Classic European Toys

European toys have a reputation for being safe, durable, and educational. Toy experts agree that Europe has the highest safety standards for toy manufacturers. With many parents dreaming of a China-free Christmas, the trend for the past few years has been toward more classic toys that stand the test of time. Toys from Europe tend to be more costly, yet in the long run are worth the price for their use of sustainable materials. These toys can easily be passed to the next generation. It’s more efficient to buy a few classic pieces than to try to buy out the entire toy store on cheap plastic toys that will not only end up broken in the closet, but could also pose potential health hazards. For a list of green toys, including some manufactured in the U.S. see our top ten list of green toys. Here are some picks for classic toys made in Europe.

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether

Vulli is a French company who have been in business since 1946 and specialize in nursery items and toys for babies up to 6 months old. They manufacture 60% of their products in France including their legendary Sophie the Giraffe Teether which has been their classic toy for 40 years. Sophie is made of 100% natural rubber and food paint and is Phthalate and BPA free so parents can feel at ease without worry of toxins. With lots of places for baby to grip, soft to the touch, and a squeaker when squeezed, Sophie stimulates the developing senses of babies. Highly popular, this toy has received an average 4.5 star from 819 customer reviews on Amazon. Though higher in price than your average teether, most parents agree it’s worth it with many saying it’s their babies’ favorite toy. Recommended for ages 0-12 months.

You can get Sophie the Giraffe Teether on Amazon for $17.49.

Haba Fantasy Blocks

Haba Fantasy Blocks

Founded in 1938, Haba Toys is one of the oldest European toy companies and a leader in manufacturing non-toxic wooden toys. Promoting sustainable forest management, Haba blocks are made of solid beech wood from German forests and painted with a water-based, solvent-free dye. The Haba Fantasy Blocks are made in Germany and have won the Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys Award as they develop fine motor skills and promote independent play. With such high quality, these blocks could be passed down from child to child and even on to the next generation. Amazon reviewers have given them an average 4.5 stars. Recommended for ages 1 and up.

Haba Fantasy Blocks sell for $35.99 on Amazon.

Käthe Kruse “Grabbing Toy” Camel

Käthe Kruse "Grabbing Toy" Camel

German toy and doll maker, Käthe Kruse has created a line of grabbing toys for infants. All of their toys and dolls are handmade in Germany of organic materials. Parents have raved about their quality, saying they stay looking new much longer than other toys, even after washing. The camel grabbing toy features an eye-catching design that develops hand-eye coordination. Machine washable and recommended for ages 0 and up. Measures 8.5″ tall.

The Käthe Kruse “Grabbing Toy” Camel sells on Amazon for $20.00.

Playmobil Family Camper by Playmobil

Playmobil Family Camper by Playmobil

Playmobil is a classic German toy company who have won countless awards, including safety awards. These toys get played with the most in my house. Though most of their toys are made in Germany, a small percentage are being outsourced to other countries, such as their take-along line. However Playmobil is still committed to customer satisfaction and knowing that parents value the “Made in Europe” label. The Playmobil Family Camper is made in Germany and is one of their most popular pieces. Features a variety of accessories to develop imagination and pretend play. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Sells on Amazon for $42.19.

Orchard Game by Haba

Orchard Game by Haba

The Orchard Game from Haba has been their classic flagship game for over 20 years. With no single winner, it promotes co-operative play and is simple for young children to learn. Players roll the dice and collect fruit from the matching color tree before it gets eaten by the raven. Made in Germany with Haba’s high-quality standards and materials. This is a game that parents won’t mind playing with their kids. Amazon reviewers have given it a 5 star average. For 2-8 players and recommended for ages 3-6.

The Orchard Game is sold on Amazon for $35.99.

Mini Wooden Beetle Car by Vilac

Mini Wooden Beetle Car by Vilac

Every child needs a classic wooden car and this one is made in France by Vilac who has been crafting wooden toys since 1911 and makes a whole line of vehicles perfectly sized for little hands. This retro-style beetle car is made of solid wood and finished with a non-toxic lacquer. European wooden toys are built to last and will sustain years of use. The Vilac Mini Wooden Beetle Car is recommended for ages 3 and up.

Sells on Amazon for $10.99.

P’Kolino Triangular Crayons

P'Kolino Triangular Crayons

Crayons are often associated with America, but Europeans have been making high-quality crayons since the late 1800s. P’Kolino Triangular Crayons are made in Europe. Jumbo sized for a long life, they are non-toxic and ergonomically designed for an easy grip by pre-schoolers. The triangle shape prevents the crayons from rolling off the table. They come in a durable container and are not wrapped in that messy paper. One reviewer on Amazon said they color smooth and with vibrant color.

You can get a pack of 12 P’Kolino crayons on Amazon for $5.39.

Quercetti Georello Kaleido Gears

Quercetti Georello Kaleido Gears

This gear set by Quercetti is made in Italy of durable, non-toxic plastic. Quercetti has been making educational toys in Europe for over 60 years. We had a gear set in our house that got a lot of use, but continuously ate through batteries. The Quercetti Georello Kaleido Gears is a hands-on system where the child turns the crank to make the gears move. With 55 interlocking pieces that come in 3 gear sizes, kids can experiment with all different combinations. This toy stimulates creativity and intuitive reasoning. The manufacturer’s recommended age is 3 and up.

Sells for $22.48 on Amazon.

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Game

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Game

There’s a reason why LEGO is the fifth largest toy manufacturer in the world. They have a reputation for making ingenious and durable toys that kids spend hours upon hours with in creative and educational play. As a European company, they follow strict safety standards and most of their components are made in Europe, specifically Denmark, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, however some components are outsourced to Mexico and China, though none of the actual “bricks” are made there. The LEGO Creationary Games Series is all the rage for this holiday season. While a lot of the LEGO sets are geared toward boys, the Creationary games, including the Harry Potter one, are perfect for both boys and girls. Kids get to build their own game board which LEGO says takes about 20 minutes for the experienced LEGO builder. You can customize the board to your liking and preferred difficulty level, changing up the game every time you play. The object is to collect four different items from the four classrooms and the first to turn in their homework wins. For 2-4 players, ages 8 and up.

The LEGO Hogwarts Game sells for $29.99 on Amazon.

Kettler Kettrike Air Navigator Trike

Kettler Kettrike Air Navigator Trike

Kettler products are made in Germany and their line of trikes for toddlers and pre-schoolers have become popular in the U.S. The Kettler Kettrike Air Navigator is designed for ages 18 months to 5 years. For the beginners, it features a locking handlebar and optional pushbar so parents can guide while the child rests their feet on the pedals. Also features multiple frame adjustments as the child grows and a tandem seat can be added which is sold separately. The bucket in the back tips back for loading and unloading. The frame is made of high carbon steel and shipping weight is 24 lbs. Amazon reviewers have given this trike an average 4 out of 5 stars with the biggest praises being the quality construction and durability and the biggest complaint being that it is hard to pedal for some kids with the auto free wheel design.

Sells on Amazon for $219.00.

Top Ten Green Toys

With the recent rash of toy recalls due to the use of harmful lead paints and suspected dangerous plastics containing phthalates and BPA, parents are demanding toys made with non-toxic, non-hazardous materials. Economic times being what they are, it helps to know you’re hard-earned money is going to trustworthy, earth-friendly companies.  By using renewable materials such as bamboo, rubberwood, organic cotton, and recycled materials such as milk jugs, toy companies are answering the call by creating affordable, safe toys all while reducing their carbon footprint and saving energy.

When Mr. Potato Head first hit the shelves in the 1950s, the kids had to provide their own potato. That may sound crazy by today’s standards, but perhaps it’s time to think again. A return to the simplistic and thought-provoking features of yesterday’s toys may be just what our little plugged-in, video game junkies need. Here are our top ten picks for green toys that kids will find fun and parents will appreciate. No batteries required.

Green Toys Tea Set

Green Toys Tea Set

Every preschooler needs a tea set for imaginative play. The Green Toys Tea Set is durable, dishwasher-safe, and has a classic look to it. Green Toys, an award-winning toy company, makes all their toys from 100% recycled plastic, with the main ingredient being milk jugs collected from curbside recycling bins. All Green Toys are phthalate and BPA free so no need to worry about kids drinking from these cups. Green Toys come in environmental packaging, using hassle-free, recycled cardboard. This set contains 17 pieces with interchangeable lids. Recommended for age 3 and up. Made in California.

The Green Toys Tea Set sells for $21.18 on Amazon.

Green Toys Recycling Truck

Green Toys Recycling Truck

Another choice from Green Toys, the Green Toys Recycling Truck is not only made from recycled milk jugs, it will teach your little one about recycling. Kids will enjoy the movable recycling bed, sorting bins for bottles, cans, and paper, and the workable dumper. Parents will enjoy the durability and no metal axles to rust. You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that Green Toys is doing their part to save energy and reduce greenhouse gases. To learn more about the Green Toys company click here. Manufacturer recommended age for the Green Toys Recycling Truck is 12 months to 9 years.

Sells for $20.15 on Amazon.

Plan Toys Balancing Cactus

Plan Toys Balancing Cactus

The award-winning Plan Toys Balancing Cactus is a fast-paced game for 1-4 players where players take turns adding pieces, attempting to keep the cactus balanced. The first player to make the cactus fall loses. Playing the game helps develop analytical and decision making skills and encourages cooperation. Plan Toys says it’s best for kids aged 3-8, though I’m willing to bet older kids and adults will enjoy it too. Parents are always looking for games that can be played quickly and don’t involve a lot of set up. So what makes it green? It’s made out of organic rubberwood from older rubber trees that have stopped producing latex. The Plan Toys Toy Company is a chemical-free, green company who use recycled and recyclable materials.

You can purchase the Plan Toys Balancing Cactus for $19.47 on Amazon.

Citiblocs Wooden Building Block Set

Citiblocs Wooden Building Block Set

The Citiblocs Wooden Building Block Set is proof that simplicity works. The wood to make Citiblocs is Grade A Radiata Pine from certified renewable forests in New Zealand. Each block is precision cut to the same size and shape which makes building possibilities endless and clean-up a snap. No need for glue, magnets, or connector pieces. Citiblocs has earned 20 industry awards, including the Dr. Toy Best Green Product Award and the Mom’s Choice Award. Schools across the country are using Citiblocs in the classroom to promote confidence and logical thinking. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Citiblocs come in a variety of colors and building sets. The economical 54-piece set sells for $12.07 on Amazon. Other options include a 100-piece set for $16.50 or a 200-piece set for $30.18.

miYim Simply Organic Plush Collection

miYim Simply Organic Plush Andrew the Hippo

For the newest member on your holiday shopping list, the miYim Simply Organic collection of stuffed toys are made with 100% USDA certified organic cotton. They are non-toxic and use an environmentally friendly dye process using plants and minerals. Each miYim product comes in a collectible signature gift box, made of recycled materials and perfect for gift-giving. The only complaint from some Amazon reviewers is that the material is not as “plush” as perhaps most people are used to in stuffed animals, but most said that it is still soft and what it lacks in plushness, it makes up for in durability. Recommended for ages 0 months and up, parents don’t have to worry about their babies putting this toy in their mouths.

The miYim Organic Simply Plush Andrew the Hippo can be purchased for $23.27 on Amazon.

Elenco Snap Circuits Green – Alternative Energy Kit

Elenco Snap Circuits Green - Alternative Energy Kit

For the older kids, the Elenco Snap Circuits Green Alternative Energy Kit will teach them about the latest innovations in green technology. This toy was also a winner of the Dr. Toy Best Green Product. Kids can build over 125 projects using a hand crank, FM radio, solar cell, windmill, LEDs, rechargeable battery, clock, and analog meter. Includes an educational manual which explains alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydrogen fuel cells. Recommended for ages 8 and up. This set is compatible with other Snap Circuits sets.

Sells for $42.38 on Amazon.

HaPe International E-Racer Monza

HaPe International E-Racer Monza

No toy box is complete without a super cool race car. The HaPe International E-Racer Monza offers a classic sleek design that is made with environmentally friendly materials. HaPe International, an innovator in producing bamboo toys, builds each car from a single piece of bamboo wood. The sporty finish is painted with non-toxic, water-based paint. The E-Racer Monza is suitable for ages 3-10 and would make a great stocking stuffer. Also comes in green or blue.

The HaPe International  E-Racer Monza sells for $16.61 on Amazon.

MakeDo

Makedo

Makedo is a connector system that uses a child’s unlimited imagination and items found around the house, such as cardboard boxes, packaging materials, and fabric. Using a pin and clip connector, a hinge, and an injury-proof construction tool, kids aged 3 and up can turn ordinary objects into works of art. Just check out the gallery pictures on Makedo’s website. Their creations can be disassembled and used over and over again. The whole concept behind Makedo is re-usability and the company uses 100% recyled materials for it’s packaging and printed materials. The toy itself is made of nylon 6,6- a single material chosen for strength and flexibility. Since nylon recycling is not widespread, Makedo will take back any pieces to ensure that they do not end up in a landfill.

Makedo comes in a variety of kits and includes a poster of project ideas. The Makedo Kit for One contains 65 pieces and sells for $19.95 on Amazon.

Vehicle Memory Tile Game

Vehicle Memory Tile Game

The Vehicle Memory Tile Game is made by Maple Landmark, a company in Vermont who uses local resources to produce high quality, handmade wooden toys, games, and puzzles. Maple Landmark was awarded the Green Toy Company Award from Dr. Toy. This classic memory game set includes 24 tiles to make 12 matches of different types of vehicles. The tiles are made from birch plywood and the picture on each tile is finished with non-toxic dye and stains. An all-natural cloth pouch is included for storage and simple clean-up. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

You can purchase The Vehicle Memory Tile Game on Amazon for $19.40.

ImagiPLAY Fruit Cutting Set

Imagiplay Fruit Cutting Set

Preschoolers love to play with pretend food and this 17-piece play set takes it a step further with fruit sectioned by velcro to make a realistic cutting sound. The cutting action helps develop motor skills and hand/eye coordination. ImagiPLAY is another toy company dedicated to respecting the planet by using rubberwood to make their products. With a lead free paint job and wooden storage box, parents will appreciate the safety and educational features of this toy. Recommended for ages 2-5.

The ImagiPLAY Fruit Cutting Set sells for $24.85 on Amazon.

The Contina line by Hape International is said to be the first range of 100% bamboo toys. They are colored with natural, water-based paints. The full range is available from Hape through Amazon. Found via: Eco Child’s Play

The world’s smallest wind turbine. That’s what The Blow Light claims to be. You blow on the rotor to light up the blue and green LEDs. It’s more fun and educational than a comparable battery power toy.

It’s available from Nigel’s Eco Store for £9.99.

Here is a model race car that runs on hydrogen produced by a small solar cell. The car uses a real fuel cell and its own on-board hydrogen storage system. To create free hydrogen fuel, you just add water to the stations tank. Fueling is animated by a special blue light display. The car will operate for about 4 minutes on a full hydrogen tank. Available from Amazon.