Ethical Shopping

Plastic-free presents for babies, toddlers and children this Christmas

Buying gifts for kids doesn't have to mean opting for plastic tat. We've rounded up the best eco-friendly options.

There are plenty of plastic-free options for kids and babies this Christmas.

Spending Christmas with kids is a joy – from the excitement of Father Christmas arriving to the look on their faces when they tear open their new presents under the tree. 

Yet when it comes to gift-buying for kids, most shops are full of cheaply-made plastic toys which are unlikely to last beyond January. 

Many of these toys and items end up in landfill, contributing to the UK’s growing plastic pollution problem

So this Christmas, why not opt for plastic-free kids gifts? There are plenty of sites, sellers and products which would make great presents without adding to our plastic problem.

We’ve rounded up some of the best picks for this festive season.

Babies

Organic baby bodysuit, £14.90 

This adorable baby suit comes in three different sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-12 months. It’s made from organic cotton and is patterned in multicoloured “kisses”. 

The bodysuit is made by From Babies With Love, a company with a social mission to help less fortunate children around the world. 

All profits from sales go towards supporting abandoned children around the world.

Organic muslin baby shawl, £16.90

Another gorgeous gift idea by From Babies With Love, this soft muslin shawl can be used to swaddle young babies or as a lightweight cover for burping and feeding. 

It comes in a gorgeous sparkly star print which is perfect for Christmas. 

Lanco Astronomia bath toy set, £17.99

These colourful bath toys are made from 100 per cent natural rubber and are free of PVC and BPA and the material has been sourced sustainably.

They’re perfect for a young baby to enjoy at bathtime and come in a small bag to keep them together. 

Wooden baby gym, £89.95

If you’ve got a little more cash to spend, this wooden baby gym with detachable toys would make a gorgeous gift for a baby this Christmas. 

The wood and materials are sustainably-sourced, and the toys can be detached for playing with even once the gym is outgrown. 

Toddlers 

Wooden rainbow stacker toy, £19.99

Perfect for a toddler, this rainbow stacker toy can be used to learn colours, balance shapes on each other or used as a bridge or tunnel for toy cars. 

The toy is handmade by women in Bangladesh who are employed by Best Years – a company which creates fairly-paid flexible jobs for women in the country while providing childcare for their kids. 

Organic elephant toy, £24.99

Swerve plastic with this adorable elephant soft toy, which is ethically sourced and made from sustainably sourced cotton.

This is another toy from Best Years, meaning your cash will go towards fair employment for women in Bangladesh. 

Wooden fire engine toy, £26.99

Perfect for kids with a zeal for cars and trucks, this wooden fire engine toy is handcrafted by fairly-paid artisan and made from a sustainable source of Rubberwood and non-toxic paint.

It comes with three peg-style characters and has a removable roof and ladders, meaning the figures can be placed into the vehicle.

Wooden drum, £24.99

Encourage the budding musician in your life with this wooden drum and drumstick.

It’s manufactured with sustainable materials and comes from Plan Toys, a company which has a carbon-positive factory, selling electricity back to the national grid. 

Little bug bingo, £4.95 

Little Bug Bingo is a colourful mini beast bingo game for ages 3-6. 

The fun matching game features a variety of familiar and unfamiliar bugs and insects for children to identify, from ladybirds to water boatmen. The first player to fill their board with leaves and shout ‘Bingo’ wins. Perfect for playing on boxing day. 

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Children 

Wooden teaching clock, £19.99

This wooden teaching clock is handmade by a fair trade organisation using sustainably sourced wood. 

It has many uses – you can use it to teach the concept of time, as a puzzle, and even for learning colours. It is perfect for developing hand-eye coordination.

The toy comes from Best Years, so your money will go toward sustainable jobs for women in Bangladesh. 

RSPB Wild Facts About Nature Paperback Book, £6.99

Printed on sustainable paper, this paperback would be perfect for the little nature-lovers in your life. 

It contains all kinds of interesting facts, from what makes a tiger walk backwards to which fish can walk on land. It also contains jokes, games, quizzes and artwork.

Adopt a penguin gift pack, £19.99

This adoption pack works with the Galapagos Conservation Trust, which helps Galapagos Penguins by conserving their habitats. 

Your 12-month adoption will make a valuable contribution to the continuation of these beautiful animals, and is a wonderful gift for any young penguin enthusiast.

Fox hat, £13.95 

This cute fair trade hat for children comes in an adorable fox design.

It’s sure to keep little ones warm this winter with the fleece lined, 100 per cent wool hat, handmade in Nepal. Matching gloves available.

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