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Fun gifts for little ones (and their parents) prove that eco-friendly gifts can be just as, if not more, charming than the junky stuff.
Of all our gift guides, the one for kids and babies may have been the trickiest to make. Tots grow out of clothes and age out of toys so quickly. So, we really thought about what would last the children a long time, be of use to their parents, and be made of good materials: stuff strong enough to last and to be played with and worn by multiple kids. We think we’ve found some great choices that will encourage joy and active play, long after the holidays end.
Updated for the 2024 holiday season.
A Stuffy with a Story
The Elephant Project
The Elephant Project directs all of the net proceeds from its Save Us collection of stuffed animals to organizations that help support those animals. You can choose from elephants, a dog, or a lion.
A Darling Pair of Booties
Made Trade
Dalmatian, unicorn, bunny, lamb, fish? You’ll have a hard time choosing a pair of these handcrafted, Fair Trade, sheep’s wool baby booties. Read our review.
A Great Way to Connect
Solly Baby
Solly Baby’s Tencel wraps, Wirecutter’s favorite, seem to be universally loved. They’re supposed to reduce infant crying and be easy to get the hang of — in fact, each wrap comes with a complimentary one-on-one video-consultation with the company’s “babywearing educator.” Read our review.
A Fun, Non-Toxic Puzzle
Smiling Tree Toys
Smiling Tree Toys makes customizable name puzzles, blocks, balancers, teethers, and toys for babies and little kids, all from American hardwoods. They also plant a tree for every order. Read our review.
A Gift to Inspire Creative Play
Bunny Hopkins
Beautiful, thoughtfully designed toys from Bunny Hopkins can be whatever your child wants them to be: rainbows, rivers, mountains, boats, or even portals to other worlds. These open-ended toys are designed to spark their imagination and be passed down from child to child and family to family.
A Chic Outfit to Pass Down
Oeuf
Combining “American optimism and French je ne sais quoi,” Oeuf NYC makes charming, playful, and modern clothing and furniture. Read our review.
Recycled Toys for Non-Stop Fun
Green Toys
We think that wooden toys are extremely charming, but they may not be everyone’s preference. Green Toys makes sturdy toys from recycled plastic, and we appreciate the mix of traditional and more contemporary designs. You'll even find a dump truck in lavender and pale pink!
An Out-of-this-World Hoodie
Tentree
What’s more fun than space exploration? Maybe pretending to explore space, which is generally safer and less expensive! Help inspire them with this adorable NASA hoodie from Tentree (or any of their other comfy clothes for kids). The company plants trees for every item purchased, and each item comes with a QR code that allows you to track details, like where your trees are being planted and information about the communities the trees are a part of. Read our review.
A Cute New Outfit
Winter Water Factory
Winter Water Factory makes organic cotton clothes for babies, kids, and adults in seriously hip prints. From pine cones to root vegetables to surfers to penguins to taxis, Winter Water Factory makes something everyone can love, all guaranteed to put pep in any kid’s step. Read our review.
Some Clothes for Romping Around
Mightly
Using only organic cotton, Mightly makes simple yet cute clothes for children, all without any pokey seams or tags. We think that Mightly clothes are perfect for kids being kids. Read our review.
