When it comes to choosing toys for your child, it's important to prioritize natural and eco-friendly options. Many mainstream toys feature harsh colors and sounds that can be detrimental to a child's development. In fact, some plastic toys have been linked to hearing loss and language delays. By opting for natural toys, you can promote your child's healthy growth while also doing your part for the environment. Unlike their plastic counterparts, open-ended natural toys can be passed down from generation to generation and inspire hours of creative play. For instance, play clips can double as gates, planes, cars, or even clothespins, while play silks can be used for dress-up, fort building, and creating imaginative landscapes. Additionally, wooden blocks encourage hand-eye coordination and spatial development, as children build castles, garages, and other structures. By choosing natural toys, you can help your child thrive while also reducing waste and promoting sustainability.The best natural toy brands use eco-friendly materials, like wood, cotton, wool, GOTS organic cotton & non-toxic finishes.
The finest playthings ignite creativity and offer boundless opportunities for entertainment. With the holiday season fast approaching, I've curated a gift guide featuring natural and environmentally-friendly options for your loved ones. Below, you'll find a selection of top-notch natural toys for kids. These toys are not only durable and secure, but they also promote healthy growth and development. As a family, we prefer toys that can withstand the test of time and serve multiple purposes. If you're seeking advice on which eco-conscious toys are worth the investment, look no further than this gift guide.
1. WOOD BLOCKS
Wooden block toys are a classic playtime staple that never goes out of style, and for good reason. These simple toys offer endless opportunities for imaginative and open-ended play that promote creativity, problem-solving skills, and spatial reasoning in children.
In terms of play value, wooden blocks are incredibly versatile. Kids can use them to build towers, bridges, castles, and more, and the possibilities are limited only by their imagination. This kind of open-ended play encourages children to think creatively and independently, which can help to develop their problem-solving skills and boost their confidence.
A set of wood blocks is a timeless toy that makes a great gift for a child of any age. Melissa & Doug Wooden Building Set is a fantastic choice for parents who want to provide their children with a high-quality, safe, and engaging toy that will inspire hours of imaginative play.
2.HAMMER AND PUNCH
The Pounding Bench Toys Punch and Drop have become an instant favorite in our home thanks to their appeal to the natural inclination of babies and toddlers to hit and throw. What's more, these wooden toys are crafted from sustainably sourced rubberwood trees and assembled with formaldehyde-free glues, making them my preferred non-toxic toy brand readily accessible in the market.
3.Dress Up Doll
With its beautifully crafted design and interchangeable outfits, the organic dress up doll provides endless opportunities for children to create unique and personalized looks for their new friend. Overall, I highly recommend the organic dress up doll as a fun and educational toy that both parents and children will love and as a a wonderful addition to any child's toy collection and is sure to provide hours of imaginative play.
CLICK ON ITEMS BELOW TO SHOP YOUR FAVORITE DOLL
4- Rainbow Tower Stacker
The Melissa & Doug’s rainbow stacker is another one of our favorites and one of our most used toys. Small children use it to develop spatial awareness, and older children can count, sort colors, or use it in imaginary play. They can be stacked and balanced in some very creative ways!
5- Wooden Xylophone
Perfect for toddlers, Not only are they aesthetically pleasing with their natural wooden appearance, but they also provide a fun and engaging way for children to explore music and rhythm. The sound of the wooden bars produces a delightful, warm tone that is sure to captivate children and adults alike. Additionally, wooden xylophones are durable and long-lasting, making them an excellent investment for any family.
6-Buddies Hand Puppets
These toys are not only entertaining but also educational, as they encourage children to engage in role-playing, storytelling, and communication. Hand puppets come in a variety of styles and characters, allowing children to choose their favorite and bring them to life. These toys are also great for enhancing social skills and promoting empathy, as children can use puppets to explore different emotions and perspectives.
7.Wooden Building Blocks /Bulk Dominoes
These blocks are beautifully crafted from wood and come in a variety of bright colors, making them visually appealing to young children. Playing with these blocks helps develop children's cognitive and fine motor skills, as they learn to stack, sort, and match them. The colorful blocks also offer a unique way to teach children about numbers and basic math concepts. The durability of wooden blocks ensures they will last for years, making them a worthwhile investment for any family.
8.WOODEN MOSAIC PUZZLE
If you're looking for a toy that provides endless fun and learning opportunities for your child, THE WOODEN MOSAIC PUZZLE is a must-have. With 370 pieces and 8 vibrant colors, this toy offers an exciting challenge for children to create a variety of shapes and patterns. It promotes fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities, making it an excellent Montessori STEM toy. Plus, the wooden blocks are durable and safe, ensuring long-term use for your child. Not only is the Wooden Mosaic Puzzle a fun toy, but it also provides an interactive and educational experience for children.
9- PULL ALONG TOY
The Plan Toys pull along toys were a hit with my children, and their favorite was the Crocodile. These toys are not only fun, but they also promote physical development, such as walking and running skills, as well as strengthening hand grip. By pulling the toy along, children can practice coordination and balance, while also engaging in imaginative play.
10-PEG DOLLS
Peg dolls spark creativity and provide endless possibilities for open-ended play. Children enjoy utilizing them as train conductors, family members, farmers, and even more characters. Combining peg dolls with other toys such as wood blocks or trains can enhance imaginative playtime. Keledz's is my favorite WoodDoll brand making non-toxic, organic toys finished with natural oils.
11- STUFFED ANIMALS
These cuddly , soft & plush creatures are made from all-natural, non-toxic materials, ensuring that they are not harmful to your child's health. They are perfect for snuggling up with at night, providing comfort and security to your little one. They come in a wide variety of adorable shapes and sizes, from cute and cuddly teddy bears to adorable bunnies and other animals. Most conventional stuffed animals are made of synthetic materials like polyester.Look for certified organic stuffed animals where the filling used is also natural like organic cotton , bamboo or wool. My favorite brands are stated bellow.
12-MINI WOOD CARS
This wooden mini cars are a wonderful choice as a small gesture of gratitude or as a fun stocking stuffer for kids. Despite their small size, these cars are versatile and can be easily incorporated into playtime. They can be placed on top of or in between wooden blocks, providing a unique and creative way to play. Furthermore, their compact size makes them an ideal travel toy, perfect for keeping children entertained during long car rides or road trips.
13-RAINBOW STACKER WOODEN RING
This Rainbow Stacker Wooden Ring helps children develop their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills as they learn to stack the different sized rings in the correct order.
14-TINY LAND WOODEN TRAIN SET
15-RAINBOW STACKING GAME
The Lewo's rainbow stacker is another one of our favorites and one of our most used toys. Younger children use it to develop spatial awareness, while older children can practice counting, sorting colors, and even use it as part of their imaginative play. They can be stacked and balanced in some very creative ways, are used as tunnels, fences, and even makeshift seatbelts on the couch!
16- VIAHART Brain Flakes
I’m not a fan of plastic toys, but VIAHART Brain Flakes are the best Creative and Educational Alternative to Building Blocks.
17-PUZZLE BRAIN TEASERS
This one is an excellent educational toy from Russia that I highly recommend. It helps develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills in children and so much more.
18- Cardboard Building Blocks
19-Alphabet Number Flash Cards
The Alphabet Number Flash Cards Wooden Letter Puzzle is an exceptional educational toy for toddlers. It features various fun and interactive games, including ABC sight word matching and animal counting, which are perfect for promoting early learning and development.
20-PLAY KITCHENS
Most play kitchens are made in China with toxic plastic. BUT The Melissa & Doug Stainless Steel Pots and Pans is not only beautiful but well made. The set includes realistic-looking cooking pots and pans, complete with lids and utensils, which are perfect for fostering imaginative play and creativity.
Pair your kitchen with the Plan Toys wood tableware, fruits for hours of fun!
SHOP Melissa&Doug STAINLESS Steel Pots & Pans and as their supplementary Cutting Wooden Fruit Set
21- Wooden Dollhouse
Dollhouses are a staple of pretend play. They’re great for both girls and boys to act out scenes from everyday life. The KidKraft make the most spacious and sturdy wood dollhouses in the USA.
For further, Discover The KidKraft Majestic Mansion Wooden Dollhouse
22- Magnetic Blocks
The MAGBLOCK Magnetic Building Blocks are made with Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS plastic is a petroleum-based plastic that is generally safe in its solid form, releasing no known carcinogens and being used throughout food processing applications), These blocks are so great for open-ended play and creating anything from simple to complex buildings.
23- Wood Log Building Sets
Lincoln Logs building sets will provide hours of entertainment for your kids. These wood log building sets are made of natural, unfinished wood and Tin.
24- Wooden Balance Bike
This is an exceptional toy for toddlers that encourages physical activity & motor skill development. The wooden bike is beautifully crafted with a sleek and modern design, making it both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The rubberized wheels provide a smooth and quiet ride on any surface and the four wheels ensure maximum stability and safety for young riders.
25- WOODEN WAGON
This Classic Wood Walker, made by the Amish with non-toxic paints, features large, wide wheels that can smoothly traverse both smooth and rocky terrain, making it a versatile option for children. As an alternative to a stroller for older kids, it also doubles as a pretend play gift. Children will enjoy using it to carry around their dolls, or filling it with blocks or mud toys. Additionally, the wagon can be wrapped in play silks, further fueling imaginative play.
26- Ravensburger Puzzle
Ravensburger, Is a German company, specializes in crafting environmentally-friendly puzzles that are acid-free. Their puzzles feature extra-thick cardboard and unique pieces, which make them more manageable for kids to solve.
CLICK ON ITEMS BELOW TO SHOP RAVENSBURGER PUZZLES
27-HABA GAMES
Playing board games can develop essential qualities such as leadership and teamwork. The Orchard game by HABA is a great example of such a game, as it features eco-friendly, durable wooden pieces that are built to last for generations. Additionally, HABA is a German company renowned for its high-quality game production.
28- Cooperative Games
Collaborative games that require everyone's participation in order to win are a wonderful way to introduce young children to the concept of games. When everyone plays together, the experience becomes enjoyable for all. Some of our preferred Peaceable Kingdom games are :
BOOKS ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS (1-2 years old)
29- My First Library
The incredible box set consists of 10 board books that are thoroughly researched and aim to introduce various subjects and common objects to young learners. The vivid illustrations and precise labels help children quickly expand their vocabulary. The durable and visually appealing gift box makes it an ideal present for toddlers. The set covers a wide range of topics such as letters, numbers, shapes, colors, animals, fruits, vegetables, transportation, and more.
30- AROUND THE FARM
Get ready for a fun-filled farm adventure with the Around The Farm sound book! Featuring Eric Carle's stunning art style, this book lets children press 30 different sound buttons to bring the animals to life as they explore the farm. this book is sure to be a hit with young readers!
31- HEAR BEAR ROAR
This book offers a unique reading experience that engages young readers through hands-on interaction and connecting words with pictures to build vocabulary. With a multisensory approach, it stimulates the imaginations of young readers, making it an excellent tool for early learning.
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