2009 GREEN GIFT GUIDE – Kids

We’ve got gifts for every budget, but be sure to check out the coupons page to see if you can get an extra discount from any of these retailers! Gifts are listed increasing order by price, so the most affordable gifts come first, with the higher-priced offerings toward the end. This list will be updated as I find more unique, thoughtful gifts. Some gifts appear in more than one category.

STEAL ALERT! Eco-Rangers Animal Kingdom DVD Game. This interactive game will teach your kids about With more than 250 animals via 5 different missions and hundreds of questions. What makes it a steal? Check out the price! $1.35 at Amazon (aff).

Eco-art products from Clementine. These art supplies were made by an art-teacher who was tired of giving her students typical products that contained tons of chemicals. They are made of natural, non-toxic, environmentally-friendly ingredients and come in eco-friendly packaging. $5.49-27.

Anamalz. These cute little characters are made of organic maple wood with non-toxic glues and dyes, and because they are so inexpensive, you can let your little nature lover build a whole preserve full of animals. $7-8 (aff).

Green Toys recycled plastic toys. These great toys are made in the U.S. from recycled plastic and are recyclable. You can get a jumprope for your most active tot, a tea set for the one who loves to play pretend, a tool set for the builders-in-training, and more. Also packaged in eco-friendly, fully recyclable packaging. $8-31 (aff)

Sprig Eco-Friendly Toys. These awesome toys are made of recycled materials and designed to stimulate your child’s imagination. Scoop up a rig, excavator or dolphin play set and watch your child’s face light up. $9-37 (aff). Also available at ToysRUs and other retailers. Use the Sprig locator to find a retailer in your area.

Green Sprouts Organic Finger Puppets. Kids love animals, and these cute puppets will give them a hands-on experience, literally. They are made of 80% organic cotton and 100% organic stuffing. They are available in 4 sets of 3: 2 jungle sets and 2 barnyard sets. The animals include a giraffe, lion, elephant, duck, lamb, and pig. $9.99 per set (aff).

Kate Quinn Organics gift certificate. If you’re looking for stylish, eco-friendly clothing for your little one, Kate Quinn Organics is the gold standard. Find everything you’ll need for infants and children up to 8 years old. Any amount you desire from $10-999.

Earthopoly board game. You’re already teaching your kids about the planet and how to care for it, so continue the lesson with this eco-friendly board game made from recycled paper and soy-based ink with natural and recycled game pieces. As the name suggests, it is based on Monopoly, so players can buy property, collect carbon credits and trade them for clean air. $25 (aff).

Global Green Pals. These dolls are not just cute, but a group of culturally diverse environmental advocates. There’s Pani Rani from India, Recycle Kyle from Seattle and Carbon Offset Chet from London, along with two others. They are Oeko-Tex certified organic with organic clothing and stuffed with 100% post-consumer recycled plastic PET bottles. The illustrated character story tags also are printed on recycled paper. $48/each (aff).

Idbids. Most kids love plush toys, but many of them are made of plastic, polyester and potentially toxic dyes. Idbids are made sustainably, with organic cotton and natural dyes, and they come with a message about loving the Earth and all it’s inhabitants. Each idbid relates to an element of nature: Lola, a pink flower, Waverly, a blue water drop and Scout, a white cloud. The kits come with an organic cotton backpack and an idbid field guide. $29.99 for each kit.

Toms Youth Shoes. Every kid needs a stylish pair of shoes, but these are extra special. Toms donates a pair of shoes to a child in need throughout the world with every purchase of a pair. The child on your list will feel extra special knowing that their gift also helped a child just like them. $34-38 (aff).

• Get 5% off with coupon code “grechen.” (Source: greengrechen.com)

Glass Piggy Bank. If you want to teach your kids about saving, a piggy bank is a must, and they’ll love the sound of coins hitting the glass on this sweet, sustainable piggy. Sure beats a porker made of cheap plastic, and you can easily retrieve your savings by removing the cork in his snout. $39 (aff).

Cheese Crate Music Box. Have a little music lover on your hands? Get one of these handmade music boxes from Something’s Hiding in Here and Three Potato Four. They are made from vintage cheese crates and are sold by song, with classic tunes like Rock A Bye Baby and Pop Goes the Weasel. $55.

Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Doll House. Forgo the cheap plastic houses in favor of an abode that is a study in sustainability. Made of sustainable rubberwood and finished with water-based paints, the house comes complete with a windmill, solar panels, recycling bin, rain bucket and bike, proving that even playtime can promote green living. $131.95 (aff).