As a mom of three, I believe it’s important to limit the amount of toxins in our lives, especially when it comes to our children’s toys. Traditional toys often contain harmful chemicals that can pose health risks to our little ones!!
That’s why I’ve made it a priority to seek out eco-friendly toys for my toddlers. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite eco-friendly toys for toddlers that are not only safe, but also fun and engaging.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Toys
Before we dive into the different types of eco-friendly toys available for toddlers, let’s talk about WHY they’re so important.
First and foremost, eco-friendly toys are better for the environment. Traditional plastic toys are made from non-renewable resources and can take hundreds of years to break down, contributing to landfill waste and pollution.
Eco-friendly toys, on the other hand, are made from sustainable materials that are biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable, minimizing their impact on the environment.
But eco-friendly toys also offer health benefits for our little ones. Traditional plastic toys can contain harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, and phthalates, which have been linked to developmental delays, hormone disruption, and other health problems.
Eco-friendly toys, on the other hand, are made from natural, non-toxic materials that are safer for children to play with.
Eco-friendly toys can also be great for your toddler’s development too! Lots of these toys are designed to be open-ended, so they encourage your little one to use their imagination and problem-solving skills.
And as they play and explore…they’re developing important cognitive and social-emotional abilities that will serve them well as they grow up.
So, if you’re looking for toys that are good for your child’s mind, body, and the planet, eco-friendly toys are definitely worth considering. In the next section, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular materials used in these toys and give you some examples of ones to check out.
Types of Eco-Friendly Toy Materials
Most eco friendly toys are made up of these materials:
- Bamboo
- Wood
- Organic Cotton
- Natural Rubber
- Recycled Plastic
Basically we are looking for materials that are free from chemicals, dyes, and any other non toxic materials!
Favorite Eco-Friendly Toys for Toddlers
PlanToys Dancing Alligator Pull Toy
This wooden pull toy is a classic that toddlers will love. Made from sustainably sourced rubberwood, it features a cute alligator that wiggles as it’s pulled along.
Under the Nile Organic Cotton Veggie Crate
Toddlers will love playing with these soft, plush veggies made from organic cotton. The set includes a carrot, tomato, and pea pod, all nestled in a cute little crate.
Hevea Planet Kawan Rubber Duck
Every toddler needs a rubber duckie! This sweet rubber duckie is made from all natural rubber and is perfect for bath time AND playtime. It’s free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates, so it’s safe for babies and toddlers to chew on.
Green Toys Dump Truck
Made from 100% recycled plastic, this dump truck is great for toddlers who love to play with vehicles. It’s durable, dishwasher safe, and free from harmful chemicals.
Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Digits
This fun and educational toy is made from food-grade silicone and is perfect for toddlers who love to explore with their hands. It features numbered dimples that little fingers can push and pop.
Petit Collage Busy Tree Wooden Twist Puzzle
This is a really sweet little puzzle that is made from sustainably sourced wood (yay!) and has gear shaped pieces in a tree! Your little one can turn the gears and see the tree in motion. STEM science at it’s finest!
PlanToys Stacking Tree
This wooden stacking toy is made from sustainably sourced rubberwood and is perfect for toddlers who love to build!! The pieces can be stacked in different ways to create a tree or a tower.
Pebble Handmade Crochet Rattles
These adorable rattles are handmade from soft cotton and are free from all the harmful chemicals. They come in cute animal designs (like dog or octopus) and are perfect for little hands to hold on to.
Best Brands That Sell Eco Friendly Toys For Toddlers
PlanToys – This is a cute and sustainable brand uses sustainable materials such as rubberwood and non-toxic dyes to create their toys. They have a wide range of wooden toys that promote creativity and imaginative play.
Green Toys – Green Toys makes their toys from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs, which means their products are not only eco-friendly (yay) but also safe for little ones! They have a range of toys for indoor and outdoor play, including vehicles, puzzles, and bath toys.
Hape – Hape uses sustainably sourced materials and non-toxic paints to make their wooden toys. Their products are designed to stimulate children’s imagination and creativity, and are so much fun!!
Lovevery – This brand focuses on creating eco-friendly toys that support a child’s development through their different stages and ages. Their toys are made from natural materials and are designed to promote cognitive and sensory development.
Petit Collage – Petit Collage creates eco-friendly toys using sustainable materials such as bamboo and recycled paper. Their products include puzzles, wooden toys, and bath toys.
Tegu – Tegu’s wooden blocks are made from sustainably sourced hardwoods and are finished with non-toxic water-based coatings. They come in a range of shapes and sizes to promote open-ended play and creativity.
Tips for Choosing Eco-Friendly Toys
Choose toys made from natural materials like wood, cotton, and natural rubber. Avoid toys made from plastic or other synthetic materials, as they may contain harmful chemicals.
Look for toys that have been certified by third-party organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). These certifications ensure that the materials used in the toys are sustainably sourced and free from harmful chemicals.
Look for toys that come in minimal or recyclable packaging. Avoid toys that are packaged in excessive plastic or other non-recyclable materials. Most eco friendly toys do come in sustainable packaging as well!
Open-ended toys like blocks, dolls, and play kitchens encourage creativity and imagination. These types of toys can be played with in many different ways, which means your toddler won’t get bored quickly.
Consider buying eco-friendly toys at the second hand shop or from friends. This is a great way to reduce waste and save money, and many secondhand toys are in great condition! Just be sure to wash well.
Why Is It Important To Use Eco Friendly Toys?
There are so many reasons why it’s a great idea!
Firstly, eco-friendly toys are made from sustainable and non-toxic materials, making them much safer for your little one to play with. Plus, they’re much kinder to the environment, which is important for our children’s future.
But it doesn’t stop there! Playing with eco-friendly toys can also inspire a love for nature and the planet, which is so important to instill in our kids from an early age.
And the best part? Many eco-friendly toys are designed to encourage creativity, imaginative play, and problem-solving skills, which are all crucial for your child’s development.
So why not give it a try? Make the switch to eco-friendly toys and watch your child thrive!
Eco Friendly Toys For Eco Friendly Toddlers
As parents, we want the best for our children. Choosing eco-friendly toys is a great way to ensure that our little ones have safe, sustainable, and fun toys to play with.
By choosing toys made from natural materials, certified by third-party organizations, and packaged in minimal or recyclable packaging, we can help reduce our impact on the environment and promote a healthier world for our children.
Christina says
You make some excellent points! The hardest part is changing the mindset of how parents look at toys. They are not pacifiers but instruments of engagement and learning. Combined that with eco-friendly toys, and you get heirloom quality toys that will last for generations. Nice work!