My Top 10 Picks For Kids with Hip Kids

As a first-time parent, I didn't put a lot of thought into what I wanted out of toys and kid related furniture and kind of went with what was the cheapest at the time when purchasing something. Fast forward to nearly four years later and another munchkin in the fray my opinion on what I want out of toys etc. for my kids has turned itself on its head. It took a little experience and time to realise what was important to me when purchasing things for my kids. I always try to be budget friendly when I make purchases but I understood that sometimes buying the cheapest thing versus maybe buying something slightly be more expensive because of its quality is something to consider. Plus if the kid's furniture was going to be on display I didn't want it sticking out like a sore thumb. Since Little Miss joined the family, I noticed that I need longevity out of the toys I buy if another one is ever to join the family and not to have to re-purchase the same things because they just don't last. I want years out of my purchases, not months. I have also found that less is more in kids lives and that they don't need a million toys to keep them happy. It only makes them more restless and makes more mess for mum to clean up. Quality over quantity!

I was approached by

Hip Kids

to write a post for you guys with my top 10 picks from their collection for both boys and girls. Back in 2006, a parent of two young children (with another on the way!) was frustrated by the limited range of toys and furniture available on the market. And so, Hip Kids was created to provide Australian families with unique toys and furniture that are fun, durable and of course, stylish. The Hip Kids brand has grown to include children’s storage, décor, and outdoor playthings from their showroom based in Melbourne and online store that offers shipping Australia-wide. You won’t find any of these pieces in your local store – each product has been sourced from around the globe for its superior quality and funky aesthetic. You can expect to enjoy affordable prices, great customer service and guaranteed safety when purchasing from Hip Kids – only the best will do! 

I happily scoured the website picking out my staple items that I would recommend investing in as a first time or whatever time parent you are. These items will last your kids throughout the years and I tried to pick out a variety of items for differing age groups. I fell in love with the products straight away and may have squealed in delight over a few items {The retro mixer totally got me - so cute}. So without further ado let's jump straight into it.

My Top 10 Picks for Girls

1. Rocking Horse W/ Removable Safety Bar: Beautifully constructed from birch wood this rocking horse is a modern take on the traditional rocking horses that have been enjoyed for years. Comes in White & Pink or Brown.
2. Not only is this super cute but I can see it providing hours of entertainment for the littlies.
4. Wooden Toy Retro Mixer: This Retro Wooden Toy Mixer will delight any little budding chef. This pretends play toy will provide hours of fun as all sorts of imaginary treats can be baked.
5. Includes a stainless steel bowl and the beater & control knob can be rotated by hand. Comes in Pink, Red, Blue and Cream.
6. How cute is this mixer? I may have just squealed in delight when I saw this. I can see many pretend cakes being baked with this super cute mixer.
9. Kids Wooden Balance Bike: This wooden balance bike the ideal first bicycle for your little one. This bike's pedal free design encourages mobility & rapid development of balance and fine motor skills. Comes in Red, Pink or Blue.
10. My kids love things that move and I can see hours of fun with this balance bike. I have picked this for my boy's collection as well because it's so versatile.
13. Remi's Doll's House W/ Doll's & Furniture Set: Its simplistic, contemporary colours & design will allow Remi's Doll House to complement any room in your home.Fully decorated inside and out, with opening the front door, windows with the upper level in the Attic style roof, Remi's Dollhouse will provide hours of imaginative fun & play for your child.
14. While this is probably a little more on the pricey side, I think it would be a great investment for a family of girls because I could see it getting a whole lot of use. Plus I could see this getting handed down to generations to come. My inner child might be yearning for my very own doll's house just like this!
16. Green Toys Eco Tea Set: Young hosts can serve up a pot of tea while doing something superb for the earth. Like all 12™ products, our Tea Set is made from eco-friendly materials, helping to reduce fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions, all in the name of Good Green Fun!
17. All little girls need their own tea set and one that helps the environment makes it that much better. 
20. Ever Earth Activity Walker: It's a Walker & activity centre all in one. Fun toddler activities include bead Maze, xylophone with mallet, four pieces interchangeable animal puzzle, peg maze, three piece shape sorter, peg maze rolling flower gear tumblers, and netted storage area in the back.
21. I find these little activity walkers invaluable and they are great for a variety of ages in children. My three 1/2-year-old still plays with them.
23. Boston Nat/White Table & Chairs Set: This modern Boston Table & 2 Chairs Set not only looks great but has been built to last. It's made from solid birch wood so very sturdy yet remains very light to move around. It's Contemporary & simplistic design will look great in any part of your home.
24. I am a bit funny when it comes to buying kids furniture - it has to look like adult furniture in smaller proportion - no bright colours! I adore this table and chair setting! It's uber cool and something I would be proud to have in my house - oh and the kids will like it too! :-)
27. MIA Single Natural Upholstered Bed: This stylish single bed upholstered in Natural Linen Look material will enhance any bedroom and is so easy to assemble. With no sharp corners or edges, this bed is sure to impress.  It looks and feels like linen!
28. This is another swoon-worthy piece that I came across. I love this bed and how it will grow with your child up until the teenage years. Upholstered bed heads get me every time.
31. Oscar Chalkboard Bookshelf: The Oscar Chalkboard Bookshelf is super practical as it consists of: 
• Four front-facing shelves
• Each facing shelf has a chalkboard tab to personalise and label as desired.
• Ideal for storing books, games, DVDs or displaying your child's prized artwork
• A Large pullout drawer on castor wheels. 
• Drawer has a Chalkboard drawer face on one side & Coloured drawer face on the other. Painted drawer faces are available in White, Red, Pink and Blue
• Ideal for storing toys, games, shoes, etc.
• With young kids, you can never have storage and this until is oh so practical and super stylish!
32. Large Floor Cushions Striped: This large Pink Striped Floor Cushion  (70cm x 70cm) will provide your little ones extra comfort & support while they go about their day playing on the floor, sitting or simply lying down after a hard days play.
33. My kids LOVE to read and to create a comfy little area for them with these cushions a must. Otherwise, they will probably use them to build forts or cubby houses! Ha.

My Top 10 Picks for Boys

1. White Kids Tree Hanger: These Kids Tree Hangers are the ideal clothes & bag rack for your little ones. They are designed so that the branches can be reached & utilised by different age groups.
2. A great organisation piece to hang jackets, bags or hats from. I need one of these in my house!!
4. Melissa & Doug Magnetic Fishing Game: The ultimate catch and release fishing programme, this magnetic wooden puzzle game features aquatic animal artwork. Use the magnetic fishing pole to 'catch' the ten, colourful sea friends from the game board. Enjoy the challenge of returning them to the depths! A creative way to encourage eye-hand and fine motor development.
5. This would make an excellent rainy day game to keep the most boisterous boy entertained for a while.
7. Kids Wooden Balance Bike: This wooden balance bike the ideal first bicycle for your little one. This bike's pedal free design encourages mobility & rapid development of balance and fine motor skills. Comes in Red, Pink or Blue.
8. My kids love things that move and I can see hours of fun with this balance bike. I have picked this for my girl's collection as well because it's so versatile.'
10. Lego Playmat & Storage Bag: No more toys & lego pieces all over the floor & no more stepping on pieces in the middle of the night. Ouch! This practical 2 in 1 toy storage bag + playmat is great a storage solution for Lego pieces & toys. When laid out it doubles up as a playmat.
11. While my oldest is not quite into lego yet I can see this as something that will be beneficial to have in the near future. I want to forgo the painful lego torture in the middle of the night.
13. Lil Symthony Guitar: his six-string beauty makes a perfect gift for any occasion. It’s like the song says; let there be rock! Features include Six authentic guitar strings – not simple wire like most toy guitars, Made of plastic and composite wood materials.
14. What kid doesn't like making a noise and my kids love causing a ruckus with all manners of musical instruments?
16. Brady 2 Seater Bean Bag: This versatile Brady 2 Seater Bean Bag can be used indoor or outdoor turning any area of your home into the best relaxation area for your kids! This double stitched bean bag cover is made from a durable PVC coated canvas fabric making it Water Resistant, easy to clean, built to last and comfortable.
17. The perfect little resting spot for your rowdy boy! My kids love little spots to sit and rest, read and sometimes just jump all over!
19. Large Work Bench with Tools: Little kids love playing with tools. Teach your child about different jobs and how tools can be used to make things. This set comes with a saw, wrench, hammer, easel, nuts and bolts, storage compartment, vice and other removal parts.
20. If your little guys loves Bob the Builder as much as mine did, then a tool bench is a must. Plus they can mimic daddy when he does jobs around the house.
22. 50pc Building Block Set: This 50pcs building block Set with Bucke is a child must and the bonus with these eco-friendly set is the shape sorting container they come in.
23. Blocks are a must for any kid as they provide hours of entertainment and get their imagination going.
25. Indian Teepee Tent: This Hip Kids Indian teepee is made from 100% Cotton and supporting poles made from solid plantation timber. The multi colours incorporated in this teepee design will complement any interior colour palette.
26. My kids love playing in tents and the games they can come up with in their imaginations in unlimited.
28. FRANKIE Single Taupe Upholstered Bed: This Hip Kids Indian teepee is made from 100% Cotton and supporting poles made from solid plantation timber. The multi colours incorporated in this teepee design will complement any interior colour palette.
29. I love this bed and how it will grow with your child up until the teenage years. Upholstered bed heads get me every time. Plus I love how it's so neutral and would fit in with any colour scheme.
31. Phew, so there you go my top 10 picks for both boys and girl from the coolest shop Hip Kids. If you haven't yet checked them out, make sure you pop over to their website and start scouring the pages for some very cool gift ideas.
34. {Disclaimer: This is a paid sponsored post, however, all recommendations and opinions are my own. Thank-you for supporting business's that keep The Whimsical Wife running}