Why Trust Your Children To Anything Else But Eco-Friendly Toys?

Last year several incidents involving recalled toys caused parents all over the world to stop and rethink what they are buying their children.  As a result, many families have made a commitment to buying only eco-friendly toys.  What does this mean?

Eco-friendly toys are safer for both children and the environment.  They are often organic, handmade and made with the highest standards of quality.  These toys encourage children to be creative, rather than relying on blinking lights and annoying digital songs.  And most importantly, they are free from toxic chemicals that have tragically affected the health of hapless young children all over the world.

I would like to share with you a list of my ten favorite eco-friendly toys.  These will appeal to a range of children, but they are all high quality, engaging and worth every penny.  

1.     Green Toys Cookware and Dining Set
Made from 100% recycled plastic milk bottles, this is a sturdy set of play dishes, pots and pans.  It was named one of Parenting Magazine’s Toys of the Year.  They are brightly colored and can stand up to multiple generations of kid play.

2.    Imagiplay Number Snail Puzzle
The colors on this puzzle are brilliant, but safe for your child.  It is hand-crafted from sustainably grown rubberwood.  Along with dexterity and problem solving, your children will learn their numbers.

3.     Melissa & Doug Activity Cart
Melissa & Doug toys are made in the U.S. and are well-known for their quality construction.  This activity cart is a great way to keep multiple kids engaged at one time.  It features solid hardwood construction and an assortment of motor skill building exercises.

4.     miYim Baby Victoria Bunny
This sweet, organic cotton stuffed knit bunny doll wears a natural hemp jumper and is a perfect gift for any little girl to cherish.

5.    Under the Nile Organic Veggies
This collection of adorable cotton organic cotton stuffed veggies includes a tomato, a carrot, a mushroom and a green bean all tucked in a wood crate.  A perfect  play set for a baby who is just starting on solid foods.

6.     Plan  Toys  Creative Wooden Blocks
It doesn’t get any more classic than wooden blocks, and this set from Plan Toys includes brightly colored (non-toxic) pieces with some unusual shapes that you don’t usually get in the traditional set. 

7.     Kathy Kruese Waldorf Dolls
Soft, sweet, and cuddly—these Waldorf inspired dolls are a perfect companion for your little girl.  They are made from cotton, sheepwool, mohair, and quartz sand; and are completely hand-washable.

8.     Little Labs Stepping into Science
Inquisitive little minds don’t just love learning—they love experiencing it.  With this kit from Little Labs, they will have everything they need to perform 25 experiments in nature, physics, chemistry, air and water.  

9.     Earthopoly
Monopoly is a classic game that everyone knows how to play—so why not add a new, eco-friendly dimension by switching to Earthopoly.  Rather than buying and developing properties, players attempt to care for the earth by adopting sections of it and helping provide clean air and carbon credits.  The entire game is made from recycled materials and soy-based inks.

10.     The Sand Sac
An eco-friendly alternative to the traditional plastic sand bucket and shovel; the Sand Sac is a 100% cotton canvas pail with a 100% renewable resource bamboo shovel and four fabric markers which lets each kid personalize and decorate his or her own pail.