Keep your loved ones close with creative ideas for playing together as a family
Welcome to Mothering's Annual Natural Toy Guide: a selection of the very best natural and eco-friendly toys and children's gifts of 2012. Proudly sponsored by STRIDER Bikes. Learn about what Mothering moms think about STRIDER no-pedal balance bikes here or visit their Facebook page. Our Top 20 Favorites 20 Toys Under $20 Imaginative Play ... read more
Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites Ping Pong Catapult Why We Love It: This naturally made catapult might be simply designed but it is super sturdy, powerful and so much fun! Any child will adore shooting off the included ping pong balls or other small items from around the house to see where they land. Set up a target for a little challenge. Made in Oregon,... read more
Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites Child's 5 String Banjo Why We Love It: This fully functional banjo will take music play to a new level. Small children will adore simply strumming the strings and singing along while older kids can learn songs from the included song booklet. It is a great way to introduce a child to this instrument. Beautifully made of sustainable... read more
Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites Wilbert the Worm Rolling Toy Why We Love It: Constructed from midwestern hardwoods and mildly coated with natural beeswax in Illinois this toy is just right for rolling about. It can also be used as a teether. Price: $15.99 Where to Buy: Peapods Felt Horse Why We Love... read more
Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites Tegu Dart Why We Love It: Tegu has one of the coolest natural toy items on the market with its magnetic wooden block sets--now this special Dart combo is putting a whole new twist on the fun! Everything you need to make this sleek car, from the cool topper to the stylish wheels, is included. Plus, you can take it apart and easily dream up other... read more
Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites Large Felt Mushrooms Why We Love It: This has to be one of the most unique items we have seen yet. These huge felt mushrooms with matching mat instantly make one want to dive into a world of pixies, fairies and gnomes. Available in red or green these delights could be coupled with any number of small or large figures to make a truly mystical... read more
Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites Earthopoly Why We Love It: This Monopoly inspired game provides all of the fun as the original--with an earth-friendly twist. Instead of attempting to take over and develop as much property as possible, players work to save the earth by protecting and cleaning up habitats. It is truly a blast to play and great way to teach eco-values. Printed on... read more
Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites Four Elements Building Blocks Why We Love It: This colorful set can be used as a puzzle or as blocks. The original shapes put a whole new spin on homemade block towers and castles. With endless possible arrangements the kids will find all sort of uses for this delightful toy. Price:$129.95 Where to Buy: Rosie... read more
Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites Kiwi Crates Why We Love It: Every month someone else thinks up a couple of fun and educational crafts, packages everything my child needs to create them and sends it all straight to my door. These crates are perfect for busy parents and since a great deal of thought was put into the chosen activities the kids will adore them! Made in the USA. Read... read more
Discover More: Dolls | Arts & Crafts | Blocks & Puzzles | Books & Games | Imaginative Play | Teethers & Rattles | Vehicles & Rollers | For Older Kids | 20 Toys Under $20 | Top 20 Favorites Cowgirl or Cowboy Doll Why We Love It: The quality and detail is wonderful in these natural, fair trade dolls. The cute little outfits make them truly one of a kind. Choose from a posable cowboy or cowgirl and pair it up with a felt horse (see below) for hours of old west fun. Price: $23.95 Where to Buy: A Toy... read more
