Best Classic Natural Toy Gift Ideas for Kids
Love natural toys? Here are some of our favorite natural toy gift ideas for kids.
Natural Toy Gift Ideas
Even before I found out I was expecting our first baby, I already knew I wanted our kids to have natural toys. I wanted to avoid chemicals, plastic, and all the garish character toys that are so popular.
My husband and I started collecting natural toys even before our baby was born! We hit discount stores, thrift stores, and consignment shops in search of natural, wooden toys.
We also asked for specific toys from grandparents for Christmas and birthdays.
Here’s part of what we’ve collected over the past 18 years of parenthood.
Affiliate links are included below.
Wooden Blocks
When our oldest was just a baby, we invested in a huge set of natural wooden blocks. These have probably been the most-played-with toy we’ve ever owned.
We also have a set of wooden castle blocks that our kids loved when they were younger.
Classic Wooden Train Set
Our youngest children have played for hours with this classic wooden figure eight train set. This set of wooden train cars goes with it.
Wooden Barn and Animals
A wooden barn is also a favorite of kids, and this set even comes with animals!
Related: 45 Christmas Eve Activities to Make Fun Family Traditions
Wooden Doll House
When I was a girl, my most memorable Christmas present ever was the dollhouse my dad built for me. I loved it so much that it was definitely my favorite toy.
We got our children a dollhouse like this one when they were younger, and it has held up well to small hands. It’s definitely a great beginner dollhouse.
Wooden Castle
My youngest received this wooden castle for his birthday, and it has been much-loved. It lived in the corner of our living room for months!
Playsilks
I first learned about playsilks 17 years ago when I was expecting my second baby. They’re a beautiful natural, versatile toy.
You can make your own or you can find them here.
Costumes
My kids have always loved dressing up. Through the years we’ve always had a dress-up bin filled with playsilks, skirts, dresses, and actual costumes.
Melissa and Doug makes some cute costumes for younger kids. This is a different brand, but my son absolutely loved this one. Add a wooden sword and shield for a complete costume!
Wooden Block Marble Run
Marble runs are classic toys. When our kids were finally all old enough to play with marbles without putting them in their mouths, we got a wooden marble run like this one.
It takes some skill to put together, but it’s good for hours of fun.
Keva Maple Planks
Everyone loves these Keva Maple planks. They’re a great natural toy for older kids as well as younger ones.
Canvas TeePee
When my kids were little, my mom made them a canvas teepee. They spent hours and hours playing with it inside and outside, and it’s still in use today, over 10 years later!
Puppets
Puppets are great for imaginative play. Our favorites are these Folkmanis puppets. They’re very well-made and beautiful.
Musical Instruments
From the time our kids were little they had a set of child-size musical instruments. In addition to percussion instruments, we also had a lap harp and a xylophone.
Related: Free Christmas Printables for Kids and Adults
Tree Swing
One of our favorite natural toys is a simple wooden tree swing. Our kids (big and little) love swinging on ours.
How to Afford Natural Toys
If you’ve ever looked at some of these natural toy gift ideas before, you’ll notice that generally speaking they’re not cheap. It always feels more affordable to just buy the usual plastic toys.
One of the ways we were able to afford some of the toys we wanted for our kids was to ask grandparents for them.
We also weren’t afraid to buy used toys from places like thrift stores or eBay if they were in excellent condition.
Don’t forget to check discount stores like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. We’ve found several nice wooden toys, puzzles, and games there.
And finally, don’t forget about Rakuten!
We’ve been using Rakuten for online shopping for several years, and it’s a great way to get paid for doing something you’re planning to do anyway!
Rakuten is a free app where you earn cash back by shopping at major retailers like Walmart, eBay, and Temu.
After signing up and making your first purchase of $30 or more within 90 days of signing up, you’ll get $30 cash back, plus cash back on each purchase!
Go here to get started with Rakuten.
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These are my favorite kind of toys! I love the list that you put together. Thank you for sharing with us at #LiveLifeWell.
Those are some great toy ideas! Thanks!
Thanks for linking up @LiveLifeWell!
Blessings,
Amy
Great gift ideas for children! Thank you for sharing at Sweet Inspiration Link Party 🙂
Thank you, Christina!
These are some great gift ideas – thanks for sharing with Party in Your PJs!
Thanks for hosting!
We’ve had a wooden castle for years, and it’s still a favorite with all three of our kids. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
It’s such a great classic toy!
This is such a great collection of natural toys. I actually think they are much more lovely and visually appealing than a lot of the plastic ones out there. There is something so classic and lovely about the natural ones and healthier to-boot!
I agree, they’re so much nicer than plastic!
Great ideas…we actually have a lot of those including the trains, marble run and teepee! Hope you have a great weekend.
How fun that you have some of the same toys! I hope you have a great weekend as well, Jaclyn!