Give the kids a gift card to Hapik indoor climbing park in Garland.
Finding the perfect gift for kids and pets can be a challenge, but eco-friendly options make the experience even more rewarding. From toys made of sustainable materials to creative DIY kits and organic treats, eco-friendly gifts show thoughtfulness while teaching kids the value of sustainability and providing pets with safe, natural enjoyment.
SHAKE, RATTLE & CLIMB
Worried about too much screen time for the young folks in your life? Get them moving!
Hapik at Firewheel Town Center in Garland is an exciting indoor climbing park that caters to both kids and adults, part of a worldwide network of 30 climbing parks.
This 10,000-square-foot facility offers more than 100 climbing routes across 40 themed walls, with safety ensured through auto-belay systems.
Climbers can ascend up to 26 feet, and the gym also features two ropes courses for added adventure.
When a digital gift card is purchased, the recipient will receive an email notifying them. You can write a message and even record a video to your loved one. The time to send the email can also be scheduled such as Hanukkah, Kwanza or even Christmas morning.
Prices start around $22 per person with a family pass around $54. Hapik is perfect for family outings, team-building events or birthday parties.
For more details, visit Hapik.
IKEA INSPIRATIONS
This 45-piece wooden train set from Lillabo is $34.99. Courtesy of IKEA.
Ikea’s wooden toys inspire youngsters to let their imaginations run free. Parents will love their rugged wooden construction that lasts and lasts — with prices that stay within Santa’s budget. The Lillabo Train Set is priced at $34.99 and includes 45 pieces to build a complete layout with train cars, track, buildings, trees and more. Extra pieces available to extend play, most priced under $10 each.
This Astonsparv Alien may be from outer space but he’s helping save our planet because he’s made from 100 percent recycled polyester.
The Alien from Astonsparv is stuffed with 100 recycled polyester. Courtesy of IKEA.
Match him up with a cool spaceship and fun, fuzzy astronauts and your little one will be ready to conquer the universe. The Astonsparv collection is all made to be eco-friendly, priced from $2-40, including character toys, spaceship tent, matching linens/curtains and even a futuristic desk lamp.
SCIENCE FUN
Your budding Einstein won’t even realize they are learning as they play with this KiwiCo Jumping Robot Kit that includes everything they need to build a bouncing bot buddy.
The Jumping Robot Kit is one of several science kits by the KiwiCo.
As kids perfect their engineering skills, they’ll learn about the physics of potential and kinetic energy, explore the ins and outs of mechanical motion and read about other jumping robots all around the world.
Comes complete with electric motor and all needed parts, illustrated instruction guide and two options for robot skins.
Other KiwiCo kits range from Crystal Ombre Soap Making to Starter Astronaut Kit and even a vegan-friendly stuffed Froggie Dissection Kit.
For young scientists, aged 9 and up. $29.99 to $34.99 at Target stores around town.
THE GREENEST TOYS
The Race Track Truck is made from 100 percent recycled plastic. Courtesy of Green Toys.
We’ve featured Green Toys before — and they truly have become a leader in eco-friendly play. Their new Green Toys Race Track Truck Set includes a bright orange Racing Truck and two Stack and Link Racers for energized fun!
Cars can be used individually, stacked together, linked in a chain or driven onto the Racing Truck. Hook the racers to the back of the truck’s extendable ramp, and when ready, release the car (or cars) to zoom down.
Ideal for both indoor and outdoor play, and encourages motor skill development and imaginative, creative activities.
Made from 100 percent recycled plastic, mostly milk jugs, reducing waste and environmental impact. No BPA, phthalates, or PVC. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe – so don’t worry about muddy road conditions!
Extra cars available too. Ages six months - six years. Around $25 at Target and other fine stores.
WOODEN WOOFS
This wooden dog kit features parts to make three different dog breeds. Courtesy of Eco-Bricks.
Unleash your child’s creativity and build a dog using Eco-Bricks Wooden Bricks 3-in-1 Builds. Made from wood, these bricks are compatible with Lego pieces.
Canine set contains enough pieces to construct three adorable dog breeds. Your little veterinarian can construct a faithful German Shepherd, a strong Bulldog or playful Dachshund. Once they’ve finished, dogs be customized with crayons, colored pencils, markers, stains or paint (not included).
All parts are biodegradable and renewable. Priced around $35 at Woodcraft, they also offer a similar kit that makes a chameleon, snake and alligator.
Ages from four to teens, perfect for kids who love Lego but want to be more sustainable.
BUILT TO LAST TRIKE TO BIKE
This versatile wooden toy can be used as a walker, a trike and bike. $230. Courtesy of Wishbone Design.
The 3-in-1 Toddler Tricycle by Wishbone Design Studio is a versatile and innovative trike that grows with your child.
From 12 months, they can use it as a walker, then zoom around on the tricycle, before converting it to a balance bike.
Made from sustainably harvested birch wood, it is easy to assemble, upgrade and is incredibly lightweight. It encourages balance and mobility for little ones and features durable tires for indoor/outdoor adventuring! A changeling frame and adjustable seat means it's ready to grow with your child for years of active play.
For 12 months to 5 years. Durable enough to pass to the next generation and beyond. Original, award-winning design - TIME Magazine Design 100 and Chicago Atheneum Green Design Award. $229.99 at EarthHero.com.
SAMPLE THE CHARM
If you’ve lived in DFW for awhile, chances are you’ve either bought a gift at or been given a gift from Sample House. Since 1958, Sample House has been an area favorite starting when Foster and Nancy Poole opened their first store on Routh Street in Dallas. The company now boasts seven locations including Dallas, Plano, Allen and Southlake — and their whole family is involved in the business. Known for their homey atmosphere and local products, Sample House has offerings for just about everyone on your list, but we especially love their goodies for both kids and pets.
Sample House features cute stuff for kids, like these Bella Tunno baby bibs. Photo by Andrea Ridout.
We fell in love with all of the adorable kid stuff at Sample House including puzzles, games and books — but these Bella Tunno baby bibs and teethers really jumped off of the shelf at us.
For one thing, each one is as cute as a button – but more importantly they are made sustainably (Bella Tunno is a Certified B Corp) and for each product purchased a meal is provided to a child in need.
Sample House stocks a wide selection of Bella Tunno, including the teething ring, snack cup and divided bowl, with most items under $15.
The Alamo seeded bird house is $45. Courtesy of Sample House.
Sample House also has one of the largest selections that we have ever seen of seeded bird houses and treats. From adorable cottages and chapels to ornaments and wreaths — and even gingerbread men and reindeer that can hang all over the tree, these lovely hand-made creations are almost too pretty to put outside. But your avian-loving gift recipient will enjoy making their yard a birdy paradise.
Prices start at under $6 for small ornaments, $10 for gingerbread men & reindeer, to around $50 for larger houses. The Alamo shown is $45.
TREATS FOR EATS
We dropped by Pet Supplies Plus the other day and were excited to see a recycling program for just about any kind of plastic bag from pet foods and treats. It’s offered at no cost to customers. While you’re there, check out these eco-friendly goodies for your best friends.
Courtesy of Honest to Goodness.
Watch out for your fingers as Fido and Fifi might just nip with delight at Cranberry and Pomegranate snacks from Honest to Goodness. These yummy treats are loaded with the healthy stuff like Omega 3s and Postbiotics but they taste just as good as they look.
Made from minimally processed, whole food ingredients. Plus they’re easy on the tummy with terrific aroma and taste. The crunchy texture helps keep teeth and gums clean. Baked with sustainable, responsibly sourced ingredients right here in the USA.
On sale through Dec. 31 for $7.98 for 8 oz. Reg. $11.98.
Courtesy of Three Dog Bakery.
Don’t mistake Three Dog Bakery’s Pet-Zel Bites for your own peanut butter filled pretzels. They may look the same but these nuggets are especially made for pups with simple, high-quality ingredients such as wheat flour, peanut butter and malted barley. Free from artificial flavors, preservatives and added salt, making them a healthier choice for your pet. Recyclable container. $15 for 24 oz.
SmartKat offers a kitty chaise lounge that doubles as a scratcher and features a catnip scent. Courtesy of SmartKat.
Don’t forget Kitty who will love these SmartKat scratchers. The concave shape functions as a scratcher as well as a cat bed with a contoured yet tough corrugated interior that cradles your beloved furry friend, while providing them enough space to stretch and claw sharpen. Each layer is infused with concentrated catnip, and the catnip scent is released with every scratch. You’ll never deal with the mess of loose catnip again. Helps save furniture as the tree-bark-like texture provides an outlet for instinctive scratching behavior. Made from recycled and sustainable materials. Can be recycled at end of life. 18" x 14" x 3.87". Other sizes/shapes available from approx. $15- $25.
BIRDY SPY CAM
David Hurt at Wild Birds Unlimited on Lovers Lane in Dallas says that his whole store is decked out for the holidays. One of his best sellers this season has been the BirdReel Smart Bird Feeder with integrated Wifi camera that lets you watch birds up close from your smartphone.
The BirdReel Smart Bird Feeder features a Wifi camera for up close bird watching. Courtesy of Wild Birds Unlimited.
Give the gift of bird watching 24/7 with notifications and live streaming, day and night. David notes, “It’s exciting to see a new bird on your feeder that you would have missed if you hadn’t had a camera.”
Automatically identifies over 10,000 avian species and allows you to take instant snapshots to share with friends and family. The feeder also detects squirrels and sounds an alarm to scare them away or you can use the two-way intercom to have a squirrely conversation.
Battery and dual solar panels work on cloudy or rainy days. Easy to fill hopper holds about 2 lbs of your choice of seed. Videos and pictures can be stored on 64 Gig SD card (included) or Cloud Service (sold separately). 2MP 1080P high-definition camera with 130° wide angle lens. $249.99. Visit David and his team at 5715 West Lovers Lane in Dallas. Wild Birds Unlimited also has stores all over the Metroplex, including another location in Dallas (Abrams), Arlington, Burleson, Frisco, Keller, McKinney and Flower Mound.
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