Toys aren't just a nice-to-have item for kids. Toys are critical for healthy childhood development. Unfortunately, some toys are cheaply made and contain toxic materials. Many of these toys break quickly and end up contributing to overfilled landfills. These toy brands are well-made, non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

1. Mattel

Toy giants, such as Mattel, may not be the first companies that come to mind when you think of environmentally friendly toys. However, this popular toy brand has recently been ramping up its efforts to produce more sustainable products. They have set a goal of using 100% recycled, bio-based or recyclable plastic materials and packaging by 2030. Additionally, it plans to achieve and maintain 95% use of Forest Stewardship Council-certified or recycled content in the wood fiber and paper it uses in its packaging and products.

2. Melissa & Doug

Melissa & Doug creates toys to motivate children to explore new possibilities. The toys it creates are designed to inspire creativity, free play, learning, imagination and discovery. These toys are budget-friendly, durable and available at most toy stores. They hold up so well that many of these toys are passed down from sibling to sibling and parent to child.

3. Tender Leaf Toys

This green toy company creates wooden games, toys and puzzles for toddlers and older kids. These toys make excellent role-playing props and learning tools. The toys are manufactured from sustainable rubberwood and decorated with non-toxic paint. They contain no formaldehyde. 

4. Plan Toys

Plan toys are perfect for musically inclined children. The company offers a wide range of child-sized instruments for young musicians. These toys are constructed of sustainably sourced rubber trees and contain no toxic paint or glue. In addition to instruments, the company sells puzzles, bath toys, role play props, blocks and pull-along toys.

5. Olli Ella

Olli Ella is best known for baskets, but it also produces a line of sustainable and ethically produced toys. Examples include Playpa coloring and sticker paper, furniture, stools and baskets.

6. Green Toys

These toys are made from post-consumer plastic, such as recycled milk jugs. This company helps keep plastic out of landfills and turns it into a variety of toys, such as doctor's kits, sand play sets, dump trucks and more. They also sell a line of colorful bowls, plates and cutlery.

7. OkoNorm

While crafting is a fun and creative hobby for many children and adults, it isn't always the most eco-friendly one. OkiNorm produces high-quality art supplies that are ethically made and non-toxic. Its line of products includes modeling clay, water-based felt-tip pens, ergonomic beeswax crayons and finger paints.

8. Clockwork Solider

These do-it-yourself activity kits are a hit with children who love to create things. The kits are produced from recycled cardboard. The Grow Your Own Mini Magical Garden comes with plantable seeds. In addition to the kits, it sells design-your-own superhero costumes and dress-ups.

9. Land of Dough

Land of Dough claims to produce the "most eco-friendly dough on the planet." Its products use plant-based colors, compostable glitter and ethically sourced ingredients. Each container of dough comes with a wooden toy that was built using sustainable forestry practices. The company aims to leave a small carbon footprint by employing green practices, such as using wind-powered facilities and reclaimed landfill gas. The dough starts as a pattern and morphs into vibrant colors as your child plays with it.

10. Shore Buddies

The Shore Buddies line was a Toy of the Year finalist in 2021. The toys are manufactured from 100% recycled plastics and each toy is a miniature version of a marine animal that has been negatively impacted or endangered by ocean plastics. These toys are not only sustainably produced, but educate children on sustainable practices. The company also sells key chains, travel straws and a book.

Do your part to raise the next generation of environmentalists by seeking out these eco-friendly toy companies the next time you need a new toy for your child. Your child will be thrilled with these high-quality toys and you will be doing something good for the planet at the same time.