I can’t believe there is less than three weeks left until Christmas! For those of you still shopping (like me since I am a total procrastinator when it comes to this time of year), below is a list of some super Smarty green toys. I have seen many in local stores – so even a better way to shop to lessen our carbon footprint.
It has been a goal of mine to rid my home of most plastic toys due to the phthalate and PVC concerns. So that is why I was determined to buy good quality, non-toxic wooden toys this year. We are not buying much this year due to the economy and have also decided to make home made gifts from recyclable materials as well. On a slightly different note, you may have heard some of the recent press about the toxins that have been found in our children’s toys. I URGE you to take a look at http://www.healthytoys.org/. It will give you their full report of what was found (arsenic, flame retardants, etc), best toys and worst toys. There is an insightful and very well done video about the “Squishy Turtle” book that contains arsenic. I always hate to be the bearer of bad news on this stuff but I want you all to be aware and educated about what is on the market.
The GOOD news is that there are some WONDERFUL alternatives and we don’t have to buy this garbage from these toy manufacturers. Now is the time to use your power as a consumer and have your voice heard that this is NOT okay and we will not bring this stuff into our homes. One last word of advice or suggestion is to visit another site called The Soft Landing. A registered nurse started this company that sells only items free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, etc. I feel very confident in their mission and they also send a newsletter with TONS of research which totally keeps you in the know. They have information regarding the ban of phthalates in toys which will be effect in February 2009. Unfortunately, it still allows the toy manufacturers to shelve all products (with phthalates) made prior to February 10, 2009. They recently presented some literature about melamine. I know you all heard about it in the baby formula but it has also been found in those cute little plates with your kid’s favorite characters! Just great….Sometimes, I feel like there is no end to all this but like I said, it’s up to us to put the pressure on. Of course you can count on CSP to do our best to keep you up to date on these things as well!! Here goes!
Green Smarty Toy Picks:
– HABA Toys: Made in Germany and their wooden toys are dyed using vegetable dyes. Buy online at http://www.habausa.com/ or at Looby Loo in Blakeney.
– Plan Toys: I love this company! Wooden toys (rubberwood) dyed with soy inks. They have everything from dollhouses to wooden food and baby toys. You will surely find something you like here. The boys really like their wooden cars, trains, etc. We don’t have their Plan City setup but the boys still like playing with the Plan Toys trains and cars which also fit on their wooden tracks at home. Maybe the Plan City will come later this year for a birthday present! Toys and Co. has a huge selection of Plan Toys and the boys always head directly back there to play when we are in the store. You can also find these at http://www.plantoys.com/.
– Mi Yim Organic Plus: blankies and buddies made from organic cotton and naturally dyed. You can find these locally at Learning Express or online at http://www.miyim.com/.
– Barefoot Books: These books are a great idea. They are beautiful and send an important message to our children. You can find them at http://www.barefoot-books.com/.
– Michael Recycle: a beautiful story from the make-believe town of Abberdoo-Rimey about a green-caped crusader who teaches the residents about the 3 R’s and gives clever go green tips on how to take care of the earth. Ages 3 and up. You can find this on Amazon.com.
– Bill Nye Paper Recycling Factory: This kit teaches the 3 R’s and how to make greeting cards, etc. from recycled paper. Ages 8 and up. You can buy this at Target or Target online.
– Anamalz: Only $6.99 at Learning Express. Great stocking stuffer! They are designed in Australia and made from organic maple wood and textiles. You can also find them at www.anamalz.com.
– Etsy.com: Don’t forget about Etsy with wonderful handmade items from recyclable materials. They even have patterns for sale to make your own toys at home!!
– Green Tea Set: a beautiful tea set made from recycled milk cartons. Made in the USA!! No BPA or phthalates. Check out this site for other items!
– Idbids plush toys: With iddy-biddy steps, the child learns how to better our Earth and how to make a difference . The cloud, flower and water idbids are too cute! Teach shapes and colors, and the importance of saying please and thank you. Organic materials, of course. The starter kit looks great. We are checking out Scout the Cloud! You can find these at http://www.idbids.com/.
– Maple Landmark: Quality wooden toys made in Vermont that can be personalized at http://www.maplelandmark.com/.
– North Star: Classic wooden and pull toys made in New Mexico. Awesome company. Workshop runs on 100 percent renewable energy – http://www.northstartoys.com/.
– Fairtradesports: Line of sports balls that are fair trade and all after tax profits go to children’s charities – http://www.fairtradesports.com/.
Stay green and look for more green gift ideas next week!
Dont’t Forget our very Smarty Giveaway! A $925 shopping spree at the shops at Morrison. Click Here to enter this giveaway, it will end on Wednesday 12/10 at 11pm! Morrison Shops are located on the corner of Sharon Road and Colony Road in the heart of SouthPark.
4 comments
Thanks! These are some of the most helpful posts. I know it is a bit far-out to some, but the information you provide cannot be found anywhere else. Do you know anything about the safety of Melissa and Doug products?
Thanks for your comment! I have had the same questions about the Melissa and Doug products. I have looked for information in the past and I haven’t found anything negative. The company says it’s products go through rigorous testing… We do have some Melissa and Doug but I prefer Plan Toys or Haba because of the paint issue. I may be under a false sense of security but until I hear otherwise this is my preference. With that being said, I think Melissa and Doug is still a fine choice for products. The boys really like their puzzles. I hope that helps!
I forgot to post one other toy that I am checking out for the boys. Automoblox. It's a wooden car with a few plastic pieces :{ but mostly wood. The kids can take them apart and make new models, etc. My friend Shari's girls have them and love them. I figure that's got to be a good sign. You can find them at Dazzle and Lucy & Company here in town or go to http://www.automoblox.com. Amazon and Land of Nod have them as well.
Thank you for those tips! I am trying to be green at least a bit in all aspects of my life. And Christmas is an excellent chance to prove it. Some parents believe they have to give as many toys as possible to their kids. But when I think about my childhood (and when I see kids in my family), there was always only few toys I loved, the rest was soon forgotten. Toy has to have its spirit to get inside kid’s heart – and green toys usually have it!Take care and merry Christmas!Julie