We’re tipping our hat to SafeMama today for finding one of the coolest, non-cartoony yet totally fun lunchbox lines for children that we’ve seen. The lunchboxes are PVC and phthalate free with lead-free linings and meet U.S. and European Consumer Product Safety Standards. Now that we got all the important safety stuff out of the way, we can gush about the bright colors and fun designs on these babies. The girls of the world box is my fave for girls, while boys will probably have trouble deciding between dump trucks and dinosaurs. And that’s just for starters. With more than 15 styles available, your child should have no problem finding one she or he will love. And for mom? You’ll feel good knowing that your child’s lunch is going to be free of icky chemicals. All that for under 20 bucks. This might just be the best back-to-school deal around!

Find It Here: Crocodile Creek

By Cristina, August 31, 2008  
Filed under: Eat, Preschooler

According to my son, bathtime is waaaay more fun when bubbles are involved. Unfortunately, I banned the bubbles for a long time because I was having a hard time finding a bubble bath that didn’t contain toxic ingredients. Then I stumbled upon Little Twig. Little Twig is this really fun line of children’s bath products that includes a bubble bath line without synthetic fragrances and artificial colors, which by the way, is totally hard to believe when you smell their Tangerine Bubble Bath. The scent is so yummy and fruity that is just doesn’t seem possible that it could not contain phthalates. But no! As confirmed with the company, none of their bubble bath products contain phthalates, parabens or sulfates. And for those with allergies, the Little Twig Extra Mild Unscented formula is also wheat, soy and nut free. And before you worry too much about the plastic bottle it comes in, Little Twig bottles are totally recyclable. They also donate a portion of their proceeds to the Everychild Foundation. But the best news for my kids is that bathtime is fun again thanks to Little Twig!

Find It Here: Cocotier Kids

Win It! We’re giving away a Little Twig Gentle Care Gift Pack worth $40! The pack includes unscented bubble bath, body milk, body wash and a ladybug washcloth. Click here to fill out our simple entry form. Just enter “CK21” as the giveaway name and provide the answer to this question: What is your favorite Little Twig product available from Cocotier Kids? U.S. and Canadian residents eligible. Enter by 8/14/08. Contest closed. Congrats, Lily K!

By Cristina, August 7, 2008  
Filed under: Bodycare, Cosmetics, Kids, Preschooler, Toddler, Win

If you’re like me and catch yourself cringing inwardly when you see the words “batteries not included” on the toy your kid just has to have, then you must check out this toy helicopter — it actually runs on solar power! Recommended for children 3 and older, this solar-powered toy helicopter is lead-free and non-toxic and will never run out of batteries since none (yay!) are required.

Find It Here: Estella

Congratulations to Suzanne B. and Shirley C., winners of a toy helicopter! 

By Cristina, July 10, 2008  
Filed under: Gift, Kids, Preschooler, Toys, Win

What does it really mean to be “green”? If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to explain the concept to your kids, then check out the children’s book Think Green! by Jeanine Behr Getz. Geared for children ages 3-8, Think Green! features Millicent and her friends who provide ideas to help keep the Earth clean. Each colorful page features a new green idea - like carpooling to work, turning off the faucet while brushing our teeth, helping to recycle, and picking up litter. Published in the U.S.A., the book is printed using recycled fiber/post consumer waste paper, soy-based inks and is processed chlorine free. This title would make a fun and unique party favor for a children’s birthday party or just a nice addition to your child’s bookshelf. That way when you’re asked one day, “What does being “green” mean?” you’ll already have the answer, complete with illustrations!

Find It Here: Kids Think Big

Congratulations to Stefanie S. and Kristie, winners of a copy of Think Green! signed by the author.

By Cristina, June 27, 2008  
Filed under: Gift, Preschooler, Read, Toddler, Win

Did you know that conventional store-bought fingerpaints can contain toxic chemicals, like Toluene and Ethylene Glycol, that can get into your child’s body through their skin? How this is even legal we don’t know, but the good news is you can buy safe, natural finger paints or even better, make your own with ingredients you may already have around the house. Let the kids help if they’re old enough and make an afternoon of it. Then, after the kids go to bed and the mess is all cleaned up, go ahead and treat yourself to a nice long bath or a glass of wine. Or both!

Natural Fingerpaint Recipe

• 1 cup of cornstarch
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/3 cup of grated soap (choose your favorite plain organic bar soap)

1. Melt grated soap flakes into a half cup of boiling water.
2. Add cornstarch.
3. Blend well and put aside. Allow mixture to thicken.
4. Divide into small containers and add coloring.

Natural colorings can be derived from the juice of frozen berries, beet juice, tea, onion skins (boiled) or other natural sources. You can store your fingerpaints in the refrigerator. for about a week.

Thanks for the Tip: LovetoKnow.com

By Izzy, June 3, 2008  
Filed under: Kids, Learn, Preschooler, Tips

Sandcastle-building is one of my my kids’ top 10 favorite summertime activities. But I am filled with a small twinge of guilt at the thought of buying those made-in-China plastic beach toys. Luckily, a better option is now available — the Sand Play Set by Green Toys. Made of recycled milk containers, Green Toys are made of plastic that you can actually feel good about! Green Toys, Inc. takes environmental consciousness to a whole new level. Not only are their toys made locally in California, but they also obtain the raw materials locally. By eliminating oversees or cross-country transportation costs, they are also reducing pollution. They also use recycled, non-plastic materials for their packaging and (hooray!) no twist-ties! And finally, because I know you want to know, these toys have no traceable amounts of phthalates or BPA and have no external coatings that could contain lead paint. Yep, we think we’ve found a winner here! So skip the dollar store next time you are looking for sand and beach toys and check out Green Toys instead. Your planet thanks you.

Find It Here: Green Toys

Congratulations to Rachael W., winner of a sand play set by Green Toys! 

By Cristina, May 26, 2008  
Filed under: BPA-free, Made in USA, Play, Preschooler, Recycle, Toddler, Toys, Win

I don’t usually read parenting magazines - mainly, because I’m too busy actually, you know, parenting, to read them. Plus, to me, parenting mags have always fallen into the “you’ve seen one, you’ve seen ‘em all” category. That is, until I stumbled upon KIWI Magazine. Focused on natural family living, KIWI covers topics ranging from the latest in natural and organic products to social and environmental issues important to families. They also have a keen eye for finding great eco-friendly kids’ clothing, toys and games. I picked up my first issue about a year ago and I was immediately hooked! They even have a companion website with articles, healthy recipes, eco-crafts, an e-newsletter, and some great contests/sweepstakes, plus a site just for kids! You’ll find their print mag in stores nationwide including Barnes and Noble, Whole Foods and Wegmans - or subscribe for just $12/year. Their second annual home issue (May/June) just hit newsstands last week and features topics such as natural cleaners, eco-friendly lawn and pool care, and natural mattresses.

Find It Here: KIWI Magazine

Congratulations to Sharon C. and Elizabeth, winners of a year print subscription to KIWI Magazine!

By Cristina, May 19, 2008  
Filed under: Baby, Kids, Preschooler, Read, Toddler, Win

Twice a month, Thursday mornings are an exciting time at my house. That’s the day that both the garbage truck and the recycling truck come by to make their curbside collections and my kids race to the front window to watch the action. Thanks to Maple Landmark, now all kids can make every day recycling day with this wooden Montgomery Scoots Recycling Truck. Painted with non-toxic paint and made in Vermont from mostly local (USA) materials, this truck is recommended for ages 2 and up. At 4 inches long, the Montgomery Scoots Recycling Truck makes a fun and green educational addition to any play town.

Find It Here: KangarooBoo

By Amy, May 3, 2008  
Filed under: Kids, Play, Preschooler, Recycle, Toddler, Toys

Not all toys have batteries in them. I had to explain this concept to my almost three-year-old recently when he kicked one of the wooden cars I bought him and said, “Mommy, it doesn’t go. It needs batteries!” Admittedly, battery-operated toys are fun for kids, but wooden toys can be just as entertaining and can stimulate the imagination in ways that battery-operated toys might not. And let’s not forget the HUGE pluses of not having to run out to buy replacement batteries all the time or the good feeling we’ll get by eliminating worries over the hazards that batteries present to our environment.

So, if you’re looking for a fun, eco-friendly wooden toy for your preschooler/budding architect, check out Kapla’s wooden construction planks. The accompanying instructions sheets will give you great building ideas - from the simple to the complex (Eiffel Tower anyone?) . Made in France of 100% pine from certified renewable French forests, Kapla’s construction planks are sure to bring out the creative genius in your child. And parents, don’t worry, you won’t have to mess with glue, nails, batteries, or toxic paints. Just bring your imagination and you’re all set. Hooray!

Find It Here: Comptoir d’Enfance

Congratulations Angela H., winner of a box of 40 Kapla construction planks!

By Cristina, April 29, 2008  
Filed under: Preschooler, Sustainable, Toys, Win