For Plastic-free July I am attempting to buy nothing new for the whole month. Other than our broken potato peeler, my biggest challenge so far has been kids’ birthday party presents! Unfortunately July seems to be the month that our kids turn super popular and get invited to birthday parties every weekend, and along with the parties, come the presents. They’re one of the few things that I’m not comfortable buying second hand. But never one to renege on a challenge, I have researched my little heart out and come up with some great DIY options, as well as some other awesome eco-friendly gift ideas for kids. Check out the full list below!
DIY Options
Recipe Jars - cake / brownie / cupcakes in a jar, pancake in a bottle
Lego travel kits
Slime
Playdough kit with some second hand cutters
Beeswax wraps - from fabric they'll love
Bath bombs
Lip balm
Colouring book of photos
Photo book
Dress up box of fabulous thrifted finds
Fairy Garden
Seeds and pot
Long Lasting Kids' Gifts
Books
Lego
Quality wooden toys
Board Games
Wooden jigsaw puzzles
Musical instruments
Experience Kids' Gifts
Vouchers - movies, ten-pin bowling, mini golf, ice-skating etc
Passes - museum, zoo, waterpark, themepark, climbing walls, trampoline park
Tickets to a show, concert or sports match
Memberships - toy library, zoo etc
Movie Night Kit - Put together a box filled with popcorn, a jar of lollies and gift cards for pizza and movie rentals
Lessons - music, swimming, dance, sports, art or horseriding
Ecofriendly Kids' Gifts
Reusable water balloons - yes it's a real thing!
Peg people made to look like their own family - this could be a gift that you add a new 'peg' to each birthday. Check out EllyPeg, or if you're the arty type - make them yourself.
Guilt-free glitter - get the sparkle without the pollution www.glitterevolution.com
A bento lunchbox with compartments (no need for clingfilm!)
Wooden flower press
Gardening kit/gloves/seeds
Drink bottle
Honey sticks
DIY kits - like make your own flashlight or speaker by Sharper Thinker
Anything from Trade Aid
Support local and handmade where possible
For Babies
A Plunket/Wellchild Book Cover - unique and personalised
A living tree gift to grow alongside baby - check out www.nztreesplease.co.nz
-Heuristic play box (homemade or store bought)
Good quality wooden toys that will last a lifetime (like these wooden cars made from mill off-cuts), or start a collection of classic wooden animals which you can add to in future gifts
Growth Chart
Something practical! A baby soap, DIY reusable wipes kit, a voucher for/pack of Little & Brave compostable nappies (Auckland only at this stage)
I find that the more toys my children get, the less value they place on them, and the more they want! This is such a great way to teach the next generation about what is truly important, quality over quantity, looking after things and consumerism in general. Do you have any other great tips for eco-friendly toys? I'd love to hear about them in the comment below, or on facebook or instagram!
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