Eco-friendly toys can be a great way to keep plastic out of landfills and still provide your children with a fun, enjoyable experience. The good news is that going green does not mean you have to go broke. You can find budget-friendly toys and gifts by being creative and making thoughtful choices.
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Toys are more important than you think
It’s a pleasure to give presents. It’s magical to find the perfect gift, wrap it up and watch a child’s face light up when they open it. Many parents are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the colourful mountains of plastic that accompany most celebrations. This is not about aesthetics or clutter, but about our responsibility to the environment.
It’s not necessary to be an eco-warrior in order to make conscious choices. Even small steps can make a difference. Eco-conscious parents look for eco-friendly gifts that encourage creativity, time outside, and are made from sustainable or recyclable materials. Many options meet these criteria and still cost less than $25.
Why eco-friendly toys?
The benefits of eco-friendly toys are numerous:
- Low Environmental Impact. Many products are made of natural, recycled or biodegradable material.
- Durability: Wooden toys and fabrics tend to last longer compared to cheap plastic toys.
- Educational Value: Many sustainable toys also inspire imaginative play and an interest in science, nature and the environment.
- Safety Toys made of natural materials are usually free from harmful chemicals and are safer for children.
Get Started: Say goodbye to Plastic
Avoiding plastic whenever possible is a good place to start. You may be surprised by the wide range of eco-friendly, engaging and fun toys that are available today. These are great options for both you and your child, while also being economical.
1. Nature Print Kits
With these kits, kids can create unique artwork using flowers, leaves and sunlight. Expose the collected materials to sunlight and place them on special paper to make beautiful prints. This activity encourages children’s creativity while introducing them to the natural world. The price is usually around $13.
2. Mini Gardening Kits
These sets usually include biodegradable pots and seeds. Kids love to see their plants grow, whether it is sunflowers, grasses or herbs. These kits are usually under $10, and they’re often made of recycled materials.
3. Outdoor Games like Animal Croquet
The wooden animal croquet sets are great for outdoor play. They’re also fun for older children with good hand-eye coordination. These toys encourage kids to get moving and connect with nature. You can find versions for around $21.
4. Paper Ball Run Construction Kits
The toy will provide hours of fun as children create their marble run out of paper. It encourages STEM skills, patience, and problem-solving. It’s an indoor activity you can do without screens that’s priced at just $20.
5. Shadow Puppets Sets
These kits are a charming way to share stories with your children before bedtime. They include themed puppets, and they encourage them to use their imagination. You only need a flashlight and a blank surface. You can find these kits for less than $25. They are usually made of cardboard or thin wood.
6. Craft Kits for Fairies, Dinosaurs and More
Children can build and decorate scenes or characters in many craft kits. These kits, which are usually priced below $15, encourage creativity, whether they choose fairies, robots or dinosaurs. Choose options made from paper, felt or other environmentally friendly materials.
7. Wooden Construction Sets
Children who love imaginative play will enjoy a set of wooden construction vehicles. These sets include cranes, diggers and rollers. These sets are slightly more expensive than $25, but they’re worth it because of their timeless appeal and durability.
8. Plantable Pencils
When they are too short to be used, these clever pencils can still be planted. Each pencil has seeds at the base that grow into flowers or herbs. These teach children about sustainability and reuse engagingly. They are inexpensive and make excellent stocking stuffers or favours for parties.
9. Fabric dolls and plushies handmade
Search for dolls that are made of organic or recycled fabrics. Hand-stitched dolls with charming and unique designs are available. Soft toys like these are great for cuddling, and they often cost less than $20.
Rethink the gift list: Experiences over Stuff
It seems that every birthday or holiday brings a new influx of toys, many of which are ignored or broken in a matter of weeks. It’s important to rethink what kids want and need. Gifts that are thoughtful, practical and based on experience often last longer.
To make way for the new toys, parents often get rid of old toys. Many kids are overwhelmed by the sheer number of gifts. Our children and our planet should focus on quality rather than quantity.
Here are some alternative gift ideas that emphasise practicality, sustainability, and experiences.
For Book Lovers
- Gift cards to local bookstores
- The library is a special place to visit
- Tickets for a play for children
- Subscribe to audiobooks
- The child is the main character in a personalised story
For Young Gardeners
- Child-sized gardening gloves
- Picking fruit and berries
- Plants or trees that they can take care of
- The DIY worm compost kit
- Mini compost bin
- A litter picker for eco clean-ups
For Crafty Children
- Sewing kit for children
- Art supplies of the highest quality
- A easel
- Craft materials upcycled from a charity store
- A giant cardboard (really, endless fun!)
For Aspiring Cooks
- A peeler or a knife that is safe for children
- A fun apron
- Simple recipe book
- Reusable produce bags
- Colourful chopping boards
For Adventurous Kids
- Headlamps for Exploring
- Small tents for backyard camping
- Joining a nature club or a woodland club
- Magnifying glass for insect hunting
- Flippers or swimming goggles
- Boots or wellies that are waterproof
For Musical Minds
- Beginner’s Instrument
- Tickets to a concert plus a lunch at your favourite place
- Music or singing lessons
- A loved one can record a song or message that is personalised.
The Best Way to Celebrate
Eco-consciousness doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive. It’s about being deliberate. It is more important to give a child a toy that will inspire them, teach them or allow them to explore their world than to buy them a plastic toy.
Eco-friendly toys can teach children to be imaginative and creative while playing. These toys help children develop an early love of nature, instilling values such as creativity, reuse and environmental care.
Don’t hesitate to suggest sustainable or non-toy alternatives when friends and family ask you what they can buy for your child. Offer suggestions that are in line with your values, and promote meaningful interaction over materialistic gifts.
Final Thoughts
It’s not necessary to fill your home with plastic or pollute the environment to create lasting memories and nurture a child’s imagination. Eco-conscious, thoughtful gifts that are budget-friendly delight children and teach them valuable lessons on sustainability, mindfulness, joy, and more.
Next time you’re out shopping for gifts, think twice before buying a cheap plastic toy. Consider a sunflower craft kit, nature-inspired crafts, or an experience they will remember longer than the gift wrapping. You will be able to save money, as well as the environment.
