Sustainable Toys: Eco-friendly, Fair & Full of Creativity
Give your children hours of fun while also helping the environment. Sustainable toys are a win-win for everyone. But how can you spot them, and what are the benefits for our planet and our kids? Here’s everything you need to know.
What are sustainable toys?
Sustainable toys is a relatively broad term. It refers to toys that are made from renewable materials and are also designed for maximum durability and high play value. They may carry certifications, but this isn't a requirement. Rather, it's about the toy being good for your child's development and gentle on the environment. Typical examples of sustainable toys are wooden building blocks, cuddly toys made from organic cotton, or classics like wax crayons and rocking horses. Sustainable play ideas usually work without electricity or batteries – and largely avoid the use of plastics.
Tip: Even though there are no universal certifications for sustainable toys, when you're shopping you can look out for the FSC seal for environmentally friendly wood production or the Oeko-Tex standard for textiles.
What are the benefits of sustainable toys?
Sustainable toys can last for generations – and become a family treasure. With the right care, they are very durable, which avoids waste and the need for constant replacements. They also inspire more ways to play than many conventional products. Wooden toys, like building blocks or garden play equipment, promote a sense of balance and motor skills, and support children as they learn. They allow them to express their creativity, refine their skills and get lost in their imagination. What's more, you don't have to worry if something ends up in their mouth – sustainable toys use non-toxic paints, varnishes and coatings.
Sustainable toys, happy kids?
Children learn from other children. That's why it's not always easy to choose sustainable toys over fleeting, popular trends. But that's okay: it's not about being perfect. Of course, other alternatives can find their way into the playroom too. Your kids will play with anything that's fun – and this is often especially true for eco-toys with their wide range of play possibilities. This way, you can gradually introduce them to the joy of protecting the environment, even if they don't know what that means yet.
