Trying to find some earth-friendly toys to give to the little ones on your holiday list? Here’s a few products I’ve come across as well as links to three great Holiday Gift Guides so you’re sure to find just the right plaything to put inside your VZWraps this year! 
YoBlocks are toy blocks made in Brooklyn from sustainably-sourced wood, organic paint, and water-based sealants that you can personalize with your own photos! I love the idea of using photos of mom, dad, grandparents, siblings, even the pets for a creative, unique present that no one else will have. 
If you’re looking for something a little softer, who could resist this Winnie the Pooh made from Organic Cotton? He is just too cute! And while you’re checking him out, take a look at the other great toys available from Organic Baby Gift Boutique.There’s a pink dump truck made from recycled milk jugs, non-toxic play makeup, and real wooden rocking horses! Looking for something a little more educational? How about a Solar System puzzle that uses sustainably-harvested and recycled pieces, non-toxic soy-based ink, and water-based coatings? Or a Potato Clock kit for creating a digital clock using potatoes? Planet Happy Toys has a large selection of puzzles, crafts, toy instruments, construction toys, and more. You can even search by recycled, organic, fair-trade, or mom-owned.
MightyNest.com also offers a wide selection of hands-on toys. The fully-functioning six-piece tool set is scaled down to fit the hands of smaller users. If you know a kid who can’t keep away from the big toolbox, this is a great starter set for them. A larger 14-piece set is also available. It will require some supervision, especially the saw! I also love the traditional Sewing and Knitting kit that contains everything needed for a budding designer. This would perfect for a parent or grandparent who knits to give to a child along with some personal lessons.
If you need to grab something quickly from a local store, think about K’Nex. My son still won’t part with some of his old building kits and he’s on his way to college next year. Over 90% of their parts are made in the USA, right here in Pennsylvania. They also support many green initiatives and donate a portion of sales to charity.
Need even more ideas? Check out these great Gift Guides: Green Child Magazine’s Holiday issue has 17 pages of gift ideas along with articles on greening the holidays, giving back, how to have a relaxing holidays — everything you need to get you set for the season. The American Made Holiday Gift Guide from the Made in the USA Challenge is a compilation of hand-picked gift ideas from companies and independent artisans. There’s a toy section as well as sections for apparel, accessories, home, and more. TreeHugger.com has ten Green Gift Guides, including one for kids but they’ll also help you shop for Green Geeks, Animal Lovers, Foodies, DIY’ers and more. Are you ready to go? Don’t forget your VZWraps for wrapping all those gifts. You can check out our Christmas assortment right here. Our large and medium gift bags are the perfect size for most of these gifts. And please leave a comment letting us know what green gifts you’re buying this year. We’d love to know!
