Toys end up in landfills and incinerators each year as kids outgrow their once prized items. I was shocked to read that a whopping 80 percent of toys end up in landfills, incinerators, and in our oceans where they often endanger marine life. Discarded plastic toys are part of the 14 million tons of plastic that find its way into the ocean every year.
With pollution becoming a growing problem, I believe that as parents we can and must be part of the solution. And what better way than by buying better toys for our kids. And what better time than Christmas time. Here are a few tips and gift ideas for children that can help reduce the environmental impact of gift-giving.
Before buying ask yourself
Eartheasy editor Shannon Cowan recommends that parents ask the following questions before buying a gift: Where will this product end up when it’s no longer useful? Can it be repurposed or composted? Or will it persist in the environment, eventually causing harm?
Give Pre-loved Toys
Opting for pre-loved, gently used toys is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of gift-giving. You will be surprized what you can find on local community and mom’s groups and Facebook marketplace. Pre-loved toys also have the added bonus of being more budget friendly as well.
Opt For Battery-free Toys
You can also green your gift-giving by selecting toys that do not require batteries. If you do want to opt for toys that require batteries, investing in rechargeable batteries, which last longer, can make a big difference in the long-term environmental impact of the gift.
Give Experiences as Gifts
Giving an experience rather than a tangible item is a great gift swap if you are looking to give a more eco-conscious gift.
A family-outing coupon bookmakes a wonderful gift for older children. Give that Tween or Teen in your life a coupon book with 12 family-outing coupons – one for each month of the year. The family can decide what outing they will do together each month – depending on your budget and everyone’s programs. A family outing can be anything from skydiving to an interesting dinner out or attending a live show together. I love this idea from Bea Johnson. Not only are you replacing ‘stuff’ with experiences which is great for the planet, but also ensuring that your family gets some quality time together throughout the coming year.
Give Wooden Toys
In addition to being very durable, wooden toys are a far more Earth-friendly and often a safer gift option, than plastic toys. One thing to remember when shopping for wooden toys is to look for toys that are made from sustainably harvested wood or renewable bamboo, to ensure the wooden toys you buy are not depleting already fragile forest resources. Also make sure that they are painted or stained with water-based, non-toxic paints.
“Adopt” an endangered Animal
Symbolically adopting an endangered animal in a child’s name is meaningful gift to give. I love this idea. Not only does this type of gift eliminate waste altogether, but it also provides the opportunity to educate children on the issues critical to the future of our planet. With the added benefit of financially supporting non-profit organizations on the front lines of protecting our planet.
Contribute to a Child’s College Fund
Giving a child the gift of money for their future eliminates landfill waste, as well as the carbon emissions associated with shipping items through the mail.
Select Toys That Encourage Imagination
It’s hardly any secret that toys requiring imagination tend to hold a child’s interest for a longer period. LEGO, for instance, can be reused again and again to build something new and different. Toys that are designed to spark creativity are a valuable investment, while also being more eco-friendly.
Shop small, shop local
Buying gifts from local and small businesses isn’t just good for our planet, but also for our economy and country. There are some great local and eco-friendly kids gifts out there. Here are a few of my favourites for 2022.
Kids Gift ideas for 2022
Wooden Toys from Hook and Pine
Hook and Pine is a small local business owned by wife and husband duo. They are passionate about kindling a love and respect for nature and the environment with their own kids and they try to bring this philosophy into the beautiful products they make. Whether it’s their wooden stick loaders, laptop or explorer kit, they want to inspire creativity and encourage kids to delve into imaginary worlds. All their products are lovingly made by hand and are made from sustainable materials as far as possible. I especially love their wooden cameras and binoculars.
Envirokid’s Flower Press
Local business Envirokid makes toys that encourage kids to engage with nature. They also try their best to use raw environmentally conscious materials. Their flower press is a great gift for any budding artist and horticulturist. Flower presses never lose their value and is something that can be kept for years and enjoyed throughout a child’s life. Not only will it spark your little one’s creativity but also give them the opportunity to learn the names of different flowers.
A book is always a great gift
Protect our Planet by young environmentalist Romario is the perfect Christmas gift for families and kids that want to start living more sustainably. The book is full of practical information, tools and activities.
In her book Blou Feetjie Lizette Rabe shares ten very special nuggets of wisdom with little readers. The whimsical illustrations are done by Mandi Fuchs. Unfortunately the book is only available in Afrikaans at this stage.
Growing kits from MyEcosprout
MyEcosprout is another one of our favourites. I especially love their Strawberry Popcorn growing kits. The kit contains a biodegradable pot, pink heirloom corn seeds, wooden plant marker sticks and much more. Order your kit today at myecosprout.com.
Knock-a-block from Stumped Wooden Toys
The Knock-a-block kit is a unique set of open-ended building blocks that inspire imaginative play and teach important tactile skills. Stumped Wooden Toys also has the cutest toolbox and bird feeder DIY kits to choose from. All Stumped products are made locally from untreated timber and sourced from sustainable forests. Be sure to visit their website as they have some amazing specials this time of the year.
Happy shopping!
xxx
