Children mostly discard their possessions once they get bored. It is just human behavior. Your kid probably never thinks about what once was dear to her. But over the years, these toys, made of non-biodegradable items, generate a lot of waste.
If not disposed of carefully, such wastes can seriously harm the environment. So, it is essential to choose the right gifts for children. Right gifts also mean selecting sustainable products and doing right by the environment.
Pick gifts that are pleasing to your child and eco-friendly. So, this Children’s Day, ensure the products you gift your children meet both criteria. Sounds like a lot of work? Not really. Here are a few sustainable gifts for kids that you will love.
Consider buying gifts that do not involve the use of batteries.
Battery wastes are of the most harmful kind. No matter how durable or long-lasting, toys will break. When they do, parents who are oblivious of the proper practices to dispose of battery wastes, throw them into the garbage.
Such actions can have extreme effects and may result in fires and emission of life-risking fumes. Not only this, they also negatively impact the climate. If you still wish to purchase products that are battery-operated, consider investing in ones that come with rechargeable batteries. This way ensures better durability and less harm.
Eco-friendly painting essentials
Art supplies that are not sustainable when released into the environment or water bodies can affect marine organisms and humans. Art is a beautiful hobby to develop. However, being conscious about the paints that your child uses will ultimately provide her with a more sustainable future.
Thus, if you are planning to gift your child painting essentials, do it in an eco-friendly way. Sustainable products for drawing and art purposes include non-toxic chemicals, soy or beeswax crayons, and recycled paper art books.
How about an activity book?
In 2024, children often have limited interactions with nature. One way to change this involves gifting your kid an activity book. Activity books include tasks that require your child to go out and connect with nature. A growing child must spend more time outdoors and in the green for proper cerebral development.
Second Hand toys are both sustainable and economical.
The first reflex of most parents is to go for brand-new toys. While this is obvious, it involves more packaging waste and shipping. Increased shipping also means an increased carbon footprint. A sustainable way to reduce carbon footprint is to opt for gently used secondhand gift items.
You can easily find these from local markets or swap sites. Some toys in such sites and marketplaces are not even touched. Another benefit of purchasing second hand toys is lesser expenses since these products are comparatively cheaper. So, if you want something more pocket-friendly and eco-friendly, consider this.
Wooden products
When you must choose between wood and plastic, always go wooden. Wooden products are both durable and eco-friendly. However, some things must be kept in mind while making wooden purchases.
Check if the toy is made from renewable and sustainable materials like bamboo or is manufactured by depleting our precious forest woods. Furthermore, try to pick toys coloured using water-based paints instead of toxic chemical hues.
Toys that are solar-powered
Solar-powered toys are a clear winner. These gift items work on renewable resources. Also, they come in handy to introduce your child to scientific ideas at a young age. This sustainable trick also boosts creativity and innovation.
Gift seeds and plants
Gifting seeds and plants is a highly appreciated modern-day tradition. More and more people are now resorting to gifting plants instead of expensive gifts that do not even have any sentimental value. You can do this too. Gift your child a plant, or better, seeds. Sowing seeds and watching the plant grow will be a wonderful experience for your child. It ensures your child starts caring about nature from a tender age.
Conclusion
Besides the ideas we just touched upon, there are countless other ways to embrace sustainability this children’s day. Whether she is your daughter or a niece, showering them with sustainable gifts and making them understand the logic behind it can change the world. It is time to make our children eco-conscious.
