Sustainable toys 5 years

Sustainable toys for 5-year-olds: trends, facts and advice on choices

The search for sustainable toys for children (and specifically for 5-year-olds) has increased enormously in recent years. Parents want to be more and more aware of the environment, but there is also a growing focus on the health and safety of their children. Harmful substances, short-term use and mass consumption are increasingly in the news in a negative way. In addition, a sustainable lifestyle is becoming more important as part of parenting. In this extensive article you can read all about current trends, expert advice, the differences between regular and sustainable toys, the best choices and the most important facts and figures about sustainable toys 5 years.

* IKONIC's more exclusive items are handmade in Delft (NL).

What exactly are sustainable toys?

Sustainable toys are made with the least possible impact on the environment, using renewable, recycled or biodegradable materials. Think of FSC-certified wood, bioplastics based on plant-based raw materials, recycled plastic and organic cotton. These materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also often result in a longer useful life and less waste. It is important that sustainable toys are produced under fair working conditions, with attention to safety and the exclusion of harmful chemicals, such as certain plasticizers, BPA and heavy metals. In addition, the design is often timeless or multifunctional, so that it can last for generations and is less likely to be discarded. Avoiding or replacing plastic with safe alternatives is an important feature. Sustainable toys also often opt for minimal, recyclable packaging.

Why choose sustainable toys for a 5-year-old child?

At the age of 5, children are in full development: their motor skills, imagination and social skills make leaps and bounds, and toys play a central role in this. By choosing sustainable toys, you give your child educational and safe material to discover, play and learn. Because durable toys last longer and are often more robust, you can easily share them with siblings, nephews or nieces, or pass them on to other families. For many parents, sustainable toys feel like an investment for 5 years: you are not only choosing for the environment, but also for the future of your own child. An additional advantage of sustainable materials is that children can often play more sensorially richer (think of feeling wood compared to plastic) and it stimulates their creativity. In addition, children learn the importance of environmental awareness at an early age.

The difference between regular and sustainable toys

The big difference between ordinary and sustainable toys lies in material, production process and lifespan. Ordinary toys often consist of new and cheap plastic, and they are usually produced in places where little attention is paid to working conditions or the environment. Sustainable toys, on the other hand, are made from renewable raw materials such as FSC-certified wood, recycled plastic, bioplastic or organic cotton, and production is more often taking place in Europe or locally, under stricter conditions. A clear comparison:

A 5-year-old child is active, playful and curious: it is precisely these qualities that require solid and safe toys. Sustainable toys are better suited to these needs due to their robustness and the fact that parts are less likely to break. Sustainable toys are also more often designed 'open-ended', so that children can associate freely and find challenges for longer.

* For Floris Hovers' bottle boat, the user has to use his own empty shampoo bottle

Current trends in sustainable toys

The market for sustainable toys is developing rapidly and innovations follow each other in rapid succession. The most recent market analyses and elections of sustainable toys show the following trends:

- Wooden toys are more popular than ever, and are more often combined with other sustainable materials such as felt or organic cotton for extra experience and sensory stimulation.

 - Multifunctional toys (such as balance boards, learning towers and modular toys) are growing: these products literally grow with the child and have multiple play functions, so that your child learns new things every time and you have to buy fewer toys.

- Toys 'without manual' or open-ended: think of wooden blocks, magnetic building materials, loose parts and dollhouses without fixed furnishings. This toy allows 5-year-olds' imagination, creativity and problem-solving skills to flourish.

- Local or small-scale production is given attention, due to the desire to limit CO₂ emissions and because parents want to follow the chain more transparently. Toys from the Netherlands or Europe are increasing in popularity.

- Sharing or renting toys is on the rise. Play-o-theques, toy subscriptions or exchange platforms offer an answer to the desire to reduce waste and consumption.

- High-quality organic materials, such as GOTS-certified organic cotton for cuddly toys, are increasingly in demand.

- Educational sustainable toys: for example, globes, microscopes made of recycled materials, and games about nature and the environment.

*  IKONIC's wooden cars are made of FSC beech wood

How to choose sustainable toys for a 5-year-old?

Choosing sustainable toys for 5 years requires some extra attention, but offers many long-term benefits.

1. Check for reliable quality marks such as FSC (wood), GOTS (textile), CE (safety), and OEKO-TEX for fabrics.
2. Prefer toys without electronics or batteries: This means fewer rare raw materials, less waste, and less chance of breaking down quickly.
3. Look for multi-purpose or open-ended toys: Kids this age can have hours of fun with building blocks, rag dolls, balance boards, and craft kits.
4. Pay attention to the origin; avoid toys from unclear production chains, especially from platforms with less control for toxins (such as Shein, Temu).
5. Check whether the brand offers repair or replacement options (PlanToys, IKONIC, Lovevery): this way you can give toys a longer life and you are less likely to have to buy something new.
6. Consider second-hand: Swap shops, thrift stores, and play-o-theques often offer beautiful (and tested) durable toys that can take a beating.
7. Choose toys where sustainability is wrapped up in content and message. Think of nature games, books or building sets about recycling or animals.
8. Pay attention to the packaging: minimalism, recyclable boxes or hardly any plastic are a good indication that a brand is really conscious.
9. Combine few, but quality toys into a versatile play corner. Research shows that less choice is good for the creativity of young children. Popular brands that are well known in Europe: PlanToys, Lovevery, Stapelstein, IKONIC, BioBuddi, Green Toys, Grimm's, Waytoplay.

Facts and figures about the sustainable toy market

The market for sustainable toys 5 years is growing rapidly, partly due to awareness among parents. According to market analyst NPD Group, the share of sustainable toys in the total toys sold in the Netherlands rose from 6% in 2022 to more than 12% in 2023. Worldwide, the average share is around 8%, but this growth is visible in almost all Western European countries. A striking figure: in research by the Antidote Foundation, significant harmful substances were found in 1 in 4 regular plastic toy products, which hardly occurred in sustainably approved toys. Wooden toys cost an average of 20%-50% more to purchase, but because they last on average three times longer, you save money in the long run and help prevent waste. Retail chains and webshops have seen a 20% increase in sales of ecological cuddly toys and textile products. New labels and innovations (circular plastic, bioplastic from sugar cane) also help to further increase the sustainable share.

Sustainable toys 5 years: frequently asked questions

1. Are sustainable toys really safer?
   Sustainable toys with quality marks such as FSC and GOTS meet stricter requirements and contain far fewer or no harmful substances. This is safer for the child and the environment.
   
   2. Are sustainable toys 5 years more expensive?
   The purchase price may be slightly higher, but due to the long lifespan and the fact that you can pass on or sell toys, you are often cheaper in the end.
   
   3. Can sustainable toys be washed or dishwasher?
   Wooden or cotton toys often have clear instructions; organic textiles can almost always be washed in the washing machine, high-quality plastic (such as from LEGO or Green Toys) can even be put in the dishwasher.
   
   4. How do you recognize greenwashing?
   Pay attention to concrete labels: vague terms such as 'eco' or 'green' without certification are suspect. Ask about material, origin and production process.
   
   5. Is second-hand a good choice?
   Yes, provided the toys are complete, clean and safe. On marketplaces such as Vinted and eBay you can find a lot of good second-hand toys.
   
   6. What are the latest trends in sustainable toys 5 years?
   Wooden sets, magnetic building material, sustainable stuffed animals, educational toys about the climate, second-hand toys and renting/sharing toys via speel-o-theken.

Comparison of popular sustainable toy brands

Future

Sustainable toys 5 years is much more than a trend; It is a conscious choice for parents and educators who want the best for their child and the environment. The quality, safety and lifespan are often better than those of ordinary toys. With new trends, innovations and an ever-growing range, you can now succeed in providing educational, safe and attractive toys that last a long time. In addition, children learn the importance of care for people and nature in a playful way. The share of sustainable toys is expected to increase further in the coming years, partly due to stricter regulations, increasing awareness and innovative designers.