Kites!

Homemade or purchased, this is fun and art in the wind.

Here are some places to go buy a kite. I couldn't find a store that sells only kites made with eco-friendly materials. Any suggestions??

photo from Into The Wind Kites

Eco Kite Kit
 http://www.downtoearthtoys.com

http://www.intothewind.com/

http://www.funwithwind.com/


This is a scientific sort of kite kit:
http://www.livingecho.com/products/gift-items/toys/gaiam!kite-building-kit-gaiam-64-0043



Make your own to give, or what about a kite- making kit that you've put together:

Instructions / patterns:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/Make-A-Recycled-Kite.aspx


http://www.howtomakeandflykites.com/ - nice selection of kites to make

http://www.making-and-flying-kites.com/ - nice selection of kites also

Materials:

http://www.goodwindskites.com/

Dharma Trading Co

If you or your recipient are a fabric artist of any sort you must know about this website! Great prices on all sorts of blank white cotton clothing and "dyeables", and just about any type of dye, paint or tool that one might require.
Consider fabric marking pens and a nice white lunchbag, hat, or apron to decorate. This would make a nice gift for just about any kid.
"Dharma Trading Co. was started in 1969 on the principal that it's possible to be involved in business while maintaining good ethical values. "


Image from Dharma Trading Co

Printable Paper Dolls

 

Here is a great site that has all kinds of paper dolls available for you to print out. What about putting together a nice homemade paper doll making kit? You could include printed-out dolls, eco-friendly colored pencils, paint etc (see my arts & crafts category), small scissors, and materials for the child to make their own dolls and clothes. You could even get fancy and use recycled tag board (cereal packages???) and bits of fabric...

Other ideas for homemade kits as presents could be puppet-making supplies; wood working supplies (thanks, Auntie Diane- that was a great gift!); knitting / crochet; art kit; juggling kit; jewelery making kit (with nature objects included if you want to keep the cost low); baking basket; there are lots of possibilities, what are the child's interests??

Image from About,com

Scandinavian Skies

Finnish organic handspun wool. "The sheep lead an enjoyable life and are treated kindly by their elderly owners."

Perfect for making a very special gift or giving to a very special craftsperson.

Image from Scandinavian Skies

WannaLearn.com

This site is a great resource about making toys. It would also be a good place to inspire you about putting together a toymaking kit as a gift.

eartheasy

A gardening page that has tips for gardening with kids including suggestions about what to plant. What about putting together a gardening kit as a present for one or more recipients? Also, there are plans for a child-sized wheelbarrow that you can make ($8.95 for the plans).
The site has a gardening store.

Image from eartheasy

Crafting a Green World

A blog that "features do-it-yourself projects that incorporate reused, recycled, and natural materials."
 A great resource for crafters, child or adult.



Image from Crafting a Green World

Green Building supply

For those with an interest in building play equipment or a playhouse as a gift.

Image from Green Building Supply

Magic Cabin Doll Kits

Waldorf- style doll making kit - recommended for use by ages 12 to adult.
Also sells dolls,                                                                                     






 Image from Magic cabin Doll Kits

That Pet Place

Thinking of making or purchasing a sandbox? Some people are worried about crystalline silica in play sand because inhaled silica dust is known to cause silicosis.

Before you purchase sand alternatives, you may want to take a look at these websites if you haven't researched the subject already:

Sand IS silica, don't worry

About sand

Err on the side of safety

Play sand not safe (and where to buy Safe Sand)

Just water it down

Don't use sand meant for construction (eg: making concrete) because it will be too rough and will be dusty.

If, after researching this, you'd still like a source for ground walnut shells ( a highly recommended alternative!) try this link: Walnut Shells
or type "walnut shell bedding" into That Pet Place's search box.

ALSO : This pet store has good prices and a "gift" category with nice suggestions.

EcoArt Works

       Ecological art supplies                                       

The Village Sheep

Yarns. In item search type in: organic.

Bamboo Fabric Store

Bamboo fabric is comfortable, healthful, sustainable.
US online store. Yarn also offered.





                                                                                   Image from Bamboo Fabric Store

Hemp Fortex Industries

                                
Fabric and yarn: hemp, organic cotton, silk, recycled poly
"Our unique position as a vertically integrated manufacturer and converter gives us stewardship over every part of the process. We source the best and most environmental fibers, spin the highest quality yarn and knit and weave fabrics that are both fashion right and eco friendly."                                                                     Image from Hemp Fortex Industries

Organic Cotton at Fabric.com

Organic cotton fabrics. If title link stops working, use this and search for "organic".




Image from Fabric.com

Planetpals

Here's a place to find not only lots of green craft ideas, but also craft supplies which you can make yourself from natural materials. There is a category for garden-oriented crafts.
What about giving little kits to make some of the craft projects? Using mostly recycle materials, this could be done at very little expense.
There are also a few projects that would even be appropriate as gifts!

I found this page VIA Green Crafts for KIDS on Pinterest. There are even more good ideas there.
                                                                                                                       Image from Planetpals

Bubble Liquid

(This post is not a link to a site. Titles to other posts are links to websites)

 Put some of this in a nice recycled bottle for a great gift! Apparently the results are better if made the day before. I don't know how this will work with a more environmentally friendly dish soap.


Image was shared on Facebook

Community Bicycle Organizations

Here is a list of non-profit organizations which are community-oriented and strive to make bicycling available to everyone, regardless of income level. Usually there are free or low-cost bikes available. Used bike parts are often recycled into functional bikes and/or sold by the piece.
These places can be a great resource for someone who wants to find or fix up a used bike as a gift.


Image from All-free-download.com