Non-Toxic Toys For Kids & Babies
Kids learn through play, but their toys shouldn’t come with hidden toxins. Discover how to choose safe, non-toxic toys that protect your child’s health without sacrificing fun.
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As a former Montessori preschool teacher, I loved setting out rows of beautiful wooden toys for curious little hands to explore. Those open-ended materials encouraged independence, creativity, and self-directed growth: all the things I loved most about watching children learn through play.
Fast forward to me having my own kids, and most of our toys were hand-me-downs from cousins or gifts from grandparents. They were all brightly colored plastic toys, and if I had to do it over again, I’d gently steer the gift givers toward toys with more natural materials like wood and cotton.
What I’ve since learned is that many conventional toys contain chemicals and materials that can leach, off-gas or shed microplastics, especially when handled or chewed on.
When it comes to your child’s health, not all toys are created equal. Common toy materials, like plastics, paints, and finishes, can contain substances linked to hormone disruption, developmental issues, and respiratory irritation. These exposures may seem small, but they add up over time.
Here are some of the common toxins found in conventional toys
- PVC (Vinyl): Often used in dolls, bath toys, and inflatables. PVC can contain phthalates, which help soften plastic but are known endocrine disruptors.
- Phthalates: Found in flexible plastics and even some coatings. They can affect hormone balance and reproductive health.
- Lead: Still turns up in imported painted toys, metal trinkets, or old hand-me-downs. Lead exposure can cause lasting neurological harm.
- Formaldehyde: Found in some composite wood toys and glues; it can off-gas over time.
- Flame retardants: Added to foam-filled or plush toys. Linked to thyroid and developmental issues.
- Bisphenols (BPA, BPS): Common in plastic toys and food-related items. BPA-free isn’t always better, as replacements like BPS can be just as harmful.
My philosophy is to reduce exposure where it matters most, and for me that means choosing safer, non-toxic toys for your kids. Let’s face it, none of us are perfect. Your kids, like mine, are probably going to want some flashy plastic toy, and it’s okay to have some toys that they choose. But mix in the safer toys to limit their exposure.
Why Non-Toxic Toys Matter
Children are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure because their bodies are still developing, and they breathe, eat, and absorb more per pound than adults do.
When it comes to babies, I’m extra mindful about the toys they play with. Since little ones explore the world by putting everything in their mouths, they’re more exposed to the materials around them. I like to err on the side of caution and believe that choosing safer, non-toxic materials truly makes a difference.
Safer Materials to Look For
When you can, choose toys made from natural, durable materials and third-party certified for safety:
- Solid wood (unfinished or with non-toxic finishes)
- Organic cotton
- Natural rubber
- Platinum-cured, food-grade silicone
- Stainless steel for rattles or play utensils
- Water-based, lead-free paints or natural dyes
Certifications To Look For
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 (textiles)
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- Greenguard Gold (low chemical emissions)
- EN71 / ASTM F963 (toy safety standards)
Tips for Choosing Non-Toxic Toys
- Simplify your toy box. Fewer, high-quality toys are better than a pile of questionable ones.
- Avoid plastic when possible. BPA-free doesn’t mean toxin-free, and all plastics break down and release microplastics into your home.
- Choose reputable brands. Look for transparency about materials and manufacturing.
- Avoid strong smells. Synthetic “new toy” odors can indicate off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Rotate toys. Fewer toys out at once means less dust accumulation and more intentional play. This is a cornerstone of the Montessori method.
- Check recall lists. Visit the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) website regularly to stay up to date.
Small Changes Make a Big Difference
Start small- replace the toys your child mouths or uses daily first, then upgrade others as you go. Sift through the toys with your kids and see if there are any they would be willing to donate.
Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, the holidays, or just want toys made with safer, non-toxic materials, I’ve rounded up my favorite non-toxic toy picks that are perfect for kids of all ages. The brands featured are known for prioritizing safer materials and transparency. These toys aren’t just safer, they’re often more beautiful, durable, and meaningful, too.
From wooden toys to educational toys to Montessori favorites, all the toys featured in this guide are made with safe, non-toxic materials that encourage creativity, learning, and healthy play.
Plan Toys
Cost Range | $2.99–$529.98
Age Range | 0–3+ years
Materials Used | made from chemical-free rubberwood, preservative-free (formaldehyde-free) glue, organic pigments, and water-based dyes
Certifications | fulfill or exceed the European (EN71) and American (ASTM) safety requirements
Details | Sustainability and child development are top priorities at Plan Toys. By focusing on child safety and age milestones during design and production, their wooden toys enhance both physical and cognitive development.
Range of Products | Baby rattles and teethers, tumbling toys for sensory play, stacking rings, pull toys (e.g., snail pull), dollhouse (e.g., Victorian Dollhouse for 3 yrs+), and other role-play/constructive toys
Shop | Plan Toys
Hape Toys
Cost Range | $2.99–$359.99
Age Range | 0–4+ years
Materials Used | Made by sustainably sourced wood, bamboo, sugarcane based plastic, rice husk, cork, natural rubber, recycled cardboard, organic inks, and non-toxic paint.
Certifications | FSC-certified materials, AS/NZS ISO 8124, GB 6675, ASTM F963, EN71 (European safety requirements)
Details | Hape Toys prioritizes sustainable production practices—minimizing waste, using renewable materials like bamboo and rice, solar toys, and minimal packaging. Hape also has many humanitarian focuses, donating over $2.8M worldwide and aiding 10,000 children globally.
Range of Products | A wide variety of toys across many categories: Music, Outdoor, Sand Toys, Trains & Railway Sets, Kitchen & Food, Preschool Role Play, Dollhouse & Furniture, Preschool Vehicles, Balance Bikes, Marble Runs, Push & Pull, Games, Puzzles, Arts & Crafts, Baby & Toddler Toys, Early Developmental Toys; Amazon listings include items like wooden activity box, ice cream sand set, musical instruments, pull-along toys, alphabet puzzles, and more.
Shop | Hape Toys
Haba Toys
Cost Range | $9.99–$299.99
Age Range | 0–8+ years
Materials Used | beach and maple wood, silicone, food grade ABS plastic, water based paints, recycled cotton and polyester
Certifications | PEFC-certified beach and maple wood, food grade ABS plastic that is BPA, lead, and PVC-free
Details | Haba Toys is European-designed brand, and features sustainable kids toys and games that open up curiosity and wonder and pull families deep into the world of imagination. All of our kids toys are sustainably-designed and constructed with an eye on tomorrow.
Range of Products | Offers baby and toddler toys, wooden building blocks, plush dolls, pretend-play sets, board games, outdoor toys like sand play, Kullerbü track systems, baby toys like rattles and teething toys
Shop | Haba Toys
Grimm’s Toys
Cost Range | $20–$200
Age Range | 0–6+ years
Materials Used | European woods include alder, lime, beech, and maple; surfaces are coated with natural oils, and colored items are stained using certified non-toxic, water-based dyes.
Certifications | ISO 9001:2008 quality standard
Details | Established in 1978 in southern Germany (Hochdorf), Grimm’s Toys is family-run and inspired by Waldorf education principles; they focus on open-ended, imaginative play with simple, aesthetic designs intended to last generations and stimulate creativity.
Range of Products | Includes building blocks, rainbow stacking and tunnels, rattles, dollhouses and furniture, marble runs, mobiles, Waldorf dolls, puzzles, vehicles, and even children’s furniture
Shop | Grimm’s Toys
Green Toys
Cost Range | $5.99–$59.99
Age Range | 0–5+ years
Materials Used | Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic (mainly milk jugs); BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free, dishwasher safe, no metal axles, screws, or coatings that could chip or fade.
Certifications | Meets U.S. and international safety standards
Details | Founded in 2008, Green Toys is based in the Bay Area and is committed to sustainability by recycling over 110 million milk jugs into toys; their toys are durable, safe, and designed for unstructured play.
Range of Products | Vehicles, boats, outdoor toys, bath & water toys, dough sets, baby & toddler toys, bundles & gift sets, role play, playsets (e.g., Sesame Street-themed), and more
Shop | Green Toys
Tenderleaf Toys
Cost Range | $4.99–$699.99
Age Range | 0–3+ years
Materials Used | Sustainably SVLK reclaimed rubber wood and birch plywood for dollhouses and furniture; solid wood for figures like Doll Family
Certifications | Products carry CE marking and are tested to meet the safety standard EN71, ASTM F963 and AS/NZS ISO
Details | Tenderleaf Toys is dedicated to sustainability and enrichment for kids. For every reclaimed tree they use, they plant a new one, driving ahead the cycle of regeneration.They were awarded the ICTI Ethical Toy Program seal of approval for their ethical and sustainable supply chain.
Range of Products | Pretend–play kitchens, general stores tills, doll family and furniture (nursery, kitchen, sitting room, bathroom), forest-themed tables/chairs, walkers, ice cream cart, blocks, and train sets
Shop | Tenderleaf Toys
Apple Park Toys
Cost Range | $8.00–$49.50
Age Range | 0–2+ years
Materials Used | Certified 100% organic cotton, bamboo/organic cotton blends; stuffed with corn fiber (hypoallergenic, biodegradable), using textiles and eco-friendly dyes
Certifications | Certified organic cotton and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Details | Apple Park Toys made it a mission to make delightful toys and apparel using only the highest quality organic, recycled and renewable materials.
Range of Products | Offers a wide selection including plush toys, rattles & bamboo teethers, crinkle blankies & mats, lovies & blankies, pacifier buddies, activity & sensory toys, books, and baby sleepwear (one-pieces, towels, playwear).
Shop | Apple Park Toys
Bannor Toys
Cost Range | $5.99–$79.99
Age Range | 0–12 years
Materials Used | Maple, Cherry, Beech and Walnut woods and their natural colors, the finish is a 100% organic beeswax and flaxseed oil mixture, and the paint is a water based, organic paint from a company in the United States. They are 100% safe, lead free, no VOC’s, non-toxic and approved for use in children’s toys.
Certifications | Toys are CPSC approved and third-party safety tested
Details | Bannor Toys was founded in 2011 with the idea that the wooden toys found in our grandparents’ houses should be made modern to allow our children’s imagination and creativity to develop in a way the battery operated toys of today don’t, with the idea that play should be fun + easy.
Range of Products | Wooden baby rattles, grasping toys, teethers, silicone shapes & blocks, Baby Box sets, Bath Buddies, toddler wooden & silicone toys, educational blocks, alphabet tiles, shape toys
Shop | Bannor Toys
Tegu Toys
Cost Range | $30.00–$600.00
Age Range | 6 months–7+ years
Materials Used | Made from sustainably sourced Honduran hardwoods, embedded magnets, non-toxic water-based dyes
Certifications | ASTM F963 and EN71 safety standards
Details | Founded by brothers and operating out of Honduras, this imagination based block company plants over 100 trees per cut, supports education—and embeds magnets safely in blocks for open-ended play.
Range of Products | Magnetic wooden blocks in various shapes, building sets for different ages, travel sets
Shop | Tegu Toys
Under the Nile Toys
Cost Range | $14.00–$120.00
Age Range | 0+ years
Materials Used | 100% GOTS-certified organic Egyptian cotton, fair-traded, hand-stuffed toys and clothing
Certifications | GOTS-certified organic, Fair Trade
Details | Under the Nile Toys are made with 100% buttery soft, organic Egyptian combed cotton. Focused on ethically and sustainably making products, these toys are free of all the bad stuff and chemicals found in most other toys, and are better for your baby, the environment, and you!
Range of Products | Soft toys (fruit, veggie, plush animals), lovies, baby clothing (layette), bedding, accessories—all organic and ethically made
Shop | Under the Nile Toys
Lovevery Toys
Cost Range | $7.00–$425.00
Age Range | 0–5+ years
Materials Used | Made from real wood, silicone, and organic cotton
Certifications | OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified
Details | Lovevery Toys features stage based Play Kits including curated developmental toys and an expert Play Guide; they also come with app access featuring weekly activity ideas and insights.
Range of Products | Their main offerings include The Play Kits for ages 0–4, Play Gym, Bath Set, Music Set, Block Set, Montessori Shelf, Book Bundles, Early Reader Club, and pre-loved items
Shop | Lovevery Toys
Uncle Goose Toys
Cost Range | $12.00–$150.00
Age Range | 2+ years
Materials Used | Handmade with sustainable basswood, printed with safe-to-touch inks, made entirely in the USA
Certifications | CPSIA (Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act) requirements
Details | Uncle Goose Toys are the building blocks of creativity. In a child’s hands, Uncle Goose blocks can become anything.
Range of Products | Alphabet blocks, planet blocks, themed block sets, printed educational wooden blocks
Shop | Uncle Goose Toys
Petit Collage Toys
Cost Range | $10–$50
Age Range | 0–6 years
Materials Used | Focus on sustainable materials and modern design—likely FSC paper and recycled components
Certifications | not specified
Details | Petit Collage Toys combines modern design with a focus on sustainable materials to create bold and thoughtful toys, games, gifts, and activities. Driven by a passion for inspiring a love of play in babies and children, their products are enjoyed by families the world over.
Range of Products | Bold, modern toys, puzzles, games, and activity kits designed to inspire children and families
Shop | Petit Collage Toys
Sarah’s Silks
Cost Range | $15.00–$552.00
Age Range | 0+ years
Materials Used | 100% real silk (Habotai), hand-dyed and sewn in Suzhou, China
Certifications | Oeko-Tex, etc
Details | Drawing from the philosophies of Waldorf education and her own childhood of imaginative play, Sarah has been designing playsilks and other natural, eco-friendly wooden and silk toys for over 25 years.
Range of Products | Playsilks (scarves), fairy wings, wooden toys, silk and wood playstands and other open-ended imagination tools
Shop | Sarah’s Silks
Hevea Toys
Cost Range | $11.00–$119.00
Age Range | 0–3+ years
Materials Used | Made from 100% natural rubber for bath and teether toys; furniture is made from natural rubberwood. All products are non-toxic, plastic-free, and eco-friendly
Certifications | non specified
Details | Since 2009, Hevea has been designing and manufacturing products from natural rubber in a modern way, striving to balance business and production with benefits for the environment, people, and animals involved.
Range of Products | Bath toys (ducks, fish, whales), teether rings, bath mats, rubberwood furniture (bookshelves, play furniture), and teether & toy bundles
Shop | Hevea Toys
Maple Landmark Toys
Cost Range | $7.95–$58.90
Age Range | 0–8 years
Materials Used | Native sustainably-harvested local hardwoods, eco-friendly finishes, including the Schoolhouse Naturals line (unfinished wood)
Certifications | Recognized by Green America, Vermont sustainable business groups
Details | Maple Landmark is a family-owned business operating out of Vermont since 1979, serving as one of the leading U.S. wooden toy manufacturers with educational designs and sustainable operations.
Range of Products | Wooden toys, games, gifts—NameTrains, school-themed toys, puzzles, educational items, heirloom wooden products
Shop | Maple Landmark Toys
Camden Rose Toys
Cost Range | $12.50–$519.00
Age Range | not specified (i would guess 0–12+ years)
Materials Used | high quality hardwoods like cherry, maple and walnut
Certifications | not specified
Details | Camden Rose Toys offers Waldorf-inspired wooden toys, art supplies, furniture, and decor for environmentally conscious families. All products are heirloom-quality and USA-made.
Range of Products | Includes blocks/sticks/toys, doll furniture, dollhouses, play kitchens, wooden vehicles, art supplies, furniture, books, and home goods, among others.
Shop | Camden Rose Toys
Kookaroo Toys
Cost Range | $25–$52
Age Range | 1+ years
Materials Used | Untreated mango and acacia wood
Details | Kookaroo Toys is a family run business out of the Gold Coast in Australia. They make educational toys to support early learning development that are beautiful, non toxic, and natural wood at an affordable price. You can pair the Playdough Tools Set with this non-toxic BioDough Playdough for kids.
Range of Products | Includes Stacking Bowls, Wooden Funnel & Sensory Play Set, Montessori Starter Set, Playdough Tools Set, Wooden Gold Set
Shop | Kookaroo Toys
Holtztiger Toys
Cost Range | $13–$25
Age Range | 3+ years
Materials Used | Hand-carved from maple and beech wood, painted with non-toxic, water-based colors
Certifications | CE-certified and CPSC-compliant
Details | Holtztiger Toys are made in Europe with high craftsmanship, these toys are known for their play value and quality.
Range of Products | Hand-carved animal and nature figures—farm animals, dinosaurs, fairy tale figures—designed for imaginative play
Shop | Holtztiger Toys
Ostheimer Toys
Cost Range | $9.99–$39.99
Age Range | 0–8+ years
Materials Used | Ethically sourced woods (maple, beech, birch), handcrafted; painted with plant-based dyes and finished with natural oils
Certifications | nonspecified
Details | Ostheimer Toys makes high-quality, handcrafted wooden toys from Germany. Founded in 1908, Ostheimer creates imaginative, open-ended toys from ethically-sourced wood using traditional techniques. From Waldorf-inspired pieces to classic blocks and puzzles, Ostheimer toys aims to provide timeless heirloom toys to inspire creative play.
Range of Products | Wooden figures of people, animals, fantasy; open-form design encourages imaginative play; classic, collectible toys
Shop | Ostheimer Toys
Natural Earth Paint Supplies
Cost Range | $7.95–$610.00
Age Range | all ages
Materials Used | Made from natural earth and mineral pigments, organic ingredients; non-toxic and sustainable
Certifications | Gold Certified Green America business
Range of Products | Natural earth paints and art supplies for all ages
Shop | Natural Earth Paint Supplies
CaaOcho Toys
Cost Range | $14.99–$21.99
Age Range | 0–12+ months
Materials Used | 100% pure natural rubber, plant-based food-grade dyes used; one-piece, hermetically sealed, BPA-/PVC-/phthalate-free
Certifications | Not specified
Details | CaaOcho has a line of 100% natural toys for babies, founded in Vancouver on the shores of the Pacific Ocean in British Columbia, Canada..
Range of Products | Natural-rubber teethers including baby figures, ocean friends, fairy-tale characters, sensory balls, bath toys that float (all hole-free), and play-friendly shapes
Shop | CaaOcho Toys
Natursutten Teethers
Cost Range | $9.99–$18.59
Age Range | 0–12+ months
Materials Used | Made from 100% natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), one-piece design, free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, nitrosamine; handcrafted in Italy
Certifications | Meets European safety standards
Details | Founded in 2006 by a mother seeking a safer alternative and the packaging uses FSC-certified paper and soy ink. The premium teether takes ~7 weeks and 20 hand-held steps to produce.
Range of Products | Natural-rubber pacifiers and teether toys (e.g., starfish); also glass baby bottles and nipple accessories
Shop | Natursutten Teethers
Kleynimals Toys
Cost Range | $44.99–$49.99
Age Range | 6+ months
Materials Used | Made from 100% food-grade stainless steel
Certifications | Certified to ASTM/CPSIA safety standards
Details | Kleynimals makes innovative stainless steel baby products. Launched in 2010, their products are eco-friendly, non-toxic, American made toys and flatware, that are great for parents seeking thoughtful and safe baby products.
Range of Products | Stainless steel toy keys, utensils, and rattles
Shop | Kleynimals Toys
TiKiri Toys
Cost Range | $12.00–$51.00
Age Range | 0–5+ years
Materials Used | natural rubber; non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free
Certifications | GOLS-certified (Global Organic Latex Standard)
Details | Tikiri is the first natural rubber toy company to gain GOLS certification; all of their products are eco-friendly, biodegradable, ethically manufactured, and designed to delight and comfort infants while supporting development.
Range of Products | Teethers, rattles, bath toys in animal shapes (giraffe, hippo, sea-horse, bird, etc.), plush loveys with natural rubber heads, soft toys, sensory batches, sourced for multi-sensory play
Shop | TiKiri Toys
Maple Landmark Toys
Cost Range | $7.95–$58.90
Age Range | 0–8 years
Materials Used | Native sustainably-harvested local hardwoods, eco-friendly finishes, including the Schoolhouse Naturals line (unfinished wood)
Certifications | Recognized by Green America, Vermont sustainable business groups
Details | Maple Landmark is a family-owned business operating out of Vermont since 1979, serving as one of the leading U.S. wooden toy manufacturers with educational designs and sustainable operations.
Range of Products | Wooden toys, games, gifts—NameTrains, school-themed toys, puzzles, educational items, heirloom wooden products
Shop | Maple Landmark Teethers
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