Kids in Style roundup

I always enjoy attending the Kids in Style trade show in Sydney. It's kind of like the boutique end of what we do, and gives us a chance to find new and really edgy items to add to our inventory. I like to think that this is one of the things that distinguishes us on the web, as we have our best sellers plus a nice range of 'harder to find' items. Kids in Style is a 'must do' show for anyone with an online kids boutique store, as it covers fashion, accessories, decor and toys. Of course we only stock the toys, and that's what I'll cover here; but the rest of the show is well worth looking at. For nice summaries have a look at www.babyology.com.au and www.kidsstylefile.com.au.

So, what was there that knocked my socks off? We'll start with some of our existing brands. The stand for premium German toy manufacturer Haba always looks a treat. We already have a huge range of Haba products and it is about to get even bigger. Products available for the first time this year include new designs of baby soft and wooden clutch toys, wooden play food, family games and the popular terra kids range for outdoorsy types. Items that deserve a special mention include the Rose Fairy play tent which is delightful, the mini shop-front with umbrella, and the doll's play tent. I also loved the new clip fasteners for the block and marble runs. These clever little clips allow you to stabilise your structures, and you can even build vehicles with them.

The Moulin Roty Childhood Memories range is popular with customers who are looking for special gifts that are very traditional looking. I particularly enjoy the exquisite detail in the clothing of the dolls and plush toys; and this twin doll set with portable wardrobe and clothes is bound to be a hit.

Also on the way are new dolls from Kathe Kruse, wooden selections from Sevi, fab additions to the retro Dumpling Dynasty range and the long awaited prehistoric dinosaur Anamalz. I also dropped in and chatted to the friendly team from Wishbone design who distribute the innovative 3 in 1 balance bike that converts from a three to a two wheeler. We have been with Wishbone from the start as one of their first retailers in Australia, and they still maintain their competitive edge with their point of difference being their versatility.

Now to some of the new stuff that is about to grace our shop walls and web pages. I was particularly pleased to finally find a very edgy range of kids helmets from Nutcase. These helmets come in a range of designs and sizes and make wearing a helmet a fashion statement. Of course they meet all the safety requirements for Australian testing and are the perfect companion to our Microscooter and balance bike selections.


I've also been on the lookout for birthday party invitations and accessories that are that little bit different. Welcome Banter and Frolic, whose vintage inspired party kits are stylish little boxes of everything you need to make a complete party statement. They describe them as the 'dressed up' version of backyard parties from yesteryear, and this is a pretty accurate description.


On the craft side of things I'm pleased to be adding the 'Seedling' range to our walls. Seedling craft kits are packaged in eco friendly bags and boxes so you can actually see what you are getting. They are definitely not a 'boxful of air' like some craft kits. They are kind of hard to describe; but just imagine that you decided to put together your own craft kits, using only the best quality parts that make something that is truly functional (and fun). With the new range you can make everything from designer tutus to super hero capes, plus worm farms, volcanoes and quirky sock toys.




Bobble Art have a great range of children's bags and accessories in bright fun colours and cheery designs. Backpacks, library bags, swimming bags and drink bottles will soon be available.


Ruby Luxe is a range of eco friendly jewellery for kids made with natural and sustainable materials. It includes brooches and necklaces in quirky acrylic designs with fabric, wool and crocheted embellishments. These will be a great gift for those hard to buy for tweens.


In terms of availability, some of these new items and ranges will be arriving in the next couple of weeks. The rest will be available over the next few months. As always, we'll advise of their arrival in our weekly newsletter, facebook and twitter updates.