By Katherine Martinko / Source: TreeHugger

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Toy stores are exciting places to visit, but it can be tough to find high quality toys that satisfy green and ethical standards. Since ‘eco-friendly toys’ is not a mainstream industry, it’s usually necessary to look online in order to find such manufacturers. Here is a list of ideas from cool companies that care about production methods. Some focus on domestic (North American) production, fair trade certification, and sustainable sourcing, so choose according to your priorities. These gifts are bound to be a hit with the kids!

Liquid Glass will be the most popular gift of the day, according to reviewers. Made of silicone-based inert non-toxic synthetic rubber, this putty oozes and kneads and bounces. Roll it into a rubber ball or mold it into a temporary sculpture before storing in its metal tin. Made in the United States.

Order online at Uncommon Goods, $14

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This cuddly stuffed fox is made at a women’s cooperative in Peru, where workers are paid a living wage and a portion of profits go toward local education programs. The fox is made of organic cotton and non-toxic dyes, with poly fill, and stands 11” tall.

Order online, $25.90

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Toy company Manny & Simon produces its high quality wooden toys in a factory in southern California. This cute push cart is made from 100% pre-consumer, domestically grown reclaimed wood residuals and painted with non-toxic, zero-VOC paint. It is perfect for children learning how to walk.

Order online, $150

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Fancy a cup of green tea? This tea set is made by Green Toys, a California-based company that makes all of its toys in the United States from 100% recycled plastic. Since its founding, Green Toys has recycled nearly 40 billion milk jugs and turned them into fun, sturdy toys that can be thrown in the dishwasher for cleaning. You can learn more about production methods on its website.

Order online or find in certain toy stores, $27.99

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Crayon Rocks are unusual because they are crayons shaped in an egg-like oval. This is meant to strengthen a child’s grip and prepare them better for handwriting. Because of their shape, Crayon Rocks cannot be gripped in a fist, but rather must be held in a ‘tripod’ position of thumb, first, and middle fingers.

They are made of U.S.-grown kosher soy wax (unlike the petroleum paraffin wax of conventional crayons), combined with natural mineral pigment for color and ground rock to give body. Collection of 16 Fall & Winter Colors in a muslin bag pictured above.

Order online, $9.95

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Uncle Goose makes its classic alphabet blocks in the United States from Michigan-sourced basswood and non-toxic lead-free inks. These come with a cute basswood wagon that holds the blocks, or can be used to give rides to other toys. Comes with 28 cubes.

Order online, $56

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This wagon is an upfront investment, but it will last for years. (My brothers have had theirs for 15 years and now my kids are using it.) Made in Canada, it has a sturdy steel frame, plywood platform, and removable hardwood sides. The wheels are thick rubber (quiet on sidewalks!) and can be swapped out for plastic skis in wintertime.

Order online or buy at Canadian store locations. Ships to USA. $249 CAD (approx. $180 USD)

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Using Peterson’s “Field Guide to Birds of North America” as inspiration, these beautiful memory tiles are a great way for kids to learn how to recognize birds. Made in Middlebury, Vermont, the tiles are birch plywood with brightly colored bird images and names on one side.

Order online or in certain toy stores, $26

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This adorable puzzle is made by Begin Again Toys, a Vermont-based company that uses natural materials, bio-plastics made from corn and wheat starches and recycled yogurt containers. The puzzle has 26 pieces – one for each letter of the alphabet – and is perfect for teaching fine-motor skills. Made of rubber wood with non-toxic paint.

Buy online, $40

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Made by LUSH, this cool kit comes with white, black, and orange soap that you can mold into a snowman. When you’re done playing, you can use it in the bath to soap up or create piles of bubbles. Wrap in cellophane in between uses and it will keep for a while. Made with buchu, bergamot, and Sicilian lemon essential oils to smell heavenly.

Order online or visit a local LUSH store, $6.95

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