Kids Zero Waste Gift Guide

‘Tis the season for gifting; but how do we reconcile our desire to consume less with the expectation of abundant gift giving. There is a human desire to give and gift giving is an incredible tool to show our loved ones we care. So here are some zero waste gift ideas for the little ones, you don’t have to feel guilty about! 

Second Hand Toys

Buying second hand is a great way to buy toys for little ones and it’s carbon negative too. By choosing second hand, we are preventing the production of new, and giving used toys a second life. A market for used toys encourages the better care of toys, preventing them from ending up in landfill for longer.

Regifting 

If you have young children, they have very likely been gifted items that either, they already own, or are not suited to your child. Clothing is often gifted in the wrong size, or toys not the suitable age range. It is perfectly acceptable, to gift them on to a child whom they will suit better. 

Choose Natural Materials

Toys made from natural materials are durable, biodegradable, safe and create hours of open ended play. Wooden toys are an incredible choice for children’s toys and can last generations. If you can find them second hand that is even better. 

Something They Need

We often have a little running shopping list of items that the kids are in need of. Why not gift it! Hats, socks, stationary, activity books, craft supplies, a water bottle, shoes, a lunch box, I could go on and on.

Gift an Experience

If your child is a little older, experiences are the perfect zero waste gift. Great for their development and confidence; not to mention they will have memories that stay with them for years to come.

Here are some ideas-

• horse riding
• Site seeing
• Theatre show
• Adventure park
• Cooking/ baking experience 
• Theme park 

I am always last minute with gifts, and so making a gift is usually not on the cards for me. If you plan ahead and can either sew, build, knit or craft a gift for your children, there is nothing better than a handmade gift! 

I hope this list gave you some ideas. If you have any ideas for zero waste children’s gifts, do share them in the comment below.