Best eco-toys gift guide

Eco-toys are good for the environment and, in turn, your kids. Everything in this gift guide is eco-friendly, unique, fun and among the best I've seen anywhere. For more gift ideas along this line, check out my upcoming gift guide for eco-conscious families!

Bring the classic children's book Peter Rabbit to life in an earth-friendly way with the Peter Rabbit Naturally Better. This line of bunnies are all made from certified organic cotton, eco-friendly materials and are Phthalate free. They come in recyclable, reusable, PVC free packaging and are produced in socially responsible factories. Plus they're really huggable!

Xeko Pals are made with earth-friendly soy fabric and filling. The giant panda, hairy-eared dwarf lemur, Sumatran flying squirrel, and other endangered species are all a part of the collection. My fav -Hairy, the Hairy Eared Dwarf Lemur. He’s so cute and is actually a life-sized replica at 5 inches tall! Plus he's from Madagascar, which is a good way to blend the fun of the popular kids movie with real life discussions!

Foundlings by Peace Toys are made with USA grown pesticide free unbleached cotton inside and out. The eyes are embroidered so there’s no danger of chocking hazards either. These are very friendly looking and especially great for young babies. They come in bunnies, bears, whales, elephants, puppies and turtles. My one year old particularly enjoys snuggling with her Foundling elephant.

Planet Pixies are made with organic cotton fabrics by I Love My Planet Toys. They come with a little story about where the pixie fairy comes from and how your little one can help save her environment. These are a fun and imaginative way to get a conversation going with young children about the importance of saving the planet. Plus they're really cool looking dolls and will be a favorite with little girls who like to pretend they're fairies!

For something a little different, yet still eco-friendly, check out the handmade wool vehicles from Elegant Roots. The set of police car and ambulance are sure to be a hit without hurting the environment. They're made of high quality, sustainable, renewable New Zealand wool-felt in Nepal under fair trade conditions. You can read all about the details of how this product is made and the artisans who make it at ElegantRoots.com.

Organic cotton handknit Joobles from Fair Indigo are sure to be a crowd pleaser.They have a bee, dog, penguin, bunny and other cute animal designs. The Joobles are made under free trade practives in Lima, Peru by a family-run facility where Fair Indigo says a dad grows the cotton and mom runs the co-op. They have other cute animal designs too. Watch a video on their website on the design of this toy to learn more.

For an inventive spin on an eco-toy, check out Discovery Kids’ Paper Recycling Studio. Kids can learn how paper is made while actually doing it themselves. Also teaches a little about how recycle works to boot. Pretty neat. Best for kids 8 and up.