We’re going to start this blog post off by presenting you with a little challenge on the topic of children’s gifts:
Imagine you’re walking around the kid’s section of a store, any store at all. Visualize all the colors, shapes and different products on the rows of shelves … Of all of the toys you’re imagining, can you think of one toy that does not have any plastic at all? Meaning no plastic on the toy nor in the packaging? Think about it for a second.
I don’t know about you, but it actually took me a while to think of one! I find that more than a little alarming — not only because of the environmental impacts of that much plastic, but also because of health concerns associated with having so much plastic surrounding our children. This thought process was our motivation to find some plastic-free children’s gift alternatives that not only last longer than plastic, but are also beneficial to children’s development.
And they’re just plain fun and cute!
Pastry Tin Kit
What I love about these baking kits for kids is that they encourage children to take initiative, get their hands dirty, and have fun while learning a life skill. Many toys are designed to distract, but this gift actually engages children in a meaningful way.
This Pastry Tin Kit comes with a rolling pin, a cotton apron, cookie cutters, two wooden spoons, a glazing brush, and a metal tin to store all the contents. Get out your recipe book and let your little one choose tonight’s dessert!
Cake Tin Kit
This Cake Tin Kit is another adorable gift idea. It is similar to the Pastry Tin Kit but has slightly different tools. It comes with a cotton dishcloth, a wooden spoon, a glazing brush, cookie cutters, a scoop, a spatula, a small rolling pin, and a metal tin to hold the contents.
Share your all time favorite recipe or let your little buddy choose their own and get cracking! Maybe remind them that eggs go in the bowl and not on the floor — ha ha.
Mokulock Wooden Blocks
These Mokulock Wooden Blocks are really a unique find! They are an innovative alternative to plastic building blocks and have inspired a new eco-friendly take on old-fashioned fun. Building blocks are another great gift to encourage children’s development as they stimulate your little one’s brain by fostering creativity and planning. The blocks are made from six types of wood: Japanese Cherry, Japanese Zelkova, Japanese Bigleaf Magnolia, Birch, Hornbeam, and Maple.
The set comes with 60 wooden blocks (48 regular size and 12 half size), an instruction manual, and eye stickers to give life to your animal creations.
Cotton Swimming Aids
These Cotton Swimming Aids are the perfect gift for a little one who needs some help learning to swim. They are PVC-free, phthalate-free, BPA-free, and plastic-free! Not even a plastic or rubber valve to inflate it! What?! Crazy, I know! How do they do it you ask?
First, you have to saturate the swimming aids in water. The more saturated with water the better they will hold air because as the material gets wet, it swells, creating a near-waterproof enclosure. Next, you hold the corner tightly between your lips and blow through the material to fill the inside with a pocket of air. It really works! Et voilà, they’re ready to help your child float confidently and safely into swimming.
Children’s Dust Pan
A bright and useful gift like this Children’s Dust Pan is an ingenious way to encourage your child to become your handy little helper. Participating in household chores can help teach the value of hard work and the importance of sharing responsibilities. Children too often expect parents to do the work for them. By sharing household tasks, children learn to collaborate and to take initiative — characteristics that will be extremely helpful for them later in life. A shiny new red dust pan will help get your kids motivated!
Children’s Duster Brush
This Duster Brush nicely compliments the red dust pan shown above. Make your child’s gift a useful and lasting one. Your child can help you out with this brush and develop life-long cleaning habits.
This exquisite dusting brush is made of horsehair on a body of sustainably-harvested beechwood protected with natural linseed oil.
Children’s Dish Brush
This Children’s Dish Brush follows the handy little helper theme. Engaging your children in household chores teaches them life skills and useful character traits that will help them as they grow up.
As the proverb goes ‘many hands make light work’, even if those hands are a little smaller. Get your little helper active in the kitchen with this beautifully crafted children’s dish brush made specially for child-sized hands!
It’s 20 cm long and is crafted with untreated beechwood and horsehair.
Plastic-free Children’s Gifts with Purpose
Plastic-free gift ideas, like the ones listed above and sold through Life Without Plastic, are meaningful alternatives to purposeless plastic products. Options like these foster growth, encourage initiative, and get those kiddies active!
Hope you enjoyed this short post on plastic-free children’s gift ideas!
Sarah Wylie
Inventory and Operations Manager
Life Without Plastic