Friday Finds: Holiday Gifts for Kids

If you’re like me, the perfect gift isn’t simply one that the receiver loves – it’s also safe and made with sustainability in mind. It can be a challenge to find products that fit the bill and hunting down and visiting local boutiques that specialize in them can be time consuming. I prefer convenience – like shopping online while the kiddos are napping. So, today I’m sharing some of my favorite safe, sustainable gift ideas for the littles in your life. With options for all ages, you’ll definitely want to bookmark this page for future reference. Happy gifting.

The Wishbone Flip. The Wishbone Flip, built to last from sustainably-grown birch wood, is brilliantly simple, offering 3 toys in 1. With its innovative flipping mechanism, Wishbone Flip transforms from rocker to push toy and ride-on in seconds. It’s a toy that grows with your child!

Under the Nile: Scrappy Cats. Under the Nile Scrappys are made from 100% Egyptian Organic Cotton Scraps left over from clothing production. Scrappys are stuffed with cotton scraps, not fiberfil, so there’s no fluff to inhale.  

Pebble Organic Bird Mobile. Pebble toys are hand-crafted from 100% organic yarn by moms in rural Bangladesh – removing the need for economic migration to the cities and providing women with flexible working opportunities which are close to their homes.

Janod Mint Scooter. The designers from French toymaker, Janod, do not disappoint (don’t worry – they’re available in the US). They combine innovative, modern designs with traditional and sustainable materials to create wooden toys that are not only a delight to use but look très magnifique! All toys are naturally safe and are manufactured to the strictest EU safety laws using FSC certified sustainable sources.

Hanno the Gorilla. With solid beech hardwood frames and elastic-band muscles, Hanno can hold many poses, the durable wood limbs makes him almost impervious to breakage – meaning this jungle buddy can provide joy for generations.

Hape Happy Grand Piano. This adorable instrument is made from FSC Certified wood and has a non-toxic finish. It not only has a realistic look (the lid even opens!), it has a resonant sound to match. As the world’s largest producer of wooden toys, Hape knows their stuff and knows how important it is to protect the natural resources that comprise their toys. Hape is committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Uncle Goose American Sign Language Blocks. Building blocks are about as classic as it gets, but Uncle Goose gives them a modern, educational twist. These 28 heirloom quality, solid wood cubes are printed using child-safe inks. Plus, Uncle Goose hand crafts every set of their beautiful blocks using fast-growing, sustainable basswood.

Apple Park Woodland Mushroom Rattles. These simple, sweet, soft rattles produce a dampened sound to help protect baby’s hearing and are made from 100% organic cotton and cotton corduroy and filled with natural corn fiber.

Rock and Pebble Ele Villa. Who wants a traditional dollhouse when you can have one shaped like an elephant? This 8-room villa has easily accessible underbelly parking and it’s constructed from sustainably produced solid birch plywood. It has a natural, untreated surface – other than the tusks, which are painted with a non-toxic paint.

For more ideas, check out some of these other responsibility-focused brands:

• Oompa
• PlanToys
• Petit Collage
• Lanco
• Green Toys
• Eco-kids
• Bannor Toys
• Smiling Tree Toys
• Bears for Humanity
• Manzanita Kids

Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know in the comments!