I’m not sure when December crept up, but here we are! I’m so excited to publish a few gift guides this year. They’re so helpful for me when deciding where to shop from for family and friends and I hope you find them as useful as I do!

I’m keeping this year’s pretty short and “to the point” because I know you don’t want to sift through an entire online catalog’s worth of brands and toys. This guide includes pieces from brands I’ve partnered with this year who create ethically, sustainably, and purposefully. The gift ideas are gender neutral, and meant to encourage authentic, imaginative play or provide value to your child’s life/wardrobe.

Happy shopping!

Recycled Plastic Play House from EarthHero — $50

EarthHero is one of my favorite (Colorado-based!) resources for eco-friendly and low waste living. Their selection of toys is perfect for babies and young children and I especially fell in love with this play house (can you tell I’m secretly shopping for my own kids with this list?). It’s made from recycled milk jugs and is free of BPA and phthalates.

Use the code simplyliv10 for an additional 10% off.

Glowbug Cloth Diapers — $24-$64

Diapers aren’t exactly every child’s dream gift, but for the first year or so, the gifts are really about the parents anyway ;) If you know an expecting mama or someone who has recently had a baby, I can’t recommend Glowbug Cloth Diapers more highly. We use them everyday for Aria and they’ve been so wonderful. Click here to read a bit more about cloth diapering if you’re on the fence.

Chilote Baby Slippers from Made Trade — $59

Fair-trade, ethically made slippers from Patagonian wool, these slippers are true heirloom pieces that can be passed down from one child to another or from generation to generation. They come in sizes 1-3 and there’s even a matching “grown up option” for a full set. Made Trade has a huge selection of amazing gifts, all ethically made, of course.

Eco-Friendly Finger Paint from EarthHero

For older kids, I love gifting items that encourage creativity and imaginative play. EarthHero has an amazing selection of arts and craft supplies, like this non-toxic finger paint, that kids can safely enjoy and create with. You just add water to the paints and let your kids make a mess ;)

Again, the code simplyliv10 works here too!

Recycled Dress Up Clothes from Do Good Shop

My girls LOVE their dress up clothes from Do Good Shop. The cape is made from upcycled saris and sometimes doubles as a princess cape, superhero cape, or even a tent for stuffed animals ;)

Pants to Play in from Jackalo

Buying clothes for kids as a gift is tricky because they’re bound to either outgrow or outplay them quickly. Jackalo is one of my favorite brands that combats both. Their pants are meant to last — with generous sizing and double-lined knees, they don’t tear easily and will last much longer than other pants or playsuits.

Other Options:

Donation to Dressember in your kiddo’s name
Gifts of experience (think museum, zoo, movie or aquarium tickets)
Ballet class, sports, swim lessons…
A day date with just the two of you
gift cards for them to shop for themselves

Dec 3 Gifts for Kids || Ethical Christmas Shopping 2019