Eco Friendly Christmas Gifts for Kids

Buy Eco Friendly Christmas Gifts for Kids This Year

Buying presents for kids can be almost as much fun for the adults as for the kids who receive them.  Almost.

But should we be buying more “stuff” for them?

Or should we be buying eco friendly Christmas gifts for kids?

Eco friendly Christmas gifts for kids don’t waste precious resources to manufacture, only to be tossed aside and take up space after the holiday.  Instead, eco friendly Christmas gifts for kids are kind to the environment, and have a purpose – for example, they can be educational or practical.

My sister-in-law spent 3 weeks travelling in Africa.  She had a great holiday, and one of her reflections was “it was the children who made the biggest impact on me.  They ran around barefoot, with no toys and so they made games out of whatever was around them.  They had nothing, yet they seemed happier than our kids at home with all the latest gadgets and expensive games.  They seemed to appreciate – and enjoy – life more”.

It’s my belief that expensive gifts don’t make children happier.

Perhaps, what kids really want from you – and will remember – is your time and attention.

But if you want to buy presents for them as well, here are my top picks for eco friendly Christmas gifts for kids.

Educational Mosaics

This mosaic puzzle teaches shapes, geometry and colour recognition, and is suitable for ages 3 upwards.  The pieces are made from sustainable bamboo, have a beeswax coating and are coloured with water-based non-toxic dyes.   The pieces are contained in a reusable cotton drawstring bag.  $39 from Land of Nod.

A Fun Way to Keep Warm This Winter!

This fun animal scarf is made from wool from 2^nd hand sweaters found in donation stores in Toronto.  $35 from uncommongooods.  Children won’t mind wearing their bunny, dog or frog scarf now!  Keep them warm this winter – easily!

Get Them Reading and Learning

It’s very important to get children reading.  Combine the benefit of a good book with some fun ways for kids to learn about green living on a daily basis with What Does It Mean to be Green?

Have Fun and Teach Awareness and Compassion

This fun and fact-filled board game shows how our choices can affect the lives of animals.  Be the first player to save 5 animals.  This game teaches counting, reading, comprehension, compassion, responsibility and sharing.  A portion of the proceeds goes to support rescued farm and domestic animals.  $19.99 from animalmatters.  It’s suitable for children of 6 and upwards, although 4+ can also play with adult help.

Babies

For gorgeous eco friendly gifts for precious babies, see Eco Friendly Baby Products

What about your adult loved ones? Here’s one idea……
Eco friendly Christmas gifts for animal lovers
Even more eco friendly Christmas gifts!

Photo Credit