Having children shouldn’t mean that we need to stop caring about living sustainably and reducing the amount of waste we produce. In the same way that we try our best to reduce the number of clothes that we are buying and throwing out, or that we need to focus on reducing our general consumption, it is possible to provide your child with a fun time and toys that also stimulate his or her cognitive skills without contributing to the pollution of our planet.
In fact, research shows that simple and natural toys can be even better for our children’s development in addition to being better for the environment. More specifically, playing with wooden toys can have a calming, neurological impact on a child’s brain and focus.
Eager to learn about natural alternatives to plastic toys for your kids? Take a look at these 10 eco-friendly toys for toddlers that you can find on Amazon!
In your pursuit of an eco-friendly lifestyle, the first goal is to reduce your plastic consumption and avoid buying toys made of plastic. Why? It’s unsustainable and the toys are likely to break rather easily. Instead, try out wooden toys that last much longer, such as this musical instrument set and are also biodegradable.
Does your toddler like to carry around various things? Perhaps they enjoy putting all their other toys in a basket and carrying them around to the backyard, where they love creating their own fun and creative “world”. In any case, don’t fall for the plastic or metal chariot – purchase a wooden one instead!
We all have good memories of making new shapes and fun activities with play dough. However, most brands are not very eco-friendly or healthy, especially for young ones who may enjoy putting it in their mouths. Instead of the traditional brands, opt for a more natural kind for your child’s safety and for the environment!
4. Wooden Phonetic Reading Blocks
If you are looking for ways to implement learning into playing, using the Original Montessori method and phonetic blocks made out of wood may be just the right thing for you to try out.
5. Green Toys’ My First Stacker
Kids love to stack things up, and by doing so, they also develop their coordination and learn basic concepts of gravity and balance. Unfortunately, many of the stacking-up games are made of plastic. No more! Check out this game made in the USA from recycled milk jugs!
If you want your child to try out puzzles but want to avoid the hundreds of pieces ending up everywhere and, ultimately, in the trash, try out these wooden visual puzzles. Your child will love them and they’ll last so much longer!
7. Sand Toys
Do you remember being a child and creating mud pies, or going to the beach and building your own castle? Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean that your child cannot do these things as now we have awesome biodegradable, natural bamboo-fibre made items to create sand castles with.
Use neat colorful wooden stacker as an opportunity for learning shapes, introducing geometry, and building color and size recognition. Or just set it up for your little one to enjoy as a fun and engaging on-their-own activity that is safe for them and our planet.
If your toddler starts getting bored with the geometrical shape stacker, try out this Montessori wooden toy that is a bit more advanced.
10. Gardening Kit
What better way to teach our children the importance of caring for the earth and living more sustainably than by a little work (or play) together in a garden? Plus children love digging in the dirt – it’s how we are wired! This indoor gardening kit is the perfect toy for eco-friendly fun and education.
Have you tried any of these, or do you have any favorite eco-friendly toys you’d recommend? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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