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I StumbleUpon-ed Inca Kids the other day and loved their products, particularly those geared towards children. The company is fair trade, and they get their products from Peruvian craftspeople. This got me thinking about fair trade toys. With all the justified hoopla around toxins from Made-In-China plastic toys on shelves in the U.S., fair trade toys seem like a safe, sustainable alternative that facilitate imagination in children. Jennifer wrote about this cute fair trade hippo earlier this fall Here’s a brief rundown of few companies that feature fair trade toys for children:
* Inca Kids has adorable puppets, dolls, musical instruments, and books made in Peru. My favorite are the bunny gloves/puppets–they’re too cute!
* Tarluna has a plethora of toys. Their animal puzzle is adorable, and they have several educational board games, including Xeko, an eco-themed game with several versions, each taking place in a different region.
* Global Exchange has an entire section devoted to dolls, games, and toys with a global perspective. The Jamtown Musical Instrument Pak, which includes percussion instruments from around the world, sure beats buying your kid an annoying plastic recorder. I’d love the fair trade domino set to play on my front porch.
Parents–Where have you found fair trade toys? Any favorites you’d like to pass along?
Photo Credit: Inca Kids
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I stumbled onto your post when I googled ‘fair trade toys’ and appreciate your contributions! Do you know of any fair-trade companies in China?
Bundu is a Canadian based company that promotes community upliftment programmes in Southern Africa. They have an amazing collection of ethical, handmade toys. Their website is bundudesigns.com
Bundu has the amazing range of Shwe Shwe Poppi’s. This is an incredible range of little dolls that were created from kids drawings from acreche is Soweto. They make really beautiful gifts.
You shouldn’t forget about Lotus Jayne! They are a wonderful company offering fair trade toys for kids, made in a women’s collective in Cambodia. The toys are really quite lovely. We carry these toys at http://www.ForwardFashion.org , and you can also find them at the Lotus Jayne website: http://bit.ly/LotusJayneFF
Thank you for the informative article and info~~!
I have an Eco Store and would love to look at your products, could you please email me a product catalogue and wholesale price list.
Thank you
Jennie Zoroja
Sustainability Officer