Green Children’s Toys - SEE Toys Charge by Crank (GALLERY)

Last fall, ZenDesign Group launched the toy collection SEE (safety, ecology, economy) which are electric toys that don’t need batteries. Instead, the toys are powered by the energy created by moving the hand cranks on the toys; 60 seconds of cranking leads to 15 minutes of fun-filled, charged play.

Each toy makes a themed sound to encourage kids to keep powering up. For example, when cranking the “Dynatiger”, the toy makes a purring sound and roars when the light comes on. It’s kind of cute, and the pricing on the toys ranges from $14.99 to $19.99 USD.

TrendHunter.com has featured many articles about other environmentally friendly toys that promote self-generated energy, as well as encouraging play with toys made from recycled materials. Check them out!

World’s Smallest Wind Turbine - Blow Light

The Blow Light is a wind-powered toy which teaches kids about wind energy.  The toy has one green and two blue LED lights which are powered by blowing on the 2.4 inch rotor blade. Though the practical uses are limited, Inhabitat suggests using the Blow Light in place of your cell phone or lighter th… [More]

Eco-Friendly Toys - Toys R Us Goes Green

Toys R Us is taking a greener approach to appeal to environmentally conscious customers with a launch of a new eco-friendly line of toys. To mark their Earth Day launch, they’ve also recreated their logo. The line will include items like unprocessed wood toy and dolls made of untreated organic cott… [More]

Soda Bottle Furniture - Chairs & Toys

Designer Jinhong Lin cuts the recycling cycle short by allowing you to instantly convert your soda bottles into a stool or table. I am not sure how comfortable this stool would be, but the table variation looks pretty neat! Chairs & Toys needs 16 bottles with a standard size neck. You can use it as… [More]

DIY Stuffed Toys - Shawnimals Plusform (GALLERY)

These plushy little bundles are actually stuffed fully customizable toys. The Plusform from Shawnimals and Squibbles Inc is like a three dimensional blank canvas that you can paint, colour, or sew fun extras on, like a tail or rhinestone eyes. The critter, based on the Shawnimals popular Wee Ninja… [More]