Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination will take you everywhere.” As parents we know that imaginative play is so important for our children’s development (especially social, emotional, and language) and it encourages creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills. 

Eco-conscious parents can delight in the fact that toy companies are offering more natural, non-toxic, and sustainable toys for your little ones. We’ve compiled a list of seven of our favorite green open-ended toys—get ready for your kids to create, play, repeat!

Mochi Blocks Baby Shower Set ($79.99; peopletoy.co)

Made for newborns to four year olds, this Mochi Blocks set comes with 28 pieces created from Japanese rice and a unique blend of ingredients to create 100% safe and sustainable Mochi rice-plastic! From shaking rattles to stacking to developing simple structures, this set encourages children to explore and make their own creations.

Musical Lili Llama by Manhattan Toy ($53; manhattantoy.com)

Let your tot enjoy a playful jam session with this musical llama (a 2020 Toy of the Year award finalist), featuring four spinners, two gears, a maraca tail, a xylophone with two mallets, and two clacking blankets. Made of wood with a non-toxic water-based finish, this llama is safe and the perfect sensory toy for kids 12 months and up.

Manzanita Kids Modular Dollhouse Tower Set ($170; manzanitakids.com)

Named one of the best modern dollhouses by Apartment Therapy, this modular set can be built in many different configurations (think dual towers, one large dollhouse, or an entire town). The towers are made of eco-friendly, high-grade birch plywood and the platforms on each wall contain notches on both ends, so it can lock in place with adjacent walls. The set also includes four peg people.

Apple Park Organic Dolls ($44; applepark.com)

The Park Friends collection are beautifully made dolls with organic cotton clothing and a 100% naturally hypoallergenic corn fiber filler. Each doll has embroidered eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as hand-painted rosy cheeks. Plus, children will love being able to change the doll’s (washable) clothing.

Honeysticks Longs Beeswax Crayons ($22.99; honeysticks.com)

Have a budding artist? These jumbo-sized, natural beeswax crayons are the perfect accessory for your child’s art kit. Made with 100% natural, food-grade ingredients and easily gripped by small hands, your child can spend countless hours creating drawings from real life and their imaginations. 

Kinderfeets Kinderboard ($79.99, amazon.com)

Help your little one learn balance and gain body awareness while supporting sustainability. This Waldorf-inspired balance board is lightweight yet durable and safe for toddlers and adults alike (it holds up to 485 pounds). The Kinderboard’s imaginative play opportunities are endless: it can be a seesaw, slide, doll bed, and much more.

Hoppi Subscription Box ($75/quarter; hoppibox.com)

Each box, delivered every three months, includes at least four eco-friendly, organic, and BPA-free toys your baby will love for imaginative play! All boxes are expertly curated and tailored to your baby’s age to support the development of fine motor, cognitive, and social skills at each stage.

Visit KIWI’s Kids Activities section for more fun!