Imagine a world where toys please the senses and stimulate the imagination. Now imagine a world where all of those toys are made in fair trade facilities from eco-friendly, sustainable materials.

It is easy if you try… just visit ImagiPlay. They make beautiful, clever wooden toys for infants, toddlers, and children…

The Emancipation Network (TEN) is an international organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking and modern day slavery. Through Made by Survivors, TEN provides survivors of slavery and people at risk of being trafficked into slavery with an opportunity for a sustainable income, education and help reintegrating into society.

When you purchase the beautiful gifts these survivors make, you are helping survivors of slavery help themselves…

With the Eco Town from Plan Toys, your kids will find a new earth-friendly surprise around every corner.

We played with a set that includes a play mat with plenty of green set, an eco home, train station, vehicle charging station, and more–and all of these toys teach about sustainable development. Clean energy is spotlighted in this earth-friendly town.

For Mother’s Day, how about an eco-chic gift that also helps women in impoverished areas avoid or overcome slavery?

The Emancipation Network (TEN) is an international organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking and modern day slavery. Through Made by Survivors, TEN provides survivers of slavery and people at risk of being trafficked into slavery with an opportunity for a sustainable income, education and help reintegrating into society.

They had me at saving women from slavery…

Children are natural ecologists. They love to play outside and appreciate the joys of discovering rocks, plants, and animals along the way.

What they need a little help with is conservation–learning to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Shutting off the lights, taking shorter showers, and opening a window instead of turning on the air conditioning are all ways that even the littlest person can make a difference.

The Plan Toys Green Dollhouse aims to introduce children to sustainable living through a concept dollhouse. Every aspect of the Green Dollhouse helps children learn how people can co-exist with their environment in a more eco-friendly way…

ImagiPLAY makes delightful, colorful, puzzles and toys from rubberwood and non-toxic paints under fair trade conditions.
There is an ImagiPLAY Puzzle for every age: two piece puzzles for babies and toddlers, counting and alphabet puzzles for preschoolers, and more complex puzzles for school aged children.
My little preschooler enjoys practicing her numbers with ImagiPLAY’s Count Octopus (BabyCenter - $16). Count Octopus is a winner on our Hottest Holiday Toys 2008 Guide. And because these puzzles are as attractive as they are durable, they make a perfect addition to any playroom or child’s …

Natural Pod is one of my favorite boutiques for children’s toys.  All of the products are so lovely and I feel good knowing they are made from eco-friendly and child-safe materials, by fair-wage workers or independent craftsmen.
My preschooler checked out the Wooden Van (CAD $25; about US $19.50), a charmingly simple wooden toy automobile.  Sturdy, solid and easy to grasp, this van is a great choice for even younger babies. The big rubber wheels keep the van on a steady path as your child zooms it across the room.
Toy cars …

Craftsbury Kids is the place to look for unique, handmade toys, clothing, art and decor, and gifts for babies and children.
So it is no surprise we’ve featured some of their selections in our Guide to the Hottest Holiday Toys for 2008.
This gorgeous Caterpillar Pull Toy ($34.00) is handmade of hardwoods in the USA. Stack, pull, and watch the wheels spin–and you’ll still enjoy him as he rests on your shelf.
I think this adorable Plush Matryoshka Doll ($10), made in England, would make a sweet friend for a little one or …

Mimi the Sardine makes gorgeous children’s products manufactured in the USA from exuberantly playful eco-coated, soil and water resistant, cotton fabrics from Sweden. The cotton fabric is coated with acrylic, not PVC.
I checked out Mimi the Sardine’s adorable Lunch Bug, a sweet little lunch bag with a carry handle.
We like the idea of these eco-chic bags that are so much more attractive than brown paper bags, keep food fresher, and don’t contribute to landfill.
The bags are well-made and adorable.  Kids will love the brightly colored fabrics and whimsical patterns.  Because …