November 2011 Notable Toys — Eco-Friendly

The Hape e-copter is ready for take off. The e-copter takes to the skies in style with its bamboo body and vibrant graphics.

A great variation on the classic ring stacker. This one has 7 rings and the top one spins like a windmill. The round pieces have 2 holes so kids can learn about 3D. Height is 18cm. Launch date: September 2011.

A deliciously beautiful patisserie tea set with 15 pieces and made from 100% plantation wood and non-toxic paints. Launch date: September 2011.

A Bi-Plane in which parts turn. Ideal for little aviators. The propeller and steering wheel spin and the little pilot comes out. The size is 28cm x 20cm x 18cm (3y+). "Dicoveroos toys are 100% Plantation Wood and only use non-toxic paints," Jane Wood, president of Bug In A Rug, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

Crayons made from edible ingredients are hand to mouth safe. Crayon nuggets tuck into baby's palm, or can be used for stacking and building. Don't worry about petroleum or other toxic additives in our crayons; they are made with organic fruit and vegetable powders. VEGAN, no wheat, no sugar, no preservatives. Please supervise children at all times.  Not intended as food. Comes in 5 organic colors:  Green, Yellow, Orange, Red/Pink & Purple. Launch date: February 2011.
Awards: 2011 Dr. Toy Green Product Award

Blocks by brinca dada were designed to engage kids and adults. Unlike other blocks that fit together simply, these blocks are designed to conflict. We play with the simplicity of imperfection. They are a puzzle with infinite solutions. They are spontaneous, not pre-programmed--the opposite of video games. Handmade of teak hardwood. Launch date: November 2011.
Awards: 2011 New York Gift Fair Blogger's Choice Award

Kids can unleash their creativity with eeBoo’s new line of BIG non-toxic crayons. Large size makes for an easy grip for even the smallest of hands. 18 vivid crayons, each with its own individually designed wrapper, provide a smooth, clean finish. Four beautifully designed plaid inspired box covers to choose from. Launch date: September 2011.

Squeeze-powered, kid-sized flashlights. Each animal's nose lights up when switched on. Side lever stores inside the body—release and squeeze to charge up the light.
— June Hargrove, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., told TDmonthly in September 2011 that they sell 12 of this item each month.

Toobalink is the only construction toy that uses paper towel tubes and toilet tissue tubes as a main building element.  A Toobalink set comes with all the pieces necessary to build a wide variety of connectors, which are then used to hold the tubes together to build large scale structures. Each Toobalink kit comes with 39 pieces, including brand new tubes so that kids can get building right away. Kids love it because they can collect more tubes to build bigger, better structures and parents love it because the extra building material is FREE. Made in the USA. Launch date: June 2012.

Adopt a Plant - Save a Species. Encourages the public, one at a time, to adopt and nurture an endangered plant until it is sturdy enough to release back to nature or be re-potted as a house plant.  Kit includes actual rooted baby plant, plastic terrarium with small loop for attaching, coconut substrate and assembly instructions.  "Adopt a plant, build it a home, then take it with you wherever you roam." Launch date: May 2011.

Stay pretty in pink while getting down and dirty helping to save the planet. Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk containers, the Green Toys™ Pink Dump Truck is ready for any task, hauling sand and rocks or dolls and diamonds with ease. This durable, eco-friendly rig is both safe and stylish, with no metal axels and a workable purple dumper. No BPA, phthalates, PVC, or external coatings. "The Green Toys™ Pink Dump Truck is an innovative twist on a longstanding classic: USA-made, 100% recycled, high-quality design and construction -- and stylishly colored for even the most particular palate," Cameron Passmore, marketing manager at Green Toys Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2011.
— In a March 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Green Toys is their best-selling brand of eco-friendly toys.

School's in session with the planet's favorite new kid in class - the Green Toys™ School Bus. Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this sturdy bus is ready to be loaded up for an earth-friendly ride to the classroom, a field trip, or whatever excursion little scholars see fit. The Green Toys School Bus goes to the head of the class for safety and eco-design, with no metal axels or external coatings. No BPA, PVC or phthalates. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials. "The Green Toys™ School Bus, like all Green Toys products, is made responsibly in the USA from 100% recycled plastic, and is still fun and appealing to youngsters of all ages," Cameron Passmore, marketing manager at Green Toys Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2011.
— Bebe Feimster, manager of Big Smile Toys/Hardware Center in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly in a March 2015 survey that the Green Toys School Bus is one of their best-selling "green" toys.

New from miYim, beautifully made organic Disney plush toys are the ultimate in safety and softness for baby. Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet are joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in this collection of earth-friendly infant playthings, with embroidered details and muted colors.
— In a May 2012 survey, Barbara McVeigh from the Turtle's Nest in Johnson City, Tenn., told TDmonthly that "anything infant & toddler" with Winnie the Pooh is their best selling licensed product.

A hand knitted crochet doll made of 100% organic cotton inside and out, dyed with metal-free, low impact dyes certified by GOTS standards. Making it safe for babies. Size: 7.5 inches. Sckoon Organics plush toys are made of 100% organic cotton (even stuffing is 100% organic cotton) and dyed with low-impact, environmentally friendly dyes. They are machine washable, easy to clean and safe for babies to chew.

A nine piece set of simple durable hard maple furniture. Great for imaginative play. Chairs are 2" high and the table is 3 1/2" long. Crafted from responsibly harvested hardwood maple with laser engraved designs, this set comes shrink wrapped. Set comes unfinished, can be painted. "Simple furniture for basic play that can't be broken," Barbara Rainville, marketing manager at Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2011.

Kids can paint and decorate their dream house, and have their dolls, stuffed animals and friends move into their new cozy home! Just like all other CALAFANT models, this big playhouse can be easily assembled with the special CALAFANT slot-and-groove system – no need for any other tool or glue.   The playhouse is particularly sturdy because of the special roof construction, the double-sided walls and the 4 corner pillars. Easy to carry with the recessed grip in the roof. Made from recycled cardboard.  Size: abt. 36" x 31" x 38." Launch date: September 2011.

Add-on for the Calafant party set. This kit includes 1 playmat, 1 pirate ship and 2 pirate dolls. Made from recycled cardboard. Launch date: September 2011.

Add-on set for the Calafant Princess/Knight Party Set. This kit includes 1 castle, 1 princess doll and 1 knight doll. Launch date: September 2011.

This set allows guests to create their own pirate toys and also serves as decoration- and,  each kid gets to take his or her toy home. The sets come with 4 kits including 4 play mats, 4 pirate ships, 8 pirate dolls 1 treasure chest, and enough markers for 4 children to decorate. Additional sets of one kit are also available (no additional markers included). Made from recycled cardboard. Launch date: September 2011.

This new party set provides everything one would need for a cool princess or knight's party. This set includes 4 castles, 4 princess dolls, 4 knight dolls and 4 unicorns plus enough markers for 4 children to decorate. Made from recycled cardboard. "It's a creative activity for the party and it provides a toy for the little guests to take home," Martina McConnon, owner of Creative Toyshop, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

This pirate ship sails over the Seven Seas and the pirates are always looking for loot to fill their treasure chest. This amazing cardboard pirate ship is easy to build and so much fun to decorate. A project for all little pirates 3+. Sturdy construction and fun details like canon holes and a treasure chest. Made from recycled cardboard!  Item no.: D 2513X Assembled size: 18" x 8" x 18." "It's a craft activity AND a toy! This Pirate Ship provides hours and hours of fun - building, decorating and playing," Martina McConnon, owner of Creative Toyshop, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011.

Baby’s new best friend! The Monsieur and Madame wooden clutching toys have charming faces and colorful moving parts to keep baby interested. Made in Germany using beech wood from sustainably managed forests. Approx. 4 ½” Launch date: September 2011.
— Kai Rady, owner of Shenanigans Inc in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly in a 2012 survey about infant and toddler products that wooden rattles from HABA were one of her best sellers.

Soft and snuggly organic cotton clutching toys will be a hit with mom and baby. Choose from an adorable blue Bob Burrow (bird), green Freddie Frog, or Lisa Long Ears. Each clutching toy is filled with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 polyester filling, which means they’re machine washable and hygienic. (Natural fillings don’t dry as well and are more prone to mold.) Approx. 5 ½” Launch date: 2011.

Only multi-functional 7-N-1+1, organic and reversible car seat cover with Ultra-Soft Cotton Technology, solving the problem of carrying around multiple products when leaving the house. Can be used as a car seat, restaurant high chair, swing and shopping cart cover along with nursing shawl, car seat shade and stroller cover, with a UV protection shade. The super soft, moisture-wicking fabric blocks 95% of the sun's harmful rays while keeping baby cool and comfortable. "It is the only multi-functional and organic product  made from material that is OekoTex certified to be free of any chemicals, metal or phthalates, so you can be confident that nothing toxic is touching your baby," Susan Kiley, owner/founder of Splendipity Inc, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2008.