“I’m looking for eco-friendly toys for my kids…any advice? so sick of the plastic crap that will end up in a landfill. books at least I can recycle. thought you’d be the gal to ask!”- Candace

First off, if you want to win your way into my heart, just ask me a question and flatter me like Candace. I’m a simple type of gal; I don’t need roses and chocolates, although they are nice. A simple inference that I might have the info you are looking for is a sure way to make my day.

Second, let me say if you are like my hubby, I apologize. As I sat on the couch of our recently rearranged den (the normal Christmas tree home), and looked around…

“I wonder where we are going to put the tree this year.”

“That’s it, I’m canceling Christmas.”

“What?”

“No Christmas this year.”

“Ok, Scrooge, Why?”

“It’s not EVEN Halloween yet and you are already discussing Christmas!”

I realize for some of you, it’s a bit early for Christmas discussions. I am a planner and like to get things organized so I don’t have to think (or worry) about them anymore. You might say that I am the exact opposite of a procrastinator, and just as annoying in my own way.

Now, to answer Candace’s question. I will admit that I don’t care for toys that in some way don’t contribute to creativity, motor development or learning. I’m definitely not saying we don’t have these, because we do. Too many. Too much cheap plastic stuff, but I, like Candace, am trying to change that.

Yes, some toys should just be pure fun, but I find they don’t keep my kids interest as long. They are hot, hot, hot, can’t get enough of that newest whatever cheap toys is advertised and then it lays around in the toy box until I give it away.

My boys, especially, love commercial type of stuff. I tried to fight it, but gave up. I want them to have some stuff that they really want, so instead of just saying no, I try to limit the amount. Toby, my car fanatic, really, really wants a Bumblebee Transformer and will probably get it.

In reality, my kid’s favorite things to do are with everyday things around the house. My hubby and I often joke we are just going to wrap up a big shipping box with recycled bubble wrap and toilet paper rolls and call it a day. I think my kids have too much. They expect too much and don’t play with what they have enough. I know many people who would disagree with me, but that’s ok. I am going to post about this on Thursday.

In this day, where it seems like everyday there is some new recall on dangerous toys, coupled with items that are cheaply made and break in the first few weeks, it makes it difficult to shop. There are a few places online that I do like to shop for my kids.

One of my favorite brands is Haba, sold at many places online. They are a European company and meet the highest standards of toy safety. Not only are there toys creative and long lasting, but they usually aren’t, in my opinion, over priced. Which is huge to me. I want to buy my kids some nice toys, but don’t want to go bankrupt doing so. We got Ty this tack set, from Haba, last year for Christmas, and he still plays with it on a weekly basis.

Another place I have bought from in the past is Fat Brain Toys. They have a lot of cool stuff there, and even a “green toy” section now. I like their selection of science and nature stuff the best. Chances are, if you invite one of my children to your child’s birthday party, they will be getting some sort of science kit from us. This is my routine gift. It’s educational, safe, and not controversial.

I also really like the items over at Back to Basics Toys. For me, it’s like taking a little walk down memory lane. “I had one of those!” and “I didn’t know those are still around!” I have to admit when purchasing from here it is just as much for me as for my child.

Melissa and Doug toys are safe, but they don’t have as much stuff for the older child. My boys really enjoy their stuff, though.

My kids love music and crafts. Any type of musical instrument is welcomed in our house. These are a great gift that could lead to a life long passion. Lessons along with the instrument would make for a fun and beneficial gift.

Craft kits are a staple here in the boogie abode. A makes her own jewelry, has decorated her own party lights, and painted her own pictures. The boys have made wooden airplanes, cars, and bird feeders.

For a few more suggestions, I have found a few blogs that have updated safe toy lists. The first one I ran into a few months ago is from My Two Boys.  ASTRA has a list of the best 2007 toys and has some really cool stuff on there that I am going to check out for my own kids.  Another extensive list I found when hunting is from Safe Toy Info. They still suggest choosing your toys with caution from these lists.

Now back to having too much stuff. Are you with me on this? I need to pair down my own things and so do my kids. Simplify, reduce. I have a few ideas of gifts that are totally safe and won’t speed up your accumulation of unused toys. Stay tuned for more on those ideas on Thursday…

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