Disclosure: I am an ambassador for ClimateStore and this is a sponsored post. I received product and/or compensation in exchange for my thoughts expressed here. Nevertheless, they are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Easter baskets. They were so simple when my kids were growing up and I wasn't concerned about artificial colors in candy, GMOs in chocolate, or loading my kids' rooms up with more and more stuff. Things have changed, however, and Easter baskets aren't as simple as they once were. Now, health-conscious and green living parents are looking for alternatives to the way things used to be. Many are using natural dyes to paint their eggs and are filling their children's baskets with organic snacks and toys made from recycled and safe materials.
Here are some of my recommendations for Easter basket goodies from ClimateStore:
Fox Waste-Not Animal Kit
Recommended for ages 8 and up, this kit includes everything you need (except the 20 oz. water bottle) to create a fuzzy orange fox. eeBoo uses recycled materials, which help teach your kids about sustainability. And they've found that crafting actually helps develop parts of the brain that deal with math. So if your kiddo is struggling with arithmetic, pull them away from the homework and set them down at the craft table for awhile. Available in hedgehog and chameleon, too.
Jump Rope
This eco-friendly jump rope by Green Toys is the perfect Easter basket stuffer. Not only are there no batteries required, but the jump rope is made of 100% cotton rope with handles made from recycled plastic. Plus, jump ropes take your kiddos outside to play. What a great way to burn up that excess energy kids always seem to have! Available in 3 colors.
Recycling Truck
This Green Toy is kind of a practice-what-you-preach toy. A recycling truck made from recycled plastics. Brilliant! What child wouldn't delight in "driving" this truck around the neighborhood?
What Do You Know Bingo
A Bingo game loaded with fun facts to help children learn about the natural world. Yes! Add to that eeBoo's dedication to providing earth-friendly products. This Bingo game is for ages 5 and up and is printed on high-quality 90% recycled greyboard.
Ecosaucer Flying Disc
Take some plastic milk jugs and create toys for kids. That's exactly what Green Toys does and this flying disc is no exception. Another Easter basket goody that takes your kids outside for some fresh air and exercise. Mom and Dad might even enjoy tossing the Ecosaucer around a bit!
Honest Kids Binder Pencil Case
Made from upcycled Honest Kids®
drink pouches, this zip up case is perfect for pencils, crayons, or any little collections your child may be gathering.
Of course, there are many other wonderful items you can find on the ClimateStore website that would make excellent fillers for your little ones or your teenagers. Why does it make it difference to shop online at ClimateStore? Simply because they care about what is happening to the earth we'll be leaving behind for our kids and grandkids. Isn't that reason enough? As they state on their website: A planet friendly lifestyle should be easy. They've searched high and low for their collection of energy efficient and low carbon products, so you don't have to! You can trust them.
Won't you prove to your family this year that the Easter Bunny has gone green? Let's hop to it.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received products and/or compensation in exchange for my honest opinion about the following products.
I'm in the mood for another giveaway. What do you think?
Play It Safe Toys sent me some goodies for my grandchildren and I love them! Then, they offered to send some to you, too. How cool is that?
First, we have the absolutely adorable Bella the Cow Jumping Animal. Oh.my.goodness.
My granddaughter, Marley, obviously thought it was as awesome as I did. At 18 months, she can climb on with some assistance, but she does tend to topple off, so I recommend using it in a room with soft carpet for ones this little. Marley walked late and is still a bit wobbly!
Tested to meet tough European standards, Play It Safe Toys' Jumping Animals include Sammy the Pig and Harry the Horse and are free of both BPA and phthalates. They come in a variety of colors and are made to help build strength and coordination in children ages one and up.
Bella the Cow arrived deflated in a box that included a small pump. Once I pumped her up, she was ready to rock 'n roll! And she hasn't lost any of her bounce in the six weeks or so since I received her.
In addition to Bella the Cow, the generous folks at Play It Safe Toys sent me some wooden sewing cards for my older grandchildren. The four Animal Lace Shapes included a monkey, fish, butterfly, and teddy bear. They are colorful, sturdy, and eco-friendly. Made in the USA using only FSC certified wood, they are cut from scrap materials that would have otherwise been thrown away. There are four 52" strings, so everyone can join in the fun, even grandpaps!
While the Lace Shapes are designed for children ages four and up, little Marley was fascinated and eager to give it a try, just like her big sister, Laura.
Even my four-year-old grandson, Lincoln, enjoys his time at Grandma's "sewing." Unfortunately, I neglected to snap a picture of him doing so.
I remember playing with sewing cards when I was a child. It's such a nice break from all the electronic games kids are playing today, and these cards are excellent tools for helping children develop their fine motor skills.
Now, don't you think these would make excellent Christmas or Chanukah gifts? I certainly do, but for the sake of the review, I couldn't wait that long to give them to my grandchildren. Actually, though, I love that I can keep them at my house as special toys for them to play with when they visit.
So, let's get this contest rolling. Since you might have use for one toy and not the other, I'm going to post two Rafflecopters. Feel free to enter on only one or on both of them. This gives you the opportunity to win twice!
Sorry, but the giveaway is open to those in the US only, 18+. The prizes will be shipped directly from Play It Safe Toys to the winner(s). Contest ends at midnight on Sunday, November 30, 2014 and will be announced on Monday, December 1, 2014. Winner(s) will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address before alternate winners will be chosen.
Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
