Why a Sustainable Toy Isn’t Just For Birthdays
Birthdays are an annual affair, which typically only means one thing to kids - toys! We are so used to over-abundance that the idea of a mountain of presents waiting to be unwrapped is the norm, but maybe we should look at that huge pile of gifts in a slightly different way.
Modern advertising has done an exceedingly good job of telling us how kids are best served with the glitziest, most high-tech toy or gadget in the market. But what kind message does that send? The true cost of an object is often obscured, and important details such as carbon footprint and production methodology are seldom included on the packaging. And with planned obsolescence and high turnovers being an uncomfortable reality, there is the real risk of children commodifying gifts with little consideration otherwise.
Sustainability, not just in toys, is no longer a novelty. In a 2022 survey, almost half of the respondents replied that they had started buying sustainable products in the past two years, while a whopping 84% confirmed their willingness to spend more on product if it was sustainably produced. Incorporating sustainability into gifts isn’t just more eco-friendly, it creates an opportunity for others to get involved in the discussion. With kids, a teachable moment can also be an enriching one.
There are plenty of takeaways to be had with a sustainably produced toy. From ethical supply chains to responsible production practices and environmentally-friendly packaging, the value of such toys lies in the thought and consideration that goes into conceiving and designing them, not just for the benefit of current generations but future ones as well. If you’re looking to get started, have a peek at some of our suggestions below:
Building kits
Building kits are not only great for being used repeatedly, but help to develop fine motor skills as well as lateral thinking, and concepts such as organisation and following rules. It also helps to improve communication skills which can be further enhanced each time the game is played with someone new.
Bike or scooter
Bikes and scooters are not only great for physical activity, but they give children freedom, and are only limited by their destination (or how far their guardians let them travel!). The outside world is full of fun and bikes and scooters give them the opportunity to explore while at the same time making them feel more independent and adventurous. They’ll be begging to go out on the bike every weekend.
Books
Like building kits, books can be enjoyed multiple times, and if read by different people each time (parent, grandparent, sibling, self-reading), they will experience the story in a different way. Books can also act as a proud collection, so it’s great to have a bookshelf or place you can stack the books and this will make your child excited to add to the collection.
Art supplies
Art supplies are limited only by your child’s imagination. A paint set, stencil set or even just colouring pencils, along with a batch of paper makes it up to your child for however long they want to create art. And creating art has even more longevity to it when done together or in groups.
Building blocks
Building blocks offer an unlimited number of outcomes that are all borne out of your child’s creativity. Get them to play with friends too as this can add another dimension during playtime, improve teamwork and communication, not to mention endless uses from such a simple concept.