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.

What does a toy shop owner buy her own children for Christmas?

Happy New Year! It does seem a little late for these greetings, but given that this is my first blog for the new year I'm going to say it anyway. I am presently enjoying an extended pseudo break from all things Entropy. It's a Clayton's break, the break you have when you are not having a break. It means I'm doing my work from home, in between looking after the boys who are still on school holidays for another week. My fantastic elves are looking after both the retail and eStore and are doing a great job.

I've been asked a few times what does the owner of a magical toy shop get her own children for Christmas, so I shall share this with you. It's always a little tricky as the boys are pretty familiar with what is in the store, and I try and get them something that is just that bit different. The biggest hit this year was the Haba ball track marble run. We've had this in store for a while, but the boys has never seen it assembled so it was still a nice surprise for him. Reilly already had the large set of Haba blocks which are compatible with the marble run. With these two sets combined the construction possibilities are endless and he has truly been creating some masterpieces. The Haba marble system is different to the Quadrilla marble sets which are also popular. With Quadrilla the pieces interlock for more stable and structured systems, whereas the Haba set involves more creativity and free assembly.

Reilly also loves his vehicles, so I did a special order for a most wonderful wooden hand-made crane from Fagus. This huge vehicle has been integrated nicely into the marble system, with the box used to carry the marbles over to the track!

Connor has an ongoing love affair with Papo figurines, s

o the perfect gift for him was a home for them all; the Le Toy Van Lionheart Castle. This is the largest of the Le Toy Van castles currently available and has secret little hiding places and features everywhere. Now the figurines are happily used for hours of pretend play, even if the historical accuracy of the play leaves a little to the imagination, with dinosaurs, dragons, knights and roman soldiers all involved in the same scene!

To finish things off, I also had the wonderful Mervyn

at Dobbin and Drum Toys make the boys one of his handmade teepees, and had it embroidered with

their names. It now plays an integral role as a cubby house for secret men's business!

Building Blocks to make an architect smile

Every now and again you come across an item that knocks your socks off. Truly honestly and cross my heart, this building block set from Haba should be a part of every toy library or play room. I know I wax lyrical about certain products, but this set deserves all the praise I give it. There are wooden blocks, and then there ARE wooden blocks; this is the latter. The extra large set has 102 pieces of high quality untreated beech wood that are strong and durable. They have a lovely smooth finish and the variety of shapes means that everyone from babies to master architects can enjoy them.

The clever thing about Haba blocks is that all shapes are based on a 4x4x4cm cube, meaning that any structures built can have symmetry and stability if you so desire. They blocks are also compatible with the Haba marble track system (just imagine the possibilities!). In terms of play value, these rank right up there. I've had this set at home now for a couple of months, and customers are surprised when I tell them that Connor (6 years) and Reilly (4 years) play with them heaps. Not to mention Sean (late 40 something years) who has come up with some amazing creations! If you only buy one toy this year, make an investment in these blocks.