Top 20 Green Holiday Toys

Green toys are some of my favorite toys to talk about.  I love the innovation by many of the toy manufacturers out there, and I love that we are trying hard to do something as an industry to create fun products that are a little better for kids, the environment, and even parents.  In putting together my green toy list this year, I have included some Amazon.com Frustration Free Packaging toys.  Not only are the toys great, the packing is a breakthrough for any parent who has ever cut a hand, tossed a package, or said some words not meant for children's ears- while opening a toy package.  (You can see all our Frustration Free Packaged items here).

And now onto the list, I hope it makes your holidays a little greener this year!

1. Sprig Toys Eco-Recycling Truck in Amazon.com Frustration Free Packaging.  - I wrote about this little wonder before, but I just adore this truck.  It is sturdy, it has a little recycling container that dumps into the back of the truck, there are no batteries to mess with because it is totally kid-powered, and the smell of Sprig Wood is just fantastic (because it is made out of recycled wood, combined with recycled plastic- it feels like plastic but smells like a forest!).  Also, because it is in AFFP, there are no ties, no extra cardboard, or wrap.  You simply open the box, pull out the truck, and play!

2. Idbid Waverly Eco-Friendly Starter Kit in Blue in Amazon.com Frustration Free Packing - Idbids are a darling way to teach your child about caring for the environment.  Made of organic cotton, these little plush friends come with a storybook, a field guide, and a cinch sack to carry everything in.  They also have an online component for more learning.  Again, because they are in FFP, they are open-and-go toys!

3. Plan Toys City Series Parking Garage - There is something about a parking garage that kids love.  My son still loves his that he has had since he was under a year old.  Plan Toys use rubber wood from trees that previously would have been burned after they were no longer producing rubber.  Plan takes these trees and makes fantastic toys that are simple and pleasing to even the adult eye.  

4. Planet Pixies, Kayla Doll - My daughter is just about as opposite as me as she could be.  While I was a tom boy who wanted to play with horses and He-Man figures, she is a princess-loving pink freak (and I mean that in the nicest way possible- she is an amazing kid).  I embrace this difference and have learned to love pretty, sparkly things (even Barbie!).  Something I know she loves are fairies of all kind so Planet Pixies are right up her alley.  These dolls are made out of organic cotton and teach kids about the environment with an earth-friendly message.

5. Eco Snoopers - Create Your Own Secret Diary Set - Need something for an older, maybe tween-age, girl?  The Eco Snoopers craft kits are made with recycled paper and are fun kits for some creative fun.  They come in a diary set, a scrap-booking set, and card making set.

6. Eitech Deluxe Solar Powered Metal Building Kit - Older kids will love this kit that helps them learn about alternative solar power.  This huge kit includes plans to build up to five models.  We have tested this kits before and found them to be very sturdy, and challenging to kids who love to build.  

7. Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Rainbow Sound Blocks - If you have a baby or young child on your list this holiday season, blocks are always a welcome gift.  Not only are these blocks eco-friendly and non-toxic, they are also fun for baby to discover the noises that they make.  Simple toys are usually the best and most used toys in the toy box.

8.ImagiPLAY Veggie Cutting Set - Kids love to pretend to cook.  These veggies are fun, eco-friendly, and also can encourage kids to eat healthy foods.  Chopping veggies is fun and safe with this preschool set.

9. ImagiPLAY Christmas Tree - I adore this natural wood puzzle.  It would be a great family tradition to bring it out every year and have everyone in the family help put it together.   

10. Green Sprouts Organic Cotton Splash Toy Set - Totally safe and non-toxic for baby, these organic bath toys will make quite a splash this holiday season. 

11. Under The Nile Jack Doll with Extra Clothes - Kids love to dress and undress dolls.  This cute organic cotton doll comes with an extra set of clothes.  it is hard to find boy dolls (I know from looking for one for my daughter when we knew she would have a new brother arriving soon) and this one is adorable, green, and soft.

12. Plan Toys Chalet Doll House with Furniture - I want to live in this house.  Seriously, I love modern design and this is just about the most perfect looking house out there.  Made from recycled rubber wood trees, this fantastic looking house comes with furniture and it ready for a family of dolls to move right in.

13. Classic ABC Blocks with Wagon by Uncle Goose - These blocks come from wood from a sustainable forest in Michigan.  They are very high quality and are hand painted with non-toxic paints.  They are beautiful, classic toys that will be passed down to many happy children.

14. Silk Dragonfly Wings by Sarah's Silks - Silk is a renewable resource, and makes a beautiful play material for children.  Sarah's Silks makes great dress up costumes that are 100% silk and itch-free.

15. Eco Kids Eco-Dough - Made from fruit and vegetable bases, this molding clay has no chemicals or artificial dyes.  Perfect for little hands (and curious little mouths!).

16. Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Wonder Work Bench - Your little builder can pretend the day away with the great little workbench just his or her size.  Made from rubber wood and painted with non-toxic paints, it is adorable and really works!

17.  Plan Toys The Green Dollhouse with Furniture - Remember how I said I loved the Chalet dollhouse?  Well it is only surpassed by my love for this green dollhouse that is not only made from green materials but also touts many "green" features.  There is a windmill, a solar panel, and a rain barrel.  There is also a "bio facade" used to give shade or adjust that amount of sunlight in the room.

18. Mary Meyer EarthMates, Fuzz That Wuzz 100% Recycled, Wee Pawzzzz Bear - he was once that plastic bottle of water you drank at the park on a hot day.  Now, he is an adorable stuffed animal. These cute and cuddly little guys are made from 100% recycled PET bottles.  

19. Sprig Toys Dolphin Adventure Playset - The Sprig guys are back at it with some really cool new playsets in the adventure series.  This set has two boats (that really float!), two dolphins and a captain that like to explore your bath tub, sand box, or even a local stream.  Made form Sprig Wood once again, this playset is ultra durable and totally green.

20. Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Cooking Center - This play center has plenty of room for multiple children.  Made from rubber wood and non-toxic paints, it will help your little ones cook up a pretend storm.

Hope you enjoyed this year's list and here's to another green holiday!

--Laura M.