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Sustainable, Nature-Inspired Gifts and Essentials for Babies & Kids
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items It's never too early to get children excited about nature! These gifts, goodies, and essentials are a perfect way to get kiddos (and parents!) curious about nature from the get-go! I have curated sustainable, responsible products for the health of th...
Sections
6
Play
Explore
Read
Wear
Eat, Sleep, Bathe
Furnish & More!
Play
Nature toys from baby to young adult!
0-12 mon. Adorable fox crinkle toy that is made responsibly for your (or your friend's) baby!
Fox Crinkle Toy with Teether by Itzy Ritzy
0-12 mon. Black & white activity pad for the littlest ones! Organic & sustainable, and oh so cute!
Meadow Activity Pad by Wee Gallery
0-3 yr. Super cute matching blanket and stuffy for little ones! Organic cotton, B Corps.
Blueberry Blanket and Henry Bear Plush Toy Set by The Blueberry Hill
0-4 yr. Adorable, handmade, organic cotton. Ships from Bulgaria.
Organic Hammerhead Shark Plush Toy by Pingvini
3-12 mon / 20-30 mon. Well-crafted, safe crab teether!
Crab Silicone Teether by Itzy Ritzy
3-12 mon / 20-30 mon. Adorable and BPA-free, of course.
Shark Baby Teether by Loulou Lollipop
3-30 mon. Hand-made and safe. Adorable two-for-one rattle & teether toy!
Crochet Deer Buck Rattle Wooden Teether
3-30 mon. First a teether, then a popping toy! Honestly, this could probably work as a fidget toy for adults, too! Safe for babies.
Slow Poke Turtle Teether & Popping Toy by Doddle & Co
4-12 mon. Safe and cute and helps distinguish between sea creatures early on! Love that!!
Sea Life Silicone Learning Flashcards by Loulou Lollipop
6-12 mon. Cute little walrus toy for babies!
Walrus Wobbler by Plan Toys
1-3 yr. A clever little puzzle that can be used on the animal side, the blank side, or without the base at all!
Animal Puzzle by Plan Toys
18-24 mon. Cute and made sustainably with baby's health in mind! Clever with the “porthole,” too!
Underwater World Wooden Shape Sorter by HABA
18-24 mon. Cute little animal floor puzzles that feature basic (European) species.
Woodland Friends Puzzles by Hape
2-4 yr. Cute and safe alphabet blocks with animals!
Animal Wooden Alphabet Blocks by Tiny Kind
2-6 yr. What an adorable (and challenging!) stacking set. Sort of a random set of species, but still very cool and could be educational. Goes well with other wooden forest sets on this list!
Stacking Forest by Tender Leaf
2-6 yr. This handmade and eco-friendly set is great for creative play. Goes well with other wooden forest sets on this list!
Wooden Landscape Play Set by Handmade Toys Workshop
3-5 year. A little otter family that is made responsibly in Romania. Super cute, and can be combined with other wooden sets!
Wooden Otter Family Figurines by Bumbu Toys
3-5 yr. Well made and sustainable, what a great little toy!
Crocodile toy by Anamalz
3-6 yr. The kids will love this, but the parents… not so sure!
Musical Table by Tender Leaf
3-6 yr. This is a great gift for kids that supports conservation, too! Get them excited about wildlife non-profits from an early age while they play with this North American-native bird!
Symbolic Adopt a Great Horned Owl by WWF
3-7 yr. So, this is super educational and fun! Climate, weather, general learning. Yes, please!
Weather Watch by Tender Leaf
3-8 yr. These acorn people are adorable and perfect additions to the woodland sets here!
Acorn Peg Doll Set by Joy Filled Seasons
3-8 yr. Adorable mushroom set for play foraging! Goes well with other wooden forest sets on this list!
Wooden Forest Mushroom Basket by Moon Picnic
3-8 yr. This great collection allows for truly creative play and highlights the little things in the forest! Goes well with other wooden forest sets on this list!
My Forest Floor by Tender Leaf
3-12 yr (choose option). This is SUCH a great gift! Designed by a zoologist, it teaches kids about specific species with each box — and grows with your child, as there are three different levels!
Wildlife Subscription Box by edZOOcation
3+ yr. An iconic Danish design toy that might just be a must-have!
Iconic small wooden monkey by Kay Bojesen
3+ yr. A fun game with an awesome native species that is apparently fun even for adults!
Timber Tumble by Plan Toys
6+ yr. This cyanotype kit is a great beginner craft that you can continue all the way through adulthood!
DIY Solar Printing Kit by Elemental Leaf
8+ yr. An iconic piece of Charley Harper in a puzzle! Most of his puzzles are 1000 pieces, but this is great for younger kids, too!
Secret Sanctuary 500-Piece Puzzle by Charley Harper
Explore
3 mon - 5 yr. This little set has the basics for outdoor exploration! The doll is great for 3+ mon — and a perfect outdoor companion, the backpack should fit 1-3 year olds, and the safe water bottle with straw can keep on being used after that!
Polaris Adventure Set by Saro
3-5 yr. 6x magnification binoculars to get kids started on a love of looking at nature — especially birds! My first binoculars in early elementary school got me started on a love of birds that I've kept ever since!
Binoculars by Nature Bound
2-7 yr. Great way to get kids looking closely at nature! And, there's a Spanish version!
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Board by Rainy Day Creative
3-7 yr. There are a lot of nature scavenger hunts out there, but this one caught my eye for its flexibility. Not only does it include a scavenger hunt (ranked with difficulties), but it includes nature observation pages that honestly can be used thro...
Nature Scavenger Hunt Bundle PDF by Anka Kids Studio
3-7 yr. Get the message out early!
Toddler Mountain Cap by MiniOlie
3-8 yr. Yes yes!!! A great beginner outdoor nature kit that can grow with the kiddos. Mat/tarp, magnifying glass, compass, info sheets, and more!
Forest Trail Kit by Tender Leaf
3-10 yr. Sometimes what you need to get kids into nature is… a fun chair to make them excited about going outside and camping!? I think so!
Kid's Sloth Chair by Mountain Summer Gear
3-12 yr. This is a great, durable outdoor explorer set! Getting hands-on with nature from a young age is a great way to make the interest stick! I would just caution that the tweezers are a bit dicey — maybe consider removing or teaching how to respectfully touch bugs first!
Outdoor Explorer Kit by Robud
3+ yr. Truly a gift for all ages, this is a great way to appreciate the little things around you. Just make sure you know what plants you're touching first, and that you're allowed to pick them!
My Botanical Press by Tender Leaf
3+ yr. This rechargeable flashlight is cute and ideal for outdoor explorations!
Sea creature Flashlight by Liewood
3+ yr. This is such a great idea!!! A kaleidoscope that helps you find cool stuff in nature! And you can do it again and again! I think I might to get one for myself!
DIY Reusable Kaleidoscope by Dreamer Kids
4-8 yr. Adorable microscope for first-timers!
Field Microscope by Nature Fun
4+ yr. Y'all, these binoculars are COOL. I have a pair that I call my “city binoculars” because they're compact and still high quality. But they're also a great, fun beginner set of bins for kids. Must have! Pairs perfectly with a field guide.
8x25 Binoculars by Nocs
5-10 yr. This little field guide is GREAT! Makes bugs cool, includes a DIY project idea, and is illustrated beautifully. Loooooove!!!! Pairs perfectly with the Explorer Kit, Magnifier, and Microscopes.
A Kid's Guide to Backyard Bugs by Eliza Berkowitz
5-10 yr. Likewise, the tree version of this book is outstanding! I will say that it focuses a bit more on Eastern species.
A Kid's Guide to Backyard Trees by Felicia Brower
5-11 yr. Great for getting up close & personal when exploring the great outdoors!
Great Outdoors Dual Magnifier by Kikkerland
5-12 yr. It's hard to find a good field guide for adults, and, it turns out, it's even harder to find one for kids! But this field guide is accessible and drives home some important points. Love it!! Pairs perfectly with a pair of binoculars.
Backyard Birds for Young Naturalists, a Peterson Field Guide
5-12 yr. Got a little birder in California? This is THE BOOK for them! I'm actually super impressed by the ID tips and general design of this field guide for kids! Pairs perfectly with a pair of binoculars.
The Kids' Guide to Birds of California by Stan Tekiela
5+ yr. I love this idea! Great for creativity in the outdoors — and you can use leaves!!
Cork Boat Building Kit by Uncommon Goods
6-9 yr. Fun facts and activities about the US National Parks!
Kids America's National Parks Activity Book
6+ yr. A great way to get kids off screen and learning for themselves!
u-Zoom One Microscope
8-12 yr. This is a perfect field guide as kids get a little older, for those in the PNW. (Looking for “adult” field guides for older kids? Check out my "Essential Field Guides to Understand the Planet!" List!)
Birds of the Pacific Northwest for Kids by Tom Myers
8-12 yr. Likewise, I'm impressed with this wildflower field guide! Perfect for older PNW kids! (Looking for “adult” field guides for older kids? Check out my “Essential Field Guides to Understand the Planet!” List!)
Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest for Kids by Ashely Erdely
Read
What better way to teach kids about nature than for their favorite book to be nature-based?! These stunning books will do just that!
0-3 yr. Could there e a cuter pee-a-boo book?
Peekaboo Forest Crinkle Peek-A-Book by Wee Gallery / Surya Sajnani
1-4 yr. This book is AMAZING for exposing babies to birds and birding! I'm very impressed that it highlights North American (East Coast) birds, rather than focusing on far away species. Love!!! There are also “colors” and “opposites” versions!
Birding for Babies Board Book by Chloe Goodhart
1-4 yr. A board book with the iconic illustrations of Charley Harper. Amazing!
I Am Wild Board Book by Charley Harper
2-5 yr. These cards feature Latin American animals in English and Spanish! A great way to help your little one start out strong with two languages!
Spanish-English ABC Animal Flash Cards by Blue Star Press
3-5 yr. A cute interactive book with native wildlife!
Goodnight Beaver Magic Flashlight Book by Katie Button
3-6 yr. Cute little book about the sounds in nature. Very cute!
Nature Parade by Nikki Samuels
3-7 yr. Short but stunning pop-up book about birds!
Pop-Up Birds by Laura Cowan
3-7 yr. A similarly stunning butterfly book!
Pop-Up Butterflies by Laura Cowan
4-7 yr. Adorable book for little birders!
How to Find a Bird by Jennifer Ward & Diana Sudyka
4-8 yr. Part of the Over and Under series, this book highlights the lesser appreciated wetland ecosystem, focusing specifically on the Everglades. Love!
Over and Under the Wetland by Kate Messner
4-8 yr. Another Over and Under book, this focuses on another under-appreciated ecosystem: deserts! Love love love!!!
Over and Under the Canyon by Kate Messner
4-8 yr. A cute little book that introduces kids to climate change and its effects on nature in an approachable way. I first saw this book at a National Park gift shop!
Cony the Pika's Warming World by Sylvester Allred
4-8 yr. And one more in the collection, perfect for kids who are obsessed with babies — and nature!
A Nest Is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston & Sylvia Long
4-8 yr. A great way to get kids excited about plants from early on!
A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston & Sylvia Long
4-8 yr. Another in the collection, this book is great for an early interest in geology. And, the illustrations are stunning!
A Rock Is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston & Sylvia Long
5-9 yr. A great intro to Earth and natural phenomena. Also has tips for things you can do for the planet, though it stays a bit small scale. Probably makes sense for kiddos!
Do You Know?: Earth and Nature by Cecile Benoist
6-8 yr. Okay, I'll admit that this is a nostalgia add for me, but I still think about this book a lot and I think that's the mark of an influential kid's book! Learn about the funkiness of nature!
Pink Snow and Other Weird Weather by Jennifer Dussling
6-8yr. A clever book that can be read front to back or back to front! It's playful, a lesson in language, and includes great animal facts!
The Whale’s Tale and the Otter’s Side of the Story by Kate Messner
10+ yr. A great — and fun — book about the importance of birds. Info organized in an engaging way. Honestly, probably would be great for adults, too!
World Without Birds by Nick Lund
12-18 yr. This book should be sitting in the bookshelf, waiting for the child to be old enough to dive in. The Young Adults version is so, so well adapted, too!
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults by Robin Wall Kimmerer
13-17 yr. A stunning graphic novel about the perils pumas face in California and beyond. Amazing, amazing book!!!
Tales of the Urban Wild: A Puma's Journey
Wear
Wearing nature clothes is a sure-fire way to get asked about nature and to help your child learn! Loooove it!
Newborn. Tiny caterpillars for your tiny newborn baby! Made of organic cotton and baby-friendly.
Caterpillar Indy Kimono Gown by Colored Organics
0-9 mon (choose size). Adorable little baby outfit and bears!!! Made of bamboo.
Honey Bamboo Zipper Footed Romper by Milkbarn Kids
0-12 mon (choose size). Organic cotton for your little bunny! I love the design of this one!
Bunny Romper by Finn + Emma
0-18 mon (choose size). A collared pinecone outfit for an infant!? So formal, so chic!
Pinecone Cotton Stretch Collar Long Sleeve Jumpsuit by Milkbarn Kids
0-24 mon (choose size). Adorable whales and sea life for adorable tiny babies! Made of bamboo and great for sensitive skin.
Watercolor Blue Whales Convertible Romper by Angel Dear
0-24 mon (choose size). Okay, so this isn't a native North American species BUT omg it's just too cute!!! Still can instill a love of birds. :) Brand gives back.
Bird Cross-Back Baby Romper by Tea Collection
0-24 mon (choose size). Ducks!!! But not all mallards and not in a hunter sort of way, just really awesome North American native birds! Loooove!!! We have the Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Redhead, and Wood Duck! I'm so obsessed. Made...
Ducks Short Sleeve Bodysuit by Angel Dear
0-24 mon (choose size). Toooo cutttte!!!! Cotton, and the brand gives back!
Hammerhead Double Pocket Baby Romper by Tea Collection
0-6 yr (choose size). This is actually the cutest coat I have ever seen. Hand made. Amazing. UK.
Reversible Floral Bunny Ear Baby Jacket by Lottie & Lysh
0-6 yr (choose size). This is SO CUTE!!! Ready for so many adventures in this little puffin suit. Handmade and gentle on skin. UK.
Taupe Puffin Baby Romper by Lottie & Lysh
3-9 mon (choose size). Turn baby INTO a bear. Amazing!
Bear Sweater Set by Tiny Kind
3-12 mon (choose size). More than just an outfit, this is a whole set to make baby love mushrooms from early on!
Mushroom Baby Gift Bundle by Chunky Deli
3-24 mon (choose size). These shark shoes will be the talk of the town! Note that they're leather.
Shark Sebastian Soft Soles by Robeez
3-24 mon (choose size). I'm sorry WHAT this is SO CUTE!!! 95% cotton.
Baby Bear Romper with Hat by MiniOlie
3-24 mon (choose size). Adorable!
Baby Sea Animals Romper with Hat by MiniOlie
3 mon - 5 yr (choose size). These are just the cutest EVER!?
Sardine Overalls by MiniOlie
3 mon - 12 yr (choose size). Great brand and adorable design!
Hummingbird Shirt by Tea Collection
3-18 mon (choose size). Mammothssss! Organic cotton. Cute and practical little bloomers!
Woolly Mammoth Organic Cotton Pocket Bloomer by Milkbarn Kids
3-18 mon (choose size). A perfect seashore outfit for the little ones, made of bamboo.
Seashells Bamboo Long Sleeve One Piece by Milkbarn Kids
3-18 mon (choose size). Leggings are so useful for little babies, and these are so cute! Bamboo.
Squirrel Luxe Stretch Legging by Milkbarn Kids
3-18 mon (choose size). I actually can't believe how cute this little explorer fox outfit is. 5% cashmere, 95% cotton. Must-have!!
Knitted Birdseye Jacquard Hooded Jumpsuit by Milkbarn Kids
3-24 mon (choose size). I can't bee-lieve how cute this bear coat is! Perfect for 35-50F.
Bear Lightweight Down Hooded Jumpsuit
6-24 mon (choose size). When it's really cold, this penguin coat will keep your kiddo warm! 25-40F.
Penguin Puffy Down Jumpsuit
6-36 mon (choose size). If they had these in adult sizes, I would be tempted! Sooo cute! 100% cotton.
Mushroom Corduroy Casual Pants by Milkbarn Kids
6 mon - 5 yr (choose size). Cute cute cute!
Giraffe Shirt and Shorts Set by MiniOlie
3 mon - 12 yr (choose size). This cute little dress features wildlife — and even cityscapes — from Brazil, showcasing cool animals and a reminder that we coexist!
Rio-inspired Tiered Woven Dress by Tea Collection
1-7 yr (choose size). This cute little jacket featuring nasturtium looks like something a chic adult would wear! Organic.
Nasturtium Reversible Spring Jacket by Little Green Radicals
1-8 yr (choose size). Recycled material bird raincoat!? Can I get one??
Birds Recycled Waterproof Raincoat by Little Green Radicals
1-8 yr (choose size). Do there need to be two raincoats on this list? No. Could I resist either of them? Also no! Recycled materials.
Flower Meadow Recycled Waterproof Raincoat by Little Green Radicals
1-8 yr (choose size). Cute little tote bag for tiny explorers to fill! Handmade in the US.
Nature Walk Bag by Tiny Twigs Press
2-8 yr (choose size). I think a towel poncho makes every beach or pool day just so much better. Organic cotton.
Singing Whales Towel Poncho by Little Green Radicals
2-10 yr (choose size). This poppy romper is SO CUTE and features some pretty awesome flowers!
Poppy Flutter Sleeve Romper by Tea Collection
2-12 yr (choose size). I kind of love this design!? This brand is ethically sourced and gives back!
Golden Eagle Graphic Tee by Tea Collection
2-14 yr (choose size). I'm kind of obsessed with this rockfish design! And, they have UPF 50+ sun protection and made from 100% recycled fabric!
Rockfish Mid-Length Swim Trunks by Tea Collection
2-16 yr (choose size). So cute! Fish! Sun protection, recycled materials, gives back!
Fish Ruffle Swimsuit by Tea Collection
3-8 yr. Cute little berets with toucans!
Toucan Hair Clips by Rockahula
3-8 yr. Cute little purse from a responsible brand!
Ladybird Bag by Rockahula
3+ yr. Perfect for a little one who loves bugs! Easy to apply and non-toxic.
Backyard Bugs Nail Stickers by Daydream Society
4-7 yr (choose size). So this is super cute, with UPF, and from a brand that gives back. A must-have for the pool or ocean!
Turtle Short Sleeve Rash Guard by Tea Collection
Eat, Sleep, Bathe
You know, the essentials!
0-12 mon. With this towel set made of organic cotton, the baby gets to be the bear. Rawr!
Bear Organic Cotton Bath Time Set by Tiny Kind
0-36 mon (choose size). Award-winning, sustainable and safe sleep sack for babies. Plus bears! 1.0 TOG.
Bears Baby Sleep Sack by Loulou Lollipop
0-36 mon. Sharks for the tub? Yes, please! Sustainable brand, of course.
Shark Hooded Baby Towel Set by Loulou Lollipop
0-36 mon. A bath book (or reusable painting book) that reveals colors when wet!
Color Me: Who's in the Pond? by Surya Sajnani
0-36 mon. Sleep well, little ones! This safe and sustainable muslin swaddle is versatile and adorable.
Safari Muslin Swaddle Blanket by Loulou Lollipop
0-36 mon. Organic cotton, woodland species, very cute. These swaddles just get cuter and cuter!!
Wildlife Muslin Swaddle by Wee Gallery
0-36 mon. Organic cotton muslin swaddle. Perfect for fall babies!
Mushroom Forest Muslin Blanket by Tiny Kind
0-36 mon. Cute little goose + gosling crib sheet made of bamboo!
Goose Bamboo Crib Sheet by Milkbarn Kids
0-36 mon. Organic cotton and adorable!
Mushroom Organic Cotton Crib Sheet by Milkbarn Kids
0+ mon. Baby quilts that are designed in LA and hand-made in Jaipur, India. This purchase provides a meal to a child in need for one month.
Koloman Baby Quilt by CQC LA
3-36 mon. Sharks on a long-sleeved bib from a B Corps!? Perfect.
Sharks Long Sleeve Bib by Loulou Lollipop
6-24 mon. Adorable! Whales! Safe! Whales! So much stuff! Whales!
Whales Feeding Kit by Mushie
6-36 mon. All you need for an easy mealtime! The booster seat also doubles as a bag (see second pic), so it's extra easy!!! Too cute, too practical! Eco-friendly and safe.
Polaris Mealtime-Made-Easy Bundle by Saro
10-24 mon. Cute, safe, nature-inspired bath companions.
Nature Bath Play Set by Mushie
18 mon - 4 yr. Simply adorable. More sharks, please!
Shark Learning Utensils Set by Loulou Lollipop
Furnish & More!
For parents and more!
Bugaboo has great, sustainably made strollers, car seats, rockers and more! They aren't particularly nature themed, but they're essential AND each product is named after an animal!
Bugaboo strollers and more
Made of cotton and recycled bottles! Perfect for keeping the toys.
Hippo Basket by Lorena Canals
Adorable DIY lamp that can be done with kids or by adults for a kid's room! From Portugal.
Humpback Whale DIY Pendant Paperlamp Kit by OwlPaperlamps
These are a great, easy way to make piece of furniture more kiddy. Love! Handmade and safe.
Woodland animals furniture knobs by Artcrafthome
Handmade in India and perfect for nurseries, creative play, and, honestly, I would put this in my house now!
Nature Handmade Wool Kids Rug
Likewise handmade in India. I am OBSESSED WITH THIS RUG!!!
Nature Handmade Wool Kids Rug
0-18 mon. Perfect for playing on! So cute, and high-contrast black and white for the littlest babies! Techincally not for sleeping, but feels like it fits this vibe.
Explore Playmat by Wee Gallery
0-18 mon. Such a cute hand-made play mat! And the older they get, the more there is to explore on it.
Cove Sea Life Baby Activity Mat by Crane Baby
Cute little piece of art to add to a kid's room! New Hampshire-based artist.
Baby Puffin Art Print: Mama and Chick, Colorful Nursery Decor by Gina Perry
This is stunning!!! Would honestly have in my house right now — not just for nurseries! Features European wildlife.
Woodland Animals Nursery Wallpaper by Illustro
So, this is stunning and adorable! Again, some species are European (but, to be fair, we have non-native Ring-Necked Pheasants in the US, too!)
Woodland Animal Wallpaper by Sevara Atelier
This larger-than-life meadow wallpaper is so whimsical! I love it! Eco-friendly materials.
Kids Watercolor Wildflower Garden Mural by Wallmundo
2-7 yr. Obsessed! Perfect for a tiny kid's desk or table!
Fox Forest Chair by Tender Leaf
2-7 yr. Hehehe and there's a bear one!
Bear Forest Chair by Tender Leaf
2-10 yr. Cute little desk that can be used for a while!
Desk and Chair by Tender Leaf
2+. I would literally keep this forever!
Toadstool by Tender Leaf
Couldn't choose just one from the Forest Families collection by this sustainable, women- and AAPI-owned B-Corps. Amazing!!
Forest Families Goods by Loulou Lollipop
…and I'm totally obsessed with their shark collection, too!
Smiley Sharks Goods by Loulou Lollipop