There are plenty of items to make this Christmas more green for your customers: taste-friendly, dishwasher-safe lunch boxes from Byndoo, handmade dough from Eco-Kids; and Reeves International’s makedo kits for masterpiece building, just to name a few. See TDmonthly’s Holiday Preview of Eco-Friendly Toys below.
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GreenDude Messenger Bag by DIAPER DUDE, LLC.
GreenDude Messenger Bag has one large compartment for baby with mesh pocket and an additional compartment for dad with mesh pocket. GreenDude features a padded shoulder strap, insulated bottle holder, and three large compartments with Velcro closure. A dad checklist is screen-printed on the magnetic flap and breathable mesh padding adds extra comfort. The product includes a padded changing pad, clips for stroller straps, an interior key clip and a removable, expandable cell phone holder. Stephanie Moore, administrative assistant at Diaper Dude, told TDmonthly, "The Eco-Friendly Messenger II from Diaper Dude is made of recycled PET material (plastic water bottles) rewoven into durable polyester and offers the same great features you find in all Diaper Dude bags-messenger style." WATCH VIDEO
Kids can shake up some painting fun with Glob Natural Color Blends craft paints. This set includes four do-it-yourself paint jars. Just add water and shake to produce 2 oz. each of all-natural lemon verbena, tangerine, berry blue and pomegranate colored and scented paint. All Glob paints are gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, non-toxic, made in the USA, and boxed in recycled packages. — Glob paints were a big hit with Eco Child’s Play’s Jennifer Lance: “This may be one of the coolest products we have reviewed in a long time,” she raved. With the all-natural ingredients, Jennifer felt assured the paints were truly non-toxic. She noted, “Mixed up paint needs to be stored in the refrigerator, because they are truly all natural, but you can easily just mix up a little at a time based upon your needs.” — Tiffany of Nature Moms Blog found the Glob paint to require more work than other paints, but once mixed, the paint worked well for her children on a variety of surfaces. She also enjoyed the fruity and floral scents.
This stylish hobo is made from Re-Run fabric and keeps six plastic bottles out of landfill. Organization is assured with multiple pockets inside and out. The Hana comes with wipes case and changing cloth, and features an adjustable shoulder strap.
Goodbyn is a lunchbox reinvented for kids, parents and the planet. Made in the USA, BPA free and phthalate free, Goodbyn is designed to keep tastes (and moisture) separate with five separately sealing compartments. Each Goodbyn lunchbox comes with hundreds of stickers: alphabets, body parts, allergy labels — you name it, you stick it. Goodbyn has a carrying handle, is dishwasher-safe, and can be recycled simply and easily when it’s time to buy a new one.
Silky Satsuma Bamboo Receiving Blanket by SATSUMA DESIGNS
This two-ply organic bamboo velour and bamboo jersey satin-trimmed, mid-weight blanket is an all-season, all-weather solution to keeping baby cozy. Choose from lime, cocoa or natural bamboo velour paired with natural colored bamboo soft jersey knit. The 31" x 31" blanket is suitable for nursery, travel and play. Made in USA of imported material (Organic bamboo velour (70/28/2 bamboo viscose/org cotton/poly) with organic bamboo jersey (100 org bamboo viscose).
The Greenzys promote green living and teach eco-friendly practices to young children through heartwarming stories and endearing plush toys that are environmentally safe and fun. All Greenzys toys are made in socially responsible factories from soy fibers and non-toxic dyes, with packaging made from recycled paperboard. A portion of every purchase benefits the Environmental Media Association and for every Greenzys purchase made in 2010, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant one tree in U.S. forests.
This full-coverage, all-season organic bamboo velour hat with wide band is lined in silky organic bamboo jersey. It's available in lime or cocoa. The lime sports a stem and leaves detail, while the cocoa hat is topped with a classic chocolate ticking ribbon. It is made in the USA of imported materials.
Eco-friendly Stainless Steel Drinking Bottles by I.D. GEAR INC.
Free of BPA and phthalates, these stainless steel drinking bottles features colorful, attached caps, clips for attaching to a bag, and a wrap-grip personalized for the child. Designs in more than 100 names are available.
The Creation Cottage Playhouse by CRAFTY KIDS PLAYHOUSES
The Creation Cottage is made from 100% recycled cardboard material. The unique design allows for a sturdy drawing surface for child. The white exterior is a blank canvas that child will be able to design on their own. Measurements (Assembled): 42.25"L x 39.5"W x 54"H
USA-made and eco-friendly, Rock-a-Thigh Baby thigh-highs (a tights and legwarmer hybrid) are fashionable and functional socks designed to stay up and stay on. These stylish socks are for girls and boys, infants and children, starting at size 0-6 months. Rock-a-Thigh Baby President Jennifer Dutcher told TDmonthly, "Cuff design and ribbed panels make RTBs the Kiddie socks that rock and stay up on top!" Launch date: 2010.
Reducing fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions is part of the recipe for aspiring gourmets who use the Green Toys Chef Set. This classic collection of kitchen essentials is made in the U.S.A. from 100% recycled plastic milk containers. Safe, non-toxic, BPA-free, and even meets FDA food contact standards. Dishwasher safe. The set includes a stock-pot with lid, skillet, ladle and spatula.
These non-toxic, rock-shaped crayons are made in America from natural soy wax derived from American-grown soy beans. Colors include, red, pink, blue, sky, green, grass, dark yellow, light yellow, orange, peach, purple, light purple, brown, tan, black and gray.
The Big Bang Rocket is a "green" toy that recycles old newspapers to operate. Lindy Borkin, marketing manager at Can You Imagine, told TDmonthly. "Remember 'caps'? They used to be the only way to create a big bang. Well this is better, safer AND it recycles old newspaper," she said. Launch date: March 2010. — “Everyone likes it. They buy one for their kid, then they come back and buy one for a birthday present," John Blair, owner of Science Safari in Cary, N.C., told TDmonthly in April 2010. His store was already selling its second dozen of the rocket since ordering at Toy Fair in February.
BamBoo Bears are made with soft organic materials and bright eye-catching colors to give eco-friendly a stylish new twist. BamBoo Bears are made from luxurious natural bamboo, organic cotton and hemp. They are dyed with safe, low-impact cold water dyes, and stuffed with hypo-allergenic corn-fiber stuffing. "Bamboo fiber is ideal for creating high-quality, soft, and silky fabrics. The feel of bamboo fleece is routinely described as 'soft as cashmere.' Bamboo is grown without the use of pesticides, and is naturally antimicrobial. A bamboo crop can be re-grown every 3 to 5 years, preventing deforestation. Bamboo absorbs ... 35-percent more carbon dioxide from the air than cotton," Sandra Lippard, Founder, Planet Fred, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 14, 2010.
For urban parents with babies on the go, RoSK provides attachable stroller gear that protect against the elements. The Sun Cover is made of 100-percent organic cotton and offers SPF 30 sun protection that lasts all day and doesn't need to be reapplied. Designed with lightweight cotton to not add warmth on hot days, the Sun Cover comes with RoSK signature ribbon ties for attaching to strollers, carriers, infant car seats, and more. It provides an alternative to chemical sunblocks on babies and children with sensitive skin. "The combination of the Sun Cover being made of organic cotton and SPF 30 makes this cover an original," Heather Correa, owner of Rain or Shine Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 28, 2010.
This colorful version of Memo features some of the smartest animals from the animal kingdom, such as the elephant, chimpanzee, dolphin and parrot. Players try to match up as many of them as they can before their opponent. Terra Toys produces "environmentally friendly products that teach about conservation through an easy to understand medium, Saving Wild Animals," Sean Tyrrell, Category Manager, Terra Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2010.
Pippalily's organic toy straps keep baby's favorites on board and off the ground. Simply Velcro one end of the 100-percent organic cotton toy strap to a car seat, stroller, carrier, etc., and the other adjustable end to the object of choice: teethers, snack containers, sippy cups, plush toys, etc. MSRP is $10 for the standard cotton and $11 for the organic. The product is made in Canada. Launch date: November 2009.
Made of organic materials, the Picnic Pal Finger Puppets are individually boxed and include Ducky, Lamby, Bunny, Cubby and Monkey. Launch date: May 2010.
SOLAR PET ROCK by Desk Pets is the rocking robot that responds to light. The more light it gets, the more it rocks. Four different colors rock in four different ways. The Solar Pet Rock uses 100-percent green energy for power. Batteries never need to be replaced. Launch date: August 29, 2009.
Crazy Crayons are made from 100-percent recycled crayons. Crazy Crayons and packaging are made in the USA with 100-percent non-toxic materials. When individuals are finished using them, they can send them back to the company to be made into new crayons. Launch date: February 15, 2010.
This adorable, soft plush sheep with soft pink legs is perfect for babies, and safe for them too! This new line of eco-friendly plush baby and toddler toys from HABA is made using Öko-Tex certified materials.
Eco-dough is a molding dough handmade with flour, salt, cream of tartar, organic rosemary oil, vitamin E oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, potassium sorbate, citric acid, natural and organic fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from beets, spinach, paprika, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage, blueberries and tomatoes. Also available in a Gluten-free version. Watch Eco-Dough: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010
Encouraging kids to reuse, recycle and be creative, makedo kits include connectors that help fashion masterpieces out of cardboard and other objects. The Kit for One houses 69 pieces, including 30 pins, 30 clips, eight hinges, a construction tool and an inspiration poster. Watch makedo: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 — John MacDougall, owner of Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., thought the makedo line "clever" at Toy Fair 2010. — Susan Stephenson, The Book Chook, called Makedo “beautifully thought out.” Although she found the cutting tool less effective than scissors, she loved the value and limitless possibilities of a set that uses what would otherwise be junk. — Makedo was a Readers’ Choice Winner for TreeHugger’s Best of Green Awards.
Organic Baby & Children's Clothing by GREEN AS WEE GROW
This 100-percent organic clothing is made in the United States using fair-trade cotton and labor. "We are in the process of setting up a 5-percent donation for all online sales to go to selection of charities. All of our artwork is done by amazing artists all over the United States," Samantha Fowler, owner, Green as Wee Grow, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2009.
These AA rechargeable batteries utilize a nickel-zinc, water-based electrolyte system to create a high performance battery (30% higher voltage than NiMH) for high-drain applications. Can be charged hundreds of times. Environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable.
These blocks were created for parents as concerned as their child's development as the environment they will inherit. They are made from 100-percent renewable bamboo, as is the storage box. They can be decorated by kids using non-toxic Be Block markers. The stencils are made from partially recycled polyester. All the paper and packaging is partially or completely recycled. The set comes with 18 blocks, eight markers, more than 100 stencils and an idea booklet. They're perfect for “people who want to design everything,” Founder Leah Hamilton told TDmonthly. A percentage of the proceeds funds arts education. Watch Be Blocks: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010.
Boikido Eco-friendly Wooden Geometric Stacking Puzzle by BOIKIDO
This environmentally friendly wooden Geometric Stacking Puzzle is made of wood from FSC-monitored sources, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a box made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. Created with a 2-year-old in mind, this all-wood puzzle features stacking and counting elements to help kids think and learn. Each of the four puzzle pieces contains one, two, three or four posts on which children can stack a circle, rectangle, square or triangle. Each shape is made with a different number of holes so it can only be put on the correct puzzle piece. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: February 14, 2010.
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
