Sustainable Gift Ideas for the Littles

November 20, 2022  •   2 min read

For the kiddos in your life, give them something magical, well-made, and unique this year. We’re sharing sustainable gift ideas for kids that have been curated and hand-selected for the highest quality and ethical & environmental manufacturing processes. Whether you choose to surprise them with a new gift every month through a subscription, or flashcards that help them learn about eco-living, support sustainable gifting during the most indulgent time of year.  

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1. eeBoo, Respect for the Earth Conversation Cards, $17.99 USD

For the conscious kiddos who care about making a difference, these flash cards from eeBoo are the perfect way to teach them about sustainability. These adorably illustrated cards inspire conversations about what each of us can do to make the world a better place, demonstrating environmental responsibility and tips on how to promote better habits and global awareness. eeBoo has been awarded Oppenheim Best Toy Awards for their imaginative play-based learning tools.

2. Londji, Wildlife Game, $25 CAD

This beautifully-illustrated memory game from Barcelona brand Londji (available at Can/US stockists) will introduce the little one in your life to the whole wildlife family – rhinos, monkeys, crocs and more. Helping kids to strengthen their memory and recall, this recycled paper card game helps connect children to the natural world, while also delivering hours of wild fun!

3. June Home Supply, Sheepskin, $160 CAD

These beautiful, 100% Canadian-made sheepskins are the perfect gift for the little one in your life to lay upon. Cozy, incredibly soft, and perfect for those cold winter days, this genuine Canadian sheepskin will bring comfort and style to any little one’s room. Its high-quality ensures that it’ll be long-lasting, a staple that can easily transition from nursery to adulthood.

4. Chaiwala, Book, $18.95 CAD

This sweet story will delight the kiddo in your life, while teaching them about different cultures. Chaiwala is a sensory celebration of family and food, following the story of a young girl and her mother who stop for a cup of steaming hot chai while waiting for their train in Jaipur, India. Written by Canadian/Indian Priti Birla Maheshwari, this book will instantly transport your little into a world of spices, sounds, and smells, engaging their senses while giving them a glimpse into a different world.

5. Lovevery, Play Kits, prices vary

Whether you choose the subscription model or a la carte toys, Lovevery is an amazing gift for growing little ones. With a variety of play-based learning toys, the little in your life will love exploring, building, and reading the educational, inclusive, and fun toys and books. 90% of materials used are made from renewable, bio-based or recycled materials, and the brand is a Certified B Corp.

6. The Playful Peacock, Nature Collection Alphabet Blocks, $195 CAD – FORAGE15 for 15% off

Relive your own childhood with this classic holiday toy – the wooden alphabet block. Reimagined and made exclusively for The Playful Peacock, these blocks are made from solid, smooth Canadian Maple hardwood that has been left unfinished to avoid use of chemicals. All blocks are engraved on all six sides with uppercase letters, numbers and intricate North American nature-themed graphics. Blocks are a wonderful way to develop early motor skills, dexterity, problem-solving, and spelling, and are also super fun to stack and build with. The Playful Peacock specializes in intentional toys for children that are earth-friendly, and purchasing this block set provides 7 meals to Indigenous Canadian children in need. What a beautiful way to practice radical reciprocity this holiday season!

7. Studio Roof, Mint Forest Butterfly, $20 USD

For the little one who loves arts and crafts, these enchanting creatures from Studio Roof are a great way to get their creativity flowing. Made from recycled cardboard and printed with vegetable inks, these flat-packed 3D pop outs are kind to the earth and nature-friendly. Choose from insects, flowers, jungle or sea creatures and get ready for an afternoon of screen-less fun!

8. Tane Organics, Hoodie with Pocket in Baby Alpaca, $143 USD

Tane’s Fall/Winter children’s wear inspiration couldn’t be more aligned with our ethos at Forage – taking cues from the natural world around us, the collection features soothing neutral hues, soft, hand-knit textures, silhouette’s evoking the forest’s canopy, and natural, undyed fibres. With a mission to create intentional design pieces for kids, Tane reinstates the traditional art of hand-knitting and handcrafting of quality heirloom styles that are made to be passed down for generations. Truly sus-tane-able!

9. A Year of Forest School, Book, $20.00 CAD

Introduce your little to nature-based learning with this beautiful book. Structured around the four seasons of the year, each chapter is packed full of step-by-step Forest School games and activities that harmonize with the weather and what’s happening in nature that season. For example, in the spring, make mud birthday cakes together to celebrate Earth Day or have a dandelion tea party. Nature-based play helps kids develop confidence, self-esteem and emotional intelligence, deeply connecting them (and parents!) back with nature, and thus, themselves.

10. Moulin Roty, Flower Press, $28.99 CAD

For the budding botanist, this flower press kit from Moulin Roty is the perfect way to help the little one in your life preserve the seasons, connect with nature, and learn about plants. Go on a nature walk, and collect special flowers, herbs and leaves and press them between the sections. The dried flowers and leaves can be used to make stickers, pictures, cards, artwork, or kept as a keepsake in a nature journal. The perfect gift to help them get a lily bit closer to the natural world.

You might also like: Your Guide to Green Baby Products

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