Keeping your children entertained whilst doing your part to protect the planet can feel impossible with all the shiny plastic and single-use toys round every corner. We have pulled together some of our favourite reasons to switch from disposable to reusable and sustainable gifts for kids. There are even a few recommendations throughout so you can step away from the endless Google scrolling.
The more they play, the more you save
The price point of high-quality toys can seem a little daunting at first and it can be tempting to keep re-buying the cheaper alternative that will cost you more in the long run.
Warm up the mathematical muscles each time they play, because every game becomes a saving. Because the toy you’ve chosen is reusable, you only need to purchase it once, therefore saving those precious pennies. And when they grow out of it or move onto a new passion, good quality toys can be resold, ready for the next kids to enjoy. Think wooden play food, washable colouring pages and buildable sets.
Not sure? Here’s the maths...
Say you buy an eatsleepdoodle colour in placemat to go for £16.95, they love it and use it every Sunday when you see the in-laws for a roast. In just a month that has only cost £4.24 per use, and after 6 months, cost per usage is down to 71p. What a bargain! And if you’ve looked after the placemat, you can sell it on when their interests change and at that point, you’re making money!
Less trips to the bin, more time to play
Ever feel as though you’re constantly picking up after your child’s play and find the bin reaches capacity faster than it used to? Switching to high quality sustainable toys from cheap knock-offs that break in 5 minutes will not only save on the meltdowns but also keep your waste-production at bay.
Maybe your child loves to draw and colour but goes through paper and colouring books like no tomorrow. Switching out their endless supply of tree shavings for a washable cotton alternative not only saves the trees but also helps them learn to be responsible for their belongings. Create and learn as a family with a washable colour in tablecloth from eatsleepdoodle.
Nobody likes emptying the bins, feeling icky from the ever-present smell of bin juice as well as the underlying air of guilt from, yet again, throwing away something that only just entered your home. Claim back that time and join in with the play, create memories as a family and feel good knowing you’re doing your bit for the environment.
Encourage imaginative play and problem-solving with versatile toys
Toys that do one thing often lose their allure faster than the transaction appears on your bank statement. But opting for a hands-on toy with endless possibilities will get the creative juices flowing and encourage on-going imagination and development of motor skills. The excitement of creating something new every time the toy comes out will keep their attention and focus much longer than a one-and-done option from the queue line.
What kid doesn’t love marbles? Buildable marble runs are a great way to keep the kids occupied for hours on end without losing their interest. Helping to develop teamwork, fine motor skills and problem solving without them even realising.
Our favourite versatile toy has got to be Artie® the doodle bear - there truly is nothing like him. A fully colourable, fully washable teddy bear waiting for his next mission. One day he could be called up for a mission to mars, the next he has a marathon to run, he never stops! The possibilities truly are endless, simply pop him in a 30° wash between assignments to remove the magic wash out pen ink, ready to start again.
Soooo...have we convinced you to make the switch? Invest in sustainable, durable toys that not only let your pockets breathe, but educate and inspire? If we have, welcome to the family!
