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 …

Boob Maternity & Nursing Wear was founded on the principle that it should be every mother’s right to nurse in comfort and in style. Amen to that!
Boob founder Mia Seipel’s sympathy for her sister, who exposed her midrift to the icy Northern winds of Stockholm to nurse her newborn baby in the park. So, Mia came up with a patented design to provide stylish coverage for breastfeeding mamas.
Once Mia became pregnant herself, she set out to design a classic line of soft and comfortable maternity wear that gracefully …

Oompa Toys is still one of our favorite sources for unique, natural, wooden, and European toys. They stock all the best toys and room decor from Blabla, Brio, Bajo, Eco Tots, Djeco, HABA, Kathe Kruse, Plan Toys, and more.
They only rarely offer discounts on their amazing selection, but this Memorial Day weekend, Oompa Toys is offering a 10% off coupon on all orders. Simply enter the coupon code “MEMORIAL2008″ during checkout.  Good until May 26 at midnight CST.

Natural Pod has one of the most unique selections of heirloom-quality, natural and organic toys, clothing, and gifts.
This Canadian-based store only stocks eco-friendly and child-safe wooden and cloth toys, organic clothing, and sustainable items, most of which are made in Canada, the USA, or Europe.
My tot checked out a few of Natural Pod’s toddler toys and pre-schooler favorites.
She’s carrying around the Poot & Boogie Doll from their Natural and Organic Dolls section. Poot & Boogie dolls are handcrafted and natural–even the fiberfill is an eco-friendly corn-based material. …