It’s that time of the year again: holiday shopping time. If you’re shopping for kids, whether they are your own or someone else’s, jump on the go-green bandwagon this year and look for something a little more eco-friendly. The good news is that it is easy to find green holiday gifts for kids of any age.
Image courtesy of Green Toys

Babies and toddlers — anything from Green Toys

Green Toys lives up to its name. The company’s toys are all made from recycled plastic, with most of the content coming from recycled milk jugs. The products, which are made entirely in the U.S., do not contain traceable amounts of phthalates or BPA and have no external coating, so lead paint isn’t a concern. The products are packaged in recycled corrugated boxes with no cellophane or twist-ties. The Green Toys product line includes a variety of products for young children, including push trucks, outdoor toys, building blocks, a tea set and a tool set. Green Toys products are available at major retailers like Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and FAO Schwarz.

Elementary-aged kids — ‘Monopoly: Planet Earth Edition’

Monopoly is still a favorite game in our house. I remember playing it as a child, and now it is one of my children’s most requested games. Monopoly now has a Planet Earth edition. Sure, it will still come wrapped in plastic, but it comes in a box made out of 100% recycled material. Monopoly: Planet Earth Edition features images from the BBC’s Planet Earth series. Help your children learn about natural habitats around the world while enjoying a game of Monopoly.

Pre-teens — Thames & Kosmos Global Warming Kit

If you’re raising a future climatologist like I am, then the Thames & Kosmos Global Warming Kit should be on your holiday shopping list. The kit, which is ideal for children ages 10 and up, helps children learn about the climate, why it is changing and what human actions cause climate change. The kit includes 23 experiments that will help both you and your child learn more about global warming.

Teens — Eco-nique iPod case

If your teen has an electronic device — whether it is an iPad, an iPod or a Kindle, Eco-nique has an eco-friendly case for it. The company’s Climate Positive cases are made from hemp or leather and are considered climate positive. Eco-nique works with Climate Care to purchase carbon offsets for its products. The company doesn’t stop at carbon neutral, though; it buys additional carbon offsets so the products are actually climate positive. Products are available on Amazon.com. Going green with your gift giving doesn’t necessarily mean spending more green. Each of these ideas is reasonably priced, and if they aren’t available at your local retailer you can probably find an online retailer that offers free holiday shipping.