* This post is sponsored by Superbalist. It's the beginning of a new school year and the start of all kinds of extra-murals and sports for our crew... That means shoe shopping. More specifically, sneaker shopping! Growing feet need new trainers for netball, hockey,...
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New Balance Sneakers for the entire family!
* This post is sponsored by Superbalist. It's the beginning of a new school year and the start of all kinds of extra-murals and sports for our crew... That means shoe shopping. More specifically, sneaker shopping! Growing feet need new trainers for netball, hockey,...
Where to buy eco-friendly toys in South Africa
It’s not always easy knowing where to buy eco-friendly toys in South Africa… Which brands are “green” and how do I find them hidden amongst the countless others. Don’t worry mama, I’ve done the digging for you and found the best eco toys from the most reliable online stores. And we’re also celebrating a “BIG brand” taking steps to change for the better…
MEGA BLOKS 1st Builders
A few days ago Ava received a special delivery. A set of MEGA BLOKS 1st Builders – Polar Friends. But this wasn’t just any old set…
These block are made from plant-based plastics! A sugarcane-based polyethylene to be specific which is a renewable raw material. And MEGA BLOKS has even reconsidered their packaging. They are swopping out the old and glossy, with beautiful 100% recyclable and FSC-certified packaging, which are also made from recycled and sustainably-grown materials.
It’s all of the fun, all of the quality and durability, and all of the learning and playing BUT with a kinder, more mindful approach to the future and the world. MEGA BLOKS wants to make sure their cute little animal designs aren’t the only ones left for future generations to enjoy.
Ava really enjoys building anything at this age and she had such a giggle at her silly miss-matched “penguin-bears” but her favourite was the mommy and baby penguin pair.
The MEGA BLOKS plant-based block sets come in 3 themes:
- 10 piece Polar Friends (Just like ours)
- 30 piece Safari Friends
- 70 piece Woodland Friends
More about MEGA BLOKS
- These are ideal for First Builders™, ages 1+. These blocks are the perfect fit for little hands and designed to awaking your little one’s creative side while developing their fine motor skills.
- Perfect for open-play while also encouraging skills such as matching, stacking and building.
- Compatible with all Mega Bloks building toys
These are available at leading retailers.
Other “green toys” and where to buy…
Make Believe Co.
Created in 1981, this award-winning brand are pioneers of sustainable play. All their toys are made from chemical-free wood, non-formaldehyde glue, organic colour pigments and water-based dyes. They are passionate about the environment, finding sustainable ways to create imaginative, educational and colourful toys, whilst showing kids (and parents) that going green can be just as fun!
All-natural kids play makeup. The Pretty Play Makeup allows littles one to play with makeup without using harmful chemicals and synthetic colours which can be digested or absorbed through the skin and into their bloodstream. With No Nasties parents have peace of mind and (little mess).
My Eco Sprout
My Eco Sprout, wants to get kids into the garden. Teaching them about plants, the earth and the environment while getting down and dirty and having FUN as they grow their own food. How exciting! It’s messy play, sensory play and lifeskills all in one with the help of their growing kits, seed packets and other gardening essentials.
Little Bee Hive
The most adorable Cardboard Wendy Houses to provide hours of creative play.
Currently, these can only be ordered via Instagram Direct Message.
Stumped
A wonderful local company, designed and made. Stumped makes open-ended play kits, toys and games, where children learn to rely on their creativity to lead the way as they build and explore.
Imagine Play
Timeless Toys
100% Recycled Goodness! This Californian based company transforms recycled milk jugs into imaginative play things. Not a battery powered kind of play either! Green Toys are built to add educational play value to young children AND designed to withstand rigorous play. Green Toys contain no BPA, phthalates or PVC and have won numerous awards for their commitment to manufacturing safe, fun toys. Every part of the process involves being kind to the planet, even down to their completely recyclable packaging. Best of all, if the toys get a bit grubby (as toys tend to do) you can safely chuck them in the dishwasher. Or leave them outside in the sandpit!
Soufi
This local mama-run brand is the biggest stockist of Plan Toys we’ve come across (remember, we mentioned them above). These eco-toys are made from reclaimed rubber tree wood. The glue that is used is E-Zone, making it non-formaldehyde and toxic-free, the colorants are organic plant derivatives and the packaging is eco-friendly too.
These are a few of our top picks but Soufi has many, many more!
Honest Toys
This beautiful local brand strives to open the eyes of little ones to the beauty of our world through their incredible range of international toys that all have a positive impact on our children as well as the planet.
Our favourites from them include:
eeBoo commissions original art from acclaimed children’s book illustrators – many of whom have received the Caldecott medal, the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award, or other significant honours. They are committed to responsible sourcing and manufacturing and use 90% recycled board and vegetable inks to make the vast majority of their products. eeBoo products never include unnecessary packaging or plastic components and are so well made that they can be handed down and used again and again. Everything eeBoo makes is tested to the most stringent safety standards.
Soulplay toys are individually made in the heart of Constantia, Cape Town. Handcrafted from quality natural materials, these toys have a lovely texture and feel. Carefully stitched, each doll is strong and durable and are made to be loved and played with for many years.
* Honest Toys also stock Plan Toys, Green Toys, Imagine Play and Stumped.
Wooden Toys are also a more sustainable choice and so is supporting local. CLICK HERE to have a look at our Proudly South African Wooden Toy Gift Guide as well.
Did we miss your favourite “green” brand? Please let us know in a comment below.
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Another super cute baby shop that can be added to this list is EcoElla & Friends. They are relatively new, but they also sell eco-friendly, organic and plastic-free baby things.
Thank you so much for letting me know Stacey. Will definitely check them out.