Green Gifts for the Kid

See that giant heap of presents? Children’s birthdays can be a time of eco-unfriendly excess but it is possible to keep them green. Here are a few ideas for gifts that are cool for the kiddos and gentle on our planet.

FOR THE CREATIVE KID:
Natural Finger Paint for Kids by Livos. ($24)
- This finger paint has all of the messy fun without the chemicals. Derived from vegetable dyes and all-natural mineral pigments, there are no heavy metals or other harmful ingredients. Each set contains 6 glass bottles of paint including white, yellow, red, blue, green and black.

FOR THE CHILD WITH A SWEET TOOTH:
Knitted Cupcake Assortment from Yellow Label Kids ($32)
- Kids will have a ball with these soft, colorful cupcakes. The perfect plaything for babies and older siblings too. The wrappers on these cupcakes peel down easily for little hands. Comes with a set of 4 with a fabric box. An adorable eco-friendly addition to any play kitchen.

FOR THE ROCK STAR
Percussion Set from Sevi ($30)
- This five piece, sturdy percussion set will stand up to any toddler jam session. Includes drums, maracas, jingle sticks, castonets and triangle. Made of wood and painted with non-toxic, food-grade paints and finishes.

FOR THE PLAYFUL KIDDO
Organic Playdough by Over the Rain Dough ($35)
- Make rainy days far more fun with this organic play dough. Each set comes with six colors: berry pink, peachy peach, cinnamon brown, lemony yellow, vanilly white and purpley grape. 100 percent plant-based coloring and naturally scented. Colors may fade after 6 months.

Kelcey Kintner is the creator and editor of the mama bird diaries, a smart, funny and always unpredictable take on motherhood.

Eco-Chic Entertaining is a special series for the month of April that is dedicated to the best green vendors, products and services.