Sustainable Toys: Eco-Friendly, Fair & Inspiring Creativity
Hours of fun for your kids and a helping hand for the environment: sustainable toys are a win-win. But how can you spot them, and what are the biggest benefits for our children and the planet? Here’s our overview.
What are sustainable toys?
Sustainable toys is a relatively broad term. It describes toys that are made from renewable materials, and are also designed for maximum durability and high play value. They may have quality seals, but this is not a requirement. The main idea is that the toy is 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 toy concepts usually work without electricity or batteries – and avoid plastics as much as possible.
Tip: Even though there are no universal seals for sustainable toys, you can look out for the FSC seal for environmentally friendly wood production or the Oeko-Tex standard for textiles when you're shopping.
What are the benefits of sustainable toys?
Sustainable toys can last for generations – and even become family heirlooms. With the right care, they’re built to last, which means less waste and no need for constant replacements. They also inspire more creative play than many conventional products. Wooden toys, like building blocks or garden play equipment, help to develop balance and motor skills, supporting your child’s learning journey. They allow children to express their creativity, refine their skills and get lost in their imagination. Best of all, you don't have to worry if a piece ends up in their mouth – our sustainable toys are made with non-toxic paints, varnishes and coatings.
Sustainable toys, happy kids?
Kids learn from other kids. That’s why it can be tricky to choose sustainable toys over the short-lived but popular toy trends of the moment. But don't worry, it's not about being perfect. It's okay to have a mix of toys in the playroom. Your kids will play with whatever is fun – and that’s often the case with eco-friendly toys, which offer a huge variety of ways to play. This way, you can gradually introduce them to the joy of protecting the environment, even if they don't know what that means yet.
