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WiN a Retro Toy Kitchen!! RRP$199

Retro Toy Kitchen Giveaway!!

This month we are giving a red retro toy kitchen worth $199!! Good luck everyone!! Prize includes delivery anywhere in Australia. Winner will be notified on the 30th June 2013
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


These standalone Retro Toy Play Kitchens consist of a play cooktop, sink and oven.

Dimensions from Floor to sink 500mm
Kids Furniture Ideas for Fabulous Cubby Houses

Kids Furniture Ideas for Fabulous Cubby Houses

Every child dreams of having their own cubby house to play in. It'™s a hideaway, adventure playground, and dream space all rolled into one. If you'™re short of ideas on how to fill a cubby house with suitable kids furniture so that it's fun and practical, here a few points to consider.
 
What to include
 
Consider what they'™ll be doing in there, most likely drawing, reading, playing games, and dressing up. At the most basic, consider a couple of chairs, a small table, and storage such as boxes or shelves.
 
Think about the space
 
Obviously space is going to be tight, so it'™s a good idea to look for items that are compact, and furniture that can do double duty as storage. Cubby houses also need to be comfortable, so you'™ll want furniture that'™s lounge-friendly. And it'™s all about fun after all, so opt for bright and cheerful colours.
 
Some suggestions
 
Chairs -“ This is a great place to start. Beanbags are a fantastic option for cubby houses, as they'™re perfect to lounge about in. Or you might choose something like our slimline recliners, which are super comfy, hardwearing and very stylish &“ ideal for the fashion-forward cubby house!
 
Tables - With space an issue, it makes sense to multi-task. Think play table, craft table and storage all in one. Our activity tables have a reversible white board/chalk board top, side shelf storage, and a compact toy box underneath. Or you might like the look of our popular table and chair sets, which not only have slimline chairs that slide under the table, but also a built-in storage box. Now that's handy.
 
Activities - A cubby house is a great spot to encourage creativity and learning. Add some crayons and paper, books, educational toys, and musical instruments. If you have the space, our wooden toy piano not only looks incredible, it'™s chromatically tuned, so they'll always hit the right note!
 
Removing Marks From Painted Kids Furniture

Helpful Hints: Removing Marks From Painted Kids Furniture

Every parent knows that keeping furniture looking like new is near impossible. Children are curious, creative and sometimes clumsy, which bodes none too well for walls, floors and kids furniture. Thankfully, there are a few tips and tricks around to help remove scuffs and marks, and keep furniture looking fabulous. While there are chemical cleaners that will do the job, natural alternatives are not only safer in the home, they are often equally or even more effective.
 
Ballpoint pen
 
This is a favourite among children everywhere! If you have ballpoint pen on walls, or wooden or painted surfaces, try vinegar. Simply pour vinegar onto a cloth and dab the affected area. It works wonders.
 
Water stains
 
Water stains on wood can often be removed with equal parts baking soda and (believe it or not) plain, white toothpaste. Dip a damp cloth into the mixed paste and lightly rub into the mark using a circular motion. Wipe clean and buff, til shining. A second option is to try mayonnaise. Rub it on, allow to dry, and then wipe clean.
 
Stickers
 
There aren’t too many children around who haven’t discovered the joys of stickers at one stage or another – and kids’ furniture often seems to become a favourite target. To remove stubborn stickers (from washable paint only), rub with white vinegar.
 
General marks
 
For general scuffs and marks, try rubbing the area with a cloth dipped in:
 

• Cool tea
• Mayonnaise
• Olive oil mixed with beeswax
• Two parts olive oil, and one part lemon juice

 
Another tip? The meat of a walnut is worth a try to hide wooden scratches.
 
And to add shine every time
 
We found this recipe for furniture polish, which is inexpensive and easy to make (but you do need to make it fresh every time). Simply combine the juice of one lemon with one teaspoon of olive oil, and one teaspoon of water. Rub it on the surface, leave for five minutes, and then use a soft cloth to buff to a shine.
 
 
 
WIN a Jacks Cubby House!!

WIN An Amazing Jacks Cubby House RRP$999!!

This month we are giving away to a lucky winner a Jack's Cubby House. Prize includes Delivery (anywhere in Australia).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our Jacks Cubby House is very versitile, depending on the colours you use it can be converted into a fire station, barn or workshop. It also comes with a wooden plaque which you can personalize. For more details on this great Cubby House eg. dimensions etc. please visit our Jacks Cubby House Product page.

Good Luck Everyone!!

Our Alice Cubby House Painted In Darker Colours
A Customer has kindly sent us this photo of their Alice Cubby House painted in darker colours. We love this photo and couldn't resist sharing it.  This is first photo I have seen of our cubby house painted in the darker colours. We think it looks fantastic! Obviously this customer has had some experience with photography.

The attention to detail & props used to marry up the colours make this photo extra special. The decking looks great, props, landscape, the little girl etc. Great Job !!



Helpful Tips When Buying A Steel Toy Pedal Car
Choosing a steel pedal car for your child may look simple at first, but there a few points to consider before purchasing.

There should be no sharp edges, the pedal assembly must be fully adjustable in order to fit a growing child and the paint coat finish must be lead-free as exposure to lead has been proven to retard the physical and mental development of a child. In addition to this if you are purchasing online, take every measure to ensure that the supplier you are purchasing from is a reputable supplier.  A suggestion here is to ensure that the supplier has a contact phone number advertised on their site.

If they do, ring the phone number and ask some questions. By doing this you will very quickly get a sense of whether the supplier is genuine or not. Also make ensure that a warranty will be provided.
If you are seriously considering purchasing a Steel Pedal Car for your little motor enthusiast these great toys do have some definite advantages over their rival battery powered plastic toy cars. The obvious one being that they much more sturdier than the battery operated cars, and if looked after, can be passed down from generation to generation. In addition to this they allow your kids to have fun peddling around while at the same time help improve their motor skills and physical abilities.

Most steel toy pedal cars on the market today are vintage-inspired from vehicles and trucks of the 1930s and 1940s. Their retro designs also allow these great toys to be beautiful show pieces when not in use.

There is wide variety of steel pedal cars available online. They can be quite expensive to purchase and Shipping isn’t cheap either due to their size. Most pedal cars bought online are delivered 80% pre- assembled.   All that is required is to clip on the steering wheel and the four wheels and the car and your child are ready to go.
Our Kids Recliners & Ride On Toy Racers are On Sale For A Limited Time!!
Both designs & all colours of our Modern & Classic Kids Recliner Chairs are on sale.
Sale ends Midnight Sunday 21st April...





These kids recliners are one of our best sellers. Its not hard to see why. Not only are they very cute but they are super practical. Great Colour range  and 2 different styles available. Modern & Classic

Consisting of full metal reclining mechanism these kids recliners are very well constructed and will last for years to come.


Also On Sale for 5 days Only ending 9th April are our Ride On Toy Racers.



Modelled after classic speedsters from the 1930s, our retro ride on steel race cars will have your toddler racing laps around the house or outdoors in no time.

Our kids racers a low-maintenance gift for little car enthusiasts aged 2 to 4 years and its steel construction will make it an ideal heirloom which will last for generations.

The combination of ride-on/push toy encourages coordination and balance for little ones while promoting motor skills and muscle development.

 
WIN a 2 in 1 Kids Balance Bike



Building the Perfect Kids Room

Cubby Houses for kids - what you need to know
There is no doubt that you will find some of the most awe inspiring designs and styles n cubby houses for kids all across Australia. There replica houses are just perfect for the kids to have their own space to play and enjoy endless hours of fun. You have a choice of indoor and outdoor cubby houses. They have come a long way over the years where old wooden packing crates were used. These houses can be built just about anywhere from your backyard to a small tree house. Trust me here at Hipkids we have kids and our cubby houses have been roadtested by our kids!

Most cubby houses are made from wood with a polyurethane trim. And yes, they do have windows and shutters that your kids can operate easily and a whole lot of other gadgets like a doorbell, chairs or sofas, and flower pots. In addition, you will find many that include a weather vane.
Rest assured, there is an innovative and unique range to choose from.
Most houses come pre-coated with primer and painted interiors and exteriors. It’s easy to order a cubby house kit and assemble it yourself. It could make for a great DIY project for the kids. The pre-cut and pre-painted panels could be turned into a masterpiece in a matter of hours so you don’t really have to be a carpenter to set one up. The great thing is you can choose a size that just fits perfectly in your room or yard.

If the kids are a little older you could choose a cubby house with a door. Alternatively, you can avoid one with a door so that there is no danger of the kids getting their fingers caught (ouch) ....
Then there are plenty of other essentials such as a serving counter, stools, a club sofa, toy pianos, kitchen, activity tables, and much more. What’s even better is you have a choice of Alice – Tudor style cubbies that are just perfect for the girls, and Jack cubbies that can let the boys have all the fun they want as they turn it into a workshop, barn, or fire station. They come in different sizes to suit kids of every age and height.

Remember, a cubby house is a place where the kids can be free and play just the way they want as they enjoy the company of friends.
The objective is to have them engage in as much outdoor activities as possible so that it has a healthy effect on the mind and body. There’s bound to be plenty of calorie burning and loads of fresh air for the kids to enjoy! Besides, they are safe and secure and designed perfectly with kids in mind. You will find a variety of cubby houses that can either be set up on the ground or at an elevation. For toddlers, an elevated cubby with slides and stairs could be the ideal choice. Raised cubbies and cabins come with climbing frames and a range of slides, swings, and rock walls. You also have a choice of cubbies with a raised play deck or an enclosed cabin so that the kids can have their individual space.

Now that you know how good a cubby house can be for your little ones, it’s time to decide on the best place to position one at home (oh boy! here we go....)

The ideal location is close to your main home with perfect view from the living room or kitchen window. This allows you to go about your chores while the kids are at play without having to supervise them from close up. Make sure never to position your cubby in a corner where visibility is restricted. In addition, leave enough space all around so that it is easy to maintain. No matter what, the floor needs to remain dry so make sure it is slightly elevated so that rain water can drain away rather than seep in. It also lets you make use of the bottom to build a sandpit and add a slide and ladder. When it comes to decorating, you could get as creative as you desire. Make is a fun and interactive space for the kids. You could a bit overboard during the holiday season or even Halloween.

Before you do shop for a cubby house, there are a few things to consider. To begin with, the choice is overwhelming. You have just about every type from the basic cubby to excessively elaborate. However, much of your choice depends on your specific needs so take time to list your priorities. Visualize a cubby house in your garden space or the room you wish to set it up. Most importantly, position it so that the kids have a feeling of privacy although it won’t be difficult to keep an eye on them. If you choose one with a partially open front it would help you determine what’s going on without looking to intrusive. You wouldn’t like a dark home and so would the kids so make sure the cubby gets enough light with windows and doors that let the sunshine in.

Setting up a dream cubby for the kids is easy and you could think of a million more ways to spice up their little home and keep them busy.
For mums, what better way could there be to relax, knowing that the kids are having a great time while you go about your chores without having to worry.

They make the perfect gift for the kids and of course, they would love a ‘roof of their own’ albeit all the hassles of adulthood. You will find an amazing range of cubby houses at a number of online stores. Go ahead and set up a dream home. The smile on their face and the endless hours of enjoyment are something truly priceless. You too can have loads of fun setting up the perfect cubby house without the need to spend a fortune. Remember, there is a choice of eco-friendly designs so that you end up with a fabulous cubby house in every sense.

What else can we say? We love Cubby Houses - we love kids... we love life.
Funkiest Toy Kitchens in OZ

If you are after a funky toy kitchen for your budding little chef our retro toy kitchens will fit the bill.  The Cooktop/Sink can be purchased on its own or it can be also purchase as set with a matching fridge. They are available in 4 colours. Red, White, Pink and Blue

Door hinges are metal, the paint used is non-toxic and safe and all the knobs click when turned – The clock works too. The realistic play factor is huge with plenty of shelf space, removable sink for cleaning and storage space under the sink

As part of Babyology's Prizeapalooza we gave one way some time ago as a prize. We had a great response from Babyology's subscribers during the campaign

Below are also some photos sent in to us by one our customers.
 

 

 

  

Now in Stock - YBike Pewi
We've love these Ybike Pewi Toys. So much so we thought we would make them available for purchase through our website.

Not only do they look funky but they are a very functional toy. They can used as baby walker as well as a ride on toy.
We bought one as a gift for a 13 month old a few months back. At first he pushed it around and now his little legs have grown and is tall enough to ride it.

The tubing is made from aluminium so its light and the swivel castor wheels make it easy to steer and manouver around the house. Ybike Pewi comes in Red, Pink and Blue