Non-Toxic Gift Guide for Kids
Non-Toxic Toy Gift Guide: My Personally Vetted Picks for Every Age
Every year, I have so much fun picking out toys that I think my daughter will enjoy, engage with, and be educated by. Most of all, I make sure they're safe.
I research and pick toys that don't off-gas chemicals, won't leach plasticizers, and are made with materials I actually trust. Wood, natural rubber, silk, organic cotton, beeswax, and canvas. No mystery ingredients.
Here are my picks this season. All personally vetted, no brand deals, just my honest recommendations as a mom and someone who's spent years researching what's safe (and what's not).
BABIES (0-12 months)
Under the Nile Bessie the Bear Lovey https://underthenile.com/collections/toys/products/bessie-the-bear-sherpa-snuggle-lovey
Why I picked it: Made with 100% organic Egyptian cotton, handmade in Egypt with fair trade practices. No synthetic dyes, no polyester filling. Just soft, safe comfort for baby's first snuggle buddy.
CaaOcho Kala the Whale https://www.thenaturalbabyco.com/products/caaocho-kala-the-whale
Why I picked it: This one is special. It has a sealed, hole-free design that prevents mold and bacteria, making it safe as both a teether and bath toy. It's sustainably produced, free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates, and hand-painted with food-grade pigments. The bright colors and varied textures promote sensory development too.
Manhattan Toy Skwish Natural https://www.manhattantoy.com/products/skwish-natural
Why I picked it: A classic that's stood the test of time. Made with sustainable rubberwood teether rods and non-toxic water-based paints. The natural wood finish is beautiful and completely safe for mouthing.
TODDLERS (12+ months)
Hape Walk-A-Long Puppy https://www.amazon.com/Hape-Walk-Long-Puppy-Wooden/dp/B008E190RG
Why I picked it: FSC-certified wood with non-toxic finishes and rubber-rimmed wheels. This has been a true win with my daughter for many years. It's durable, adorable, and completely safe.
Lovevery Organic Cotton Play Tunnel https://lovevery.com/products/the-play-tunnel
Why I picked it: 100% organic cotton that collapses into its own carrying case. This has provided us with so much fun, from crawling through it to hula-hooping with it. Versatile, portable, and no plastic in sight.
Melissa & Doug Wood Blocks Set https://www.target.com/p/melissa-38-doug-standard-unit-solid-wood-building-blocks-with-wooden-storage-tray-60pc/-/A-47994137
Why I picked it: FSC-certified wood with non-toxic colors. Open-ended fun that grows with your child. Simple, timeless, and safe.
LITTLE KIDS (3+)
Sarah's Silks Rainbow Wings https://www.sarahssilks.com/collections/fairy-wings/products/rainbow-wings
Why I picked it: Made with 100% pure mulberry silk, hand-painted with earth-friendly dyes. These are a staple in my house as we are always pretending to be fairies. The quality is incredible and they spark so much imaginative play.
Tender Leaf Doctor's Bag https://www.tenderleaftoys.com/collections/toys-3-year-olds/products/doctors-bag
Why I picked it: A canvas and wood set with stethoscope, syringe, thermometer and more. Made of 100% FSC-certified wood with water-based paints free from heavy metals and lead, plus formaldehyde-free glues. Eco-friendly design crafted from sustainably sourced materials.
Hape Fix-It Tool Box https://toys.hape.com/products/fix-it-tool-box
Why I picked it: FSC-certified wood with non-toxic finishes. Encourages pretend play and fine motor skills. Sturdy enough to withstand enthusiastic little builders.
Stockmar Beeswax Crayons https://www.bellalunatoys.com/products/stockmar-beeswax-stick-crayons-8-standard
Why I picked it: Just beeswax and natural pigments. That's it. No petroleum waxes, no synthetics. Made in Germany with exceptional quality. They smell amazing and the colors are vibrant.
Eco-Kids Natural Play Dough https://www.bellalunatoys.com/products/ecokids-eco-kids-dough
Why I picked it: Plant-based dyes and completely non-toxic. You could also make your own, but this is a great option when you want something ready to go.
PlanToys Fruit & Vegetable Play Set https://www.bellalunatoys.com/products/plan-toys-assorted-fruits-vegetables
Why I picked it: Made from rubberwood with organic pigments and water-based dyes. Explicitly free of heavy metals and lead, with formaldehyde-free glue. Made in Thailand by a company committed to sustainability.
OLDER KIDS (4-6)
PlanetBox Prep to Pack Set https://www.planetbox.com/products/prep-to-pack-three-piece-prep-set
Why I picked it: A kid-safe peeler, wavy chopper, and finger guard made from rubber, wood, and food-grade stainless steel. Real cooking skills build real confidence. My daughter loves helping make her own lunch with this set.
Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks https://www.target.com/p/tegu-magnetic-wooden-blocks-8-piece-pocket-pouch-blossom/-/A-84898378
Why I picked it: FSC-certified hardwood with non-toxic water-based finishes. No lead, no plastic. The magnets are safely embedded inside the wood. Made in Honduras with living wage jobs, so you're supporting ethical manufacturing too. These grow with your child and the building possibilities are endless.