Eco, organic and natural does not = boring…

delta — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 02:36:34 +0000

When I started my search for eco products for children — long before Itty Bitty Greenie was born — I was overwhelmed by the selection of “natural” coloured organic onesies and plain wooden toys. Sure they were pure and beautiful, but having looked forward to the time when I could buy things for my own children, I craved a little more colour and fun. After all, making eco choices shouldn’t have to be boring, right?

I’ve always found rainbows cheerful and inspiring, so I guess it’s no surprise that colourful items figure prominently in our collection of eco-fabulous finds. Here are some of my faves:

1) Plan Toys Baby Car $24.95

2) Hess Spielzeug Elephant Rattle $15.95

3) Playable Art Balls $49.95

4) Beeswax Honey Sticks (box of 12 colours) $14.95

5) Hess Spielzeug Heart Rattle $15.95

6) Frugi Rainbow Organic Babygrow $29.95

7) Rainbow Rattle and Teething toy $14.95

8) Teddy Bear Rattle and Grasping Toy $16.95

9) Little Innoscents Certified Organic Skincare for children – gift set $19.95

10) Tots Bots EasyFit modern cloth nappy – Rainbow Spot print $32.95

11) Plan Toys Oval Xylophone $39.95

12) Frugi Rainbow Spot Organic Babygrow $24.95

By Donna MacMullin

Creative Communications, Graphic Design, Communications, Blogging, Copywriting, Content Management

The Big One – Top Eco Toys for your Baby’s first Birthday

delta — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 05:20:40 +0000

Of all the milestones your child reaches in the first year, the big one – the big ONE – that first birthday is so special. And while it’s true most children at this age can’t tell much difference between all those brightly coloured toys, before you know it they’ll master every one of them and even choose some favourites.

Finding toys that are fun AND safe can be a bit of a challenge. Since most toddlers put absolutely everything in their mouths, it’s best to be mindful of the materials used. Always check safety standards and try to consider environmental impacts by choosing items made from natural and eco-friendly materials.

Here’s my top five eco-friendly, non-toxic toys perfect for a first birthday:

1) Pull-along toys

They’re great for little ones who are just learning how to walk because they encourage movement and toddlers love watching the toy follow them as they walk or cruise along. Each pull-along toy in the award-winning Plan Toys collection has a different movement that’s captivating. The zebra bobs its head, the puppy wiggles and wags, the alligator dances and clatters … see the whole range here.

2) Musical Toys

Drums, shakers, xylophones – any musical instrument is a good way to develop hand-eye co-ordination and reinforce a natural sense of rhythm that all children have. My favourite is the colourful Plan Toys wooden xylophone.

3) Stacking toys and puzzles

It might seem early to start puzzles at age one, but simple puzzles, stacking toys and shape sorters are wonderful for developing hand-eye co-ordination, fine motor skills and language. They’re also a great rainy day activity.

4) Crayons

By age one most children are still learning to grasp and manipulate objects, and Honeysticks beeswax crayons are great because they are chubby and easy to grip. They’re also handmade in New Zealand from beeswax and non-toxic pigments so they are natural and safe for children.

5) Green Toys Vehicles

Whether it’s the recycling truck, the tugboat or one of the race cars, these not only incorporate super-cool design (made from 100% recycled plastic) they’re also BPA, phthalate and lead free, amazingly durable and wonderful for encouraging imaginative play. Take them to the beach, the bath, the garden – wherever your itty bitty likes to play!

View our entire range of eco-friendly toys in the Itty Bitty Greenie shop.