If you're on the lookout for a greener gift to give to that special little someone, be it a birthday, blessing, Christmas or any other special occasion, then help is most definitely at hand.
We've sourced like minded brands who tick all the boxes. Sustainable, practical, stylish and full of Scandinavian charm. All without putting a huge dent in our wallets too.
Discover a curation of plastic free, timeless treasures by brands on a mission to reduce their carbon footprint. These beautiful toys are made with intention using materials from recycled or renewable sources. All built to last a lifetime of play and perfect to pass down and transcend generations.
We’ve split them by age category too, to make shopping a breeze.
Toys for 0-12 months
First up, sensory toys and teethers. A must have for babies, they will help to soothe pesky sore gums and they double up as a new friend to love too.
These ones from Fabelab are completely adorable. Made using GOTS certified 100% organic cotton, they are oh so soft and perfect for sensitive skin. The cute, quirky designs are sure to be a hit too.
Liewood are at the forefront when it comes to sustainability. The Gemma, Herbert and Richard teethers and teething rings are all BPA free and crafted from eco-friendly silicone or natural rubber. Plus their sweet designs and pretty pastel colours are rather appealing too.
They’re also available as part of these gorgeous tableware sets, featuring a silicone bib, cup and teether toy. A lovely, thoughtful gift for a new arrival that’s sure to be very well used.
Water toys are a real winner. Little ones love a splash around in the bath, and these surefire staples are full of fun. Liewood has come up trumps again with these beauties.
Natural rubber, non toxic paints, mould resistant and easy dry to boot. They will encourage any reluctant babe or toddler into the tub.
Soft toy books are a great option for tiny learners. Aside from their educational value, they are safe to chew, which is a no brainer for a teething tot. We like these from eco brands Sebra and Wee Gallery. We’re happy to report that all of their toys and products are made from sustainable materials and follow ethical standards of manufacturing.
And we will forever sing the praises of the baby gym. A wonderful tool for exploration and assisting development. Just look at this gorgeous number from Little Dutch, a company who pride themselves on using natural woods, organic materials and non toxic dyes.
Toys for 1-2 years
The toddler years can be an adventure! Make the most of this precious time with gifts that encourage learning and build on developing those fine motor skills. These planet friendly options are just the ticket for little walkers and those just getting steady on their feet. Incidentally, Plan Toys have cleverly manufactured their own zero waste material called Plan Wood, made using leftover rubberwood sawdust from their factories. How’s that for eco-consciousness? Shop the full collection.
If it’s heirloom pieces that you're after, how about these cute collectibles from Maileg. This iconic Danish brand has quite the following and it’s easy to see why. Full of whimsical charm, these sweet animal friends have captured the hearts of children and adults alike. You can purchase with a cleaner conscience too. They are fully committed to reducing CO2 emissions wherever possible. All their soft toys are stuffed using recycled materials and their wooden toys, like this absolutely breathtaking House of Miniature Dolls House, are made using only FSC certified wood.
Activity toys make for hours of exciting play, teaching important skills in the process, such as dexterity, coordination and social interaction.
Our top picks include Kids Concept’s loop the loop puzzle, the sweetest leaf stacking toy from Little Stories and this amazing activity cube from Little Dutch. All handcrafted from natural wood and built to last for day after day play.
And we simply can’t resist these Baby Doll Rosa and Baby Doll Jim sets, also from Little Dutch. Each one includes a carry basket, bonnet, blanket, bottle and dummy, all crafted from the softest fabric in the prettiest pastel shades and lined in a ditsy floral print.
Toys for 2-3 years
For all day Imaginary play at it’s finest be sure to check out these favourites from Little Dutch. How cute is this coffee machine, perfect for mini baristas in the making and how about this smart looking tool box, just made for budding builders. The cash register is a classic and helps with teaching numeracy and counting.
Olli Ella’s all natural, unique designs have captivated kiddies across the globe. Their instafamous Luggy baskets are made for little nomads. So dreamy and the ideal companion for all their mini adventures. With it’s vintage look this beauty is handwoven from natural rattan with recycled wheels and painted in water based dyes. What’s more they are a certified B corporation, meaning that they meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact. Impressive.
Check out their other seriously swoon worthy pieces too. Like the ingenious casa clutch that's a play house and hand bag all rolled into one. And, their range of delightful Dinkum Dolls are constantly selling out. With their sweet embroidered faces, this collection of beautifully crafted gender neutral soft toy friends are so huggable and perfectly poseable, making them a guaranteed hit and instant bestie for life.
Toys for 3 years and beyond
Busy little bees will have a field day with these amazing wooden role play toys from Kids Concept. For pretend play paradise you can’t beat their stylish play kitchen, brimming with Scandi appeal, its gender neutral design will fit seamlessly into any space as little chefs conjure up yummy treats during immersive playtime fun. And for mini mums and dads, their dolls stroller is just lovely and the perfect accessory for taking toy friends out for a walk. The rubber wheels mean it’s suitable for indoor and outdoor play whilst the modern look and fabric storage pockets give it serious curb appeal. If only it came in grown up size too.
Le Toy van is an established brand whose traditional designs bring a touch of nostalgia to their imaginative toys. There’s something joyful about their creations that's reminiscent of those fond childhood memories of yesteryear. Their ethos surrounding sustainability is exemplary. They are working tirelessly towards their packaging becoming 100% plastic free, by 2023. All of their toys are created using sustainable, reusable rubber wood and non toxic paints. Our favourites include the Royal Express Wooden Train Set that’s sure to inspire a whole world of creative play possibilities. And the retro pull along wooden cart is an essential for little expeditions.
We hope you enjoyed this read. If you’re feeling inspired, head on over to our site to shop the full range of sustainable goodies that littles will be sure to love, for years to come.
Don’t forget to share your creations with us over at @scandiborn.
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