Fun and Sustainable Eco-Friendly Gifts For Kids
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Time to Read: 8 min
As simple as the gifts we pick out may seem, I've noticed as a pediatrician and a parent, they can shape our kids' values. Sustainable gifts are actually a great way to teach our kids lessons about responsibility, the environment and our health. They’re not just about keeping up with trends. When kids get gifts made from recycled or natural materials, they start to see the bigger picture. Even in small ways, they start to understand the impact of their choices on the world around them. I know many families who learned about Ahimsa by receiving one of our products as a gift. Our sustainable dishware is a great option for practical and eco-friendly gifts for kids.
Montessori principles also fit really well with these kinds of gifts. Hands-on learning and personal independence are what Montessori is all about. Gifts that encourage kids to use their creativity, explore their world, or care for nature are much more than just toys. They help kids think deeply about their surroundings. Whether it’s putting together a birdhouse or growing a little herb garden, these activities help kids respect nature and consider how they interact with it. Sustainable gifting sets the stage for thoughtful living and lifelong learning—it's not just a one-time thing.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
Want to know more? Check out our story and our products.
DIY and Homemade Gifts
DIY and homemade gifts are a cool way to help kids think creatively and learn to be resourceful—plus, they’re fun. A homemade playdough kit is a great example of that. You can make soft, moldable dough with simple ingredients like flour, water, and salt. To keep it all very eco-friendly, use natural dyes like turmeric for yellow or beet juice for red. They’ll love getting their hands in that squishy dough, and they’ll pick up skills like measuring, mixing, and maybe even a little chemistry.
A craft kit made from old, recycled materials is another awesome gift idea. Gather up fabric scraps, cardboard, and buttons, and let kids use them to create their own unique art projects. This gift sparks creativity and teaches kids to make the most of what they have by helping them see ordinary things -- or stuff they thought of as garbage -- in a totally new way. They can feel proud that they create something with their own hands, too.
Montessori-inspired sensory bins are another great gift option. Fill a bin with natural stuff like dead leaves, dried beans, or little rocks, and let kids explore different textures, sounds, and colors. Sensory play helps them develop fine motor skills while they explore the world with their senses.
Nature-Based Gifts
Making learning both fun and meaningful, nature-based gifts are a great way to get kids hands-on with the environment. A fantastic way to teach them about responsibility and where food comes from is a grow-your-own herb garden. Small indoor kits with herbs like parsley, mint, and basil are just right for little hands. Kids not only learn important lessons about patience and caring for something alive but also feel proud as they water their plants and watch them grow.
Wooden gardening tools add even more engagement to the experience. Safe, durable, and sized perfectly for kids, these tools make them feel like they’re really contributing, whether they’re planting seeds or digging in the dirt. Plus, it gets them outside more, soaking up fresh air and exploring the garden.
Bug hotels or birdhouse kits are awesome gift ideas for kids who are into animals. Learning about ecosystems and the natural world is easy when they’re building a home for birds or bugs. It’s a fun project that not only lets them observe wildlife up close but also teaches them how important it is to care for even the tiniest creatures in the environment.
Eco-Friendly Toys
Eco-friendly toys don't just get kids to tap into their creativity and learn stuff in ways plastic toys usually don’t—they’re also good for the planet. Wooden puzzles or building blocks, for example. These gifts never seem to go out of style. They help kids flex their imaginations and, if they’re the kind with numbers, learn a little arithmetic. Plus, they’re totally free from plastic, super durable, and last for generations. Whether a kid solves a puzzle or stacks blocks into a giant tower, they actually sharpen their brain while using something safe and natural.
A stainless steel container or lunchbox is another fun and practical gift. Tough as nails, reusable, and they help cut down on all that single-use plastic we throw out every day. With all the bright colors available, kids might even get hyped about packing their own lunch. It’s a pretty simple way to teach them independence and show how reducing waste can fit into their everyday life without making a big deal out of it.
Our sustainable dishware options right here at Ahimsa are really good choices for meals at home and I’m not just saying that. It’s available in a cool rainbow pattern, and it will last a lifetime (or longer!).
Solar-powered toys sneak in some science without the kids even realizing it. A tiny robot powered by sunlight or a toy car that takes off when the sun hits it—both let kids mess around while learning about renewable energy. By moving their toys to different spots to see how light affects them, kids get curious about how energy works. It's a playful way to get them thinking about sustainability and how energy might be used in the future, while they’re having a good time.
Experiential Gifts
Gifts that focus on experiences tend to hit differently compared to physical stuff—because they leave you with memories that stick around. A membership to a local museum, zoo, or science center can be a solid way to get the family out of the house for some quality time. Plus, it gives kids the chance to roam around, check out exhibits, and ask about a million questions, so every trip turns into a little learning adventure... without cluttering up your home.
Outdoor experiences are another win. Things like hiking, camping, or even going to a local farm to pick fruit help kids connect with nature. Not only do these outings teach them about the world outside their screens, but they also create an appreciation for hanging outdoors. And let’s be real—they’re just fun ways to spend time together as a family.
If your kid’s into exploring, a nature kit could be the perfect gift. Stuff like binoculars, magnifying glasses, or those little field guides for plants and animals can really fuel their curiosity. Whether it’s the backyard or the nearest park, they get to play explorer, learning about the world around them while feeling like they’re on their own mini-adventure.
Snacktime Essentials
Sustainable Fun With Ahimsa
Sustainable gift ideas go beyond the moment of excitement when the wrapping paper comes off. They encourage curiosity, foster independence, and teach respect for the environment. Whether it’s a DIY craft kit, a nature-based project, or an experience like visiting a museum, these gifts help kids develop hands-on skills while nurturing a connection to the world around them. They show our children that thoughtful choices matter—not just for their own health but for the planet too.
If you’re looking for some advice for sustainable and healthy foods, check out my Mealtime Guide. It’s got handy tips, easy recipes, and ideas to make healthy, eco-friendly meals your kids will actually eat. Together, we can make the future brighter—one small step at a time.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Snacktime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
