There's nothing like the holidays to make you want to simultaneously pull out your hair and huddle under the covers with your kids for a week. Shopping for gifts for the kids can turn into an assault on all the senses with all those noisy toys and plastic bits. How about a simpler approach to presents this year?
Employ the guiding principles of natural parenting to your shopping list, and watch the stress melt away. Here are some quick fixes for natural mamas who need to kick-start their holiday shopping:
Clara Paper Dolls; $6 -- Cupcakes for Clara
I remember paper dolls, but I don't remember them looking this ridiculously cute -- do you? Printed on hardy card stock that can be recycled after they've been thoroughly loved, and packaged in a biodegradable cornstarch bag, these little dolls offer a new adventure every day.
EdToy MagnaMobiles Fire Engine; $24.99 -- PeaPods
It's a fire engine unlike any they've ever seen, which will make them the coolest little firefighter-wannabe on the block. The pieces of this wooden truck come apart and go back together using magnet technology.
Family of Wooden Peg Dolls; $5 -- I Used to Be a Tree
I can't say enough about wooden peg dolls. They're free of creepy chemicals, for one, but can you really find a better springboard for the imagination? Let your kiddos paint these any which way they want, and after that, there are still hours of play left as they use the dolls to create any scene they want.
Clementine Natural Paints; $13.99 -- Clementine Art
The perfect pairing for the dolls above or any little crafter, these creamy tempura paints are free of chemical dyes to keep your artist safe. Even better: they're washable. Let the creativity flow!
The Littlest Evergreen by Henry Cole; $11.55 -- Amazon
Can you really ever go wrong with some children's books for your children? The rare Christmas book that makes sense for year-round reading, this is the story of a different kind of Christmas tree -- one that never dies. Although it comes into the house, it's nurtured and kept alive by a family before being returned to the forest. A sweet tale for kids about how to sustain the resources of our Earth.
Keeki Pure & Simple Glow in the Dark Nail Polish; $9.99 -- Sears
Stocking stuffer alert! A water-based non-toxic nail polish will provide plenty of fun on Christmas night. Especially when you turn off the lights and try to spot your kiddo in the dark by the way their nails glow!
What's on your list for your kiddos?
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
KStew Refuses to Shower
This Hot Dad Wants to Cook You Dinner
This Hot Dad Cooks AND Does the Dishes
Comments 5
Great ideas! Those paper dolls are adorable!
I'm so glad to see that you linked to Peapods. It has been my go-to store since my son was born (it's close to my house) and I've spent a ridiculous amount of money there. :) They have great stuff.
I made homemade scented & colored play dough for my nieces & nephews this year!
I'm making my girl a playmat. It will have a tree with leaves some removable, apples, bananas, cherries, all removable, a squirrel to play with and flowers and all that jazz! I'm almost half way done. :) It's really cute.
I'm not a "natural" momma by any stretch, but I LOVE wood toys! They're so classic and durable, there's just something about it.
Essential Safe Products has great eco-friendly gifts too! Check out their baby and kid section..plenty of great BPA free and non-toxic gifts and products for your family.