Just in time for Earth Day, toy expert Claire Green offers some suggestions that are as eco-friendly as they are wallet-friendly:
Gobblet. It's a strategy game played like tic-tac-toe in which players alternate trying to secure four spaces in a row with four game pieces. Blue Orange Games' policy supports planting two trees for every one used to create the wooden games. (Ages 7+, $29.99.)
Tegu 8 Piece Pocket Pouch. Gorgeous and gravity-defying, this set of eight magnetic wooden pieces is made from sustainably harvested lumber in the company-owned factory in Honduras. The eco-friendly pouch makes it ready for travel. (Ages 3+, $24; tegu.com.)
Eco Crafts. Filled with colorful soy-ink tissue papers, wooden spoons and forks, buttons and beads, recycled colored pencils and stickers and shapes, this cheerful packaging just begs to be opened. (Ages 6+, $22; Alextoys.com.)
Plan Toys. Committed to minimizing its effect on the environment, these toys stress the three R's: reduce, reuse and recycle. Made from natural materials, this line of colorful pull toys includes caterpillars, crocodiles and zebras and will inspire young ones to take their pets for a walk. (Ages 18 months+, $20; plantoys.com.)
Claire Green is president of Parents' Choice Foundation, a non-profit guide to quality media and toys for children. For more information, visit parents-choice.org.
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