Our Vetting Criteria for Toys
• Limited/no plastic
• BPA/BPS/Phthalate-free
• Heavy metals/lead safe
• Organic and natural materials preferred
• Third-party certifications preferred
• Not exorbitantly-priced (although they may be pricier than conventional toys)
Bears for Humanity $30 – 45
Certifications:
GOTS Certified
Organic cotton
Materials:
Organic cotton & natural dyes
HEVEA Upcycled Rubber Ball $21.99
Materials:
Upcycled natural rubber
Mushie Silicone Nesting Balls $15.99
Materials:
Food-grade silicone
Lalo Play Box $90
Materials:
Mixed Texture Balls: food grade silicone; Grasping Toy, Wobbler and Key Rattle: Rubberwood with formaldehyde-free glue, natural rubber, organic pigments and water-based dyes; Silicone Teether: food-grade silicone and beechwood
Tiny Land Montessori Toy Set $52.99
Note: This is a cheaper alternative to more expensive toy sets like LoveEvery. Some components are plastic, however a BPA/BPS and pthlalate-free plastic. We have attached all product documentation and testing provided by the company so you can make an informed choice.
Certifications:
CSPIA, ASTM 963
Some of their options are OEKO-TEX certified
Materials:
Wood, plastic, fabric
Additional info:
They have provided us with test results indicating the product does not leach phthalates or lead. See results here.
Sigikid Rainbow Rattle with Beechwood Teething Ring $26.95
Certifications:
No certifications listed but made in Romania under EU regulations
Materials:
Beechwood, organic cotton, organic wool stuffing
Bellaluna Organic Panda Bear Washcloth Puppet $17.90
Certifications:
OEKO-TEX
Materials:
Certified organic terrycloth cotton
ChooKaChoo Teething Mitten 2-pack $9.99
Materials:
Food-grade silicone
Moonkie Stacks of Circles Soft Teething Toy 7-piece set, $13.99
Materials:
Food-grade silicone
Sigikid Organic Plush Toys $26.95 – $59.95
Certification:
GOTS Certified
Materials:
Organic cotton with organic wool filling
Viverano Organic Elephant Rattle $24
Certifications:
Made in a GOTS certified facility
GOTS, GRS certified materials
Materials:
Exterior GOTS-certified organic cotton
Fill GRS certified polyester
Tikiri Natural Rubber Teethers/Rattles/Bath Toys $16 – $25
Certifications:
Complies with US ASTM F963, European EN71, and Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act.
Some items containing cotton have GOTS certified cotton
Materials:
Organic natural latex rubber
Grimm Toys €3.95 to €877.80
also found at The Natural Baby Company for US purchasing
Certifications:
European EN71 and American ASTM F963
Materials:
Wood (alder, lime, beech and maple) with water-based color stains and natural oil finish. Oil is a blend of linseed oil, olive oil, thistle oil, walnut oil and soybean oil.
Notes:
Some items made from acrylic. Look for the wood toys.
Some items pose choking hazards. Ensure that you make age-appropriate choices.
Made in Germany or Bulgaria.
Green Elephant Wooden Toys $10 – $55
Has some more affordable “dupes” of Grimm products
Certifications:
CPSC
Materials:
Beech, lotus, and pine wood, coated with non-toxic, water-based dye.
Kids
Jumbo Sidewalk Chalk $11.95
CPSIA Certified
Stockmar Beeswax Crayons $19.90
HABA Here Fishy Fishy Game $29.99
Wood with water-based stains and coating, magnets
Made in Germany
PEFC certified wood
About Certifications:
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) Certification is a prestigious certification that ensures textiles, such as clothing and fabrics, meet rigorous environmental and social standards. GOTS certifies that products contain a minimum of 70% organic fibers, are free from toxic chemicals, and are produced in facilities that adhere to strict environmental and labor practices. The certification process involves independent testing and inspection of the entire supply chain, from harvesting to finishing, to ensure compliance with standards for organic farming, safe working conditions, and minimal environmental impact. By choosing GOTS-certified products, consumers can trust that they are supporting sustainable and responsible textile production, and that the products they purchase are safe for their skin and the environment.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) certification protects against various harmful substances and hazards in consumer products, particularly those intended for children. Specifically, CPSIA certification tests for the presence of lead, phthalates, and other toxic chemicals in products such as toys, clothing, and furniture. It also ensures compliance with safety standards for small parts, choking hazards, and entanglement risks. Additionally, CPSIA certification protects against the use of certain hazardous materials, such as cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium, in consumer products. By requiring manufacturers to meet these safety standards, CPSIA certification helps to prevent injuries and illnesses associated with the use of consumer products, especially among children.
More about OEKO-TEX certification can be found here.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
Lowers toxicity risk by minimizing the introduction of new chemical processes. Focuses on recycled materials, verifying that the polyester used comes from post-consumer or post-industrial waste. Encourages the use of recycled polyester, which reduces environmental impact and the need for virgin petrochemicals.
PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certification is an internationally recognized standard that ensures forests are managed sustainably to meet environmental, social, and economic needs. It promotes responsible forestry practices by verifying that wood and forest products come from sustainably managed forests. PEFC certification supports biodiversity, protects ecosystems, and respects the rights of local communities and workers. It provides assurance to consumers and businesses that certified products, such as paper, furniture, and construction materials, contribute to the sustainable use of forest resources.
ASTM F963 is a comprehensive safety standard for toys in the United States, developed by ASTM International. Officially titled “Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety,” it outlines requirements to ensure toys are safe for children under 14 years old. The standard covers mechanical and physical properties, flammability, chemical composition, and labeling requirements. Compliance with ASTM F963 is mandatory for toys sold in the U.S., ensuring they meet rigorous safety criteria to reduce risks of choking, toxic exposure, and other hazards.
The European EN71 standard is a key safety regulation for toys sold in the European Union, ensuring they meet stringent safety requirements to protect children. It encompasses various parts, covering aspects such as mechanical and physical properties, flammability, chemical composition, and hygiene. EN71 ensures toys are free from harmful substances and designed to minimize risks like choking, fire hazards, and toxicity. Compliance with EN71 is mandatory for CE marking, signifying that toys meet EU safety, health, and environmental standards.
The Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) is a federal law designed to protect the public by regulating consumer products in Canada. Enforced by Health Canada, the CCPSA prohibits the manufacture, importation, advertisement, or sale of consumer products that pose unreasonable dangers to human health or safety. It establishes requirements for safety standards, product labeling, and reporting incidents involving hazardous products. The CCPSA also grants the government authority to issue recalls, conduct inspections, and take corrective actions to ensure compliance.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certification ensures that products meet the safety standards set by the U.S. government to protect consumers from potential hazards. It is required for certain products, such as children’s toys, clothing, and electronics, to verify compliance with regulations like the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The certification process involves rigorous testing by accredited laboratories to assess risks such as flammability, lead content, and choking hazards. Manufacturers and importers must issue a Certificate of Compliance (COC) to confirm their products meet CPSC requirements, providing consumers with confidence in their safety and quality.