by Jay Van Tussenbrook Educational Toys
Science Kits
Wooden Toys
Building and Engineering Sets
Biology Games
Hope for the future rides in this year with a gaggle of "green" gifts. Take the time to reflect on the problems of the world today and what we are doing to tackle them and you will see that one of the best things we can do in our everyday lives is to buy "green" consumer products. Sure, they are a little more expensive, but the cost we pay now saves our children from bearing that burden. "Green" products are more than just recycled plastic and environmentally friendly materials, they are a way of embracing an idea. The idea that every little thing we do, whether recycling a soda can, using a refillable coffee cup, or just buying a product produced by an environmentally friendly company, we are slowly taking steps toward solving our problems. One of the largest steps we can take is to educate our children. All the steps we are taking now are only baby steps compared to the work that lies ahead in the future. It will be our children and our children's children who will inherit the challenges left to us by our culture. It may seem daunting, and depressing, but these challenges are driving some of the most exciting science in the world today. Many believe that this science and the works that spring out of it will be the key to finally solving many of our environmental problems. Toy manufacturers have picked up on this and we have seen a rise in science kits that use solar power or discuss alternative energy. That is a great sign for the future but it is up to us as consumers and caretakers to make this more than a fad. We don't want to force these issues on our children, but it is our duty to teach them what we can to be ready for the challenges life will bring them. Be careful not to overwhelm a child with depressing ideas, instead present them with the excitement of new discoveries and let them be inspired to create things using the knowledge they learn. Perhaps one day they will make a bigger difference than any of us could hope.
| If you are looking to inspire a young mind with science check out these "Green" science kits: |
 | Energy Wiz
Join the race to save the planet by learning the basic concepts of energy from kinetic to potential and find clean ways to power the Earth.....
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Sugg. $21.00
Our Price $19.95 | |  | Power House Experiment Kit
Create a vision of the future in 3-D and conduct 70 experiments as you investigate the concept of sustainable living in the 21st century...
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Our Price $167.00 | | |
What children learn from a toy isn’t the only thing that makes it a "green" toy. Materials and manufacture are also important to consider when labeling a product “green”. Wooden toys are great for many reasons, one of which is that the materials used are natural, renewable, and usually leave no toxic byproducts from their manufacture. This alone would qualify wooden toys as being "green", but they also have another useful quality, durability. A good "green" toy is built to last, as in it's NOT disposable, nor meant to be disposed of. Wooden toys due in part to materials, but also because of most wooden toys simple construction, are made to last. Many wooden toys are passed along in a family and bring the same joy and learning to each new generation, now that's a toy with staying power! And it doesn't end up in a landfill like so many flimsy plastic toys. Sometimes in these days of video games and electronic doo-dads you just have to know when simpler is better, and young children especially get a lot more out of a wooden toy than a fancy computerized gimmick.
| If you are looking for toys that your kids can give to their kids one day try some of these: |
 | HABA Rolling Turtles
Race, run and roll with these ingenious rolling turtles from HABA, a trusted name in wooden toys for young children....
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Our Price $20.95 | |  | Marble Whacker
An exciting and fun game that's part marbles part air hockey, and part pinball. Heavy duty construction that will last. Includes marbles...
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Our Price $74.95 | |  | Plan Toys Tori Rocking Horse
Plan Toys uniquely designed Tori Rocking Horse is fun to ride and folds for easy travelling. I love this rocking horse because the kids enjoy riding it but when I need to clean up it is easy to fold and tuck away in the closet.
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Our Price $69.95 | |  | Green Toys Tea Set
This simple toy encourages fun, imaginative play and is made responsibly. Green Toys are Made in the USA from recycled plastic milk jugs.
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Our Price $25.95 | | |
Finally, remember that this is the season for giving, and no toy is greener than a re-used toy. We encourage you to help your children pick out old toys of theirs to donate to those less fortunate. It is good for the environment and you will feel good too. Make this holiday season a “green” one and take another little step toward a better tomorrow with gifts from the Northwest Nature Shop.
| Check out these other “green” gifts: |
 | Eco Fluxx
Play the nature game with ever-changing rules. It starts simple and gets chaotically fun!...
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Sugg. $12.95
Our Price $12.00 | |  | Green Toys Recycling Truck
The recycling Truck from Green Toys has everything your little one looks for in a sturdy truck - Giant wheels, great big cab, a lift bed and best of all recycling compartments to load up the truck and dump at the recycling depot (the floor). ....
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Our Price $24.95 | | |
