Kids are synonymous with clutter, but now eco-minded parents can feel good about adding to their stash, without contributing to the gazillion pounds of useless plastic parts they seem to generate each year. Chicago-based Grow Books makes compostable books and toys, including a $65 recycled paperboard doll house and $15 books that are made of compostable or recyclable paper. If the costs sound high for stuff that will just wind up as refuse, remember that sooner or later, even the most beloved toy gets tossed aside (Velveteen Rabbit, anyone?). Grow Books offers to recycle or compost all their products once your kids have outgrown them or lost interest, if you don’t throw it on the compost pile yourself.
6 Last-Minute Kid Gifts, Both Practical and Whimsical
If you're still scrambling to find Christmas gifts for the kids, here are some unconventional (or ingenious) playthings and products out there. Bonus: we've included gift ideas for Mom and Dad, to help make holiday travels a little less onerous.