hopscotch Kids, Huckleberry Lane, Huglees, Il Tutto, Infantino, Janod, Kid O, Kidlet, Kids Kitchen, Kids Konserve, Knuffle Kid, Lama Li, Lamaze, Lark, Le Toy Van, Lifestyle Parenting, Lil Fairy Doors, Lilliputiens, Little Chipipi, Little House, Live Play Create, Lullaby Linen, Lunch Punch, Mamas & Papas, Manhattan, Me2Me2, Melissa & Doug, Meri Meri, Micador, Milk Baby, More 4 Boys, mor-stor, Oishi-m, Oobi, Paper Eskimo, Plan Toys, Rex, Rileah Design, Rosemonde Et Michel, SOLVEJ, Seedling, Specklefarm, Studio Skinky, Talking Tables, Tiger Tribe, Tippy Toes, Tortellini Cushion, Tutu Du Monde, Urchin, Wheely Bug, White Soda and Zzzoolight.

Shop For Tots ship Australia wide and charges start at  $6 for orders under 500g. Delivery is FREE for orders over $100. International delivery ranges in price from $15 & $30 depending on the weight of each order. For full delivery information and list of charges please see here. Please note for guaranteed Pre-Christmas delivery your order must be placed midday 21st of December.

Written by Anna

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

The universal countdown to Christmas is on, but I have my own countdown going – I am counting down the days until the school year ends. That final school bell signals freedom in the air because I *love* school holidays and the extended opportunity they offer to relax and play with my children.

Lots of summer time adventuring will be on the agenda for our school holidays and I know just the place to ensure we are all set up for them – Haggus and Stookles – www.haggusandstookles.com.au. This fabulous store has been purpose designed to ensure you and your family have everything you need to make memorable adventures of every kind; trips to the park, outings and holidays near and far. There are nappy bags, kids’ backpacks, lunch boxes, drink bottles, travel accessories including passport and document holders, packing bags, travel neck pillows, luggage tags and toiletry bags. There are car accessories to get your car super organised too. The TrayKit shown in pink below is a simply brilliant product. It’s an all-in-one kids travel carry-on backpack and play tray solution which can hang from the seat in front in a car or plane to provide an extendable play surface with raised sides – no more toys on the floor. No wonder it’s award winning!

Perfectly timed for the count down to Christmas and school holidays, Haggus and Stookles are offering KidStyleFile readers a most lovely 10% discount storewide, including all of the items found in the specials page – some which have already been marked down by up to 60% off.  To redeem, simply enter kidstylefile at checkout. The offer continues while stocks last only and ends midnight Christmas Eve, 24 December 2011.

Discounted prices quoted below are valid with discount code kidstylefile while stocks last, until 24 December  2011.

one. Tiger Tribe Large Kids Backpack – Flower $44.95  less 10% = $40.45
two. TrayKit – Kids Travel Play Tray and Backpack $54.95 less 10% = $49.45
three. Tiger Tribe Magna Junior Magnetic Puzzles – Dress up Girls $29.95 less 10% = $26.95
four. Tiger Tribe Sweet Thing Stamp Set – Owls $11.95 less 10% = $10.75
five. 4MyEarth Sandwich Wrap $10.95 less 10% = $9.85
six. J.I.P. Kids Toiletry Bag – Red Hearts $12.95 less 10% = $11.65
seven. Envirosax Enviro Bag - Nomad Saffron $8.95 less 10% = $8.05
eight. Built NY Spicy Relish Lunch Tote Bag – Scatter Dot $49.95 less 10% = $44.95
nine. Thermos Intak Vacuum Insulated Drink Bottle – 770ml $31.99 less 10% = $28.79
ten. b.box – The Essential Sippy Cup – Raspberry $14.95 less 10% = $13.45
eleven. Fridge to Go Medium Lunch Cooler Bag $32.95 less 10% = $29.65
twelve. Babes in the Shade Boy’s Sun Shirt – Rugger Navy & Green $39.00 less 10% = $27.00

Haggus & Stookles stock an array of products to make your life out and about with kids a breeze, including: 4 My Earth; Aden & Anais; Adore-A-View; aka Pipik; Alex Toys; Allergy free passports; Allerhand; AllyKat; Amadeus; Annabel Karmel; Annabel Trends; Baa Baa Blind; Baby Mel; Baby Nation;  Baby Sherpa; Baby U; BabyWedge; Bags & Boxes; Bazoonai Kids; Bebe au Lait; Bella Tunno; Bobble Art/Rush; Boo Boo Buddy; Brolly Sheets; Bubbaroo; Built NY; Chick Pea; Dad Gear; Danish by Design/Minui; Design Go; Djeco; Dripstik; Drop Buddy; Easyfeed; Ellaroo; Envriosax; Envirotrend; Fit & Fresh; Fridge to Go; Gaia Skin Naturals; Go Home Junior; Goldbug; Goober Baby; High Road; Houdini Stop; Hurphy Durphy; Infantino; Infoband; Innate; Irony Homewares; JazSlings; Jelly Cat; Kaboodle Bags; Kiddysac; KidsAlert; Kipiis; Kozy Koala; Kozyepi; Littlelife; Lollipop Monkey; Longitude 151; Made by Mums; Medibuddy; Melissa & Doug; Moochie-Mo; Munchee Mug; My Little Seat; myBagTag; olli&pop; OnTray; Oobi; Petit Jour Paris; Pigeon; Playgro; Pure Wipes; Scrunch; SIGG; Skip Hop; Snug as a Bug; Stick ‘n Go; Storksak; Stuffit; Swan & Sparrow; Tantrums; Tatyourtot; The Bag Tag Studio; The Mummy Hook; Thermos; Tiger Tribe; Trunki; Vanchi; Woobee

Postage and handling at Haggus & Stookles starts at $1.00. Express post within Australia and International registered post are available. Insurance is optional. See the Haggus & Stookles site for more details.

Post written by Miki

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

Besides your own, how many other kids do you need to buy gifts for this Christmas?  Nieces, nephews, God-children, step-children, friends’ and neighbours’ kids, your child’s class Kris Kringle… it all adds up pretty quickly, doesn’t it?

The good news is that there are loads of amazing gifts out there for under $25, meaning you can stay within budget and delight the recipient at the same time. These are also the kinds of presents I like to put under the tree for my own kids; after all, not every gift they receive needs to be huge and expensive.  I sometimes find that they get just as much fun from a $15 bath toy as from something costing ten times more!

I’ve put my top 20 gifts under $25 below, but do have a hunt through the online stores to find other options. Many of KidStyleFile’s favourite boutiques have fabulous categories set up specifically for inexpensive gifts, such as Little Styles (with 11 pages worth!), Dragonfly Toys, Baby’s Got Style, French Bazaar and Design Child among others.

I hope that helps with keeping your Christmas budget balanced, and the special kids in your life overjoyed – good luck!