Best eco friendly toys for kids for a sustainable way to play

There are small changes we can all make to try and be more eco-friendly in our day-to-day lives, from recycling and reusing, driving less and walking more, and cutting down on food waste.

The climate crisis isn’t going anywhere and now more than ever we need to think about how our actions will impact the next generation and the future of our planet. This is more true than ever at Christmas time where the festivities can result in a lot of wastage. Kickstart environmentally-friendly practices by getting your kids involved and this could start with their toys.

There’s a huge range of sustainable toys on the market to suit all interests – from recycled cuddly animals and plastic-free dolls, to wooden games. Whether you’re looking for educational, fun or practical gift ideas, individual or sharing toys, there is something for every child that will also have less impact on the plant.

Here we’ve rounded up some of the best sustainable toys for kids…

Aurora World Eco Nation Penguin

Suitable from: 0+ years

This soft and fluffy toy will become their favourite cuddle companion. The cute-as-a-button penguin is made from recycled, natural materials, with embroidered eyes instead of plastic for an eco-friendly approach to their collection of stuffed animals.

Buy now £16.99, John Lewis

Barbie Eco-Leadership Team Recycled Doll Set

Suitable from: 3+ years

Watch them strive for environmental change with this set of four sustainable Barbie dolls, who represent powerful eco leaders.

The set is made up of a conservation scientist kitted out with binoculars, a renewable energy engineer wearing a safety vest, the Chief Sustainability Officer and an environmental advocate with a camera and sign to encourage your kids to pay attention to ways they can help the planet.

The dolls are made from recycled plastic, wear clothes made from recycled fabric and are all carbon neutral.

Buy now £74.99, John Lewis

Melissa & Doug La Patisserie Bake Shop

Suitable from: 3+ years

Baking enthusiasts can serve up delicious, too-good-to-eat cakes and pastries from their very own patisserie. Spark their imagination with this 36-piece set that features play food, a cake mixer, a cash register and a stove.

The entire set is made from natural wooden materials to be durable and offer pass-down appeal. This will make the perfect toy for budding pastry chefs.

Buy now £99.00, JoJo Maman Bébé

Orange Tree Peter Rabbit Skittles

Suitable from: 3+ years

Beatrix Potter fans can join Peter Rabbit and his friends with a classic game of skittles. Using the two balls, kids can catch Jemima Puddle-Duck, Jeremy Fisher and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle while practising hand-eye coordination. Made from 100 per cent wood and built to last.

Buy now £21.99, JoJo Maman Bébé

Tender Leaf Toys Cottontail Cottage

Suitable from: 3+ years

Kids will be transported to this countryside cottage and enjoy hours of fun creating imaginative stories. Behind the pretty pink door lies a cosy home with one furniture set included to deck out the bedroom, kitchen and living room.

The house is made from reclaimed rubberwood and, to add to the eco credentials, the brand replants a tree for every one used.

Buy now £120.00, Kidly

Jabadabado Market Stand

Suitable from: 3+ years

With Jabadabado’s wooden market stand, they can get creative with their own stall. Encourage kids to play together – one can be the market stall owner and others can be the happy shoppers. They can fill up the shelves and compartments with the 28 pieces of wooden foods included, and have scales and their own cash register to attend to their customers. Sustainably made and on wheels for easy movement around the room.

Buy now £130.00, JoJo Maman Bébé

Nijntje Miffy Teddy

Suitable from: 0+ years

Go green with Dick Bruna’s classic storybook character Miffy. Made from 100 per cent recycled materials – the woolly cotton exterior is stuffed using 100 per cent recycled PET bottles – the soft toy bunny is eco-friendly on the inside and out, and makes the perfect cuddle buddy for children of all ages.

Buy now £32.00, Kidly

Le Toy Van Hollywood Film Camera

Suitable from: 3+ years

Could your child be the next Tarantino or Baz Luhrmann? Get them practising their film skills early on with this retro wooden camera, fit with spinning clogs and a fun kaleidoscope lens. Made from sustainable rubber wood and non-toxic paints.

Buy now £20.00, Kidly

Jaques of London Wooden Drum Set

Suitable from: 0+ years

This mini marching drum is vibrantly decorated with colourful stars. Hand them the drumsticks and let them find their rhythm and tempo – there’s a useful strap attached so they can move around freely to the beat.

A great way to introduce children to sensory play, while looking out for the environment. The drum is created using SFC-approved wood and customised with water-based paints.

Buy now £8.99, Jaques of London

Build Your Own Tyrannosaurus Rex

Suitable from: 8+ years

Watch kids get stuck in with this hands-on, build-your-own 38cm dinosaur construction. With step-by-step instructions, they can slot together the pre-cut parts – all made from 100 per cent sustainable cardboard and paper – and learn facts about the famous theropods as they go. An eco-friendly design that is ready for some roaringly good fun.

Buy now £9.99, Build Your Own