Millions of toys are mass produced every year, so as adults, it’s up to us to encourage our children to grow up green with toys that are inspiring and kind to the planet. The decisions we make will influence their choices, so it’s worth spending a little time and effort researching the origins of the gifts we give them.
Eco-friendly and ethical gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Whether they’re made from sustainable materials that are non-toxic, or are biodegradable at the end of their life, buying less and buying smarter can make a meaningful difference to our children’s and the planet’s future.
We asked Sara Abdullah of Laffah Gifting in Riyadh to suggest some sustainable gift ideas for children of all ages:
Age 0-12 months
Fairtrade seagrass baby changing basket from The Basket Bazaar
OK, so not strictly a gift for children, this stylish changing basket is a wonderful baby shower gift for expectant parents. Handmade by artisans in Vietnam from 100% natural seagrass and recycled plastic, each basket is unique, and comes with a removable changing pad made from organic cotton. It’s portable, too, so perfect for busy parents on the move.
SAR 471
Shop: Amazon
Age 3-24 months
Organic cotton baby drool bibs from BG Mini
You’re never too young to be stylish! These bandana-style baby drool bibs are the perfect combination of form and function, with adjustable fit and pretty designs. They’re made from absorbent organic cotton at the front, and a fleecy back, so it’s super comfortable for your little one.
SAR 86
Shop: Amazon
Age 12 months +
Lock a Bloc Shape Sorter by Nic
This gorgeous hand-crafted puzzle game is ideal for developing your little one’s motor skills by helping them to identify colors, shapes, and sizes. It’s made from conservation certified beech wood, which is treated with natural oils and painted in non-toxic paint for your peace of mind.
SAR 216
Shop: babipur.co.uk (ships internationally)
Age 3+
SmartMax Start Plus STEM Magnetic Discovery Building Set
SmartMax has a wide range of magnetic construction toys that are a favorite among children of all ages. The building sets are designed to stimulate children’s imagination by combining logical thinking with creativity and encouraging hand-eye coordination. Its sturdy construction using high-quality materials ensures it’s built to last, and can be passed down to little brothers and sisters.
SAR 714
Shop: Amazon
Age 4+
Eco-friendly space-themed backpack by Petit Collage
Instil a sense of wonder at the universe with a sustainable gift that’s thoughtful as well as useful. Petit Collage backpacks are coated in a protective, solvent-free biodegradable laminate made from sugar cane, and are BPA, PVC and Phthalate free. Perfect for nursery or school. SAR 136 Shop: namshi.com
Age 6+
Eco Crafts Scrapbook
This colorful craft kit is packed full of eco-friendly scrapbooking materials for children to create their very own memory book. Containing 380 separate pieces, including a hardbound scrapbook, stickers and printed paper, the kit is excellent value and is a great way to encourage creativity. SAR 419 Shop: Amazon
Age 8+
Tin Can Robot DIY Science Project by 4M
It’s never too early to encourage children to be aware of the environment and the impact humans have on it. This ingenious little science project uses a recycled tin can to make a motorized robot. It’s fun, easy to use, and teaches them about repurposing materials.
SAR 48
Shop: Amazon
More about Laffah Gifting
Laffah is the brainchild of Sara Abdulla and was born out of the joy of giving and receiving beautiful-wrapped gifts. Based in Riyadh, Laffah is a concierge gifting service for people with busy schedules, or for those who wish to go the extra mile when it comes to choosing something special for a friend or loved one.
Simply provide Laffah with details of the special occasion and budget and Sara will do the rest!
Instagram: instagram.com/laffahgifting
Main image credit: Shutterstock
