Parents, grandparents and caregivers all want the best for our children; whether that's quality education, a loving environment or toys that ignite their creative minds. But with climate change and the ever-increasing creation of single-use plastics, it has become more difficult to find toys that won't leave a huge environmental negative impact behind.
We take great pride in sourcing manufacturers and suppliers who create and produce the best sustainable and eco-friendly toy options available in 2023 for people who care about the planet! Before we share the list, read about the benefits to you and your family!
Benefits of sustainable and eco-friendly toys
- They’re made from sustainable materials: Sustainable materials are those that can be replenished or reused. This means that eco-friendly toys are often made from natural materials like wood or cotton, which can be easily grown or recycled.
- They’re durable: Because they’re made from high-quality materials, sustainable and eco-friendly toys tend to be more durable than their conventional counterparts. This means they will last longer – providing your child with more value for money in the long run.
- They’re safer: Many eco-friendly toys are made without the use of harmful chemicals or toxins, making them a safer option for your child.
- They help the environment: When you buy an eco-friendly toy, you know that you’re helping to reduce your impact on the environment. These types of toys often come in minimal packaging too, which further reduces landfill waste.
- They teach children about sustainability: playing with eco-friendly toys can help teach children about important issues like climate change and conservation.
What are sustainable and eco-friendly toys?
Sustainable and eco-friendly toys are becoming more and more popular as parents, grandparents and caregivers become more conscious of the impact their choices have on the environment, and are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their footprint.
There are many sustainable and eco-friendly toy options available on the market today. From wooden toys to those made from recycled materials (including single-use plastics which would previously have become landfill) there are plenty of options to choose from.
Here are some of the best sustainable and eco-friendly toy options for parents:
Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are a classic choice that are both environmentally friendly and durable. There are many different types of wooden toys available, from simple blocks to more complex puzzles and games. And, because they’re made from natural materials, wooden toys can be safer for children than those made from sinplastic or other synthetic materials.
Everearth - 50pc Building Block Set
These fifty quality, smooth building blocks in a variety of sizes and colours can boost your child's creativity and dexterity as they learn to build from their imagination.
Pound a Ball Tower
This colourful and visually appealing wooden toy encourages a variety of childhood developmental skills. The three primary-coloured balls, have been carefully selected to encourage conversation and discussion about colours and more particularly primary colours. The choice of bright colours also contributes to the appealing nature for children.
Alongside with both fine and gross motor skill development, this learning opportunity allows children to extend and strengthen eye tracking by following the colourful balls as they run down the tower.
This Pound a Ball Tower also offers auditory sensory awareness, with a quiet and subtle sound as the balls trickle down the tower against the wooden slats. Gross motor skills are achieved through the pounding action that the child takes in order to hit the balls down the tower. Young children develop strength in their little hands and fingers, ultimately developing their fine motor skills too!
Everearth - My First Multiplay Activity Cube
This highly stimulating, creative learning cube has moving beads, maze, shape sorter, abacus, moving cogs, counting blocks one to ten and many more moving parts – no surface is left empty! Perfect to encourage socialising and sharing as friends can play too, to develop fine motor skills together.
STEM Toys
STEM toys focus on science, engineering, technology, and math, which promotes education, learning, and curiosity in children.These toys are often battery-powered and use technology to teach children about the world around them. Some popular STEM toy options include solar-powered robots, coding toys, and electronic building sets.
12 in 1 Solar Hydraulic Construction Kit
An amazing solar and hydraulic powered robot that can be transformed into 12 different models. The 12 in 1 Solar Hydraulic Powered Robot is designed to teach children the benefits of alternative energy and the basic concept of this technology.
This product is powered by the sun and water meaning no batteries are required. The robot can move in direct sunlight and allows children to play with it outdoors, encouraging them to explore the world.
Solar Rover
This is an all-terrain solar powered rover vehicle tha your kids will surely enjoy. Equipped with 6 wheels, robust enough to move over bumpy terrrain. No batteries required.
4M - Environmental Science - Scientific Discovery Kit
Your kids will earn about the climate, weather changes and the greenhouse effect.This kit will let them experience how water is filtered and purified.
Toys made from recycled materials
Another great option for sustainable and eco-friendly toys is to look for those made from recycled materials. There are a number of companies that create beautiful toys out of recycled paper, fabric, and even metal cans! Not only is this a great way to reduce waste, but it also helps support businesses that are using sustainable practices.
4M - Paper Beads Recycled: Green Creativity
This is a super popular craft kit and one of the best sellers in the 4M craft range. These the coloured pieces are made from recycled paper and can enhance your kids’ creativity! Have fun making paper beads and use the specially designed tool to wrap the beads tight.
Kikadu - Organic Baby Doll Pale Rose
The beautiful Kikadu muslin cuddle cloth baby doll is made from organic cotton and filled with 80% organic cotton and 20% recycled PES and PE Pellets.
Green Science - Paper Making Kit
This one here will teach your kids to recycle old paper and make their own handmade art and environmentally friendly craft projects.
The kit includes plastic mesh tray and screen, plaster moulds, paints, brush, glow paint, scroll tool and detailed instructions.
Toys made from fabric and natural fibres
Sustainable and eco-friendly toys can also be found made from natural fibres like wool or cotton.
Hape - African American Happy Family
Foster intercultural understanding and strengthen identity of self and belonging in your kids with this great Happy African Family. They are made from quality wood, fabric, cotton and wire.
Le Toy Van - Stacking Veggies
A delightfully quirky set of three happy wooden vegetables in their natural wood pots. Includes six detachable interchangeable stacking parts. Mix and match to create a carrot, beetroot and radish. Made from solid and smooth replenishable rubberwood and finished in gorgeous water-based colours with beautifully hand-sewn fabric leaves.
Benefits of sustainable and eco-friendly toys
- They’re made from sustainable materials: Sustainable materials are those that can be replenished or reused. This means that eco-friendly toys are often made from natural materials like wood or cotton, which can be easily grown or recycled.
- They’re durable: Because they’re made from high-quality materials, sustainable and eco-friendly toys tend to be more durable than their conventional counterparts. This means they will last longer – providing your child with more value for money in the long run.
- They’re safer: Many eco-friendly toys are made without the use of harmful chemicals or toxins, making them a safer option for your child.
- They help the environment: When you buy an eco-friendly toy, you know that you’re helping to reduce your impact on the environment. These types of toys often come in minimal packaging too, which further reduces landfill waste.
- They teach children about sustainability: playing with eco-friendly toys can help teach children about important issues like climate change and conservation.
Tips for making eco-friendly shopping decisions
- Consider what your child is interested in and where their interests lie. If they love animals, look for eco-friendly options made from sustainable materials that support wildlife conservation. If they're into arts and crafts, choose sustainable toys made from natural materials that can be reused or recycled.
- Think about how the toy will be used. Will it be played with indoors or outdoors? Is it something that will be used for a long time or only for a short while? Consider these factors when making your decision to ensure you're getting the most out of your purchase.
- Remember to factor in the price. Sustainable and eco-friendly toys can sometimes cost more than traditional options, but remember that you're investing in a product that is better for the environment and your child's health. With a little bit of research, you can find great sustainable options at all price points.
Sustainable and eco-friendly toys are becoming increasingly popular for parents in 2023. Our list of the best sustainable and eco-friendly toy options has given you a guide on where to search, and not only will they contribute to protecting the environment, but they will also provide hours of fun and education for your children at home. When it comes time to make your next purchase, go green with one of these amazing sustainable toy selections!