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Super-big thanks to Lisa MacMartin from Wonderment for coming to our EcoParents meeting last night to share great tips and ideas for purchasing for kids in a more sustainable and eco-friendly manner, as well as donating a fabulous wooden rainbow toy for our giveaway! Some of her tips included:
- Buy Appropriately. Kids don't need every toy option under the sun. Too many choices can actually be deadening to kids. Pick a few nice pieces instead. For sets such as blocks or marbles, start with the smallest 'set' and add to it over time, if your child shows interest in it, rather than buying the biggest set out there.
- Plan your toyroom. Consider having one 'centerpiece' item that can grow with kids over time, such as a dollhouse, barn, kitchen, etc...
- Invest in open ended play toys. Toys that can be used in a variety of ways have a longer life in your playroom. An example could be a set of nesting bowls. They can be used in a play kitchen, for stacking, for nesting, dumping, etc... It encourages creativity as well, rather than toys will clearly one purpose only.
- Appropriate quality. You don't need to buy the top-of-the-line for everything, especially items that cater to a relatively short period of development oe fleeting interests. Considering investing in high quality items for items that are likely to have longevity in your children's lives.
- Pay attention to packaging. Look for items with minimal packaging and made locally to reduce environmental impacts associated with excess packaging and shipping.
- Encourage creativity. Consider items that have creating, building, and playing aspects, such as a set to put together a car or a craft kit. Your child can design the car, put it together, and then play with it! This is also a good suggestion if there are different ages in your house, b/c the older one can build something, but both kids might be able to play with it.
Thanks again to Lisa and Wonderment for their support of Linden Hills EcoParents!
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