Non-Toxic Toys for Babies & Toddlers

Written by:

Maia James

07/11/2016

Updated: 09/29/2023

Looking for a different product guide? Browse them all HERE.

My “baby” recently turned 3. Unfortunately, his entire wish list consisted of plastic toys–from Legos to these weird Mashem things, there was nary a wooden/woolen/beeswax item to be found.

My kids play with Legos more than any other toy, and fortunately, they are made of ABS plastic, which is of pretty low toxicity concern.

As for other toys you ask my about often, here’s my opinion:

Melissa & Doug

My kids have a lot of this stuff, but it’s all made in China, and some of it has been found to be contaminated with heavy metals. Ideally, it should be avoided, although that’s easier said than done.

Plan Toys

Plan makes all of their toys in a sustainable factory in Thailand. It’s their own factory and they maintain control of the production, so I basically trust that they are non-toxic toys, really use water-based paint, etc.

Hape

Made in China, but they maintain control of their factory and most of the materials (paints, etc.) are from Germany. I feel okay about this brand.

Grimm’s (also called Spiel & Holz)

German-made and non-toxic, although somewhat hard to find in the United States. These wooden toys are stained instead of painted, so no chipping!

Green Toys

Plastic, but made of recycled polyethylene, a very safe, non-leaching type of plastic. I like that these toys are made in America, too.

Spielstabil

High-quality, non-toxic plastic toys.

Bannor Toys

Wooden toys handmade in Iowa, and use only non-VOC paints.

Maple Landmark

Their Schoolhouse Naturals line is free of any kind of finish.

Haba

Most of their wooden toys are produced in Germany, with non-toxic paints and finishes.

Under the Nile

Great organic cotton toys and teethers.

Camden Rose

Amazing wooden toys and teethers. They will make anything untreated at your request, or use a beeswax/jojoba finish or a food-grade mineral oil (I don’t love the use of mineral oil in skincare products, but I’m okay with it in toys.)

Hevea

Natural rubber balls and bath toys.

Stay sane,

Maia, Founder & CEO

Note: This article contains affiliate links or sponsored content, which means that if you make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that meet our strict standards for non-toxicity and that we use (or want to use!) ourselves. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Good Stuff! 

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Leave a Reply

  1. Katen Avatar
    Katen

    I thought I remember you posting a ferry boat for the bathtub that holds cars. Now I can’t seem to find it.

    1. Suzanne Weaver-Goss Avatar
      Suzanne Weaver-Goss

      I think maybe you’re thinking of this bathtub toy! https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/store/begin-again-bathtub-ball-shark-tank/

  2. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Strange. I’ve posted on multiple pages, asking a question.. About toys, mattresses etc. I have not gotten a reply on any of them. But I see questions being answered after mine was posted. I see this happening to many others as well.

    1. Maia James Avatar
      Maia James

      Hi there, Stephanie! Have you posted to our Facebook page? That’s usually the best way to get a quick answer. As you probably know, we are a small family business, so we do struggle to keep up with the increasingly overwhelming number of messages we receive every day. But we do our best to eventually respond to everyone!

  3. Em Avatar
    Em

    What do you think of wooden blocks from Uncle Goose?

  4. Abby Avatar
    Abby

    Thank you for this post. What are your thoughts about BToys or Battat?

  5. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie

    What do you think of Uncle Goose?

  6. Nereida Avatar
    Nereida

    Hi
    What’s a safe kitchen set? Is Melissa and Doug a decent one? I also don’t want to spend a fortune.
    Thanks a lot
    P.S. You are amazing and the guides are amazing

  7. Erijn Avatar
    Erijn

    Thanks for all of the information that you provide? Have you looked at the Bilibo (made by Moluk)? We just got a set of the mini ones for a gift and I can’t find out much about them.

    1. Maia James Avatar
      Maia James

      I don’t know this brand, but will add to our list for a future investigation!

  8. Maria Avatar

    What a useful tips even though this blog is old you gave me great tips. 🙂

  9. Robin J. Avatar
    Robin J.

    Hi Maia,
    Thanks again for all you do for us moms! I was wondering if you
    Could include Apple Park Farm Buddies in your review? My son loves their Racoon & loves B toys too…but I’m never too sure of their safety claims. Thanks!

    1. Maia James Avatar
      Maia James

      Yes, I will add to our list for a future investigation!

    2. Maia James Avatar
      Maia James

      Yes, we will definitely add to the list for investigation!

  10. Jill Rickard Avatar

    Thanks for posting this! I own a baby and children’s boutique called Peanut & Mouse in Vermont. We carry Plan Toys, HABA, Grimm’s, Maple Landmark, Spielstabil, Moover (another great wooden toy company from Denmark), Green Toys, Under the Nile, and Hape, among others. We won’t ever carry Melissa & Doug, because (1) their products tend to be really poorly made, (2) they blatantly knock off the designs of great small companies, and (3) they’ve had so many issues with heavy metals in the past, we just don’t trust the safety. If anyone’s looking for great wooden toys online, please use the code PEEPER16 for 20% off your purchase at http://www.peanutandmouse.com (good through November 30, 2016). Happy holidays!

  11. Chrissy Avatar
    Chrissy

    I have several Melissa and Doug toys for my 13 month old- puzzles, music set, stacking rings etc… I talked to A customer service rep who assured me over and over how safe their toys are. I’m just not convinced after reading about th lead found in the past and the fact that they are made in China. Especially because she puts mostly everything in her mouth. Curious of your thoughts? Thinking about donating all I have. Thank you for all you do!!!

    1. Maia James Avatar
      Maia James

      Hi-I can’t tell you what to do, but my kids have plenty of Melissa & Doug toys that I have not donated. However, like you, I don’t entirely trust that they are pure. I would encourage her to chew on other toys:).

  12. maryanne Avatar
    maryanne

    Hi do you like caaocho products??

    1. Maia James Avatar
      Maia James

      Yes, I do. I consider them Good Stuff.

  13. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Hello,

    I was wondering about B. Toys?

    Thank you,
    Jennifer

    1. Maia James Avatar
      Maia James

      We haven’t reviewed that one yet but it’s on our list to review. We’ll have a full safe toy guide available this fall.:)

      1. Stacy Avatar
        Stacy

        Can you point me to the full safe toy guide please?

  14. KHM Avatar
    KHM

    Do you know of any safe play shopping carts? Thanks!

    1. Patricia Avatar
      Patricia

      Haba makes a wooden one. We love ours!

  15. K Maurer Avatar
    K Maurer

    Do you know any safe toddler play golf sets? Thanks!

    1. KHM Avatar
      KHM

      Sorry, I found one by Plan Toys!! Yay!!

  16. Renee SL Avatar
    Renee SL

    Thank you so much for all
    Of the research that you do to help us all keep our babes as chemical free as possible!! So grateful!!! ????

    1. Maia Avatar
      Maia

      You’re so welcome, Renee! I’m glad it’s helpful:)