Living a more minimalist lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to do without or totally depriving your self. It just means, you need to focus on what is important to you and make smart purchases.
This of course, does not mean that our little E doesn't own any toys or fun things to play with. We have just been selective on what we purchase and have asked our friends and family to do the same and respect how we have decided to live. For the most part, things are going well.
The toys she does have are mostly eco-friendly and non-toxic, and we try to avoid plastic ones and opt for wood. These are the types of toys and items that we would like her to play with to keep her safe. Sometimes it takes longer to find a certain toy, or we may have to have it shipped to us because it is not sold in stores. It can be frustrating, but for us, it is worth our time, and energy. And when I say we, I really mean my time and energy.
I was recently contacted by Linda from EkoBear, a Canadian online store that offers organic, eco-friendly, affordable, safe and greener options for you, your children and our planet. All the research is done for you; every product is eco-friendly. From biodegradable toys, toys made from recycled materials, toys made with sustainability in mind and just as importantly made with colors that are safe for your little ones as well as our planet.
When it was Linda’s son's third birthday, she wanted to get him an eco-friendly toy. As a mom shopping with an infant and a soon to be preschooler, getting out of the house in cold weather and finding very little options per store was surprising and frustrating for her. So came the birth of Eko Bear to make eco-friendly shopping more convenient for the everyday parent.
How could I refuse one of her sweet little toys that I knew little E would love? It is not like she has a room filled with toys, so I was convinced no matter the toy we chose, she would be thrilled and it would most definitely be put to good use.
Little E loves music and is quite the dancer- it was clear the wooden Fruit Music Set would be a big hit. This particular toy is manufactured by Discoveroo and made in Australia. I know, I know, it is not made in North America, but sometimes I do not find exactly what I am looking for made in North America. This is not to say I do not try to source toys from North America as much as possible.
The Fruit Music Set is made from 100% Plantation Woods and colored with vegetable-based non-toxic paints, Discoveroo eco-friendly toys are rigorously tested and certified compliant with all the relevant safety standards in each country where they are sold – Canada, USA, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. This makes me sleep better at night.
When I first gave little E the music set, her face lit up at the sight of all the colors, and as soon as she realized they made noise, they have been glued to her hands ever since. She dances around the room shaking her lemon maraca. Actually, she requires us to dance and play as a family, which is one thing I love about this set!
With the holidays around the corner, and if the thought of going shopping to fight all the crowds does not sounds appealing to you- give EkoBear a try. You will see just how convenient it is to shop right from your home. And, the bonus is you know you are purchasing toys that are not only safe for your children, but for the environment.
Until December 31, 2012, EkoBear is offering free shipping on purchases of 50$ or more. Now that is a great deal. And please checkout her holiday gift guide, and you will find little E’s Music Fruit Set.
Do you try to purchase eco-friendly and toys you deem safer for your kids? What are some of your favorites?
Would you like to win one of EKoBear’s toys just in time for the holidays? All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below to win a toy of your choosing worth 30$ and free shipping. Open to Canadian residents only. Please read the terms and conditions below. Good luck.
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