Gifts for kids from Kenana, Maple Landmark, and more

Why It's Good:

For kids, the holidays are about just one thing: toys. But with the recent spate of recalls, finding a safe, well-made toy is a challenge for parents. We've rounded up a few great, green gifts for the little ones on your list.

Why It's Green:

All of the products were chosen for their eco-friendliness, low to zero toxicity, and/or quality/longevity. See below for details.

Where To Get It:

Click on the links of individual toys to purchase

Babes in Toyland

Shopping for toys this season presents a host of difficulties, and not just because of the mass of choices out there on the market. This year, it seems like every week another toy hits the recall list. Laced with lead or date-rape drugs, cheaply made with breakable parts that can be swallowed or worse, choked on, parents are at a loss over how to choose great, safe toys for the holidays. Even charities are overwhelmed by the task of sorting out the good from the bad—and what happens to the recalled toys? Unfortunately, most will find their way into landfills....

So what to do? First, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission's updated list (see above, "recall list") or toy safety sites like Toyinfo.org. Next, read carefully, and ask questions. Look at ingredient lists, and make sure the toy you are giving is appropriate to the age of the child. If you're unsure about the paint or toxic content of the ingredients, call the company. It takes a little homework on your part, but the peace of mind pays off. For a start, see our picks for kids' holiday gifts this year:

Kenana Knitter Critters, prices vary
These animals (lion, elephant, monkey, owl, gigantic hippo and more) from the African wild are heart-stoppingly adorable. Dwelling founder Gloria Delaney works with female cooperatives in Kenya to fashion these sweet creatures from local wool yarn, which is hand-spun on bicycle wheels and dyed (in big cast-iron pots over a fire) using natural vegetable dyes. Each piece is individually knit under fair labor conditions and signed by the Kenyan artisan who made it.

Maple Landmark Woodcraft train sets, prices vary depending on selections
What could be more classic than the sight of a train set under the tree on Christmas morn? Sadly, even some of these old-time favorites made the recall list. Fortunately, someone is still making 'em like they used to, up in Middlebury, VT. Crafted from local labor and (sustainably harvested) wood and non-toxic, lead-free finishes, these customizable sets—choose from initials to charming gorillas, hearts, and fire engines—are built to be cherished for generations. The company recycles wood scraps and sawdust into things like bedding for local cows, and packaging materials are re-used.

Mountain Boy Sledworks "Mountain Boggan" toboggan, $139.99
An heirloom-worthy sled that'll send them flying through the powder, this handsome toboggan is planed and sanded by hand from sustainably harvested hardwood and has a lead-free, non-toxic finish. The company has waste-reduction and fair labor practices in place and uses recycled cardboard packaging. Wood scraps are repurposed into smaller items like ornaments.

Hand-powered LED animal flashlights, $8.99
Stuff stockings with these to aid late-night sneak-peeks at the presents under the tree: These adorable mini-flashlights are powered by humans, so no worries about stale batteries leaking toxic juice, or polluting the soil. Plus, they contain long-lasting LED bulbs (no changing required) and no detachable parts (i.e. choking hazards). What toy joy!—Elizabeth McMullen