We’re still in Fairtrade Fortnight, so what better excuse to hunt down a few toys with a conscience. First of all, I’ve featured them before, but I make no apologies for revisiting Bholu Bubalahs. These gorgeous wool-felt creatures are made by Gujarati women, from designs by local children (bholus), whose education part of the profits from the project end up funding. As Alfie’s currently going through the Jurassic phase (a dinosaur party beckons), I’m going to have to pick Abraham as my favourite. £20 from Moomu.
I also wrote about my love of Leela Toys a while ago, but I’d never seen this fabulous abacus, one of the nicest I’ve spotted anywhere. Made from lacquered sustainable wood by Maya Organic in India, it’s a great educational tool. £20.49 from Let’s Play Fair.
If your little ones are anything like mine, there’s nothing they love more than building things up to knock them down again. Which makes these cheeky monkeys a pretty perfect plaything. Made by Gospel House Handicrafts in Sri Lanka, they come in a cotton bag, so are easily portable as restaurant/travel entertainment. £8.50 from Ethical Superstore.
Another softie is this otter (yes, an otter, I knew it was only a matter of time) by Pebble. Crocheted by women in rural Bangladesh, it is majorly cute, quirky and, as it’s suitable from birth, a lovely baby gift. £18.50 from Little Hathi.
Thailand-based Plan Toys is the daddy of fair-trade, ethically produced toys, so I couldn’t resist including this wooden pull-along in an array of reds and oranges. Ideal for Hungry Caterpillar fans, he wiggles as he ‘walks’. £16 from Babipur. Order before the end of FF and you’ll get a free bar of fair-trade chocolate thrown in!
Leave a Reply