Ditch the plastic toys and consider these eco friendly gifts for kids instead!
It should be easy, but personally, I find it really hard to buy gifts for kids these days.
The main reason? The sad fact is, no matter how hard you try, when you need to find a present for a kid, it’s going to be made of one evil material: plastic. It’s so ubiquitous, it seems that finding eco friendly gifts for kids is pretty much impossible; everything from dolls and trucks to games and clothing has the stuff in it.
And that’s a shame, for so many reasons.
Why eco friendly toys matter
For little babies and toddlers, it’s likely they’re going to end up chewing a bit on plastic, and that’s not good – gnawing on it can actually lead to microparticles of plastics entering their bloodstreams. In fact, you can read more about the health threats from plastic toys here.
For older kids, giving them plastic presents only normalises the stuff, and that’s not good either. We adults should be sending out a message that natural materials are best for people and the planet.
And then, of course, there’s the whole reality that whatever plastic gifts you give kids today will end up as plastic pollution when they’re adults. Not exactly the kind of planetary legacy you want to leave for that wee one you love, is it?
Take a look at these eco friendly gifts for kids – they cover all ages, tastes and genders, too!
Sustainable Gifts For Kids For All Occasions
1. A Wood Letter Puzzle
The sad fact is that kids seem to be losing touch with manual and creative activities, thanks to their parents increasingly putting devices in front of them to keep them busy. But you can easily help their brain development by gifting them with this wooden letter puzzle.
Handmade in the USA, this is an educational tool that helps kids not only with their spatial development by allowing them to fit the letters in the appropriate space, but also teaches them how to spell their name and know the alphabet. Love the idea of wood toys? Click here to see more!
Price $13.99
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: Educating kids aged 1-3
We love: How this is made from all natural materials, even up to the paints.
2. A Unisex Organic Cotton Tee
How great is the message on this printed organic cotton-jersey T-shirt by Stella McCartney? It basically sends out a positive message to all those who can read. It goes great with jeans, tights or a skirt, is wonderfully unisex and suits all ages, too.
Price $72.00
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: Kids from 2-14 (these come in loads of different sizes)
We love: The sweet message!
3. Toxic Free Skincare
Ok, so this luxury gift is more likely to delight moms than kids, but how charming are these Barbara Sturm products? They would make the perfect gift for little ones, but especially if you know someone expecting a baby!
The set includes everything a parent will need to care for their little one without toxic-ingredients that could irritate. The gentle bundle includes shampoo, bath milk, bum cream and an adorable penguin cloth.
Price: Around $120
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: New moms and wee babes
We love: The fact that all Barbara Sturm products are made with a combination of naturally occurring and advanced science ingredients are are highly effective, non-toxic, non-irritating and 100% cruelty free!
4. Recycle and Remake Book
Recycle and Remake is such a fun book, it will be loved by any you gift it to. The gentle but empowering book is full of creative activities, information and fun ideas to help young eco-warriors really help the environment.
Kids will learn to make their own seeded paper from old junk mail, help clean up the oceans by turning ocean trash into kites, and how to upcyle cardboard boxes into fun toys!
Price: $15
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: Teaching kids from 0-8 years to care for the planet!
We love: How you can customise this so the child really feels included in the story.
5. Cool Kicks
These frog rain boots by Stella McCartney make for a great gift, for several reasons. One, they’re easy for kids to put on. No fussy laces or snaps! Two, they’re ideal for messy weather. Three, they’re adorably decorated with a frog theme. And finally, they’re unisex. Perfect, right?
Price $110
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: Kids of all ages and genders.
We love: That you just know your kiddo will have a ball splashing in puddles in these!
6. Ecosystem: A Family Forest Board Game
Playing games is a great way to bond with your children, and who doesn’t love a family games night? Learn about ecology with this science game. As a player, you will build ecosystems of wild animals such as bears, foxes and rabbits in environments such as forests, streams and woodland. You’ll earn rewards in the game for sustainability snd diversity, encouraging players to get creative!
Price: $16.99
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: All the family, from kids to adults!
We love: The simplicity behind the super important message.
7. An Eco-Friendly Subscription Box
Christmas is fun, but it’s over so fast. Why not make the holiday cheer last longer with a subscription box? Whether it’s books, crafting or eco-friendly toys, a subscription box sends a little bit of festive cheer in the months after Christmas. Plus, it helps kids not be so overwhelmed by lots of gifts on one day, and they can be spread out over the following year.
Lalo’s Play Box is designed to encourage the curiosity of little ones. All items included are durable, and include recycled materials that are non-toxic and BPA free. They also offer a recycling program for when your child outgrows their toys.
Price $90 – $135
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: Spreading holiday cheer long after Christmas.
We love: The way kids will get something to look forward to every two months
8. Magnetic Tiles
Kids love two things: being busy and being creative. And one of our go-to toys is our magnetic tiles. They provide children with endless opportunities when it comes to play, and will keep them busy for hours! They can use the tiles to create homes for their toys, to build all kinds of fantastic creations, and you can even use the tiles as stencils to draw round for crafting.
Price $59.99
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: Learning about magnets, geometry, building and so much more.
We love: The fact that these encourage kids to really get creative, and the ways to play with these are endless!
9. A Ceramic Piggy Bank
Maybe you remember the thrill of having your first ‘own’ money? Kids will love the notion that all the coins in this ceramic piggy bank are theirs – and only theirs – to spend!
There’s an array of colours and styles to choose from here, and it’s big enough to ‘eat’ a lot of savings! The best part is that the rubber stopper on the bottom means that coins can be removed without smashing the bank. Why not add some money in the piggy to make your little recipient extra happy?
Price: $19.99
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: Teaching kids the value of savings
We love: How you can customise the colours
10. A Preloved Soft Toy
If you’re looking for eco-friendly toys, chances are you give a damn about the planet. And one area that creates huge waste is kid’s toys. Mainly stuffed animals. Cuddly toys are often gifted and then abandoned, which is not only super sad but wasteful, too. But Loved Before is offering those unloved toys a new home, while also allowing people to shop second-hand in a super convenient way via their soft toy adoption agency.
Unloved soft toys are sent in and given the spa treatment before receiving a photoshoot and then uploaded for purchase. The toys are worn and beautifully imperfect each with a unique journey. The perfect best friend for any kid!
Price: Starts at £7
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: A comforting cuddly while helping the planet.
We love: The fact that these come packaged ‘as new’. And that we’re normalising pre-loved toys!
11. Wooden Indoor Playground
This is one of our favourite eco friendly gifts for kids, because it looks like so much fun! (wonder if they make adult sizes…?)
Anyone with children will know they have lots of energy! And what better way for them to get that energy burning while having fun than with this super cool indoor playground! Made from natural wood, it has lots of cool features: it’s a baby and toddler swing, a smooth slide, a ladder and a rock climbing wall!
Not got much space? This set can be folded flat, perfect for storing against the wall when not in use.
Price $299
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: Restless babies and toddlers
We love: That this provides so much fun for kids – while they’re playing, moms might be able to enjoy their coffee while its still warm!
12. National Geographic Break Open Geodes
This is one of my personal favourite eco friendly gifts For kids! Rocks, like plants and animals, are a living part of our planet, and this kit really allows kids to get in touch with what geology is. This science is even more exciting since the kids get to smash open rocks….and to discover the crystal treasures that lie within!
The kit comes with 10 geodes filled with various crystals, safety goggles, and a full-colour learning book. It’s a great educational toy for both boys and girls, and is guaranteed to get them perceiving rocks in a different way.
Price: $24.00
One of the best eco friendly gifts for kids for: Kids aged 7-10 with an interest in science
We love: The fact that some of these ‘rocks’ are actually healing crystals! Bonus!
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