Go green with eco-friendly toys
Fashion Monster dolls created by Christian Lacroix: Smoothy e15, Sweety e20 and Belly e25 Habitat.
More photos:Monday December 10 2007
If you'd prefer to give or receive handmade, wooden, educational or environmentally friendly children's toys, then read on for our Guide to Green Children's Gifts.
BOYS
UNDER €10
Stimulate your busy toddler with this elephant runner (pictured) -- an innovative safari animal that offers two toys in one. It has mini-bead wires for inquisitive fingers to investigate, while it's also a sturdy push-along toy. The bright colours make this toy ideal for a busy baby (9 months+). €9.95 Mimi Toys.
€10-€50
Young boys are always fascinated by trains, and this wooden model is bound to be a much-loved plaything. Hand-made in Sri Lanka, the train has an engine plus four wagons -- perfect for carrying special items around the house. €28.50 Oxfam Ireland.
If your child loves jigsaws, then check out these handmade sets. They come in various shapes and themes, including a dog, cow, cat, butterfly, airplane or racing car. Our favourite is the colourful Noah's Ark alphabet jigsaw. €13 -- €36.50 depending on size, Econatural.
€50+
Oldfield Farm is a delightful 15-piece wooden set that includes a barn with loft and ladder, animal sheds, fences, feeding trough and a magnificent farmhouse. Made from sustainable timber, it helps children develop an understanding of the environment, learn how farm animals live and how to look after them (3+). €59.95 EcoShop Ltd.
A wooden rocking horse is a classic toy for any small child; this bright and sturdy one will encourage babies to rock themselves. Made from forest friendly wood (9 months - 2 years). €60 Early Learning Centre.
GIRLS
UNDER €10
Kids love making silly rhymes, and this set of Find the Rhyme cards (pictured) will provide endless hours of fun. The activity helps youngsters to hear when words rhyme -- a vital foundation for later success in reading (2+). €8.99 Little Scholars.
€10-€50
Encourage your budding interior designer with a recycled cardboard dolls house. Let their creative streak out and decorate the house with paint and fabrics. €44.95 EcoShop Ltd.
For dolls with a difference, check out the vivid Fashion Monster range (pictured), created by Christian Lacroix; "I've really enjoyed designing these kind-hearted monsters, who can turn any sorrow, suffering or secrets one entrusts to them into a smile," says Lacroix of his creations. There are three dolls to choose from. Smoothy -- €15, Sweety -- €20 and Belly -- €25 Habitat.
€50+
Little girls will love this magical fairy toadstool, which is a pretty woodland home for fairies. Open the toadstool to reveal an upstairs and downstairs play area, with two gorgeous fairies and their furniture. (3+) €60 Early Learning Centre
This handmade fabric calendar (pictured) promises daily fun, with moveable soft embroidered words and numbers, and shapes for seasons and weather (2+). €56 Blackberry Village.
RESOURCES:
Oxfam Ireland: There are four shops nationwide or buy online at www.oxfamirelandshop.com
EcoShop LtD: Outlet at Glen of the Downs garden centre, Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow, 01 287 2914, or go to www.ecoshop.ie
Blackberry Village: Visit www.blackberryvillage.com or phone 094 925 7566.
Early Learning Centre: Shop online at www.elc.co.uk or at one of five stores nation -wide, including 3 Henry Street, Dublin 1.
Econatural: Visit www.econatural.ie or phone 01 492 7774. Habitat: Stores in Dublin and Galway or online at www.habitat.ie
Mimi Toys: Shop online at www.mimitoys.ie or lo-call 1890 520 025. Little Scholars: Visit www.littlescholars.ie or phone 094 902 166
