Sustainable and Ethical Gift Guide: Babies and Kids

Whoa, am I posting kids stuff on EcoCult? Yes, I am. Because even though I am vehemently child-free by choice, I still have kids in my life, and I know you probably do to. And they deserve a fun gift!

I chose gifts that would delight the children as well as their parents – beautiful items that won’t get shoved aside as ugly, plastic clutter in their living room. Plus, they are non-toxic and well made, so that they can be passed down to many more generations.

This sustainable lady rabbit is made from 100% wool felt with wool stuffing, and is dyed with organic earl grey and tea and logwood. She has movable arms and legs that are button jointed with locally-made wooden buttons, a removable cotton dress, and a hand-crocheted cashmere linen shawl. If you haven’t picked up on it by now, she’s meant to be an heirloom! Just order her now, because she is made to order and has a two week lead time.

So nice looking, after the kids outgrows these non-toxic blocks, they’ll probably stick around as decor. Bonus: They package themselves up, for easy storage.

Sneaky you: get your nephew or niece interested in nature early with this beautifully illustrated set by Christine Berrie. It features 64 species of birds from around the world. There’s also a booklet of information with basic facts and quirky traits for all the birds featured. It’s technically for the kids, but you know the whole family will get into it.

At $45, this kite looks far more expensive than it is. It’s a traditional style kite from Bali made from locally sourced bamboo and nylon and handmade by craftsman on the island. It can be used to fly in the sky on a dry, windy day, or anchored indoors during rougher weather as a mobile. Each kite artisan working with Haptic Labs is given a cow as equity, and land grants are given in exchange for participation in a 30-year sustainable tree plantation program.

I’ve given you two different options for where to get adorable chic baby clothes. One is the classy destination for conscious uptown dressers, Zady. The other is a e-boutique featuring nothing but authentic, ethically-made Indian designs.

STOP. Isn’t this the cutest, fuzziest thing ever? This dog is made from 100% Baby Alpaca (which, by the way, simply refers to the softest fur of an adult alpaca), which is ethically sourced in Ecuador. If white makes you nervous, get a light brown puppy, or one with a mixed pattern.

Baby Jives Co starry night mobiles are crafted with natural materials – cotton-linen blend, faux leather and cotton floss. They are handmade, one at a time, using designer and vintage fabrics and designer Jahje Ive’s sewing machine that she inherited from her mother. Baby’s parents won’t want to take it down!

Handmade in Illinois from repurposed wool sweaters and filled with bamboo stuffing, Edgar and Ollie will provide hours of entertainment and snuggles for both the kids and the grownups.

Make her feel like a princess or dress her up for the holidays with this a-line wrap dress in a festive metallic gold linen. It can be worn with the crossover in front or in back and looks adorable with either a tee or a collared blouse underneath.

This backyard swing seat is made in Philadelphia of old growth pine that was once a floor joist in a 19th-century home, and is finished with 100% pure tung oil and pro-manila rope that won’t deteriorate. It’s sort of the most useful, long-life gift ever. Watch both the kids and parents get excited!

So @($*#$(& cute! This adorable little slippers are handmade in Lesotho from recycled denim and shearling with leather stitching and tassels. Resist the urge to try to fit your own feet inside.

What a little socialite she’ll be in this leopard dress. It’s made in Los Angeles from soft, surplus challis fabric.