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On the hunt for the very best sustainable and eco-friendly gifts for kids? Let our team of experts help you in your search for the perfect surprise for your little one!
From wobble boards to art kits, our team made it their mission to help you find the perfect super fun and sustainable gifts for kids that are sure to please.
The Best Eco-Friendly Gifts For Kids, in a pinch…
- Best Pretend Play Gift For Kids: Tiny Land Wooden Coffee Maker Set
- Best Montessori Gift For Kids: Bunny Hopkins Rocker
- Best Musical Gift For Kids: Uncommon Goods Electric Guitar Set
- Best Science Gift For Kids: STEMkids MicroExplo Exploration Kit
- Best Gift For Makeup Lovers: MG Naturals Kids Makeup Kit
- Best For Train Lovers: Hape Wooden Railway Set
- Best Eco-Friendly Gift For Babies: Lovevery Play Gym
- Best Arts & Craft Gift: Eco-Kids Finger Paint
Let’s not sugarcoat it; scouring the perfect sustainable gifts for kids is by no means easy. Adults have become pros at hiding their utter discontent.
But kids? Nuh! When they unwrap a gift they’re not vibing with, their faces are like a neon sign saying, ‘Mission: Gift-Fail Detected!’
Believe me, I’ve been there (3 times). It’s a challenge.
But when you find that ‘Eureka!’ gift, the joy is unmatched!
How to find the best gift for kids this Christmas?
First, you have to consider the kiddo’s age. Younger children might adore shapes and colorful rattles like sound-activated light blocks, while the older ones dig tech gadgets and cool crafts.
Also, when you are on the hunt for unique eco-friendly gifts for kids, keep in mind that every mini-adventurer has a hobby.
Are they artists, little scientists, or aspiring rock stars? Choose eco presents that align with their passions. An art set for the Picassos, a chemistry kit for the Einsteins, or a mini guitar for the rockstars-to-be! You get the gist.
Most importantly, in order to avoid toy waste, it would be best to consult the parents first. They’ve got the inside scoop on what makes their kiddo’s eyes sparkle.
Sneak a peek at their wishlists or have a friendly chat with the grown-ups to help you find the best eco-friendly gifts for babies, toddlers, and big kids.
Last but not least, pay much attention to the materials. Unfortunately, many regular options are made with phthalates and formaldehyde which are notorious for messing with hormones and causing developmental issues.
Most options also contain flame retardants. While they aim to stop fires, they can harm kids’ brains and bodies. Eek!
Sustainable and eco-friendly gifts for kids, on the other hand, are made with natural materials with non-toxic dyes – skipping harmful chemicals and nasty stuff.
After navigating the toy-verse, we found the perfect eco-friendly gifts for kids of all ages – so you are in good hands!
What toxic chemicals are hiding in most gifts for kids?
- Phthalates: These are plasticizers used to make plastic toys more flexible. They can disrupt the endocrine system and may be linked to developmental and reproductive issues.
- Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in some plastics and epoxy resins, BPA can leach into food, particularly if the item is heated. It’s an endocrine disruptor and may have adverse effects on hormonal systems.
- Lead: Although lead has been banned in many products, it can still be found in older toys, especially in paint and metal components. Lead exposure can lead to developmental delays and cognitive issues.
- Flame Retardants: Used in various products, including foam padding in furniture and some electronics, these chemicals can accumulate in the body and have been linked to developmental and reproductive problems.
- Formaldehyde: Found in certain adhesives and pressed wood products, formaldehyde is a respiratory irritant and a possible carcinogen.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC is a type of plastic often used in toys. It can contain phthalates and lead and is harmful throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal.
- Aromatic Amines: These are found in some textile dyes and can be carcinogenic.
- Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs): Used as flame retardants, PBDEs can accumulate in the body and have been linked to developmental and neurological issues.
25 Best Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas For Kids
Crann Organic stole our hearts with their brightly colored organic kids’ clothing made in Michigan!
We love the way they use the softest materials for kids, such as GOTS-certified organic cotton, TENCEL™️ lyocell, and TENCEL™️ modal.
Be sure to check out their amazing new winter line with cute organic ski shirts, brightly colored warm sweats, and more!
Price
From 30+
materials
GOTS-certified organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell, TENCEL™ Modal
location/shipping
United States
This timeless cream-colored play kitchen is designed to fuel Michelin-star aspirations and steal hearts alike (I’m tempted to find this in adult size!).
Plus, it offers ample space for all the secret ingredients and tiny knick-knacks, ending the era of missing cookie cutters and spatulas.
From imaginative three-tier cakes to simmering soups, this kitchen sets the stage perfectly.
Price
$300
materials
Wood, child-safe paint that’s free from lead & other heavy metals
location/shipping
United States, ships to Canada, Aland Islands, Germany & Australia
Sustainable gifts for kids that overflow with playful energy? We have something special!
Crafted from high-quality, sustainable wood, this wooden rocker is designed to help develop kids’ balance, coordination, and essential gross motor skills.
Plus, the gentle, rhythmic motion offers a soothing experience, promoting relaxation and comfort.
Price
$229
materials
Maple wood & child-safe zero-VOC water-based stains
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
If your daughter loves to play with play makeup, then this non-toxic and organic kid’s makeup kit from MG Naturals is the perfect eco-friendly gift!
Crafted with organic and vegan ingredients, this kit contains no petrochemicals, dyes, or harsh colorants, ensuring it’s gentle on your kiddo’s skin.
Each kit includes 5 lip, eye, and cheek tints, 2 lip glosses, 2 solid perfumes, a set of Christmas tattoos, 2 glitter brushes, a mini beauty blender, star clips, a squish toy, and a character ring – all for under $50!
It’s the perfect way to inspire endless creative play while keeping her skin safe!
Price
$42.95
ingredients
Organic castor & jojoba oil, cocoa butter, mica, candelilla wax, +/- iron oxides, zinc oxide, bio glitter, sweet orange essential oil
location/shipping
Australia, ships worldwide
This heirloom-quality, handmade music box features a wooden horse carousel, adding a touch of vintage beauty to any space.
Plus, it’s personalized! Look how pretty it is!
Let the soothing melody fill the air and bring joy to babies, developing their hands-on and musical abilities.
Price
From $83.28+
materials
Beechwood
location/shipping
Worldwide
Wooden dollhouses are universally loved sustainable gifts for kids!
This playset is a dream come true, featuring a master bedroom, children’s room, living room, bathroom, two balconies, dining room, kitchen, hallway, garage, and a garden area with a swimming pool.
The perfect canvas for your child’s creativity! You can design and decorate every room to your heart’s content, from a cozy bedroom to a stylish kitchen.
Price
$229.99
materials
Sustainably sourced, high-quality materials & finished with non-toxic child-safe paints
location/shipping
Germany, ships to the United States
If your kiddo loves to get crafty, the playdough rainbow set from EGKD is the perfect gift!
Crafted with non-toxic, food-grade ingredients, this playdough features naturally antimicrobial salt and essential oils to help keep germs at bay during playtime.
The set includes six vibrant colors of dough and comes with an option for glitter or no glitter.
Designed to last for hundreds of hours (up to 12 months on average), this set offers endless opportunities for imaginative fun.
Price
$42
ingredients
Flour, salt, canola oil, cream of tartar, organic potassium sorbate, food coloring, natural fragrance
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
If the little one in your life loves spending time in the kitchen, why not offer them one of the best sustainable gifts for kids who love playing pretend?
The set encourages imaginative play and helps kids learn about the process of making coffee and serving in a playful and engaging way.
This wooden coffee maker set includes a coffee maker, coffee cup, milk carton, sugar, and three coffee beans.
Your child can mix and match these accessories to create their coffee concoctions, providing endless creative opportunities.
Price
$29.99
materials
Wood – High-quality materials & safe design
location/shipping
United States, ships to Canada, Aland Islands, Germany & Australia
Certified as a STEM toy, backed by Dr. Gummer’s Good Play Guide in collaboration with The Toy Association.
This 100-piece MAGNA-TILES set showcases primary-colored geometric shapes that have inspired generations.
It’s also crafted to endure countless hours of playtime with a signature lattice that prevents cracking and secure fastening rivets to keep magnets safe.
Price
$119.99
Materials
Food-grade, non-toxic MABS plastic that’s free from BPA, phthalates, & latex
location/shipping
Worldwide
Looking for the perfect eco-friendly gift to enjoy with your kiddo? The tie-dye rainbow kit from Doodle Hog has you covered!
This set comes with 12 non-toxic, fume-free color dyes, a bag of soda ash, 27 pairs of gloves, 180 rubber bands, and an easy-to-follow technique guide.
You can tie-dye everything from t-shirts and towels to socks and scrunchies, offering endless creative possibilities.
Ideal for indoor fun on a rainy day, slumber parties, birthdays, or homeschooling activities!
Price
$32.99
ingredients
Non-toxic & fumeless color dyes
location/shipping
United States
Dazzle the little adventurer in your life with some of the most loved eco-friendly gifts for kids of all ages, climbing triangles– duh!
It’s more than just a climbing structure; it’s a tool that fosters awareness, resilience, perseverance, and collaboration—essential skills for your child’s growth and development.
100% Handcrafted in the USA using premium American maple wood, this climbing triangle is built to last and designed to be a cherished heirloom piece.
Price
$249
materials
Maple wood & child-safe zero-VOC water-based stains
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
Looking for the best unique eco-friendly gifts for kids, ideal for family bonding or playdates?
Get ready to encourage artistic exploration and imaginative playtime with this versatile double-sided easel.
One side features a chalkboard, while the other showcases a whiteboard – allowing kids to experiment with chalk, markers, and paint.
Crafted from top-notch materials, it’s built to last and grows with your child as it’s adjustable in height.
Price
$129.95
Materials
High-quality materials
location/shipping
United States, ships to Canada, Aland Islands, Germany & Australia
Is bath time a challenge after a long day? The ultimate bath fun set from Honeysticks is here to help!
This set includes two of Honeysticks’ best-selling products: bath crayons and bath drops.
Handmade in New Zealand using natural, certified food-grade ingredients, these products come in reusable and recyclable containers.
Kids of all ages will enjoy using them in the bath or shower, sparking creativity and letting their imaginations run wild.
Price
$39.99
ingredients
100% pure New Zealand beeswax & soy/beeswax blends, non-toxic, food-grade pigments for color
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
Finger paints are often a child’s first introduction to applying color to paper, and for a meaningful experience like this, Eco-Kids finger paints are the perfect choice.
Crafted from food-safe, non-GMO ingredients like potatoes, rice, and beans, they are as safe as they are fun.
Just mix the powdered base with an equal amount of water to create a silky-smooth liquid paint.
You can mix only what you need for a single session, and any leftover paint can be safely stored in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Price
$16.99
ingredients
Organic fruit & vegetable extracts – food-safe, non-GMO ingredients (including potatoes, rice, and beans)
location/shipping
United States, ships to Canada
Wooden wobble boards are amazing eco-friendly gifts for kids of all ages.
Handcrafted in the USA, this wobble board opens up a world of possibilities – from a balance board to a slide, rocker, bridge, and more. Watch as your child’s imagination takes flight!
Plus, the board’s durable design with a 450 lbs weight limit ensures it’s an heirloom-quality addition to any playroom.
Price
$149
materials
Maple wood & child-safe zero-VOC water-based stains
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
Seriously, who doesn’t love trains?! Touted as one of the best gifts for kids, this railway and train sets offer hours of creative play.
Load the train with supplies using the crane from the mountain’s top and follow the spiral track into the mine, navigating past hazards and features.
Traverse obstacle and rope bridges, ring the warning bell, and make a stop at the repair station. The possibilities are endless.
Price
$209.99
materials
Sustainably sourced, high-quality materials & finished with non-toxic child-safe paints
location/shipping
Germany, ships to the United States
Your toddler can dive into exciting cycling adventures in no time!
Balance bikes are amazing eco-friendly gifts for kids who love to test their skills.
The bike’s 60° steering limit prevents over-steering and tumbles. Also, the anti-slip handles with chunky ends provide a secure grip for tiny hands.
Heck, you can even customize the seat position horizontally to suit your child’s arm length, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride.
Price
$79.99
Materials
Aluminum frame, TPU foam tires
location/shipping
Germany, ships to the United States
Eco-friendly gifts for kids who are interested in STEM? You bet!
Kids aged 6 and above can dive into the world of microbiology, learning to grow harmless bacteria through 3 exciting science activities.
A perfect boredom-buster that educates and entertains!
No worries, the kit includes all necessary materials for the experiments, pre-prepared and ready to go.
Price
$30
Materials
Impact-resistant ABS plastic
location/shipping
United States, ships to Canada
Looking for the best wooden gym to help your baby learn and grow through their first year? The Lovevery play gym is an excellent choice.
Made from FSC-certified wood, polyester, silicone, and organic cotton, this play gym is baby-safe and OEKO-TEX® certified.
It features 5 developmental zones, and it offers stage-based activities designed to inspire exploration and growth, keeping your little one engaged all year long!
Price
$140
materials
FSC-certified wood, polyester, silicone, and organic cotton
location/shipping
United States, ships to Canada
On the hunt for eco-friendly gifts for kids under 2? How about a name puzzle?
The brand created each puzzle one at a time in their family’s Minnesota red barn wood shop.
Also, it’s finished with an organic oil/beeswax blend. How cool is that?
You can also find amazing engraved wooden toy trucks as well as sweet and simple magic fairy wooden wands for little tots.
Price
$39
materials
Sustainably sourced veneer hardwood with an organic oil finish & a fiberboard core.
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
For the best eco-friendly gifts for kids and parents, look no further than these holiday season-themed pajamas from Hanna Andersson!
All of these pajamas are crafted using sustainable and ethical materials and are OEKO-TEX® and GOTS certified.
This means that you won’t find any harmful chemicals. Seriously, imagine all the amazing photos you’ll take!
Price
Price varies as you build your family matching set
materials
Varies materials depending on the chosen set
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
Dewberry makes some of the most luxurious, soft, organic bedding for kids – ethically made in Portugal and sold in the USA.
We love their kid’s bundle that comes with GOTS-certified organic cotton pre-matched patterns, all-natural buttons, and fully compostable packaging!
The set has an organic pillowcase, organic sheets, and a matching organic duvet. Our favorite is the star’s luminary bundle.
Price
$220
materials
GOTS & OEKO-TEX® certified organic cotton
location/shipping
United States
Next up is one of the most fun-filled eco presents – marble runs!
Help them dive into the world of marble racing with see-saws, spiral twists, and a distributor block boasting a knob and button to change marble direction. The possibilities for thrilling tracks are endless!
What’s more, this racing toy stimulates spatial thinking and problem-solving capabilities, and aids in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) development.
Price
$149.99
materials
Sustainably sourced, high-quality materials & finished with non-toxic child-safe paints
location/shipping
Germany, ships to the United States
On the hunt for unique eco-friendly gifts for kids that will captivate the hearts of little musicians?
Whether they’re a tiny guitar goddess or a pint-sized punk rocker, we have three different models to suit their musical journey.
Equipped with flashcards and an engaging, game-based augmented reality app, these guitars make learning easy and super fun.
Price
$199-$229
materials
Maple, paulownia wood
location/shipping
United States, ships internationally
Ready for the most amazing eco-friendly gifts for kids of all ages?
Get them summer-ready with a matchy-matchy mommy and me look.
The elastic waist and inner mesh are designed to accommodate a swim diaper, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for the littlest adventurers.
Also, it features a functional tie around the waist, mesh lining for added comfort, and functional pockets for those tiny treasures they love to carry.
Price
Price varies as you build your family matching set
materials
Sustainable & recycled materials, signature recycled swimwear fabric
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
Why are sustainable gifts for kids a better choice?
Sustainable gifts for kids are ethically made from eco-friendly materials and processes, reducing the carbon footprint and minimizing harm to the environment. This way, brands help preserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and protect wildlife and ecosystems.
On the other hand, many traditional toys and gifts are made of plastic, contributing to the global plastic waste problem.
Also, sustainable and eco-friendly gifts for kids gifts are made to last longer due to their high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Last, but not least, non-toxic gifts for kids often come from companies or artisans that prioritize fair labor practices and ethical working conditions.
By choosing such gifts, you support businesses that value the well-being of their employees and communities.
What makes a gift for kids eco-friendly?
An eco-friendly gift for kids is one that is produced, packaged, and used in a manner that minimizes harm to the environment and promotes sustainability throughout its lifecycle.
They are crafted from renewable, organic, or natural materials that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins, ensuring that their creation and use are gentle on the planet.
Ethical production practices are also a vital aspect, often favoring local or ethically sourced materials and fair labor conditions.
The packaging is minimal and avoids plastic wherever possible, often utilizing recycled or sustainable materials.
Plus, they are educational or nature-based which also helps encourage kids to learn about sustainability, nature, and conservation, fostering a deeper connection to the environment.
This was your full guide to the best eco-friendly gifts for kids!
There you have it – our complete list of non-toxic and eco-friendly gifts for kids in 2024.
From recycled bathing suits to science and music gifts, there are plenty of options that offer planet-friendly, giggly, and green adventures for our kiddos!
Just remember to always check the age restrictions of all sustainable gifts for kids – safety is the number one priority.