Today, I’d like to help you start thinking about creative and safe toy ideas for any young children on your shopping list.
In a previous toy post I mentioned that wooden toys are safe but not always the most fun toys. I have to correct myself, though. Have you checked out Melissa & Doug’s toys? My children love playing with their wooden paper dolls (with a safe magnetic backing) and wooden play food in their kitchen. All of their toys that I’ve seen are oh so cool.
Just like wooden toys are safe, stuffed animals are safe, too … as long as they don’t have tiny eyes or decorations glued on that could choke a child. One good thing about stuffed animals is that they’re washable – and if your child has asthma or allergies, you’ll need to frequently wash cuddly toys.
You’ll want to steer clear of any soft or squishy plastic toys. From experience, I know this is extremely difficult – especially with babies. It’s tough when you spy cute rubber duckies or even chunky figurines. Hard plastic is the way to go, though, just as a precaution against PVC or phthalates.
There’s a way to support crafters, get some super creative and unique toys, and choose safe options – simply check out toys on Etsy. (I’m amazed at how crafty and talented people are!)
And while they’re not toys, books or games are always an excellent choice for children of all ages.
So what’s on my list?
Big Brother is way into dressing up, so we bought a lot of super hero costumes for him. I think it’s safe to say he’ll be living in them for the next year. He’ll also get some Imaginext toys – I like the fact they’re made with hard plastic. (I don’t like the tiny pieces, though.)
For Little Sister, we found some princess dress up clothes just in her size. And, of course she’ll get a baby doll. She’s also really into kitties and puppies, so she’s getting some stuffed ones for her birthday. I also know she’s getting a hard plastic dollhouse and dolls that she is just going to adore.
Talk back
Photo credit
© Hallgerd | Dreamstime.com
Latest posts by Hilary Kimes Bernstein (see all)
- The Day I Realized Healthy Choices Don’t Guarantee Health - July 21, 2015
- Avoid Synthetic Bug Sprays with All-Natural Repellents - July 16, 2015
- The Day I Learned I Could Cook Real Food - July 13, 2015
My daughter wants makeup (to wear for playtime) so I am in the middle of researching safe makeup for kids. I haven’t really found what I’m looking for, but I did read about how to make safe lip balm and blush. She really wants lip gloss instead of lip balm, though. And I haven’t found anything for safe eye shadow. It sounds like Suncoat makes a good nail polish, so I ordered a couple for her. Let me know if anyone has a good source for children’s makeup.
She is also getting a box of girly Legos and a Melissa & Doug wooden beaded jewelry set. At her request, she’s getting clothes (can you tell she’s a prissy one…makeup, jewelry, clothes).
My kids love to be active….so…My 7 1/2 year old is getting stilts and a skateboard. I also think she’ll really like a calligraphy set and a porcelain tea set. My 4 year old is getting a spooner board and a skateboard. He likes Imaginext and boy dress-up clothes too, so those are on his list.
Megan,
Wow … I have no idea about children’s makeup. And I realize I’ll be dealing with this same predicament in a few years!
I would recommend checking out products on http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com.
If you are OK with letting your daughter wear safe adult products, I checked today and Maia’s Mineral Galaxy (www.maiasminerals.com) has eye shadow pencils. They also have lip gloss.
(If you find any safe products on the Cosmetics Database, please consider clicking on the Amazon ad to the right and checking if Amazon carries them. :)