Play ideas for kids that are sustainable, creative and budget-friendly

Ethical toy business owner & mama, Mandy Abel discusses creative, budget-friendly and sustainable play ideas that consider the planet. 

Photography Ash Jennings

As parents, we want only the best for our kids – and that sometimes looks like a room overflowing with toys. But if I’ve learned anything in the past few years as a mum (and as an owner of a toy store!), it's that less is definitely more.

The truth is our kids don’t need nearly as much as we think they do when it comes to staying entertained. In fact too many toys can be overstimulating for their young minds, making it difficult to build concentration skills and stifling creativity.

Sustainable play is a wonderful way to nurture your child's inquisitive spirit and raise lifelong carers for the planet. It also instills important values like empathy, respect for nature, and an understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things. We’re going back to basics with ideas on how to engage your little ones in the simplicity of play without emptying the piggy bank. 

MAKE MAGIC FROM EVERYDAY ITEMS

In a world of finite resources, treading lightly should be our mantra. Up-cycling materials or creating fun from things you already own is a way to be kind to both our planet and reduce the clutter in our homes. Next time you’re on the hunt for a project to do with your kids, take a peek in your recycling bin. Cardboard boxes, tin cans, bottle caps – you’ll be surprised at what you can make from materials on hand. This can help kids become intentional consumers, as they discover ways to repurpose what they already have.

You can also create your own games with items from around your home. From Tupperware drum sets to blanket forts, scavenger hunts or indoor obstacle courses, the possibilities go as far as your child’s imagination.

GET HANDS-ON OUTDOORS 

If we want our kids to care for the environment, we must help them fall in love with it first, and the best resources for sustainable play can be found in nature. A day out foraging for sticks, pine cones, flowers or shells is not only light on the pocket but gives you a chance to bond with your child, ground yourself and enjoy the benefits of fresh air. The treasures you find on your travels can then be used for craft projects, small world play or simply be a beautiful reminder of precious memories.

You could also get your little ones involved in projects like gardening, building a birdhouse, or creating a worm compost bin. This can help them understand the importance of sustainable practises and feel a sense of accomplishment. Outdoor play doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair either. It could be as simple as having a ‘take your toys outside day' to switch things up. Every child interacts differently with the outside world and you might just see a new side to yours after their adventure.

BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT NEW TOYS

It’s easy for toys to build up quickly with birthdays, gifts from relatives and the holiday season helping add to the pile. Buying ‘new’ is not always necessary – it helps to be conscious about what you bring into your child’s play space. Resist the urge to fall for quick trends and focus on items that will stand the test of time through different ages and stages.

CURATING A SUSTAINABLE TOY COLLECTION

+  Create a wishlist for friends and family when it comes to gift-giving. This way, you avoid unwanted or duplicate toys and your kids can select a few items that they will cherish for years to come.

+  Shop second hand. If your child is set on something specific, opt for buying a second hand version instead of brand new. You can often find quality toys in pristine condition, you’ll also be extending the life of someone else’s toy and you won’t have to deal with all that extra plastic packaging.

+  Host a toy swap with close friends. Toy swaps or toy libraries are a perfect way to expose your kids to new items without spending more money or adding clutter to your home. What better way to teach your child that sharing is caring!

+  Invest in heirloom toys. If you do want to shop brand new, consider toys that are made thoughtfully, like they were back in the ‘good old days’! Considered design and quality materials ensure multi-purpose and durability. Typically made from natural and sustainable materials, heirloom style toys can be shared around and handed onto loved ones or local charities when they are no longer needed (or maybe even passed down to grandchildren one day!).

Children who learn about sustainability through play are more likely to grow up with an appreciation of the planet and develop a sense of responsibility towards protecting it. So let go of overabundance, rigidity and the pressure to 'have it all' and watch your children’s play times flourish as they explore the beautiful world around them and strengthen their connection to nature. 

MANDY'S TIPS FOR CURATING A SUSTAINABLE PLAY SPACE

Does your child need a dedicated room to play in? The short answer is no. But the space you create for your child and the way you set out your resources can make a huge difference to the quality and creativity of their play.

 Promote a sense of calm with houseplants: This helps little ones engage with the natural world, learn to be responsible and practise taking care of things. Plus they are great mood-boosters and can help improve the atmosphere of your indoor spaces too.

 Use low shelves with baskets or bowls to contain your toys: This allows children to easily see what's available, access their toys independently and be empowered to tidy up after themselves when playtime is over.

 Switch things up regularly. Not just the toys themselves, but the way you present them too! Lay out items on different levels (eg a low table as opposed to a mat on the floor). Sometimes you might set up an entire small world scene or simply place a set of blocks into a basket and let your child lead. A mix of presentations will keep things interesting and provide structure without dictating the play.

 Create a cosy corner: Add soft furnishings for snuggling up with a book or taking time out and your playroom will be a great place to relax and read as well as play!

 Ensure you have plenty of art and craft materials readily available, and a messy corner!: Whether it’s a dedicated table or an easy to wipe clean messy mat, allowing time and space to colour, paint and craft is one of the best things you can do to nurture creativity in your little ones.

 Embrace the 'less is more' philosophy: Organise your playroom with a minimalist mindset, keeping only the toys that your children truly love and play with regularly. Rather than having all the toys out at once, pop some away into a cupboard and rotate them so that old favourites feel new again.   

Mandy lives in Auckland with her husband Andy and her two darling boys who are chief product-testers for Mandy’s online store, Fairplay. Connecting conscious consumers with sustainably crafted toys and natural resources for mindful play. Fairplay values simple, beautiful and meaningful objects that are not made at the expense of people or planet. See more at fairplay.nz or @fairplay.nz on Instagram.