Tips to Help Stuff Your Kids’ Stockings with Non-Toxic Gifts This Year

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What’s on your kids’ holiday wish list this year?

From toys to electronics, there is a chance that whatever your kids are wishing for might include something you don’t want: toxic chemicals. 

You may not be aware that as part of the manufacturing process, some chemicals are added to toys to make them more durable or flame retardant. However, kids are exposed to these chemicals when they put the toys into their mouths. Babies are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins since their biological systems are still developing. Therefore, it’s crucial to reduce kids’ exposure to chemicals not only during the holiday season but all year long. 
Here are some tips to help you find toxic-free gifts for your kids:  

Toys:  The best way to avoid toxic chemicals in toys is to choose items that are made from natural materials such as wood, stainless steel and organic cotton. In 2011, Health Canada proposed draft guidelines to keep cadmium out of children’s jewelry, but as this is a recent development, some products with cadmium may still be on shelves. For that reason we advise consumers to avoid kids jewelry items made of metal, which may contain the toxic substance.
Clothing:  If buying clothes for kids, it is best avoid items that are wrinkle and stain resistant. As well, avoid clothes that contain flame retardants (PBDEs) – especially in light of recent reports that found these chemicals not only to be ineffective but dangerous. Instead, choose clothes that are made from natural materials such as organic cotton. 
Electronics: From tablets to MP3 players, what kid nowadays doesn’t have something electronic on their wish list? When searching for electronic gifts, make sure to choose a manufacturer that has eliminated toxic flame retardants from their products. 
Bathroom Stuff: Many personal care products, even some for kids, contain toxic ingredients – some which have been linked to cancer, allergies and other health problems. Parents can find a list of the Toxic Ten chemicals to avoid in their kids’ personal care products by visiting  www.environmentaldefence.ca/toxicten. Companies like Ontario-based GreenBeaver make non-toxic products like bubble bath that are fun and safe for kids. 
Want more toxic-eliminating tips? Sign up for our toxic nation newsletter to receive tips and information all year long. 

Wishing you a safe and toxic free holiday season!

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24 Comments

  1. I think we often try to go cheap so we can make everyone happy, but sometimes those cheap dollar store items can be hazardous to our children’s health

  2. I am getting my 2 nephews gift cards to gamestop gift cards. It is honestly the best thing I could ever give them. Difficult to buy for.

    Great suggestions and tips.

    kevin

  3. I think it’s too bad there are so many things that have to be avoided because they might contain dangerous chemicals. It’s scary to think products for kids have toxic ingredients.

  4. It’s suggested that kids are not given toys made from metal due to Cadeum which is a chemical that is added to toys. Do we have play jewellery made from metal? It’s in my housekeeping centre. Little girls love to wear jewellery! Marg kitc19 at yahoo dot ca

  5. Wow i never realized how many things have dangerous chemicals… I knew some cheaper toys had lead in them and stuff, but not like bathroom stuff?? Especially with young children putting everything in their mouths it is important to choose wisely.

  6. I didn’t realize electronics had dangerous chemicals in them. Off to research before I make my last few present purchases for the kids. Thanks for the reminder.

  7. Thanks for posting this. A lot of people don’t know about toxins in toys, and flame retardant chemicals. As a parent, this stuff is important to be educated on!

  8. It’s really, really, hard to make my actions match my good intentions. It’s hard to keep track of what products are safe. I signed up for the newsletter, with the hopes that it helps my consciousness grow throughout the year.

  9. Wow! Alot of this you dont think about. I signed up for the newsletter and checked out their website. Pretty interesting yet scary in a sort of way. Hope you have a safe and happy holiday. I will be focusing on more toxin-free products for sure.

  10. Your mention trying to avoid clothes that contain flame retardants. I’m always surprised at the number of people that wear clothing without washing them first due to these, and other packing additives, as well as others before that may have tried them on. Jan

  11. Excellent tips and suggestions there. Thank you so much for that. I sometimes wish that going green didn’t necessarily mean spending more money. I don’t like how non-toxic toys/products are more expensive

  12. I’ll definitely be looking at labels of personal care products more carefully. Much of the times I don’t look at the label. Do for food, but not bathroom products.

  13. I did not realize kids’ metal jewelery could be toxic or that some flame retardant clothing and electronics can be toxic to children. I appreciate the information and will definitely keep these things in mind for future reference.

  14. i know that electronics have chemicals however i dont know of any place you van buy chemical free game systems. until all these chemicals are banned you cant really avoid them all the time

  15. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! Always read products labels before buying and using know what your buying and using in your home.

  16. Since my children are still young, I try and get things that are locally sourced and possibly handmade if possible.

  17. Excellent ideas. It is so important to watch what we are buying for our families. So many people simply put faith in things that are on store shelves. I have learned that cannot do this, especially after starting to read up on personal care products such as soap, shampoo etc. It is actually quite scary what is marketed to use on children.

  18. It’s excellent to hear this kind of tips, makes me think that maybe we can still have hope for a better future.
    It’s definitely better buy something expensive if it’s environmentally healthier! 🙂

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