5 Amazing, Eco-Healthy Toys that Belong Under Your Christmas Tree

This holiday season, I have a challenge for parents who are searching for the perfect Christmas present: skip the remote control car that breaks the first time it's used, and choose toys that stimulate problem-solving and creativity while meeting higher safety standards.

High quality play stimulates children's development and good quality toys can enrich children's play in powerful ways. But choosing the perfect toy isn't easy. Not all toys are created equal.

So, as an early childhood educator, I set out on a mission ... locate toys that engage children in high quality play, that are sturdy enough to withstand children's busy play, and that are made with non-toxic, sustainably sourced materials.

What I found is 9 eco-healthy toys that would be perfect Christmas presents for children ages 3 to 8 years old. Many of them have been "field-tested" in our own classrooms, and others reflect activities that we have tried with our kids but that are packaged for use at home.

For your convenience, the links in this blog take you directly to Amazon where you can purchase these items. There is no additional cost to you, but your purchase provides for a small commission to our school. (First Discoveries participates in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide funding for websites that link to amazon.com.)

Fire Trucks ... Oh, Yeah!