Plastic-free play

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Birdie was about 18 months old when we figured out that the thing that was causing her odd, angry rashes was, of all things, plastics. I remember my confusion in those early days, and I see it now as friends and family struggle to accommodate the general, accepted vision of childhood while still keeping our girl safe.

It’s easier as she gets older. Like Mathaus (peanut allergy) before her, as she’s begun to understand her own limitations, she has been able to give voice to them and eliminate much of the guesswork on behalf of those around her. Which is not to say that she isn’t drawn, like a magnet, to some of those tiny, adorable plastic toys that just beg to be played with. But paying the price for that five minutes of fun (see the photo of a very mild reaction below) is becoming a deterrent in and of itself, and most people are more than happy to go through herculean efforts to create a space just for her, devoid of all allergens (thank you!!!).

 

As we’ve learned more about plastics and their properties, we’ve been astounded. What we imagined as inert, benign objects are simply not. So like others who have had their eyes opened, we’ve made a huge push to keep as much plastic out of our home as possible. It is not easy. Plastic is everywhere. Some things, it seems, are only available in plastic. Others have wood/metal equivalents, but are priced beyond our budget. So we do the best we can to minimize our exposure and move on.

One area where we have tried hard not to compromise is play. Except for Legos and Duplos (which are kept in an area separate from Birdie’s toys), we are pretty much a plastic-free play zone. People want to know what, exactly, our kids play with, and I get it. We’re so accustomed to a childhood of bright colors, flashing lights, and smooth surfaces that it’s hard to envision kids who don’t have that as being somehow left with three sticks, a pile of rocks, and some acorns. (Which pretty much describes what my kids choose to play with outside, but I digress…)

After a whole lot of asking, I decided to share a list of some of the most popular toys at our house. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it does cover some of our favorites.

Melissa and Doug Wood Food Melissa and Doug food is a staple here. We have multiple sets and honestly, even if we had duplicates, they would get played with, too. From the birthday cake to the slices of bread, these things are in use all day, every day. They work beautifully with accessories like the Hape toaster or mixer set and the IKEA cookware in a sweet little wood kitchen. Simply replace any plastic pieces with Goodwill finds (or toss) and you’re set.

Wood Marble Run When I put this on John Mark’s wish list, I had no clue how popular it would actually be. Sure, I knew that he loved to build, and would enjoy making mazes and tunnels to drop the marbles through. But this toy has been so much more open-ended than I imagined. It is in constant use by all four of the younger kids able to enjoy it. If you pick one thing to buy off this list, make it this.

Camden Dolls You’d pick up a doll thinking it’s cloth, only to discover … polyester. Sneaky, sneaky plastic. Finding a doll made of natural fibers that is less than $100 is no small feat. Waldorf dolls are pretty much your only option, and while they are generally exceptional in terms of quality, they are not cheap. We have several Camden dolls now, and they are worth saving up for. Cotton and wool, durable, and cute.

Hape Vehicles For the little guys who need to buzz something around on the floor or through the air, these small Hape planes and cars and construction trucks do the job. We also have a Melissa and Doug recycling truck and car carrier, but both have bits of plastic incorporated into the design. It’s small, but it’s there.

Stockmar crayons You think that all crayons are just colored wax, right? Wrong. Most of them have a list of ingredients that just might make you shudder– and a good number of them (even Melissa and Doug’s!) are outright plastic. Stockman crayons are blocks of colored beeswax. They last forever. Forever. Do not balk at the price tag, because I kid you not, your toddler might just be taking those things to college with him. Buy some.

Wood People Sadly, those crazy-fun action figures that bend into a billion positions are not safe for our house. But, but … wood people! Decorate them, leave them bare, tie a little strip of wool felt around them for a cape … the options are endless. My kids think they are the bee’s knees. (If you need inspiration for making some characters of your own, check etsy, or books like this.)

There are tons more ideas out there for alternatives to plastic play. The thing is, once you start thinking outside of the box and opening up to the idea that children’s play must be accompanied by a character, or buttons to push, it’s not hard at all to find safe, simple playthings all around. Sewing your own costumes, setting aside some sheets for forts, giving access to the tools and supplies needed to creatively make their own toys … the options are so much more rich than a box off a shelf, I’ve found.

What are your children’s favorite toys?