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Tweens and teens are constantly taking photos of themselves, so why not put this talent to good use by hosting a selfie scavenger hunt at their next birthday party!
How To Do A selfie Scavenger Hunt
To do a selfie scavenger hunt, the participants will need their smart phones or cameras (either digital or polaroid cameras are perfectly fine because we here at Eco Mom Diaries, realize that not all kids are allowed to own a smart phone).
Each participant will also need a scavenger hunt worksheet that lists all of the items they’ll need to find in and around your home.
We’ve created two types of printable worksheets (one for indoor use and one for the backyard), so feel free to use either one—or both!
As each item is located, the participants will take a photo with the item and check it off of the list.
Optional Rules
To make this scavenger hunt a little more challenging, set a time limit. The typical tween will take forever trying to get that “perfect angle” (LOL), so setting a timer will speed things up!
You can also choose to give a prize to the winning participant (like a set of kawaii scrunchies or a cute reusable water bottle)—something that’s trending amongst teen girls these days.
You can tell participants that certain items require a silly face.
How To Download The Free Printable Scavenger Hunt Worksheets
To download the free scavenger hunt worksheets, simply right click the image, and save it to your desktop. You can also click on the image to open it on another tab and print from there.
Have fun, and remember to stay safe if you are doing a scavenger hunt outdoors!
Free Printable Selfie Scavenger Hunt Worksheets
INDOOR EDITION
BACKYARD EDITION
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Your kids have worked super hard all school year, and now it’s time for them to unwind and have some well deserved fun!
For many kids, summer break means spending hours upon hours on an iPad or gaming system, and while a healthy amount of screen time is perfectly ok (hey, I binged on Super Nintendo during summers in the early 90s), it’s equally important to encourage healthy outdoor play, arts and crafts, board games, reading and other activities that help with cognitive development.
With that said, below are 50 fun summer bucket list ideas for kids that encourage connecting with the outdoors, creativity, and family bonding.
I’ve even included a printable worksheet at the very bottom of this article in which your kids can list their top 10 favorite bucket list activities to try each week!
Your child can also create their own bucket list by choosing their top 10 favorite activities from our list above! Feel free to download and print the bucket list worksheet below!
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If you’re looking for some last minute activities that your kids can do on Father’s Day, then check out these simple Father’s Day activity worksheets that your kids can do for fun!
These printable Father’s Day themed worksheets can even make wonderful gifts for dad! They can be framed, hungon the fridge, or stapled together and turned into a keepsake!
These worksheets are fun yet simple—perfect for kids around age 7 and up. If you’d like something less challenging for a younger child, check out my free printable Father’s Day coloring pages for the little ones.
How To Print The Free Father’s Day Printables
If you’d like to print these free Father’s Day activity pages, simply click on an image and it will open in another browser. From there, just save it to your computer and print!
Keep your child busy with this fun Father’s Day word search! Your child must try to find all 15 words related to dad! For an added challenge, set a timer and race against the clock! If there are multiple kids working on this word search puzzle, offer a prize to the person who finishes first!
Dad And I Bucket List
We love this activity sheet because your child can brainstorm 10 activities for a bucket list that they can do with their dad on Father’s Day! It can be things like “playing sports in the backyard” or “going out to our favorite restaurant”. Your child can check off each item that gets accomplished throughout the day!
All About Dad Activity Sheet
This cute little activity page is all about dad! Your child gets to test their knowledge about dad’s favorite things, and can even draw a photo of themselves with their dad! It’s a cute project that can be framed or hung on the fridge!
Father’s Day Maze
Help the dad get to his football in this fun and challenging maze! For added fun, mom can set a timer and your child can race against the clock! If there are multiple kids working on this word search puzzle, offer a prize to the person who finishes first!
Dad Libs
This Father’s Day worksheet is really fun if your child loves Mad Libs! This simple and easy dad version is all about dad’s favorite things and why your child loves him! plus, it’s a great way to practice those nouns, verbs and adjectives!
Father’s Day Gratitude Jar
This is one of our favorite father’s day activity pages because kids get a chance to write down everything that they are thankful for when it comes to dad! Write outside of the jar if you need more space!
Father’s Day Mad Libs: Silly SuperHero Story
Your kids can get as silly as they’d like with this dad libs superhero edition. I originally created this for my 8 year old, and he had a blast filling it out!
Father’s Day Award
Your kids can proudly present dad with a certificate of awesomeness for being the best dad in the world!
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My 3 year old just recently mastered potty training, but unfortunately, nighttime accidents sometimes still occur.
For a while we’ve had her in disposable nighttime diapers, but eventually I decided that investing in a few cloth diaper trainers was a better alternative.
Disposable diapers, no matter how ‘sustainable’ or ‘biodegradable’ they are, still contribute to landfill waste. Unless something is compostable and is actually placed into a compost bin with the necessary components to help break it down, it’s just going to sit on top of trash along with everything else.
Then there’s the money issue—as a society, we’re literally buying a product that we throw away the very same day. It makes much more sense to invest in a few cloth diapers to save money and reduce waste.
So after researching a bunch of different cloth diaper brands, I decided to order a few from a cloth diaper company called GroVia, who specializes in a modern and eco-friendly diapering system, and sell the Grovia My Choice trainers.
The GroVia My Choice cloth diaper trainer is similar to a pocket diaper, but differs in that it features a unique pull up design with interchangeable Side-Flex panels. It has a hidden layer of hemp/cotton blend with a pocket for adding extra absorbency and an exclusive GroCool™ lining.
First Impressions Of The GroVia My Choice Trainers
When they arrived in the mail, my initial reaction to seeing these reusable trainers for the first time was “wow—these are really good quality training pants”.
The colors are warm and earthy, the fabric is well sewn together and soft to the touch, and they contain snap buttons in several key areas which allow for alterations as baby grows.
The GroVia cloth diaper trainers also contain an inner pocket with an absorbent layer of cotton/hemp blend, where you can add an insert for extra absorbency.
Features Of The GroVia My Choice Trainer
Convenient pull-up design
Contain a hidden layer of hemp/cotton blend for absorption
Contains a pocket for inserts / soaker pads
Waterproof outer layer and absorbent inner layer
Available upgrade: Interchangeable Side-Flex panels for a custom fit in a variety of stylish colors for mixing and matching (must be purchased separately)
Do The GroVia Trainers Have A Comfortable Fit?
The Grovia reusable training pants come in one size and they run small—if your child is over 25 pounds, they will be really tight around the waist, and it will be difficult for your child to pull them up. This is why GroVia sells the interchangeable Side-Flex panels, which offer a roomier fit.
That’s why you’ll also see a lot of reviews by other moms saying that these trainers have a “weird fit”, and they’re correct. But in my opinion, they’re a bit snug to prevent leaks, and so that you can use these for younger babies and adjust as baby grows.
My 3 year old is really slender (under 30 pounds) and these trainers are a bit snug. Hence, I definitely recommend purchasing at least one set of their side-flex plus panels which attach via snap buttons to the side of the trainers and comfortably expand the fit.
My daughter sleeps comfortably in these trainers with added organic inserts, and she loves that she can choose which color she wants to wear.
GroVia My Choice Trainers
Do The GroVia My Trainers Leak?
From my experience, these cloth trainers have not leaked yet. I find them to be very absorbent and the waterproof outer shell does its job. In fact, when I first got them, I ran to the sink and filled one with water, just to see how well they retain liquid without an insert—and sure enough, no water escaped through the outer shell. The absorbent hidden layer of cotton/hemp blend helps catch the liquid as well—and it gets more absorbent with every wash.
*If baby is laying sideways, pee could leak out of the sides, so for nighttime, an insert is recommended for younger babies*.
How Many Cloth Trainers Do I Need?
This all depends on how advanced your child is in their potty training. If your child is doing pretty well and only has occasional leaks, then I would recommend about 10-12 trainers—it all depends on how often you prefer to do laundry. Don’t forget that you might also need inserts. I would purchase at least 2-4 inserts to experiment with and then adjust as you go.
Personally, My daughter uses hers at nightime only, and rarely has accidents anymore, so for us, 3 cloth trainers and 2 inserts was all I needed to purchase. The GroVia trainers are also durable and excellent quality, and I will be able to hand them down to an expecting family member later down the road.
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Final Thoughts On The GroVia My Choice Training Pants
The Grovia My Choice Trainers are a great way to help your little one transition from diapers to using the potty like a big kid.
Your little one is also at a stage in their life where making choices is a big deal for them! The GroVia trainers are available in many colors, so watching your child pick and choose which cloth trainer they want to wear is really fun!
The only downside to these trainers is the small fit, and may not be suitable for husky toddlers; but as mentioned above, the Side-Flex panels will generously expand the fit, and you can always return the product if it’s not the right fit for your child.
Reusable cloth training pants are environmentally friendly, non-toxic and help save money that can be better spent on other necessities.
So if you’re tired of spending money on disposable nighttime diapers and want a more sustainable way to potty train your little one, then I definitely recommend giving the Grovia My Choice Trainers a try!
GroVia My Choice Trainers
I hope you found this GroVia My Choice Trainersreview helpful, and I will leave you with a slide show of their cute color options!
And if you’d like to read more about cloth diapers, Don’t miss my article on Best Cloth Diaper Brands which includes an ultimate guide to cloth diapers.
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There’s a saying that children don’t always listen, but they never fail to imitate.
That’s why living a sustainable lifestyle is key to instilling an eco-conscious mindset in your children—it’s the best gift you can give them.
The holidays are approaching, and many parents are opting to shop for plastic-free Christmas gifts this year.
Whether I shop for my own two children, or someone else’s, my goal is to always purchase something that’s both sustainable as well as environmentally friendly—it doesn’t matter if it’s clothing, toys or even dinnerware.
Mostly everything these days is available in eco-friendly alternatives and the purchases are worth every penny.
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Why Are Eco-Friendly Gifts For Kids A Better Buy?
Whether it’s an eco-friendly toy or sustainable clothing, eco-friendly gifts for kids are simply a healthier option for both children and the environment.
Many children’s products these days are mass produced and infused with chemicals like BPA and toxic adhesives that shouldn’t make contact with anyone’s skin—let alone babies and young children.
But when you opt for products made from natural and sustainable resources, you’re ensuring that your child’s health won’t be compromised.
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What Are Some Examples Of Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas For Babies And Toddlers?
Eco-friendly gift options for babies and toddlers can consist of anything that’s made of natural or organic material with non-toxic components and can be easily recycled or composted. They are ethically and sustainably sourced, and do not leave a negative impact on our environment.
Wooden toys, reusable diapers, plant-based dinnerware and sustainable clothing are all great examples of eco-friendly gift options for young children.
Below are our top picks for non-toxic and environmentally friendly gift ideas for babies and toddlers that will spark joy for both the one little ones and their parents!
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Eco-Friendly Christmas Gift Picks For Babies And Toddlers
WOODEN MONTESSORI Style Activity Cube
This 20 in 1 Montessori style wooden activity cube by Boobo Toys is extremely well built and provides sustainable learning fun for your curious little toddler. Each component is ethically and sustainably sourced, and each purchase plants a tree! There are a ton of wooden activity cubes on the market, but not all are ethically or sustainably manufactured—that’s why the Beebo Toys activity cube is our top pick for an eco-friendly gift for toddlers.
The Rylee + Cru is a sustainable clothing brand that makes their clothing with natural cotton—perfect eco-friendly gifts for babies, toddlers and young children. We love the soft earthy-clay colors and tiny patterns that add a little charm! See more of this clothing line at The Natural Baby Co!
An indoor climbing gym is a fun and healthy way to get your little one moving and strengthening those core muscles—especially during winter. The Woodenlikes wooden climbing set comes with 3 components that can be rearranged in various ways. With rounded corners and non-toxic adhesives, this fun indoor gym is a fantastic Christmas gift for active toddlers!
This wooden Montessori scooping set by Warckon is an awesome gift for toddlers who love playing with sensory bins. It’s an eco-friendly and sustainable gift option that will assist toddlers with hands-on play as they dig and scoop!
Wagon-stroller hybrids are trending, and they’re incredibly convenient for many occasions: travel, hiking, leisurely strolls. I always see moms picking up their older children from school with the younger tots in these wagons and the little ones look like they’re having a blast! With that said, if you’re considering a tactical wagon, Veer is the best of the best when it comes to aesthetics, quality construction and storage (it folds super flat).
This adorable and eco-friendly busy board by BusssyJoy safely entertains your toddler while strengthening their gross motor skills! This Montessori style board is also completely sustainable and made from eco plywood—which is actually high quality natural wheat straw. It’s aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and comes in two color palettes—perfect for both genders!
The Tiny Land cotton canvas tent is a very fun and charming gift idea for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s a place where the little ones can have some quiet time and enjoy a picture book. We love that it’s a gender neutral color and comes equipped with twinkle lights and and floor mat.
Made from sustainably harvested birch wood, this toddler ride-on by Wishbone Design Studio can be converted from a gentle rocker to a ride-on toy with a simple flip! It’s perfect for babies as young as 1 all the way up to age 5–making this non-toxic toy incredibly sustainable!
Organic and non-toxic dolls make fantastic eco-friendly gifts for children—especially if it’s their first doll. Babies and toddlers are always snuggling or mouthing their favorite toy, so it’s important that their dolls are as organic as possible. The Tikiri Toys dolls are one of our favorite non-toxic doll brands, and they have many cute styles to choose from. To learn more about eco-friendly dolls, see our article here.
These cute hand-made crib shoes by Little Pitterpat make the perfect gift for first time walkers. They have durable outer soles that equip your little one with traction and stability, and come in various fun boho and earthy designs! See all of the adorable options at The Natural Baby Company!
Babies and young toddlers love playing with stacking cups—and the Toy Safari “eco” stacking cups are the perfect plastic alternative! These eco-friendly stacking cups are non-toxic and made from biodegradable wheat straw—making these an awesome sustainable gift for kids!
This baby walker by PlanToys makes a fantastic eco-friendly gift for babies and toddlers—it features a ‘click-clack’ sound when it’s pushed, and features two adorable woodpeckers whose heads move up and down with every step. This walker is also made from sustainably harvested rubberwood trees paired with surplus sawdust chips that are thermally reprocessed to form a durable wood, and finished with E-Zero non-formaldehyde glue, and non-toxic water-based dyes.
Whether they’re babies or older toddlers, this bamboo dinnerware set by Bamboo Bamboo is an awesome eco-friendly gift idea! Each component is made from sustainable bamboo and eco-friendly silicone—perfect for a baby’s sensitive gums and teeth!
These adorable wooden teethers by Walnut Tree Infant Love are made from natural and organic beechwood that’s non-toxic and fun for baby to chew on! It’s the perfect gift for parents of a teething baby that needs natural gum relief. For more information on natural baby teethers, see our article here.
Reusable cloth diapers are an awesome zero-waste alternative to single use disposable diapers. And the Grovia cloth diapers are some of the best around! It’s a great way to save money, reduce plastic waste and keep your baby’s skin healthy! You can choose from organic cotton, hemp/cotton blend and more! See all the options at The Natural Baby Co!
This 5-piece Montessori style wooden toy set by Promise Babe is made from sustainable beech wood. Every toy in this eco-friendly gift set is non-toxic and completely safe for your little one to chew on. We love all of the diverse pieces from the rattles to teethers and everything in between!
Baby play gyms are a wonderful opportunity to entertain baby while building their motor skills and strengthening their eyes muscles. But many baby gyms are made from plastic and contain hanging toys that aren’t made from eco-friendly material. Wooden playgyms like the one by Mallify are made with non-toxic wood, and contain fun wooden hanging toys suitable for chewing! It’s a sustainable gift for babies!
The Toddler’s First Coloring Book from Honeysticks is hand-made in New Zealand from 100% recycled paper and features 40 large pages with simple images to spark creativity and play. It’s a fun eco-friendly gift that your little one will love!
For little ones who love to swing, this eco-friendly wooden swing by EcoTribe makes the perfect sustainable gift! It’s made from natural birch wood and equipped with cotton rope. It can be hung in a doorway, porch, or on a tree branch when the weather is ideal! It’s super unique and a great plastic alternative when it comes to swings, and there are several animals to choose from.
Patagonia makes amazing outerwear made from recycled material that looks incredibly cute. From recycled down jackets to fleece vests, these make awesome sustainable fashion gifts for kids. See all the available styles at The Natural Baby Co.
Sea Island Imports make the coolest little stools from sustainable acacia hardwood. They have a ton of fun designs and these little chairs make awesome little “rustic” additions to your child’s playroom. These are really great to give as a sustainable gift for a young toddler as well as a preschooler.
This hand-made wicker doll pram by Cackoo is made from willow and water-based paint. It’s a charming gift for little ones who enjoy playing with dolls and have been wanting a doll stroller. We love the boho style of this doll carriage and little girls will love this as a gift!
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Little kids copy everything we grownups do—which means they want to paint their nails to look pretty just like mommy.
But, as we all know, conventional “grown up” nail polish isn’t safe for little ones to use. Nail polish is full of unhealthy chemicals and toxins that can harm your little one via fumes and accidental ingestion (kids like to put their hands into their mouth a lot). And it’s not worth risking their health and safety.
We recommend water-based nail polish instead. There are quite a few nail polish brands that make baby and kid-friendly peel-off nail polish that’s made with non-toxic ingredients and is completely safe to use.
A Little Nail Polish History
Nail color has been around for quite some time. In fact, you’ll be pretty surprised to know that the trend dates back all the to way to 3,200 BC, where the Babylonians engaged in nail painting prior to battle, in order to distinguish rank.
Likewise, the practice was used by the Chinese dating back to 3,000 BC to distinguish class and dynasty. And ofcourse, by the Egyptians.
Only, nail color wasn’t made of the same toxic ingredients that we’re familiar with today. Not even close.
Ancient nail “polish” was made from natural ingredients such as kohl (a dark powder similar to charcoal), beeswax, and plant dyes—there was no formaldehyde, acetone or sulfates.
Nail polish today, on the other hand, is formulated with harsh and harmful chemicals, animal products and embalming fluid—check out 16 of the most common chemicals used in nail polish today:
Animals are also used to create certain shades of nail polish. You know that really pretty, pearly shimmer in nailpolish? That, unfortunately, is a result of fish scales. Then you have certain colors, like red shades, which require the need for boiled beetles, and animal fat to achieve a preferred thickness.
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Reasons To Use Water-Based Polish
Water based nail polish is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and are void of harmful fumes; some are completely odorless while others contain fun safe scents. Nail polish for kids is also cruelty-free and does not contain any animal products.
Another great benefit to using water-based nail polish for kids is that most brands create ‘peel off’ formulas—which is convenient because kids like to switch up color all the time, plus, the use of a nail polish remover is not necessary!
If you’re considering purchasing water-based vegan nail polish for your child, then take a look at our recommended list of brands below!
Nailmatic
The Nailmatic nail polish brand is made in France and is water-based. Each color has its own personality, and easily comes off with a bit of soap and water—that’s especially good in case it accidentally gets on your furniture! It’s pretty, it’s cute and the packaging is adorable!
Piggy Paint is a premium water based nail polish brand for kids that moms have trusted for the last 12 years and counting. Piggy Paint nail polish is odorless and contains zero toxic chemicals—no wonder their tagline is: “as safe as mud”. It’s even safe for pregnant moms to use as well! It’s also important to note that Piggy paint, though water-based, is not a peel off polish and does require nail polish remover (which they also make and is likewise non-toxic).
Miss Nella is a water-based nail polish brand for kids that easily peels off—allowing your child to experiment with different colors as often as they like. Miss Nella nail polish comes in all sorts of fun vibrant colors and is arranged in fun packaging which is totally giftable and makes for fun stocking stuffers.
Klee Kids “naturally good” nail polish is a paint and peel water-based nail polish that is non-toxic and odor free. The Klee Kids nail polish comes in adorable glass bottles that contain fun little jewels on top of the caps that little kids adore! These make super fun birthday gifts as well as stocking stuffers!
The Disney Princess nail polish set is a water-based peel off nail polish for kids that’s non-toxic and smells like bubble gum! If your little one loves Disney princesses, then they will love these fun nail polish colors that match their favorite princess. You can find Beauty And The Beast, as well as other Disney favorites on Amazon.
Hot focus is a cute non-toxic and water-based kids’ nail polish that easily peels off and contains a pleasant creamy scent! This peel off nail polish comes in 5 fun vibrant colors and aesthetically cute containers!
Snails nail polish is a water-based non-toxic nail polish for kids that is odorless and easily peels off. We especially love the bottle design and cute accent pieces that each color contains—from bow ties to tutu ruffles, these are a must-have for “girly girls”.
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School bags are more than just a fashion accessory. They’re an essential school supply that your child will utilize on a daily basis—so it’s important to get a good quality brand that can withstand heavy hauls and take on unexpected weather.
I personally like to put a lot of thought into buying a backpack because I want to set my child up for success. I know that a lot of parents choose whatever is on sale at Walmart, but those backpacks aren’t ethical, sustainable and certainly not durable—which is an important quality because I like to donate to local families in need when my kids outgrow their bags.
Eco-friendly backpacks are something that parents should definitely consider. Sustainable school bags are better for the environment—and some brands support environmental initiatives through each sale.
The eco-friendly school bags in this article are made from sustainable material such as recycled polyester and organic fabrics that are free of lead, BPA, PVC and phthalates.
These nontoxic grade school bags are also really stylish, which is an important quality that many kids seek when it comes to choosing a backpack.
JanSport
JanSport
The sustainable Superbreak backpack from JanSport is made from 100% recycled materials—like recycled polyester and nylon. These bags are also manufactured in a facility that’s powered entirely by solar energy. We love that this eco-friendly backpack is made without foam which makes it completely packable and spacious. With that said, it’s great for school as well as travel.
Believe it or not, the LEGO brand makes eco-friendly children’s backpacks made from rPET fabric from post-consumer water bottles, which requires 50% less energy and 20% less water to create–and generates 60% less air pollution! Also, the materials used to create these school bags are free of PVC, lead and phthalates. We love the fun LEGO prints and aesthetics of each bag, as well as the features which consist of ergonomically padded shoulder straps, sternum straps and padded haul handles.
The eco-friendly SoYoung backpacks are made from raw linen and are free of BPA, PVC, lead and phthalates. These school bags come in both toddler and big kid size, and are machine washable. We love the school age appropriate designs of these bags—particularly the soft pastel artwork which stands out beautifully against the beige fabric on each bag—as well as the roomy mesh side pockets that securely hug your child’s water bottle.
Aside from being a fashion must-have in all middle schools throughout the country, the Fjallraven Kanken backpack is entirely eco-friendly—from the nontoxic dyes and sustainable materials that used to construct it, to the manufacturing process. The school bags come in all different shapes and sizes, and are made from recycled polyester and organic cotton.
This eco-friendly school bag by Terra Thread is made from 100% GOTS Certified heavy-weight organic cotton. It has a generous amount of space and two side pockets for water bottles. Terra Thread is a carbon-neutral and Certified B Corp company that’s committed to giving back! Each purchase donates meals to kids and families in need through Feeding America. This bag donates 20 meals!
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If you want to give your kids the best advantage when it comes to academic learning, a good quality homework desk is a great investment to help a child excel.
Homework desks aren’t just for homeschooled children who participate in remote learning, they’re also a wonderful workspace for children who go to school and return home with homework assignments.
What To Look For In A Homework Desk
Finding an age appropriate desk is important because you want your child to be seated comfortably and have their supplies within arm’s reach. The recommended homework desks in this article are perfectly suited for children ages 5-12.
It’s up to you on whether you would like to purchase a desk made of wood, metal or hard plastic, but we recommend a homework desk made out of wood. Wooden desks are more sustainable, durable, less wobbly and more inviting.
All of the recommended homework desks in this article are made of different types of wood—from bamboo to engineered wood (which is eco-friendly because engineered wood utilizes less tree material per plank).
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Benefits of Homework Desks:
Promotes Concentration
Homework desks are a personal safe space that allow your child to concentrate and focus on their learning. Kids need a distraction free workspace that will help them retain what they’re learning.
Teaches Organization
Most homework desks come equipped with open and closed storage features which help your child learn to organize their learning material. It’s a great way to store writing material, books, and even a laptop while having it within arm’s reach yet out of the way to prevent clutter.
Provides Structure
Kids (and students) do best when they have structure, and a homework desk provides them with a familiar study space that belongs to them. Instead of bouncing around from doing written work at the kitchen table and reading a chapter book on the couch, a child can focus on those tasks in one area—their desk.
If a homework desk sounds good right about now and you’d like to get one for your child, then check out our 10 recommendations below!
KidKraft
KidKraft
KidKraft homework desks are especially great for children as young as 5 because they’re so low to the ground and have perfect sized chairs for little bodies. This particular homework desk is one of their best models and contains a nice amount of shelving and storage.
GuideCraft
GuideCraft
GuideCraft creates really lovely homework desks in multiple colors. And we really love the multiple storage compartments that this desk has to offer—perfect for separating homework assignments.
Melissa And Doug
Melissa & Doug
Melissa and Doug is household name for many families who have purchased the brand’s wooden toys throughout the years. This homework desk contains storage space for all of your child’s homework essentials and is great for small spaces.
Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart
The Martha Stewart brand creates really lovely and durable furniture—and this homework desk is no different. It contains nice shelving and storage space for your child’s supplies and still has plenty of room for a laptop.
Lipper International
Lipper International
This homework desk by Lipper International is great for when you have more than one child. It has storage space all around and comes with two chairs. It’s also nice spacious up top which is perfect for puzzle building, arts and crafts and board games.
Unicoo
Unicoo
This sturdy homework desk by Unicoo is made from sustainable bamboo and contains a nice amount of shelving. It’s a great fit for any space in the home and perfect for either gender.
PrePac
PrePac
If space is lacking, then consider this floating homework desk by PrePac. It has a good amount of storage shelving and looks functional in any room of the house. The only con to this floating desk is that it does not come with a chair like other homework desks do.
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By now you’ve most likely heard of fast fashion. It’s cheap, it’s mass-produced, and it’s loaded with unhealthy chemicals. The same goes with furniture.
New furniture tends to off-gas unhealthy fumes which fill the air and dust particles within your home. That’s why the inside of our homes are actually more polluted than the outside.
To make your home (and particularly your child’s bedroom more healthy) it’s best to purchase eco-friendly furniture made with non-toxic materials.
Hence, if you’re shopping for a bunk bed, sustainable brands are the best choice, and many of them are responsibly sourced solid wood with non-toxic finish.
The Benefits Of Solid Wood Bunk Beds
Solid Wood Is Sturdier & Safer
When it comes to choosing a frame, you should definitely go for solid wood. That’s because solid wood bunk beds are sustainable and sturdy, won’t wobble like some metal frames can, and will withstand the test of time.
Wooden bunk beds are also aesthetically pleasing to the eye and make a room look more inviting as opposed to a bed with a metal frame. That’s why wooden bed frames are better suited for young children who naturally don’t care so much about “contemporary” aesthetics.
Bunk Beds Are Convenient For Visiting Guests
Bunk beds are perfect for when you’re hosting a sleepover or need someplace for a visiting family member to sleep for a couple of days! That’s because most bunk beds have an extra ‘pull-out’ bed that you can store underneath the bottom bunk. It’s an incredibly convenient feature.
No Need For A Box Spring Mattress
A bunk bed doesn’t require a box spring mattress because a box spring is far too bulky for a bunk bed frame and can actually be dangerous. So you’re actually saving money by not having to buy a box spring—which is way more expensive than a regular mattress. And if you’d like a recommendation for an organic mattress, check out our article on the best organic mattress brand!
Bunk Beds Save Space
You could have two separate beds in your children’s room, but that takes up a lot of space that could otherwise be useful for more activities! Some bunk beds even come with storage shelves which help keep a room clutter free.
Bunk Beds Are Great For Creative Play
Bed beds are great for creative play, especially since some come with additional features—like a slide, a cabin-style design and staircase. All of these features are practical, functional, and best all, fun! Your child can sleep at night and pretend play during the day.
Below are several non-toxic bunk bed brands made from sustainably sourced solid wood and safe finish. These bunks are a healthy choice to have in your child’s bedroom, and although all meet or exceed safety standards, a few are also Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that they’ve been tested for over 10,000 volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) such as benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene.
Best Eco-Friendly Bunk Bed Brands For Children
Max & Lily
Max & Lily
Material | New Zealand Pine
Weight Capacity | 400 Pounds
The Max & Lily twin over twin bunk bed is made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood. This bunk bed is unique because it’s low to the ground, making it ideal for low-ceiling bedrooms and younger children. This bed can hold 400 pounds, and the frame is durable, non-toxic, and has a low VOC finish.
The unique Perch bunk bed by Oeuf is compact by design and is Greenguard Gold certified. It’s made of FSC Certified Baltic birch plywood and low emission E1 certified MDF. The finishes are non-toxic, water-based, and VOC health hazard-free.
The Perch Bunk Bed can be separated into a loft bed and a standalone twin for new room configurations as your child grows and changes. It has a weight limit of 250 pounds, and ships in recycled packaging.
Material | Spruce wood, CARB II TSCA compliant MDF, CARB II TSCA compliant plywood and rubber wood
Weight Capacity | 250 Pounds
Babyletto TipToe Bunk Bed in White and Washed Natural fits a standard twin-size bed mattress and converts into two individual twin size beds. It’s Greenguard Gold certified and made with eco-friendly non-toxic materials. The rounded edges make for safe fun, and the ladder can be placed on either side.
The Ti Amo Adirondack Cabin bunk bed is made from a combination of solid and engineered wood. It is a skillfully crafted bunk bed that combines a sleek, contemporary design with a creative and inspiring space for your kiddos. The weight capacity for this Montessori style bunk bed is 225lbs for the top bunk and 350lbs for the bottom bunk.
The Walker Edison Della is a classic twin over twin bunk bed made from responsibly sourced pine wood. It can hold 250 pounds on both top and bottom bunk and can be converted to two single twin beds. This bunk is great for small bedrooms, and has a minimalist style that parents like.
The EcoFlex full on full bunk bed is great for kids for want a little more space, and includes a trundle. The frame is made from verifiably sustainable wood and can hold up to 650 pounds. Parents love the easy assembly and Pottery Barn quality at 1/4th the cost!
This minimalist style teepee and trundle bed by Ti Amo is perfect for younger children who are afraid of heights. It’s also great for little outdoor enthusiasts who love camping under the stars, without the inconvenience of mud, bad weather or wild animal encounters. The weight capacity for this minimalist gem is 225lbs for the top bunk and 350lbs for the bottom bunk.
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Pretend play is crucial to a young child’s development because it helps them practice emotional and social roles that they’ll have to put to use in real life; imaginative play is also a great way for children to learn problem solving skills.
Pretend play toys are basically toys that aid imaginative scenarios, which your child acts out. Some examples are pretending to be a chef and cooking with a pretend stove, or fixing a toy car using pretend play tools and workbench.
While there are many fun pretend play toys on the market, many of them are plastic, and made with toxic paint and adhesives.
Plastic toys will also never biodegrade. That’s why wooden pretend play toys are a better, more environmentally friendly choice when shopping for your child.
All of the toys in this article are sustainable, made from ethically sourced material, made with nontoxic paint and adhesives and are shipped in compostable packaging.
The brand PlanToys, for example, are made from “sustainably harvested rubberwood trees that can no longer produce latex paired with surplus sawdust chips that are thermally reprocessed to form a durable wood, and finished with E-Zero non-formaldehyde glue, and non-toxic water-based dyes”—PlanToys
EverEarth is another brand showcased in this article that use sustainable and environmentally friendly materials to create their toys—like beechwood.
Below you’ll find a few amazing pretend play toys by these eco-friendly brands that are not only non-toxic, recyclable and biodegradable, but made with exquisite details that kids will love and appreciate.
Pretend Play Waffle Set
Plantoys
This fun and sustainable Pretend Play Waffle Set from PlanToys is sure to bring on the smiles. The set includes a wooden waffle, fruit slices, syrup, and a pretend play waffle iron.
Have an animal lover in the family? Encourage them to share their love of animals with PlanToys’ Pretend Play Kids Vet Set! With medical equipment like a vaccine bottle, bandage, collar, and 2 x-ray films – that all fit into a teal vet bag – this pretend play set is perfect for encouraging empathy in your little one!
Puppet show? Lemonade stand? Pop-up kitchen? Wherever your little one’s imagination takes them, this Multi-Use Kids Play Center from PlanToys will support it! It comes equipped with everything your kiddo might need; fabric curtains, chalkboards, storage space, and even a pretend stovetop.
Make trips to the dentist a little easier by making your little one a dentist with PlanToys’ Pretend Play Kids Dentist Kit! This non-toxic, responsibly sourced wooden kit contains all the essentials to teach your kid about the importance of dental care – like a toothbrush, dental tools, and tool belt.
Your little one will have an awesome time using their imagination with this wooden Pretend Play Fire Station Set by Hape! This wooden pretend play set even comes with a firetruck and helicopter for fun pretend play rescues!
Complete the play room’s kitchen with the Pretend Play Refrigerator by Plan Toys! Featuring freezer and fridge areas and an adorable faux ice maker, this piece encourages imagination and doubles as extra storage for toys and games.
With the Carpenter’s Playset from EverEarth, kiddos will have everything they need to lose themselves in imaginative crafting! Complete with a variety of fun tools and accessories, this playset features everything a little woodworker could hope for. Plus, it’s made exclusively from FSC Certified Beechwood!
Encourage imagination and a passion for cooking with the Pretend Play Kitchen Stove by PlanToys! Your mini-chef will enjoy using both the stovetop and oven for any and all pretend food creations.
Take playtime anywhere with the Pretend Play Shopping Cart from PlanToys! With reinforced rubber wheels paired with a large roomy compartment that can transport and store tons of toys, this wooden shopping cart is fun to push around and play with.
Encourage imagination and a passion for cooking with the eco-friendly PlanToys Pretend Play Microwave! Featuring realistic knobs and a swinging door, this toy is perfect for mini chefs in the making!
Pretend play has never been so fun! Encourage your little one to get crafty with the Kids Play Workbench from EverEarth. Complete with a workstation, level, saw, wrench, and other play tools, you’ll have a little handy man (or woman) on your hands in no time!
Encourage imagination and a passion for cooking with the PlanToys Pretend Play Microwave! Featuring realistic knobs and a swinging door, this toy is perfect for mini chefs in the making!
Eco Mom Diaries 