September 2009 Notable Toys — Eco-Friendly

Heritage Alphabet Blocks are classic toys designed to last generations. The solid-wood blocks are oversized, measuring 3” square, and they are all natural, non toxic and 100-percent organic. Each set of 12 blocks features 48 engraved characters, including the numbers 0-9. Heritage Alphabet Blocks come in three finishes: Color, Oil Only and Raw. Each Color Set utilizes real milk paint and a polymerized linseed oil rub. The blocks are made in Bend, Ore. "Promise Brand has made it our No. 1 goal to manufacture wooden products that exceed every toy test imaginable. Our materials set us far and above our competition," Alisha Alway Braatz, manager at Promise Brand LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

Finely sanded and left either au natural or finished with a light polymerized linseed oil rub, this set of 30 Classic Building Blocks features rounded corners and exposed full wood grain. Each all-natural, organic block measures approximately 1.5" square. "Promise Brand Classic Building Blocks are 100-percent non-toxic [and] organic. Sure, they are also the most aesthetically pleasing block on the market, but what really sets them apart from the competition is their all-natural status," Alisha Alway Braatz, manager for Promise Brand, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

Dandelion’s ReUsables are made from a formula derived primarily of corn-based bioplastic. The ReUsables include divided plates, bowls and utensils for toddlers. Each ReUsable is durable and lightweight for use at home or on-the go. Designed with ease-of-use in mind, the divided plate keeps foods separate, the bowl has deep sides to reduce spills, and the utensils are ergonomically designed for baby’s tiny hands. Plates and bowls are sold in packs of two. The utensil pack comes with four spoons and four forks. "Dandelion’s line of ReUsable tableware is made primarily from renewable and sustainable corn-based bioplastic, which is free of bisphenol A and phthalates, and offers an inspired alternative to conventional plastic," Anthony Pinkett, account executive for Productivity PR, told TDmonthly. The line received an iParenting Media Best Product for 2009 Award and the PTPA Media Seal of Approval. Launch date: April 15, 2009.

Parents can secure the Activity Attacher onto any handle to let baby happily play without dropping. The attacher is machine washable. The Dangle has rattle, squeaker and crinkle sounds, plus a variety of textures, including velour, waffle weave, terry and canvas. "The Attacher, like all of the Dandelion Earth Friendly Goods, is a developmental toy made entirely using eco-friendly materials and processes; from the organic cotton to the plant-based fibers used for stuffing," Anthony Pinkett, account executive for Productivity PR, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 15, 2009.

Loofah-Art products are made with 100-percent all-natural loofah (a sustainable agricultural crop) and dyed with vegetable dyes, making them bio-degradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic and compostable. The whimsy of the designs aims to help encourage children to assist with the dishes and wash their fruits and vegetables. "The unique, whimsical designs that attract consumers to buy our products is what makes Loofah-Art stand out. Once the customer is attracted to that, the 100-percent natural fabrication as well as the practicality and functionality of our scrubbers performance create a winning combination!" Anita Liwette, creator and co-founder of Loofah-Art LLC, told TDmonthly. "Because of their natural fibers, they scratch absolutely nothing!" Launch date: January 25, 2009.

Loofah-Art products are made with 100-percent, all-natural loofah (a sustainable agricultural crop) and dyed with vegetable dyes, making them bio-degradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic and compostable. With natural fibers, they are designed to not scratch surfaces, and with whimsy designs, aim to encourage children to care for their skin. Launch date: July 2008.

Loofah-Art products are made with 100-percent all-natural loofah (a sustainable agricultural crop) and dyed with vegetable dyes, making them completely bio-degradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic and compostable. "Because of their natural fibers they scratch absolutely nothing! The whimsy of our designs helps encourage children to assist with the dishes and wash their fruits and vegetables!" Anita Liwette, creator and co-founder of Loofah-Art LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2004.

Loofah-Art products are made with 100-percent all-natural loofah (a sustainable agricultural crop) and dyed with vegetable dyes, making them completely biodegradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic and compostable. "The unique, whimsical designs that attract consumers to buy our products is what makes Loofah-Art stand out. Once the customer is attracted to that, the 100-percent natural fabrication as well as the practicality and functionality of our scrubbers' performance create a winning combination!" Anita Liwette, creator and co-founder of Loofah-Art LLC, told TDmonthly. This item was finalist for "Best New Product" at the New York Gourmet Housewares Show in October 2004. Launch date: May 2004.

This red-colored wooden push toy takes the shape of a pig with wheels for feet for a child to push around. The red paint is ultra low in odor and is non-toxic, while the wood itself is composed of 100% post-industrial recycled wood residuals. This wooden pig push toy measurse 9" x 11".

Made of 100% post-industrial recycled wood residuals, this push toy takes the shape of an elephant with wheels at the legs for children to push the toy around. Covered in non-toxic, ultra low odor paint, this wooden elephant push toy measures 11.5" x 11".

This CALAFANT Dollhouse comes complete with balcony and two big rooms on the backside. All doors open. Made from recycled material and is 100% biodegradable. Decorate inside and outside, create wallpaper and pictures. Ideal in size for play with 3" dolls and animals. Assembled product is approx. 15" x 7" x 16"

High quality cardboard fort with 2 teepees. Can be colored as shown or with one's own creative design. Once colored in, the fort and teepees become a pretend play environment. The fort's size is ideal for play with 3" dolls and animals. Approximate size: 14" x 14" x 9"(fort) and 5" x 4" x 8"(tepee). Made from recycled material and is 100% biodegradable.

Beautiful castle for every princess, fairy, king and queen. Color with the included 12 markers (non-toxic, washable) or decorate it with many other materials or paints. Approximate size: 9" x 9" x 11".

Ahoy! This pirate ship is ready for new adventures in no time. Decorate it in your very own colors. 12 washable, non-toxic markers included. Built with eco-friendly materials. Approximate size: 10" x 8" x 5".

Cozy little farm house with stable. Easy to fold and color, and can be used to play with existing farm animal figurine toys. 12 non-toxic, washable markers included. Approximate size: 14" x 11" x 5"