Best (non-toxic) toys and games for kids

Why Choosing Non-Toxic Toys Matters (and What to Look For)
Toys for Different Ages
Best STEM Toys and Educational Games
Cool Kits for Crafty Kids
Board Games We Love
Easy DIY Games for Kids
Art & Sensory Play Ideas
Active Play & Outdoor Toys
Playroom Organizing Tips

Why choosing non-toxic toys matters (and what to look for)

As parents, we do our best to protect our children—from the foods they eat to the air they breathe. But toys? They're often overlooked, even though our little ones spend hours chewing, hugging, and playing with them. Unfortunately, many mass-produced toys are made with harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, PVC, or toxic paints that can leach into developing bodies. That's why switching to non-toxic toys is more than just a trend—it’s a simple way to support your child’s long-term health.

The good news? You don’t need to sacrifice fun, color, or creativity to go the safer route. Non-toxic toys are now widely available, thoughtfully designed, and often more durable. Look for materials like:

BPA- and phthalate-free plastics
Solid wood with non-toxic, water-based finishes
Organic cotton or natural rubber
Certified safety standards (like ASTM, CPSIA, or OEKO-TEX)

{This post contains affiliate Amazon links. That means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I genuinely love, have personally used, or have thoroughly researched and would confidently use for my own family.}

TOYS FOR KIDS 0-12 MONTHS

Russian Nesting Dolls Silicone Matryoshka Doll We have many matryoshka dolls in our home. This soft, baby-friendly silicone version is perfect for tiny hands and safe for teething.

Green Toys are made in the USA, 100% recycled plastic and free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates.

Youuys Toys 100% non-toxic wood paired with food-grade silicone. Their color palette is beautiful and calming—perfect for Montessori-style play. Here are some of my favorites:

YHHYTOY Crafted from high-quality, natural wood and coated with non-toxic, water-based paint, it meets stringent safety standards, including ASTM, CPSIA, and CPC certifications.

Mushie stylish, modern toys made with safe, BPA/BPS/PVC/phthalate-free plastic.

PlanToys One of the most eco-conscious brands out there. Their toys use chemical-free rubberwood, water-based dyes, and organic pigments.

FOR KIDS 1+ YEARS OLD

At this age, toddlers are full of curiosity and energy! They're learning through movement, mimicking adults, and exploring with all their senses. The toys in this section were chosen for their safety, simplicity, and ability to encourage fine motor skills, imaginative play, and early problem-solving.

HABA is a trusted brand for high-quality wooden toys with rounded edges and non-toxic finishes.

FINE MOTOR SKILLS GAMES AND TOYS

Little hands are learning big things! These toys and games are perfect for developing coordination, focus, and finger strength—skills that help with everything from holding a pencil to zipping a jacket. I love these for quiet-time play, preschool prep, and calming afternoon activities.

LEARNING RESOURCES

One of my favorite brands for educational toys—they’re fun, sturdy, and designed by teachers.

SMART GAMES

It is another company that I love. They blend logic and play beautifully. Great for solo or quiet time.

STEM AND EDUCATIONAL TOYS

As our kids get older, play starts to look a little different—but it's just as magical. These toys fuel big ideas: electricity, magnetism, architecture, logic, problem-solving… all disguised as “just playing.” I love watching my kids dive into these projects with total focus and curiosity. They’re building, experimenting, inventing—and learning without even knowing it. These are the kinds of toys that grow with them, challenge them, and keep the spark of wonder alive. No worksheets required.

Snap Circuits Electronics Exploration Kit My kids ask for these every Christmas! They teach the basics of electronics through hands-on play—so many cool projects to build.

Shashibo Shape Shifting Box A mesmerizing magnetic cube that transforms into dozens of shapes. Great for fidgeters and older kids.

MAGNA-TILES Made from food-grade, non-toxic MABS plastic and certified STEAM. These magnetic tiles are endlessly creative. We’ve collected several sets and they’re still everyone’s go-to toy.
Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set A minimalist, magnetic twist on traditional building blocks—great for travel too!

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

We had a serious geode phase in our house—crystals, rocks, fossils... you name it. If it sparkled or cracked open, my kids were obsessed. And honestly, I didn’t mind one bit! National Geographic makes some of the best hands-on science kits out there. They’re high-quality, beautifully packaged, and packed with real educational value. Perfect for curious kids who love to dig, explore, and get a little messy in the name of science.

Break Open 10 Premium Geodes
Premium Polished Stones
Rock Tumbler Kit A bit messy but so fun and educational!

COOL KITS FOR CRAFTY KIDS

I’ve always been a maker at heart. Give me a needle and thread, a fresh set of paints, or some chunky yarn and I’m happy. That love for crafting has definitely spilled over into our family life—I sew, crochet, paint, and make messes with my kids whenever I get the chance. These kits are perfect for those creative bursts: rainy-day boredom busters, quiet solo projects, or even cozy evenings crafting side-by-side. They're not just cute—they teach patience, focus, and how to bring an idea to life with your own two hands.

ART & SENSORY PLAY

Some kids talk with their words, others with a paintbrush, a handful of playdough, or a bin full of rice and scoops. In our house, art and sensory play is a daily invitation to create something from nothing—to mash, swirl, splash, and shape their world. It’s how big feelings get worked out and wild ideas come to life. Whether we’re making lavender-scented cloud dough or turning cardboard into castles, this kind of play isn’t just about colors and textures—it’s a quiet kind of magic that builds focus, imagination, and joy (plus, sometimes mama joins in too).

ACTIVE PLAY & OUTDOOR

This might just be my favorite section! Active play is so important for kids—it helps build coordination, confidence, and body awareness. Whether it's balancing, climbing, or jumping, outdoor play supports both physical and emotional development.

BOARD GAMES

Game night is one of our favorite family traditions! It brings everyone together and teaches important skills like teamwork, strategy, patience, and resilience (especially when you lose!). These board games are fun, age-appropriate, and often sneak in some learning too.

OUTFOXED is a fun cooperative board game that is perfect for kids 4 and up.

UNO Family Card Game is the classic family card game that's easy to learn and so much fun to play!

Blokus (we have 3d version, could not find it on Amazon)

Asmodee Azul Board Game is an award-winning board game that challenges players to create stunning tile mosaics while making strategic decisions and competing for high scores.

Katamino Family or Katamino Pocket Tetris meets logic puzzle. I love this game for its brain-boosting challenges—great for all ages.

Sleeping Queens A silly, clever card game created by a 6-year-old! Perfect for ages 5+ and great for short rounds before bedtime.

Ticket to Ride A simplified version of the beloved original. Great for learning geography, planning, and patience.

Labyrinth Shift the maze to reach your treasure. This game boosts planning, spatial thinking, and memory.

Braintopia A fast-paced brain game with challenges for memory, logic, and touch. Fun, quick rounds keep everyone engaged—great for family game night!

EASY DIY GAMES FOR KIDS

We love easy DIY games! Sometimes the best games are the ones you make yourself—using just a few simple supplies. These kinds of activities keep kids engaged, spark creativity, and support fine motor development without needing screens or store-bought toys.

How Does Your Playroom Look Today?

Let’s be real for a minute: some days our playroom looks like a Pinterest dream… and other days it looks like every toy we’ve ever owned exploded all over the floor. With four kids, I’ve seen both extremes—usually in the same hour.

There was even a day I put every single toy away. I was so overwhelmed that I packed up the chaos and gave us all a reset. And honestly? It helped.

A cluttered space can lead to overstimulated kids, shorter attention spans, and more sibling fights (ask me how I know!). But a well-organized play area encourages focus, calmer play, and more creativity. Here are a few simple tips that made a huge difference for our family:

1. Use Bins + Containers

Clear, labeled containers or baskets make cleanup easier and more visual. Kids can see where things belong—and are more likely to help tidy up. Even something as simple as dollar store bins can work wonders.

2. Rotate Toys

Not every toy needs to be out all the time. We keep a few main sets available and store the rest in a closet/garage. Every week or two, I "shop our shelves" and swap things out. It's like getting new toys—without buying anything.

3. Create Zones

Try to organize toys by type: building blocks in one spot, pretend play in another, puzzles somewhere else. This not only makes cleanup easier but also helps kids know where to go when they're in a certain mood.

4. Teach Kids to Clean Up

Easier said than done, right? But it's totally possible. Start with small expectations:
– Clean up one thing before starting another
– Sing a tidy-up song or use a timer
– Make it a habit, not a punishment
We’re not aiming for perfection—we’re building responsibility and teamwork.

5. Less is More

It really is. When fewer toys are available, kids play longer and deeper with what they have. Try putting away half of what’s out—you’ll be surprised by how much more peaceful the space feels.

0 Comments

Previous Post Next Post