We asked Savvy Moms Sheila Colman and Michelle Tice to scour etailers and retailers for the best eco-friendly kid's gifts. But there was a catch – everything had to be under $25. Sounds like a tall order? Well, Sheila and Michelle came up with a great list of eco-friendly ideas…no batteries required! Even better, most items are made in BC or locally-sourced.
Scroll down for their complete top 10 list.
One of their favourite local e-retailers is Raspberry Kids, the brainchild of another local mom. For December, the warehouse is open for holiday shopping, or you can order online and pick up at the warehouse to save shipping costs. They are located at #204 – 1540 West 2nd Avenue, near Granville Island. They will be open Dec 19-20 from 12noon to 5pm, Dec 21-23 from 10am to 4pm, and on Dec 24 from 10am-2pm.
For Your Little Elf (Under 2)
Snugglings, The Perfect Match Gift Set – $25/set
A great gift for a baby on your list, this gift set includes a bamboo/cotton blend baby toque and matching snugwarmers (baby legwarmers) with fun motifs, such as owls, skulls, elephants, all wrapped in a reusable canvas bag. Bamboo, a naturally regenerating plant, is an environmentally sound choice, and it makes a great fabric due to its natural antibacterial qualities. Plus, it is breathable, cool, non-toxic and non-irritating. The set is both designed and made in Vancouver by Snugglings, www.snugglings.com.
The Three Penny Beaver – $24.95
A one-of-a-kind first stuffy for someone small, this Three Penny Beaver is handmade by an artistic and savvy Victoria mom. The beaver is made of organic cotton and filled with lamb’s wool. The hand screen leaves are non-toxic and water based, and the entire beaver is residue free, meaning it’s safe for baby’s hands and mouth. This patriotic pal is perfect as a 2010 memento. Available directly from Dress Me Up at www.dressmeup.ca.
For Your Busy Elf (Under 8)
The Little Humbugs, Butterfly Girl Dolls – Dolls $22.95
Based on a wonderful series of books, these Little Humbug dolls are eco-superheroes and perfect for any girl who loves nature. We love that, instead of packaging, this eco-doll is sold in a chrysalis, which is part of the toy. Each year, the toy maker is pushing to make these dolls greener. Now Nika (featured) is made with 100% recycled content made from recycled plastic bottles. You can feel good about who is behind Little Humbugs too. The Kelowna based company plants a tree in a butterfly reserve in Mexico each time Kati, the Canadian doll, is purchased, and it donates Earth Packs to schools for Earth Day. Available at www.littlehumbugs.com or www.greenplanetparties.com.
Sprig Dump Truck – $20.00
What little boy doesn’t love a dump truck, especially one with moving parts? A Sprig dump truck (or any other vehicle in their green fleet) is sure to be a crowd pleaser. We love that it is made out of Sprigwood, a Canadian-made bio-composite produced from recycled wood and bits of reclaimed plastic, and actually smells like B.C. pine. It’s roadworthy both indoors and outdoors, another plus for this toy. Available through one of Vancouver’s eco-retailers, Lavish & Lime, www.lavishandlime.com.
Barking Hippo, t-shirts, onesies, dresses and caped-tee’s – $16 and up
Looking for a hip, fun gift idea for a child on your list? Check out Barking Hippo, a brand new local retailer offering a great assortment of upcycled t-shirts, onesies, dresses and caped tees. Upcycling involves reusing old materials (aka adult t-shirts sourced through second-hand stores) and making new higher quality products (aka funky children’s clothes). And Barking Hippo’s local sewers make the scrap pieces into baby bibs to minimize waste. The designs focus on vintage rock bands, brand names, places and events. Your kids love their new threads! www.barkinghippo.com.
Wishing Owl – small owl $25, large owl $40
These owls are much more than your average stuffed toy. Each one is individually handcrafted by local mom entrepreneur, Lou Lyn, and comes with a back-pocket for hiding special wishes or teeth waiting for a fairy pick up. The fabrics for these owls are sourced from second-hand stores, and eco-fill is used for the stuffing and eco-spun (aka felt) for the eyes, both of which are made from recycled plastic bottles. To get your owl in Vancouver, head to one of these local stores: www.pebblebaby.com, www.beansprouts.ca, www.littleearthvancouver.com & www.saplings.ca. For those who want to have an owl customized out of a sentimental item, contact Lou Lyn directly at www.wishingowls.com.
Rainbow Silk Music Ring – on sale for $16.96
Your creative child will be fascinated with a Rainbow Silk Music Ring. This musical toy is gentle on our planet, being hand-made in small batches by a Waldorf Parent. It consists of pure plant dyes, habotai silk, silver bells and a wooden ring. While she dances around, the streamers will look beautiful as if they are fluttering in the air. Available through Cobble Hill, B.C.’s own Natural Pod, www.naturalpod.com.
Helicopter by Plan Toys – $20.99Smart toy maker, Plan Toys, makes a great eco-version of traditional Playmobil toys. We love this helicopter and pilot set, which is made of natural rubberwood recycled from rubber tress no longer able to produce latex. The wood is stabilized with a time consuming chemical-free kiln drying process. Plan Toys has even used non-formaldehyde glue and non-toxic, water based dyes. Available through Vancouver’s green on line store, Raspberry Kids, www.raspberrykids.com. Sea Glass Jewelry – $19US and upSome lucky girl on your list will be thrilled with B.C. sea glass jewelry from Victoria designer, Cheri Bourque. Cheri trolls the shorelines of Vancouver Island finding authentic sea glass from broken bottles dating back to the early 19th and 20th centuries. With its beautifully frosted patina, the colourful glass is turned into one-of-a-kind jewelry by Cheri. We love the personalized pendant, which includes a fresh water pearl (featured), and Cheri’s charms, like the playful sea turtle charm. Available at select boutiques in Victoria or on line at www.sweptfromtheseadesigns.com.
For Your Growing-Up-Too-Fast Elf (Under 12)
Solar Education Kit – $25Education and Christmas aren’t usually a popular pair for t’ween age boys, but they’ll love this award winning toy! With this planet savvy gizmo, they can build their moving machines in six ways, all powered by solar energy. It’s battery free and comes in recyclable packaging too, from Vancouver’s Lavish & Lime, www.lavishandlime.com.
About Savvy Mom Media
Founded in Toronto by two professional mothers in September 2005, Savvymom.ca has fast become the secret weapon for thousands of moms across Canada, a trusted friend, a reliable resource and a fast-growing digital publishing powerhouse. The company’s local Vancouver writers are Sheila Colman and Michelle Tice.
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