Buying green gifts for kids can be tough. They’re seeing toys made of plastic plastered all over the TV and everywhere else, and those are usually the gifts that wind up on their wish lists. Thankfully, though, more and more companies are making eco-friendly alternatives to traditional kids’ gifts. miYim is one of those companies, and I was truly excited to have found their organic Disney plush collection. After all, what kid doesn’t like Mickey Mouse or Winnie the Pooh?

These adorable plush toys are designed for infants and toddlers, ie. the ones who we really should be trying to protect from toxic chemicals and plastics. Available characters include Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore.

miYim sent me an organic Winnie the Pooh plush, and it is too cute! I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there was a rattle inside, which all parents know will keep an infant or toddler endlessly entertained. It is also extremely soft, but sturdy. The seams are well-made, so this is not a toy your child would be able to tear apart.

If you or your kids love Disney characters, this is your chance to give them a Disney fix without all the questionable materials that usually come with character-branded toys.

Why It’s Green:

• Made from certified organic cotton and colored with nontoxic, low-impact dyes that contain no heavy metals.
• miYim’s environmentally responsible manufacturing process reduces waste by using less heat, energy and water.

Price: $25.99/ea.

Want to win?

miYim is offering one lucky reader the chance to take home an Organic Pooh plush. Just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter. Javascript must be enabled to to see the Rafflecopter. If you still cannot see it, wait for the page to load completely, or refresh the page. The giveaway is restricted to U.S. mailing addresses only! Entry period ends at 12:01 a.m. 12/26/11. Please note that this giveaway ends AFTER Christmas.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Like many other folks, during this time of year, I tend to do a lot of reorganizing and purging. If you’re in a similar situation, you’ll be happy to know that these deals will allow you to get these already affordable storage pieces for even better prices.

Way Basics at Totsy

Get Way Basics’ eco-friendly, recycled paper furniture for up to 40% off at Totsy. What I love most about Way Basics and their unique Z-Boards is that they are infinitely customizable. While the cubes are perfect as-is for small-scale storage, you can connect as many of them as you’d like to create a much larger piece that fits your space. In the photo below, you can see how I used them in my daughter’s room to create kid-sized storage for her books and toys, as well as a corner reading bench.

It may be hard to believe that these pieces are made of recycled paper, but indeed, they are. And they’re strong and durable to boot. As long as you’re not planning to jump up and down on top of them, they should have no problem handling your typical storage needs. The sale ends Feb. 10, 2011 at 10 a.m. EST.

Price: $24-42 (down from $39.99-69.99)

NOTE: If you’re not yet a member of Totsy, you must sign up to take advantage of this deal. Signing up is free. To find the sale, visit Totsy and scroll down the home page until you see the Way Basics banner. (aff)

Green Lullaby at Gilt Groupe

Like Way Basics, Green Lullaby storage pieces are made of recycled paper — more specifically recycled cardboard. While they’re not quite as versatile as Way Basics, they’re still a great option when you need some extra storage in a child’s room or even your living room. In addition to their storage cube set, shown above, their bench, doll cradle and table are also up for sale. The sale ends Feb. 12, 2011 at midnight EST.

Price: $22-36 (down from $44-69)

NOTE: If you’re not yet a member of Gilt Groupe, you must sign up to take advantage of these deals. Signing up is free. To find the sale, visit Gilt Groupe, and mouse over “Children” in the navigation menu. Under “Green Lullaby.” (aff)

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I am starting to get the itch again. You know — the one that makes you want to redo every room in the house. We finished my daughter’s room last April, and I can’t help but feeling like it’s time for a change. Of course, because we’re renters, the end of our lease is always looming to remind me that it might not be worth the effort to do a whole new design. Still, I want to do something to freshen up her room, and these cute marionette pillows and prints by Ferm Living have given me a ton of ideas.

The whimsical illustrations are done marionette style, and the characters even have names: Aristo Katt, Mr. Frank Fox, Elle Elephant and Posey Panda. They are part of Ferm’s Darling Clementine collection, and I think they would be fabulous in a child’s room or nursery, and I could even picture them in the office of a graphic designer or other creative. They are fun, but not necessarily childish. And I want at least one

Why It’s Green:

• Printed on an organic-cotton shell filled with natural down

Price: Pillows, $36/ea.; Prints, $46/ea.

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LOOKING for more DIY play kitchens? Click here for a roundup with lots more projects, photos and ideas, including a DIY toy workbench for a little boy! And if you like this post, Subscribe to Green Your Decor for more DIY projects and green ideas!

I like to think of myself as pretty crafty. I often see items in a store and think of a way (or find a tutorial) so I can make it myself. But no way in the world am I THIS crafty. I know the entertainment center above doesn’t look like much. And in its original state, it wasn’t much. Just a $30 thrift store find. But the enterprising grandparents who found it had much grander plans for it.

I usually post the “after” picture first, with a before picture later. This time, though, I want you to really appreciate how far this piece has come. I’ve seen a fair share of entertainment centers-turned-kitchens, but this one from Giggleberry Creations is by far the best.

Gorgeous! Those grandparents though of absolutely everything, from a window with a beautiful outdoor view to a refrigerator complete with shelves and baskets. Isn’t this about a zillion times better than a cheap plastic kitchen? I’d say so! You could just add some eco-friendly pretend “food” from Plan Toys, Green Toys, or Melissa & Doug and your kid would be ready to go! (aff)

Read the details at Giggleberry Creations.

Looking for more DIY projects? Click here! Looking for handmade gift ideas? Click here!

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Nurseries and kids’ rooms are so much fun to decorate that I almost wish we’d have another baby just so I’d have a nursery to decorate. Yes. It really is that serious

You can get away with whimsical design elements and themes in kids’ room that might not be appropriate in adult spaces (though I’m just adventurous enough to try them anyway). This organic, polka dotted bedding from the Land of Nod is playful enough for a little girl or boy, but it also could work for a teenager or even in a guest room. The patterns are fun, but because they are tone-on-tone in deep shades pink and blue, they’re more sophisticated than something of the the baby blue or powder pink variety.

And as you can see in the first photo, the two colors are beautiful when used in the same room, in the even you have a boy and a girl who share one. Both colors are available in twin and full/queen. The same pattern is also available in crib bedding, and the Land of Nod carries matching solid color organic cotton curtain panels.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of organic cotton and filled with recycled polyester

Price: $12-109; Crib bedding, $19-79 (aff)

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My daughter has quite the active imagination, tons of stuffed animals and lots of floor space in her room. Plus, she’s the only child at home most of the time, so tends to play alone quite a bit. Now that she’s learning to read, she’s been spending a lot of time with her books, sounding out words and learning reading comprehension. I’ve been thinking of ways to enhance her creative play time, and when I found these inexpensive recycled cardboard playhouses from Way Basics, I knew I had found something special.

Cardboard houses are nothing new, but I don’t believe I had ever seen a cardboard castle, carriage or space shuttle before. My daughter has a thing for princesses, either would be the perfect fit for her. She could crawl inside with her books and princess bears and have some lively “make-believe” time. Plus, she can show off her creativity by coloring it however she wants. I can definitely see myself getting in on the coloring (or painting) action as well.

I’ll definitely have to snag one of these as a relatively inexpensive surprise gift that will come with endless playtime.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of 80% recycled cardboard
• 100% recyclable

Price: $35/ea.

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A little while back when we finished my daughter’s room, you might remember that there was a blank spot on one side of the room that was waiting for something special: custom-built Owyn toy box donated by Mod Mom Furniture. Well, Owyn is here, and I can unequivocally say that he was well worth the wait.

Previously, all of Ja’Naya’s larger toys were housed inside a large, blue plastic bin that we acquired sometime over the past few years in one of our moves. It was functional, but it was hideous — which is why I kept it hidden away as much as possible. Owyn, on the other hand, will live proudly next to the wall we like to call the “art gallery.” Here he is in the context of the whole room:

From the product photos, it is hard to tell, but Owyn has two compartments — not the one large compartment I was expected. I would’ve realized this had I read the product description more thoroughly, but alas, I didn’t. This means that Ja’Naya’s toy piano will have to find another home (probably on a shelf in the closet), but most of the other toys fit comfortably. It is really short and squat — the perfect height for a child. And since that wall is the only spot in the room with an exposed outlet for a night light, the height is also perfect in that the outlet isn’t covered up, so we don’t have to move the toy box at night.

Overall, we LOVE this toy box. And knowing that it was made by the hands of a mother who loves the Earth as much as I do makes it that much sweeter!

If you want a Mod Mom toy box, keep in mind that it will come with a wait. Because Kiersten makes each one by hand, they generally take 8-11 weeks to be shipped. But like I said, it was worth the wait.

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade to order of sustainable Baltic Birch plywood from Russia (E1 Certified)
• Finished with non-toxic paints from Pittsburgh Paints (inside and leaf lids) and non-toxic, low-VOC water-based polyurethane from Deft

Price: $399

(Sponsored opp): This toy box was donated as part of a room redesign project. The opinions are 100% my own.

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I’ve been having a blast decking out Ja’Naya’s new room with the help of some wonderful in-kind sponsors. It’s killing me that I can’t reveal the whole room just yet, but I’m waiting for a couple of key components that will really complete the look, so you’ll have to wait just a little bit longer.

In the meantime, though, I decided to give you a sneak peek of the room. The image shown above is just a sneak peek of the sneak peek   Want to see the full image? Head over to the Green Your Decor Facebook page. And if you’re not a fan yet, why don’t you become one while you’re at it? Hint: It’s a photo of our favorite little corner of the room.

The full room reveal is coming soon!

Update! The room is done! Want to see how it turned out? Click here!

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My daughter is four years old, so she’s at the age when she’s learning how to read and tell time. Thanks to the poster hanging in her room from MadeByGirl, “love” was the first word she learned how to spell. Because of this, I realized that I have the opportunity to use her room decor not only to surround her with beautiful things, but with items she can learn from. Sure, the clock and alphabet poster from the dollar store are functional, but they aren’t exactly a work of art, and they certainly are not made of sustainable materials.

Here is some of my favorite beautiful, educational and sustainable kids’ decor:

1. Bamboo Clocks by Decoylab: Teach them how to tell time in the most stylish way with these modern clocks. Made in the U.S. of sustainable bamboo. Price: $48-68 (aff)

2. My Favorite Things poster by Petit Collage: Now THIS is an alphabet poster I can learn to love! It is available in two color schemes — pink/orange and blue — so your favorite little one can learn in style with whichever colors best match your decor. Printed in Portland, OR with soy-based inks on 100% recycled paper. Price: $30 (aff)

3. Periodic Table Shower Curtain: This is definitely a bit much for my preschooler, but if you have older children, this is a great reminder of a science lesson we’ve all had to learn. Made of EVA, which is technically still vinyl, but is a much safer alternative to PVC. Price: $30 (aff)

4. Letter Lights by Perch: What kid doesn’t want to see their name in lights? In this case, they’d at least get their initial, unless your child has a really short name or you have a really big budget Handmade in Brooklyn, NY of ceramic. Price: $110

5. Dr. Seuss organic bedding from Pottery Barn Kids: Remind them of their favorite storybook characters with this sweet unisex bedding. Sleeping with Horton and Sam I Am is bound to make them want to read. Made of organic cotton and Oeko-Tex certified. Price: $23-114

6. Multibox by Green Lullaby: Your child may love their toy blocks, but these particular blocks will make mom and dad happy too. They’re great for kid-friendly storage that could double as seating, and the bold colors and educational motifs will foster learning. Made of recycled cardboard, 100% recyclable and finished with non-toxic water-based paints and adhesives. Price: $59.99 for a set of 3

7. EnviroBanks: They have to save money at some point, and in this economy, that’s a lesson that will go a long way. Ditch the cheap plastic piggy banks in favor of a more sustainable — and stylish — option. Available as a cow, kangaroo, koala or panda. Made of wood from sustainably-managed plantations with non-toxic glues and dyes and recycled packaging. Price: $24.75

8. Pillow Talk Collection by Alexandra Ferguson: This pillows will teach, and constantly remind, your kids of some important, sometimes tongue-in-cheek life lessons. If you’re like me and most other parents, you’re probably ready to scoop up that “No Whining” pillow right now. That’s a lesson my daughter could stand to see on a regular basis Handmade of 100% recycled felt. Price: $45-119

The most important lesson in all of these items, however, is the one that they share in common — that we must each do our part to make this Earth a safer and more beautiful place to live.

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I’ve been running into great deals on green nursery furnishings left and right. Maybe it’s a sign that my baby fever is turning into self-fulfilling prophecy. As much as I like that idea, right now it’s probably best that I stick to dreaming. Still, the great deals on this eco-friendly crib and high chair don’t help. The twin bed is equally as beautiful, so I’ll keep my eyes on that piece for the daughter I already have.

These prices wouldn’t exactly qualify as bargain basement, but as quality eco-friendly furniture goes, these are pretty good. It’s not uncommon to see this type of furniture priced in the thousands of dollars.

The high chair is available in pink or cherry.

Why It’s Green:

• The birch wood used in Argingnton’s furniture is harvested from sustainably managed forests
• All materials, glues, stains and finishes are 100% non-toxic and are low VOC

Price: $108.90-490 (down from $198-635)

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So…you all know how much I love bird decor, right? If you do, it should be no surprise that I’m drooling over this birdhouse lamp by inke. I have every intention of painting a forest mural on the walls in my daughter’s room, inspired by this gorgeous nursery “before & after” over at Design Sponge. Can you just imagine how beautiful it would be to have this hanging on the wall amongst the trees?

In the main image, you can see it paired with the beautiful inke wallpaper tree I featured last year, made of vintage wallpaper. I’m seriously ready to go get a few pints of paint right now so I can get started on the mural.

The $300 price tag on this baby does give me a little pause, but I guess you have to pay if you want a birdhouse made of reclaimed French oak. It does, however, give me a goal for my next treasure hunt at the Habitat for Humanity Re:Store. I’ll be looking for an old birdhouse to turn into a lamp.

Why It’s Green:

• Handmade of salvaged French oak
• Compatible with CFLs

Made in: Leiden, the Netherlands

Price: $300

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If you’re wondering about the erratic posting schedule here at Green Your Decor since last week, there is an explanation. My family and I are moving into our own place after 2 long years, and I am buzzing with excitement! It’s an apartment and not a house, but I’m still incredibly giddy about the prospect of having a 6 new rooms to decorate. Of them, I think I’m most looking forward to doing my daughter’s room, because I know I can have fun with it. I’ve been looking for some wall art that I think suits her personality and taste, and these fabric wall stickers by Mae jumped out at me as soon as I saw them.

If you’re familiar with typical wall stickers, you’ll know that many of them are made of toxic vinyl. Not exactly something I want to hang in my toddler’s room. These stickers by Mae are made of fabric rather than vinyl. On top of that, they are designed to be can be reused indefinitely.  They are also — mercifully — washable, so they truly are built to last. Can you imagine how fun these would be in a nursery?

I am particularly fond of the Forest Critters set, which includes a rabbit, owl, squirrel, mouse, 6 birds (yay!), a tree stump, greenery, florals, 5 hearts and a top hat. In other words, more than enough to make a unique, lasting wall art installation perfect for a 4-year-old who loves nature. I’d definitely pair this set with with the Build a Tree kit to make a cute forest scene. For the little man in your life, there are also boy-friendly options like the dinosaurs shown above.

Technically, we can paint the walls in the apartment, but we’d have to paint them back before we move out. We’re painting the living room and dining room, but we may leave the bedrooms alone. This would be a great way to dress up my daughter’s walls, even without paint.

And if you’d like to print your own stickers, custom sticker printing is also available at PsPrint.com.

Why It’s Green:

• Stickers made of fabric rather than vinyl (though I’m not sure what specific type of fabric)
• Washable and reusable (Can be removed and repositioned indefinitely)

Price: $42-115

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Small though they may be, children are expensive to raise, sometimes more so when you’re trying to raise them with green values. So when I find Nurseryworks eco-friendly furniture on sale for 50-70% off, I take notice.

I’ve had my eye on the Nurseryworks Storytime Bookcase, top left, and Vale Headboard for quite some time now, so I’m ecstatic that fawn & forest has slashed prices on these, and many other Nurseryworks items. This is one of my favorite manufacturers of modern, incredibly stylish furniture for kids that also happen to be sustainably made and non-toxic.

At these prices, I imagine these pieces won’t last long! See below for the full list of Nurseryworks items on sale at fawn&forest.

NOTE: Notice the new logo for Green Steals of the Week. It’s less intrusive and easier to fit with photos, so look out for this icon instead of the old green one.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of MDF and Paulownia wood. MDF is Grade EO, which offers very minimal offgassing. Paulownia wood is a fast-growing, fire and decay-resistant hardwood species.
• Uses low-VOC finishes, lacquers, and glues.

Prices:

• Loom Changing Table: $330 (on sale from $1110)
• Goodnight Ottoman: $310 (reduced from $620)
• Vale Headboard: $312 (on sale from $625)
• Storytime Bookcase, single: $350 (reduced from $700)
• Storytime Bookcase, double: $625 (on sale from $1250)
• Mini Sleepytime Rocker: $92.50 (reduced from $185)
• Perch Stool: $212 (on sale from $424)

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My husband and I bought a cork board a few weeks ago to help us keep track of our appointments, leave cute little love notes for each other, etc. I resisted at first because cork board are generally not that great to look at. If he had suggested this cute Corky corkboard by Fuz, I would’ve agreed in a heartbeat! In fact, I’m tempted to take our boring, ugly version back to the store right now and place my order.

And of course, we’d have to get his female counterpart, the Dusty chalkboard, so Corky wouldn’t get lonely At less than $30 apiece, these accessories would be perfect for showing off the quirky, eclectic side of your personality in a way that is both stylish and functional. They’d also be great in a kids’ playroom, a homeschool classroom or even a regular classroom.

Why It’s Green:

• Both made of recycled materials
• Cork is a renewable material
• Made in the U.S.

Price: $29 for Dusty and $29 for Corky

REMINDER!

Today is launch day over at my new blog, Green & Gorgeous. Red my confessions about my worst habits, find some great eco-friendly apps for your iPhone or iPod touch, and enter to win a set of four of the best organic bar soaps I’ve ever tried!  And if you’re among the first 1000 people to subscribe, you’ll be entered to win one of 10 special green gifts from me! So get on over there and join the conversation!

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It never fails. Every time my daughter and I set out to really clean her room, it ends in one of two things:

1. I want to give away half (or more than half) of her toys because there are just too many, or
2. I end up frantically searching for better ways to store and organize all her stuff

Since we gave away a lot of her toys when we moved back to Georgia from Tennessee, the second outcome won this time. For the sake of my sanity, I really need to find a good, kid-friendly storage solution. I don’t know if this is the perfect solution for us, but Green Lullaby’s eco-friendly storage furniture is good enough to share nonetheless.

Their MultiBox (found via Inhabitots) is a combination of a storage unit, a chair and an educational block. The fully recyclable box is made of recycled cardboard, and it’s covered in a fire retardant solution that is supposed to be non-toxic. I’m going to have to do some research on that one, but that’s a great feature in theory. Some other great featured? The box is water-resistant and the surface can be cleaned easily with a wet wipe.

If you’re intrigued by the MultiBox, you’ll want to see the rest of Green Lullaby’s products, including a bench/table, a baby cradle (yes, a cradle made of cardboard) and a dollhouse.

Why It’s Green:

• Made of recycled cardboard and recyclable
• Finished with non-toxic, water-based paints, adhesives and fire retardant

Price: $59.99 for a set of 3 MultiBoxes at Olive & Bean

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