With the talk of lead and bad chemicals in children’s toys, parents are looking for more natural options. Natural toys made of wood and natural fabrics have become more main stream as customers demand higher quality items. Small toy companies are listening, and creating wonderful alternatives to plastic based toys and dolls.

Many stuffed animals are created in factories and made with Petroleum based fake furs and fabrics. They are then stuffed with a plastic-based filling. The eyes are usually a plastic material and the thread is again, made of polyester. Consumers can move away from the Petroleum based products we are all accustomed to, and seek natural alternatives.

A small company in the U.S. called Ecoleeko is creating just that. Hand made, hand dyed Plush dolls and toys using all natural materials and fillings. Some of the materials include Organic cotton, Kapok fiber, and Buckwheat hulls. All the dolls and toys are made without petroleum based materials. Even the thread is organic!

Many other natural toys are made of wood, beeswax, natural wool and recycled materials. It is important in the future we all do our part and become aware of what our products are made of. Learning what toys and products are made of can help us all make better choices for our families and future generations.

This tip was written by Sue Lappan of Ecoleeko.