The holidays are a special time of giving, but they’re also a perfect opportunity to make sustainable choices that can help shape a brighter future for our little ones.
For families seeking mindful ways to celebrate, we’ve curated a Christmas gift guide filled with eco-friendly, high-quality options for children aged 6 months to 5 years.
From ethically made toys to cosy clothing, these thoughtful gifts combine fun, function, and a focus on sustainability.
- Organic Cotton Clothing and Blankets
For: Ages 6 months - 5 years
Organic cotton clothes and blankets make a beautiful, long-lasting gift for the little ones in your life. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides, making it gentler on sensitive skin and better for the planet. Look for cosy pyjamas, sweaters, and blankets that can keep children warm during the winter months. Bonus points if the items are gender-neutral and timeless so they can be handed down through siblings!
Recommended Product: Elli Junior I am Organic Cotton Unisex Collection – Luxuriously soft and available in a range of sizes. Choose from strong affirmations or adorable golden dots for a cosy night's sleep!
For: Ages 1 - 5 years
Traditional wooden toys are a wonderful alternative to plastic. They're durable, biodegradable, and often made from sustainably sourced wood. Many wooden toys are also open-ended, encouraging creative play and problem-solving skills. Look for toys like stacking blocks, animal figurines, or puzzles – these timeless gifts are sure to inspire playtime for years.
Recommended Product: Jabadabado Parking Garage– Made from sustainably sourced wood and painted with non-toxic dyes.
- Eco-Friendly Plush Toys
For: Ages 6 months - 4 years
Plush toys bring comfort and companionship to children, and eco-friendly options are now widely available. Seek out plush toys made from organic cotton or recycled materials, as these are both gentle on young skin and kinder to the environment.
Recommended Product: TeddyKompaniet Unicorn Ballerina – Super soft and irresistibly huggable, this bear is made from organic cotton and natural dyes, making it safe for babies and toddlers to cuddle with all day.
Explore all soft toys for all ages
- Bamboo and 100% Plant-based Dinnerware Sets
For: Ages 1 - 5 years
Bamboo and 100% Plant-based dinnerware is a wonderful gift idea that combines sustainability with style. They are safe, lightweight, and perfect for mealtime with little ones.
Plus they are unbreakable and Dishwasher safe!
Recommended Product: Liewood Junior Set – Featuring adorable designs that kids love, these sets are perfect for tiny hands, adding a splash of fun to mealtime while supporting eco-friendly habits.
Explore other Sustainable feeding Options including Bamboo and Silicone.
- Ride-Ons and Balance Bikes
For: Ages 1 - 5 years
Ride-on toys and balance bikes encourage physical activity and outdoor play, making them an excellent choice for growing children. Many eco-conscious brands now offer wooden and metal balance bikes, trikes, and ride-on toys made from sustainably sourced materials. These toys are designed to last, with sturdy construction that can withstand years of play and even be passed down to younger siblings.
Recommended Product: Wooden Balance Bike – This charming, sustainably sourced wooden bike helps children develop balance and coordination, all while having fun exploring the outdoors in an eco-friendly way.
Ride-ons and bikes not only bring joy but also help kids develop motor skills and confidence, making them a gift that parents and kids alike will appreciate for years to come.
Explore all Ride Ons at Elli Junior
- Personalized, Eco-Friendly Gift Hampers
For: All ages
Gift hampers filled with sustainable, thoughtfully chosen items can make the holidays even more special. Choose hampers that include items like organic cotton clothing, bamboo dinnerware, wooden toys, and a cosy blanket. Choose from a ready made Gift set or Personalise the hamper to add an extra touch, and select products that can be enjoyed over time, making it a gift that keeps on giving.
Recommended Product: Elli Junior Personalized Gift Hampers – Each hamper is customizable and filled with sustainable baby and toddler essentials that families can use throughout the year.
- Wooden Building Blocks for Open-Ended Play
For: Ages 1 - 5 years
Wooden building blocks are a timeless gift that fosters creativity, imagination, and problem-solving. Made from sustainably sourced wood and finished with non-toxic paints, these blocks encourage open-ended play, allowing children to build, stack, and create anything they can dream up. Unlike plastic toys, wooden blocks are biodegradable, durable, and can be cherished for years or even passed down through generations.
Recommended Product: Elli Junior Wooden Block Set – This set features a variety of shapes and colours, perfect for inspiring imaginative play and helping young ones develop motor skills while exploring endless building possibilities.
Wooden building blocks are a versatile gift that grows with the child, making them a valuable addition to any playroom.
- Role Play Gifts for Imaginative Play
For: Ages 2 - 5 years
Role play toys are wonderful for encouraging creativity, social skills, and imaginative play in young children. From mini kitchen sets to doctor kits, these toys allow kids to explore real-world scenarios in a fun, safe way. Look for role play gifts made from eco-friendly materials like sustainably sourced wood or recycled plastic, which offer long-lasting quality and a lighter environmental footprint.
Recommended Product: Elli Junior Food Tray– This adorable, eco-friendly kitchen set is perfect for budding chefs. Made from sustainably sourced wood, it includes all the essentials for cooking up pretend meals and fostering imaginative play.
Role play toys are ideal for helping children build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and understand the world around them—all while keeping playtime fun and engaging.
Tips for Sustainable Gift Giving
- Prioritise Quality Over Quantity: Fewer, high-quality gifts that last are better for the environment and appreciated by families.
- Consider Reusability: Gifts that can grow with the child or be passed down to younger siblings are a fantastic sustainable option.
- Choose Sustainable Packaging: Wrap gifts in fabric or use recycled paper, and skip single-use wrapping.
With thoughtful, sustainable choices, you can give gifts that spark joy, foster a love for the planet, and make holiday memories to treasure. Here's to a greener, kinder holiday season! 🎄