3 Cool Gift Ideas Kid’s Won’t Already Have!
Posted in Boy's Favorite Things, Etsy, Etsy, Etsy, Girls Favorite Things, Green Hour A Day on December 7, 2008
There are just SO many awesome eco-fabulous products out there for Christmas! Very unique, nature based, eco-friendly, wonderful things that come to my attention via Etsy surfing or from talented mompreneurs. Looking for gifts for children that have everything or maybe have too many commercial based toys? Here are three wonderful products ranging in very affordable prices that they don’t already have – but would LOVE to receive!
1) The wonderful Nature Bag. This product was created by two New Westminster Moms who noticed a void with encouraging children back into nature, trying to reduce the ‘nature deficit disorder’ that author Richard Louv described in the book ‘Last Child In The Woods’ that is one of the inspirations behind what called these moms into action. In an attempt to re-connect children with our beautiful environment, the co-founders Katharine and Sylvie produced a wonderful concept: The Nature Bag. Filled with what you might expect..binoculars, magnifying glass, bug box, and notepad, the true magic of this bag are the booklets inside that inspire parents with new ideas with re-introducing kids back into appreciating and learning about nature. I also loved the simple idea of ‘leaf viewers’ and cards where you can stick treasures found in nature to bring home. The price point makes this a very special gift – the perfect gift recommendation for a grandparent or Santa present. Really, at $34.99, if your child becomes re-stimulated with nature and spends less ‘screen time’ at home, that cost seems very low. You can visit our friends at Pedagogy Toys or buy online at Raspberry Kids. I have used this bag during a field trip with naturalists at a nearby park and many of the concepts and lessons included in the bag were covered by these knowledgeable guides. These moms have really done their homework and come up with a product that will bring out the ‘David Suzuki’ in any child. A very special gift for any child that needs to spend more time with nature.
2) Ring ring! What child wouldn’t think they own customized bike bell isn’t the coolest? Check out these adorable bicycle bells from the Etsy shop Dring Dring. They use eco-friendly paints without solvents or toxic fumes. They are weather resistant and the company is always creating new designs. They also charge depending on where you live (US or Canada) because they are a Canadian based company…that is so nice! Check out this picture from their Etsy site. What child wouldn’t appreciate their very own uniquely made bell for their bike?!
3) Last (but not least) have you ever heard of Fabkins? What a great little gem for gift exchanges with little friends, stocking stuffers, or ‘greening’ up your party ideas. They are wonderful cloth napkins with different embroidered themes to please any child. They help promote environmental awareness by reducing paper waste and are totally adorable. I know my girls especially, love to dab the corners of their mouth at mealtime and think these are a very special addition to meal time. Fabkins come in sets of 5 and the cute designs make this a very unique and wonderful gift AND kids are learning about reusing products rather than always opting for the easy solution of disposable napkins.
I hope these and other Mommy Footprint ideas help inspire some gift giving ideas that promote some old school, sustainable values. There is no better gift than a product that stimulates and educates a child’s mind.
