Toys & Gifts

Genuinely eco-friendly toys are made from natural or sustainably sourced materials (FSC-certified wood, organic cotton, natural rubber), finished with non-toxic paints or dyes, built to last rather than designed for disposal, packaged without unnecessary plastic, and made by producers with verifiable ethical practices.

Wooden toys have several advantages: they are more durable (lasting decades rather than years), biodegradable or compostable at end of life, free from plastic-related chemical concerns, and tactilely engaging for children. The main consideration is ensuring wooden toys are finished with non-toxic, child-safe paints and coatings.

Popular eco-friendly toddler toys include natural rubber stacking and teething toys, FSC-certified wooden blocks and shape sorters, beeswax crayons for early drawing, natural playdough, organic cotton stuffed animals, and push-pull wooden toys. These provide developmentally appropriate play without plastic or chemical concerns.

Wipe with a damp cloth and mild natural soap. Do not submerge wooden toys in water or put them in the dishwasher, as this causes swelling and cracking. Natural rubber toys can be rinsed and air dried. Avoid harsh chemical disinfectants on natural material toys. A diluted white vinegar spray is an effective natural sanitiser.

Practical gifts that replace plastic everyday items — a bamboo toothbrush set, a Natural Earth Paint kit, a stainless steel drink bottle, a set of beeswax crayons, a natural rubber toy, or a wooden construction set — make excellent eco Christmas gifts for children. Experiences (classes, outings, memberships) generate no physical waste at all.