Top 10 for the Under 2 set!

I know, babies and toddlers are supremely happy with anything that comes in a box big enough to play with.

However, if you are like me, you dream of a Christmas not filled with kids’ plastic toys that will only end up in a landfill and may be a toxic mess in our homes. Even if your child is past the chew-on-everything-in-sight stage, plastics can still be off-gassing in your home.

You can’t always control all the gifts your child will receive but for the ones you plan on purchasing, or if you have thoughtful family members who ask you what your child might enjoy for Christmas, wood and natural material toys make excellent gifts. Usually, quality made, wooden toys are made from sustainable resources, are non-toxic in their paints and finishes and are very durable. The same can be said for soft fabric toys.

We are blessed in our area to have some great local stores that carry some of these products, but if you aren’t finding it here, there are also some wonderful online stores that offer shipping in time for Christmas.

Locally we have natural baby toys and products available at stores such as Noinkees on Broadway, WeeNeedz on First St. and of course at Nurtured, A Better Birth Family Centre also on Broadway. Shopping local is a great way to support your community and often, you are also supporting local WAHMs (work at home moms) whose high-quality products help support growing families.

Online there is a plethora of websites advertising natural products. However, don’t be fooled! Just because it says natural does not guarantee its safety or quality. If it seems surprisingly cheap, there is probably a reason. Some of my favourite tried and true companies are Nova Natural, Hazelnut Kids, Melissa & Doug, and Baby Proofing Plus (who has a great location in Mississauga). Another little known site is Etsy.com an incredible site for buying handmade toys and baby or kids items.

And the winners are…

Drawing from my experience with these various sources and from my years of experience as an early childhood educator and now as a mom, here is my Top ten list for the Under 2 Set:

10. Wooden Dolly Stroller (novanatural.com)

I love this because it is not gender specific and is great for toddlers who are just walking.




9. Ball Popper (novanatural.com)

My son’s favourite gift as a toddler, this is a natural twist on a plastic classic.

8. Organic Cotton Rabbit (hazelnutkids.com)

There are many variations of this but the idea is that mama’s sleep with this tucked close to their skin for a week or two and it will carry your scent for baby or toddler when they are away from you. This is the number one favourite “lovey” of many little ones I know.



7. Discovery Cubes (Nurtured, A Better Birth Family Centre)

These were instantly a favourite when they arrived in the store! Soft sensory fabrics and peek-a-boo openings reveal imaginative characters inside. Easy to wash, soft and safe for little explorers.


6. Natural Teethers (Nurtured & Little Nurslings on Etsy)

 

So simple but an obvious choice for the little teether in your family. All natural wooden ring that is the perfect size for little hands to grasp and teething babes to chew.

5. Kenana Knitters Handpuppets (Noinkees)

In the beautiful foothills on the Western wall of Kenya’s magnificent Great Rift Valley, lies the tranquil farming community of Njoro. There, a group of Kenyan women buy homespun yarn, which they wash, mothproof and hand knit into wonderful stuffed animals and accessories.

4. Geometric Stacker (Melissa & Doug, Winners, Baby Proofing Plus)

Great skill building toy for two year olds! Stack shapes onto pegs, counting, colors, eye-hand coordination and loads of fun.

3. Gund Organic Chime Giraffe

Another favorite at Nurtured, this soft giraffe made of organic cotton has a soft sounding chime inside that baby will hear as they move the toy. Perfect size for in the diaper bag, car, stroller, or home. Great stocking stuffer!

2. Ever Earth Matterhorn Mountain

Made of sturdy durable wood, paint is water-based, non-toxic and kid safe. When you start at the top, the large wooden balls roll down the ramps on both sides flipping the wood pieces as they roll past. Snowflake shapes turn for more added fun. Water and land animal graphics on each side.

1. Baby Hammock (Nova Natural)

Ok, so this isn’t technically a toy but it was one of my most favourite gifts I received as a mom. An amazing investment for any family! Safer and all around better choice for baby to sleep or hang out in, instead of bouncy chair or car seat in the house.