I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas: 7 Eco-Friendly Toys for the Kids

Green toys for the holidaysLike it or not, it's that time of year, the time when retailers shove the "holiday shopping season" down all of our throats with incessant ads and special doorbuster deals. I love Christmas (or I used to before it started November 1st) but I'm not all that into the thrill of buying stuff on sale. I've always enjoyed shopping for my daughter, but I've gotten increasingly depressed about the fact that everything available for kids at big box retailers, from clothes to toys, is made in China under less-than-desirable conditions.

So I got Barbara-Streisand's-version-of-Jingle-Bells-level jazzed when I found out about Green Toys, a California company that makes eco-friendly toys out of recycled plastic right here in America. They've got all the big items little kids love (trucks, tool sets, tea sets, and more) at reasonable prices. A few of these items cost significantly more than the price you'd pay at a big box retailer for non-recycled, foreign-made products, but many cost just about the same or only slightly more and seem worth the extra investment when you think about the return. Some even cost less than comparable, non-eco items sold at major retailers.

Check out these cool Green Toys with price comparisons below:

Note: Items are often available for significantly less than the manufacturer's price from online retailers like Amazon.


Jump Rope
1. Jump Rope
This eco-jumper is made with US-made 100% cotton rope (7 feet long and adjustable) and 100% recycled plastic handles. Little jumpers can burn energy and save energy at the same time! $10.99. Similar non-eco ropes sold elsewhere range in price from $2-$8, but the $2 versions have very thin rope.
Get it from Green Toys

Related: Holiday Gift Guide - Unique "green" gifts for the whole family

Race Car
2. Race Car
Built in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this sleek racer will tear up the track without harming the planet. $8.99. Lightning McQueen compares at $13.09.
Get it from Green Toys


Cookware and dining set
3. Cookware and Dining Set
Young chefs can concoct and serve make-believe culinary treats that have real benefits for the earth with the world's greenest cookware set. $44.99 from the manufacturer, $24.99 on Amazon. The Kidcraft version compares at $14.58.
Get it from Green Toys


Indoor Garden Set
4. Indoor Gardening Kit
Young plant lovers can watch nature at work by growing a beautiful flower garden and fresh herbs in just days with the world's most earth-happy gardening set. $22.99.
Get it from Green Toys

Related: Green cleaning for the holidays - 10 ways to keep your home eco-friendly


Dump Truck
5. Dump Truck
Made from 100% recycled plastic milk containers this really is the most energy efficient vehicle on this or any planet. The super cool eco-design has a workable dumper and no metal axles. $27.99 from the manufacturer, $17.99 on Amazon. The Little People Dump Truck compares at $18.99. Tonka Steel Dump Truck compares at $24.99.
Get it from Green Toys


Blocks
6. Blocks
All 18 boldly colored blocks are oversized and lightweight, making it super easy for tiny hands to stack and unstack. $27.99 from the manufacturer, $19.90 on Amazon. The LEGO Duplo My First Set compares at $19.72.
Get it from Green Toys


Fire Truck
7. Fire Truck
Put out 3-alarm blazes. Rescue kittens from treetops. Protect the environment from harm. $27.99 from the manufacturer, $17.35 from Amazon. The B. Toys Fire Truck compares at $18.19.
Get it from Green Toys

For 8 more eco-friendly toys, visit Babble!

MORE ON BABBLE

50 toy fads that hooked us - Furbies, Gak, and more
The 15 creepiest, weirdest dolls...EVER
The 10 absolute BEST toy storage ideas
20 mind-blowing vintage ads involving kids
18 memorable school bans - Pogs, black makeup, and more

Get updated on news and views on the latest parenting topics. Follow Strollerderby on Facebook and Twitter.