Let go of all those plastic, chemically laden toys for healthier alternatives—for your kids and the planet.
STAPLESTEIN—All in Rainbow Set
This full rainbow classic set with the multi-use balance board will open up a multitude of indoor and outdoor play opportunities for your kids (and you—they’re fun for all ages!) Whether they want to challenge their balance, organize the nesting elements by colour, stack them into creative shapes, or use them with water, there’s no wrong way to play. Sustainable and made with eco-friendly, non-toxic EPP (expandable polypropylene), Staplestein elements are lightweight and extremely strong. All of their products are 100 percent recyclable as well! stapelstein.com
MENTARI—Bambino Shape Sorting Cube
Keeping your toddlers away from toxic plastic toys can be made easy by getting back to the basics with non-toxic wooden toys! This classic toy is still in demand; kiddos can sort shapes and colours and develop dexterity and spatial imagination by matching the shapes with the correct cutouts. They can also stack the painted shapes to create their own stories. The Bambino Shape Sorting Cube is made from sustainable rubber wood and plywood, and the paints are non-toxic. Let the fun begin! littlecanadian.ca
GREEN KID CRAFTS—STEAM & STEM Activity Boxes
Green Kid Crafts is empowering the next generation of environmental leaders using creative, nature-based STEAM/STEM activities. These monthly subscription activity eco-boxes are made from 100 percent recycled materials (and become part of the activities) and help kids unplug and families connect while providing hours of creative time. Each box has a new monthly theme designed to inspire kids to explore their environment, learn problem-solving and leadership skills, and get away from screens. They come with experiments and art projects with everything you need to complete six activities in monthly themes like ecosystem science, environmental activism, wildlife science, and earth science. They also come with a 12-page educational magazine filled with puzzles, games, and additional projects that align with the monthly theme. These activity boxes are great for kids aged 3–10. Belonging to organisations like One Tree Planted and 1% for the Planet, Green Kid Crafts plants one tree for every box sold and donates one percent of their sales to environmental organisations. We have it on good authority that Green Kid Crafts will take $10 off any subscription with the online code STEAM10. greenkidcrafts.com
GREEN WALNUT—Stacking Blocks, Cotton Candy
Another great back-to-basics wooden toy for toddlers (and adults!), Green Walnut’s stacking blocks are made of eco-friendly wood and non-toxic paints and dyes. This colourful array of asymmetrical shapes will assist in sensory development and help blossom skills like stacking and balancing blocks, logical thinking and dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. Suitable for ages three and up. greenwalnut.ca
CATE & LEVI—3D Felt Toddler Puzzle
Puzzles have always been a go-to activity in our family. Not only do they develop fine motor skills, but this Cate & Levi 3D Felt Toddler Puzzle will help with imaginative play too. Each piece (23 in all) is made of thick ECO Felt, making it easy for little ones to pick up, manipulate, and slot together 3D zoo animals without harmful glue. Create a zoo with stand-up fences and 3D animals that kids can create stories with—limited only by their imagination. cateandlevi.com
ECO SPORTS—Soccer, Basketball, Football & Volleyball
Whether your kids are into soccer, basketball, football, or volleyball, there’s an elite performance ball for them. Every ball is BPA- and phthalate-free and made from eco-friendly, non-toxic TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), which is biodegradable in three to five years and/or recyclable. Eco Sports balls are wear, tear, and water resistant and feel and perform like their leather counterparts, providing long life for your sport-energised youngster. Eco Sports is a ClimatePartner, which means it’s committed to encouraging sustainability by using environmentally responsible materials while reducing waste both in its products and in its environmentally conscious packaging. Eco Sports is a One Tree Planted partner. ecosports.com