As the “green” movement has grown, parents have a wider selection of eco-friendly toys for children of all ages. These toys are made from sustainable, recycled or natural materials and are often free of synthetic paints or dyes. Some green toys also teach children about sustainability and conservation.
Recent concerns about toxic chemicals and heavy metals like BPA, lead and cadmium in toys, have also led to an increased demand for green toys—especially among parents of infants and toddlers. These children are more likely to put toys in their mouth and exposure to toxic chemicals is more damaging to their bodies.
You can help the environment and spread a little joy this holiday season by choosing green toys.
Best Green Toys
Here are just a few green toys that were highly rated among green organizations and consumers. (Products are listed by age appropriateness.)
Newborn +
Ages 1-3
Ages 3 and up
Ages 4 and up
Ages 5 and up
- Makedo Building Kit from makedo.com. $50
- Recycled Plastic Jump Rope from Green Toys. $9.99
- Recycled Plastic Planting Kit with Seeds from Green Toys. $5.99
Ages 8 and up
- Uberstix Scavenger from amazon.com. $21.60
- Wood Chuck ball thrower (for playing “fetch” with your dog) from planetdog.com. $24.95
- The Green Game board game from TDC Games. $26.99
- Eco Art Kits from artterro.com. $20-27.00
Ages 12 and up
If you have a favorite green toy or toy manufacturer, share your green gift ideas on our facebook page.
Sources:
The Daily Green
Dr. Toy