Photo Credit: Joanna Puza Photography
Kids! Our family has three of them (six combined from the co-founders). They rack up a lot of birthdays (and baby showers, before they arrive). And, likewise, we attend baby showers, toddler birthdays and preschool parties, all with a gift in hand. Not that we don’t love gifts (and we LOVE giving them), but you can easily spend $5 on a bag to put it in + tissue paper + cards, several times a month (you get the point). What we’re all about at Inlu is simplifying by making group gifting easy for any gift out there, and with less run-around for everyone (and less mess on the planet).
So, in our search for cool gift ideas, we’ve peeked around ecofabulous for some simple group gift ideas that would be both a) awesome as a group gift for the youngest generation and b) feel-good to contribute to as a participant in a group gift! So, if you have kids or might be expecting one soon, check out these group gift ideas:
ONE: Taika Walker-Bike:
These kid cruisin wheels feature “FSC certified wood, finished with water-based low VOC paints and stains, Taika “walker-bikes”($175 AUS) will have your young one scootin’ around safely and sustainably.”
TWO: Wonderworld Eco-Friendly Wooden Doll House:
“Not only does this house teach your little one key environmental themes (recycling, solar power, rainwater collection), but it’s made of only renewably sourced rubber-wood and non-toxic paint ($149).”
THREE: Eco sheepskin blanket from Nature Baby
Bye Bye synthetic blankies. This natural woolly woobie is an excellent group gift for a new arrival or a toddler who likes to snuggle. “Unlike the conventional sheepskins on the market that are tanned with hazardous chemicals that can off-gas, Nature Baby hand-processes without any toxic materials so you can rest assured your child’s skin won’t be exposed to anything but super soft fibers.” ($99)
FOUR: Hatchling Tees and Onesies from OrganicEcho.com
What Grandma or Grandpa wouldn’t want to pitch in for a new TEE collection that is “made in the USA using super soft organic cotton with azo free dyes and non-toxic inks.” ($26/each, $104 for 4)
FIVE: Recycled Milk Jug Toys
Wow- this is radical. Jumpstart healthy play with recycled milk carton toys! You can collect for one or an entire basket full of smart, sustainable toys. AND, in lieu of the landfill, you can recycle 100% of the minimal packaging. Then, you can continue the happy-cycle when you hand them down the line…:) Green Toys, price varies.
SIX: Serena & Lily Bedset
The thing about babies? They require a place to sleep once they arrive! What’s better than an eco-friendly, 100% organic cotton collection to place that bundle of sweet joy? Nothing, except when they fall asleep in your arms. (Sigh…babies are awesome).
SEVEN: Sustainable Pillows from Jaya Loves Tekeko
Well, these are cuddly cool. “Made with organic bamboo and organic cotton, the pillows ($62) are stuffed with kapok fiber – a fluffy filling that is even lighter than down and is naturally resistant to dust mites. With a removable (and thus washable!) cover printed with non-toxic water-based inks,” these are safe and super fabulous.
EIGHT: Green Gift Basket of Goodies
Upon browsing, we saw lots of smaller ticket items that, in combination would make kickin’ group gift basket. Check out the baby care page @ecofabulous for a fantastic assortment of quality, nontoxic lotions potions and baby-skin smoothers.
NINE: Calming Baby Gift Set from Babo Botanicals
“Made in up-state New York, Babo Botanicals’ line of bath products for newborns (such as the Lavender Meadowsweet gift set $45) is made from certified organic ingredients…with anti-oxidants and vitamins to allow for superior protection and care.” There are several gift sets in different price ranges here.
TEN: Hushamok Organic Baby Hammock
“A lightweight aluminum stand and 100% organic cotton baby hammock come together to form a modern day alternative to the traditional bassinet ($409). The swinging and rocking motion will soothe young ones right to sleep (which means more snooze time for you too!).”
(For example, if you only need $50, you can set the option to cover the gift, anything over that will be put to the charity fund). Or, if you want a traditional “in lieu of gifts” party, Inlu makes that easy too. Simply check the “no gift” box and all the guests can RSVP and contribute to the charity in one step.
