Since this is already a popular landing page on the blog, I’ve decided to update it annually with my latest toy recommendations/gifts for crunchy babies and toddlers {updated 11/11/2024}..
Whether you’re a crunchy mama yourself, or you’re buying for someone that doesn’t want the latest whizzing plastic gizmo in their kids’ toy room–you’ve stopped by the right place. We are a low-tech, outdoorsy, crunchy family, and I love choosing thoughtful, long-lasting toys made of natural materials for my children.
These are our favorite crunchy gifts for toddlers from over the years, in addition to the ideas I have for my kids this year (at the moment, I have an infant, two and three year boys, plus an older child). If you have any suggestions to add to this list, drop them in the comments! I love learning about new products or companies.
Crunchy Gift Ideas For Babies (Under 1)
-
- Lovevery play kits: A subscription to boxes of toys–but it’s not consumerist as it sounds. Most of the toys are classic wood Montessori-style toys and I can vouch that they last. Our drop boxes, stacking cups and more are on child #4! It’s on the more expensive side per box, so you can also look at the contents of the boxes (which are grouped by age) and try to find less expensive versions elsewhere.
- Sensory table: This table has SO many uses and is the perfect size for older babies/young toddlers!
- Kitchen helper stool: The perfect solution for getting kids involved in the kitchen and meal prep. This one is very reasonably priced and gets great reviews.
- A Pikler triangle and ramp: This is the most-used toy in our house by all three kids, but it’s especially good for babies as a place to test their physical abilities. We have a set from this company on Etsy (it’s less expensive than others because you have to assemble it yourself). But they’re sold at many different price points.
- cuddle+kind dolls: These stuffed animals are SO beautiful. They are handmade and entirely cotton, so you can feel fine about your little one cuddling it constantly.
Crunchy Gift Ideas for Toddlers (1-3 Years)
- The StoryPod: You can read my full review of the StoryPod here. It’s still a favorite item one year on.
- Gender-neutral dollhouse: Last year I bought this wooden dollhouse for our playroom (it was actually on sale at Amazon for $99 at the time, so keep an eye out if you’re interested). It is a great price for a furnished wooden dollhouse and they play with it constantly (although usually, it’s a house for their cars–I have boys, after all!).
- Heirloom wooden barn: This barn is incredibly high quality and it packs up for easy toting around.
- Wooden train set: This is my middle child’s big Christmas gift for this year. It’s adorable and a fantastic price!
- Wooden play kitchen: This was my 2-year-old’s birthday gift this year. It gets so much use and besides one of the oven dials (which fell off from excessive yanking), everything still looks great. And might I suggest buying real kitchen tools to go along with it? They’re wayyy cheaper but just as much fun.
- MagnaTiles: On the offhand chance you don’t already own MagnaTiles, they are perfect for this age range. They require less dexterity to put together than Duplo and other building toys.
- Honeysticks: Crayons made of 100% beeswax and food-grade dyes, so they’re safe if your child takes a bite. They last forever and the colors are as vibrant as a normal box of crayons. Disclaimer: not safe for kids under 1.
- WikkiStix: The perfect art activity to take on-the-go. My kids love these!
- Dress-up costumes: I also put this on my gift guide for 4-year-olds. We recently started a dress-up box and my kids love it, especially my 2-year-old. I love the Great Pretenders brand from Maisonette as they’re super high quality. However, you can buy dress-up clothes in many places at different price points.
- Play silks: On the same theme as above, these are beautiful, 100% silk squares that make a great addition to a dress up box. They can be capes, togas, belts, bags, etc–the sky is the limit. The company is a small, family-owned business so you can feel good about putting your money here, too.
Cute & Crunchy Clothing Companies for Littles
- Wee Woollies: A Vancouver-based wool kids’ clothes company. They source ethically-raised Merino wool from New Zealand to make base layers, pajamas, blankets, and accessories. We love their softness, quality and sustainability. Perfect gifts for a kiddo in a cold climate!
- Mama Owl: My go-to shop for wool outerwear. A Danish mom living in the UK started the company, which stocks several different brands. We love the Disana jackets–gorgeous investment pieces that are naturally water-resistant and super cozy.
- I’mInTheLoop: An Etsy shop with adorable handmade wool blend hats. I love buying baby beanies from here to gift to friends and family! Perfect for photoshoots and snowy weather alike.
xx Claire
