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Toy Fair '08: Green Toys
by Phoebe Assenza
Watch our video about the new trend from Toy Fair 2008
In an age when celebrities take hybrid cars to the Oscars instead of stretch limos, Whole Foods gets rid of all its plastic bags, and Al Gore wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on climate change, it’s really no surprise the green revolution has trickled over to the world of toys. One of the biggest trends to emerge from this year’s Toy Fair was green toys, and after checking out heaps of minimal, recycled, non-electronic, and responsible toys, we found a few that are actually fun to play with:
Sprig Toys
You already know your toddler and preschool-age grandchildren have the kind of energy that could power a monster-truck rally. With this in mind, Sprig Toys created a rugged line of battery-free vehicles that your grandchild can push along to light up, play music, and tell all sorts of adventurous stories. Made of recycled woods and plastics, rice husk, and palm fiber, Sprig Toys are a super-green alternative to traditional plastic trucks, which require environmentally unfriendly batteries and electricity. The fact that they’re fun for both boys and girls makes these trucks truly innovative.
Price: $13-$60, depending on model
For ages: 3 and older
Available: Fall 2008
For more info, visit: SprigToys.com
Idbids
You may think it’s impossible to get your toddler grandchild to perform Earth-saving tasks until an adorable plush toy starts giving orders. Idbids are based on the belief that when kids start taking “iddy-biddy” steps, it makes a big difference. There are three characters available, each shaped like a cloud, flower, or raindrop, and made from organic Egyptian cotton. Complete with their own storybook and field guide, Idbids encourage kids to recycle, turn off the water while they brush their teeth, and use both sides of the paper when they color. There are also tips on making the world a more pleasant place by saying “please” and “thank you.” Once your grandchild has completed the steps in his field guide, he’s awarded a certificate of completion and a fun pair of recycled shoelaces that say things like “I Used to Be a Soda Bottle.”
Price: $50
For ages: 3 and older
Available: Summer 2008
For more info, visit: Idbids.com
Plan Toys
Green since the company’s inception more than 20 years ago, Plan Toys make an engaging series of wooden toys and play sets like dollhouses, push carts, model airports, and building blocks. Every Plan Toy is made from natural rubber wood, water-based dyes, and packaged in recycled material. Plan Toys is one of the few green veterans in the toy industry, and it’s perfected the play quality in each of its toys over the years as well. One of our favorites for 2008 is the Road & Rail Play Set, an elaborate wooden train set with tracks and a station that doubles as a storage chest.
Price: $210
For ages: 3 and older
Available: June 2008
For more info, visit: PlanToys.com
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