How to Find Inexpensive Green Toys

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By Jederman
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Find Inexpensive Green Toys

Are your child's toys safe? A federal ban on toys containing phthalates (harmful chemicals in soft plastic) has finally come into effect. Consumer advocates are recommending that you throw away old pacifiers, chewable baby toys, and rubber duckies. Why not support the toy-making companies who have been doing it right all along? Hand-crafted and environmentally friendly toys are becoming popular. And, if you know where to look, they don't have to be expensive.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Fat-Brained Toys (www.fatbraintoys.com) is an online seller with great prices. Their "Classic and Retro" section offers old-fashioned toys (often made from wood) such as abacuses, penny whistles, Jacob's ladder, and paper dolls. They also have an organic and green section with toys made from eco-friendly materials, and a few that are powered by solar and wind energy.
Step 2

WillowTreeToys.com is another good source for high-quality green toys. While not always inexpensive, they do have frequent sales (currently they're offering 25% off on their entire inventory), and you'll find great bargains here on certain products. My favorite is their "European Counter Kitchen." This all-in-one wooden oven unit has a see-through door, counter top and utensil shelf, and it comes with all of the toy utensils and food items you see in this photo. The normal price is $89.95, which is already an great deal. If you purchase it during their current store-wide sale, it will cost just $67.46.
Step 3

There's no standard definition of a "green toy." I consider the term to include not only products made from eco-friendly materials, but also those that teach children about energy preservation and the environment. Sundance Solar (store.sundancesolar.com) fits this description. They offer a variety of inexpensive solar- and wind-powered toys, including the Solar Peppy Orangutan shown here, who travels across the rope using solar energy.
Step 4

Melissa & Doug (www.melissaanddoug.com) is a wonderful, family-owned, U.S. manufacturer that specializes in simple wooden toys, stuffed animals, and games. They maintain the highest safety standards, have fair prices, and you won't find any batteries here!
Step 5

Ikea toys are tested following strict European safety standards that filter out more toxic substances than the U.S. consumer safety board requires. The store specializes in simple wooden and cloth toys for ages seven and under. You'll find classic eco-friendly learning toys at prices that are much lower than usual. A bead roller coaster like the one shown here often sells for $50 or more. Ikea's price is $7.99.
Step 6

Wildlife Creations turns old tires into imaginative tire swings modeled after different animals and vehicles. The Recycled Longhorn Steer Tire Swing shown here costs just $69.97. They also sell a moose, a kangaroo, a motorcycle, a horse, a shark, and many more. You can buy their creations at Target or on Amazon.com.
Step 7

Look for deals from fair trade companies who sell children's products. Global Exchange (store.gxonlinestore.org) is selling a set of three hand-crocheted animals from Thailand for $12, and a Peruvian handcrafted drum and stick for $19.00. Tree Hollow Toys (www.treehollowtoys.com) sells a beautiful Ceramic Ocarina Necklace musical instrument that costs just $2.99!

Comments

wild4earth said

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on 8/14/2009 WillowTreeToys.com is offering 20% Off Storewide through 8/16/09. Enter the code WTT8787 at checkout to receive discount.

Merriment said

on 8/12/2009 I have a friend with a young child who will appreciate this article. Thank you for sharing information on finding inexpensive green toys for kids!