Kids Toys & Products

Merida makeover controversy continues

KATIE CARLIN Just when you thought the Disney princess Merida makeover controversy couldn’t get any worse they release the doll.

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Dolls without makeup

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Ever wondered what your child's dolls would look like if they weren't painted with heavy makeup? Nickolay Lamm decided to find out by putting his Photoshop skills to the test and the results were quite surprising. All photos by Nickolay Lamm from MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, a UK discount site.

Should we worry about children's fashion week?

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Candice Chung It’s tempting to be outraged at high profile shows like these, but it might not be all bad.

'Hey', are you ready to rock and roll?

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Staff Writers Need to expose your kids to a new style of music? Here is a CD you’d be happy to put on high rotation in the car and sing along to, with their unique fusion of Rockabilly and Motown to electronic and pop - silly songs and lyrics themed around being a kid in the modern world.

The Sydney Doll Hospital

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Get a rare glimpse of what goes on behind the curtains in the Sydney Doll hospital. Established in 1913 by Harold Chapman Jnr the Doll hospital is now run by Geoff Chapman, the third generation of Chapmans to run the business and has just celebrated 100 years of repairing all types of dolls, teddy bears, rocking horses, umbrellas, prams and various other items.

Winter wardrobe woollies

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With the warmer weather just about behind us, it is time to start preparing for winter. Before heading to the shops, take a look at some of these winter clothes for boys and girls from around the web.

Construct and play

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Constructing something from a pile of blocks or materials is not only satisfying but is also a great way for kids to play whilst using their imagination. Here are some new construction products for kids as well as some old faithfuls.

Parents urged to avoid dangerous toys at Christmas

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Agencies Rubber duckies, remote-controlled helicopters and plastic crossbows are among toys seized and withdrawn from sale in NSW for posing a fatal danger to children this Christmas.

Gift Guide For Younger Kids

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The count down for Christmas has bugun, so here is a list of gift ideas for younger kids to help out with any last minute shopping.

Why my kids will be having a toy-free Christmas

Elissa's Christmas story

ELISSA GRIESSER Santa's not bringing any toys for my kids this Christmas.

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New doll delivers healthier image

Pictured with Lottie dolls were (blonde) Caitlin Dooley and and friend (brunette) Genevieve Bland.
Move over Barbie, a new range of fashion dolls has been launched in Australia to address growing concerns about the impact on young girls of negative body image issues associated with dolls such as Barbie, Bratz and Monster High.
Unlike her now fifty three-year-old counterpart Barbie, the new Lottie doll has a childlike form, modeled on the average nine year-old girl?s body shape and has practical clothes, realistic hair and healthy outdoor hobbies.
Location:- 9 Invermay Grove, Hawthorne East, VIC 3122.
1/12/2012
Photo. Melanie Faith Dove
Reporter - Daisy Dumas (editor L&S) Story has been written by freelancer Sandy Smith.

Sandy Smith Move over Barbie, a new range of fashion dolls has been launched in Australia to address growing concerns about the impact on young girls of negative body image issues associated with dolls such as Barbie, Bratz and Monster High.

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Collette Dinnigan designsTutu's for Target

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To celebrate The Australian Ballet’s 50th anniversary, Target and internationally renowned designer Collette Dinnigan have collaborated to bring you a gorgeous range of ballet-inspired party wear for girls including tutus, boleros and a ballet bag. Available in sizes 3-8 girls at 100 Target stores nationwide and online at www.target.com.au, from November 21, 2012.

Target trend is tu-tu cute

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Collette Dinnigan teams up with Target for designer tots' tutus.

Kit out your kids

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Deck out your kids with this bright and playful gear by Beatrix NY.

Celebs as dolls

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What do Katy Perry, Johnny Depp and Kristen Stewart all have in common? Their very own doll. Have a look and see which other celebs have been immortalised in fantastic plastic.

Babyology looks at making your own Muppet

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SITE: BABYOLOGY Great news for Jim Henson fans: the Whatnot Workshop gives kids the chance to build their own Muppet then have it delivered!

Role models

How Barbie became wholesome again

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JACQUELINE MALEY When did this icon of unrealistic proportions become so wholesome?

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Can we ever really be gender-neutral?

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LINDY ALEXANDER One department store in the UK is challenging gender stereotypes with their first gender-neutral toy department but will it help?

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Storm over Target's 'trampy' fashion sense

Gretta Hawkhead, mother to Mia, 6, has joined the outrage on Facebook that Target's clothes for young people are 'not appropriate'.

Rachel Wells An outraged mother creates uses Target's Facebook page to call on the department store to stop selling 'hooker-style' apparel for girls.

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Barbie and Ken's Nigerian wedding

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For some fun, inspiration, including dance moves, and a refreshing twist on bridal shoots, check out Barbie and Ken's Nigerian traditional wedding spread from Obi Photography.

Barbie and Ken's Nigerian wedding

French photographer Beatrice and her Barbie and Ken wedding shoot and Italian Vogues black Barbie spread, inspired Obinna from Photography by Obi to create a Nigerian wedding photoshoot. Browse the photogallery for a glimpse of Barbie and Ken's special day.

Barbies maternity shoot

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Dressed in a gorgeous floral mini and heels, Barbie is absolutely glowing while showing off her new baby bump. Mindy at Itsy Bitsy Creation made this maternity Barbie by stuffing her dress with cotton.

Doodles come to life

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Children's drawings are alive and squishing, see these adorable creatures from Child's Own Studio.

Cotton On Kids

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Add some colour and sunshine to your kid's wardrobe with these bright and funky clothes and accessories from Cotton On Kids.

Children take out Trash and a world craze begins

Zac Miller.

Like thousands of five-year-olds, Zac Miller is madly collecting mouldy cheese, rotting apples and smelly fish figurines.

Lego targets girls with block and awe campaign

LEGO enters girls market with global launch of LEGO Friends

Clare Kermond Lego is launching a bid to win a slice of the lucrative girls' toy market, branching out from its traditionally boy-focused construction blocks.

Christmas with the Jolie-Pitt family

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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had their hands full when they took all six of their children toy shopping.

Christmas gift ideas

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From toddlers to big kids here are some Christmas ideas to fill the stocking with.

Top 10 toys this Christmas

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AMBER ROBINSON The top toys suggested by Mattel's Toylab Funsultation Committee for kids this Christmas

Cute Christmas outfits

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Dressing up for Christmas Day is all part of the fun. If you are looking for some seasonal inspiration we have put together a great range of cute and fun outfits for the merry day.

How to find the perfect glasses for your child

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There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right frames but the most important one is matching the frames to your child’s own personality.

Rube and Harri children's sleepwear

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Rube and Harri's new spring and summer collection of children's sleepwear will have your kids looking sweet and staying cool.

Cubby constructions for creative kids

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JOSEPH KELLY As a kid growing up my family moved around a lot. One constant though was that, no matter where we moved, I’d always find a space somewhere to build myself a cubby house.

Environmentally-friendly toys: Is there such a thing?

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Vicki Harding The busy world of parenting can make it virtually impossible to keep up with the latest news about the environment. How can we – as individual parents – make small decisions that have a positive impact on the environment?

Babyology reccomends

PlanetBox lunch box

PlanetBox

Babyology Visit PlanetBox for lunch boxes with space age style.

Struts: the new sexed up toys raising parents' eyebrows

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And you thought Bratz dolls were bad. Meet Struts, the pony dolls with high heels and handbags.

Playtime for Natalie is a testing business - and a dream

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Daniella Miletic Natalie Saliba is only eight years old and gets paid to play with the latest toys and provide feedback to Mattel's toy executives.

Kids at risk from cheap toys

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Melissa Singer Parents who give in to pester power are at greater risk of buying dangerous toys that can choke or poison their children.

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