by Elizabeth Blankenship

Created on: September 23, 2008   Last Updated: December 11, 2008

2007's HUGE toys recall was alarming! Be vigilant about the toys kids play with. Kids want to fit in and be "cool." You want them to have safe toys. Green gifts for kids are cool, fun, and most importantly safe.

Some holiday is just around the corner. Wonderful eco-friendly toys are available. Choosing the right green gift for kids doesn't have to be difficult. Be pro-active, don't leave it up to Multi-Million dollar companies to watch out for kid's safety anymore. They ultimately have the bottom dollar glued to their greedy little fists.

Thankfully, we have some eco-friendly helpers, making green gift giving easier you. CO-OP America (www.coopamerica.org) compiled a Green Business Network List. Filled with pre-screen green companies commitment to you and our planet. Use the green pages to find safe eco-friendly toys for kids. Fair Trade companies are also included in the green list. Another helper, Greenpeace rated top green electronics. To view, visit (www.greenpeace.org, type in green electronics, browse electronics rated for their eco-mindedness.

GIFT IDEAS FOR THE "LIL" ONES:

~ Handcrafted wooden toy trains(personalize them) for your child are available at (www.maplelandmark.com). Maple Landmark (Is a Vermont based company) has been in business for thirty years offering a great alternative to "Thomas" trains. Maple Landmark trains are made in the USA.

~ Lamb or Bunny organic cotton Towel Dolls are available at (www.peapods.com). Peapods has been making Towel Dolls for ten years. Not all are made in the USA because Peapods supports fair-trading.

GIFT IDEAS FOR TODDLERS:

~ Handcrafted wooden tea sets are available at (www.hazelnutkids.com). Hazelnut Kids only sells natural toys and offers a wide array of options. They offer flat rate shipping, only ($5.95)!

~ Handcrafted Busy boat is available at (www.northstartoys.com). North Star Toys is family owned and run since 1979. They offer many natural and affordable toys.

GIFT IDEAS FOR TWEENIES:

~ Farm House made by Plan and MobileHome made by Kids On Roof are available at (www.planethappytoys.com). Planet Happy Toys has partnered with Trees For The Future and a percent of all profits go back into planting trees. So far they have planted 5500 trees!

~ Betting On Nature is a card game like no other card game and is available at (www.kvalegames.com). KVALE offers affordable games that are fun, educational, and challenging for all ages.

GIFTS FOR TEENS:

~ Decks by Comet Skateboards ("YE OLDE COSMIC SHRED 30") is available at (www.cometskateboards.com). Comet Skateboards are made with sustainable maple, poplar, or bamboo and are100% biodegradable. They can be ground up for Mulch when they no longer are skimming curves.

~ Dell D630 lap top is available at (www.dell.com). The Dell D630 is one of the best Energy Star rated laptops on the market right now.

Your kids creativity is being lost by energy zapping toys like MP3s, IPODS, and video games. Get back to the basics, give green gifts, and bring out their creative side again. When thinking about gifts remember that something recycled (bicycle) or re-used (clothing) can be new someone else.

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