Toy cars and trucks zoom straight to pole position on many kids’ holiday wish lists and letters to Santa. If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels for your car-crazy kiddo, we’ve rounded up ten eco-friendly toy cars and trucks that tread lightly on the earth. Some of these magnificent looking, classic rides can even double as decor, and all of them are destined to become sure-fire favorite toys. So start your engines and get ready to rev up the fun meter in your household by bringing these automobiles home for the holidays.
Tree Hopper Toys Hopper Jalopies 6 for $80
The more the merrier, so why not buy your tyke a six-pack of these all-natural, wooden Jalopies from Tree Hopper Toys? Each car is handmade from midwestern hardwoods, sanded super smooth and finished with 100% custom beeswax blend. Jalopies double as rattles and grasping toys that also roll along as toy cars in a unique variety of fun and intriguing shapes. They are the perfect starter set of wheels for the tiniest tots. (Jalopies are also sold separately).
Automoblox $26.36 for set of three
If your kid likes cars and blocks, then Automoblox are just the ticket. These engaging vehicles may be completely dismantled and put back together again, which encourages the development of problem-solving and fine motor skills. Automoblox are best for kids age 3 and up because they contain small parts which could pose a choking hazard. These clever, interchangeable cars are sustainably made and they have won many awards for their innovative design.
Green Toys Dump Truck $20.25
Think pink! It’s not every day you see a pink and purple dump truck, but Green Toys’ thinks outside the box by employing the feminine hue on their hunky truck. Made from 100% post consumer recycled milk jugs and delivered in 100% recyclable packaging, Green Toys’ dump truck is free of harmful BPA, PVC and phthalates, making it truly green. Also available in red/yellow version.
Tegu Cars $22-$38
It doesn’t get any cooler than Tegu’s collection of toy cars, which feature removable, magnetic wooden wheels and various options of silhouettes which may be constructed and disassembled until your kiddo’s heart is content. Tegu blocks and cars are made in Honduras from FSC certified wood and the company donates a portion of sales to reforestation while making it their mission is to support the local Honduran community by providing living wages and supporting long-term career growth.
Hape International Bamboo E-Offroader $17.80
Get a load of this beauty. If your wee one likes off-roading, then this rugged red car is the perfect match for him. Durably made with bamboo and finished with water-based, nontoxic stains and paints, this vibrant, easy to maneuver red vehicle is sure to become a favorite toy car instantly.
Playsam Organic Streamliners $45
This sleek ride doubles as a showpiece and would look just as glorious on a nursery or playroom shelf as it would cruising across the floor. These Scandinavian toy cars were selected as a Swedish Design Classic by the Swedish National Museum for their savvy innovation. Comprised of solid beech wood, the Streamliners achieve their sheen via a clear, nontoxic enamel gloss which makes them shine in more ways than one.
Hape Bamboo Mini Hot Rod $6.47
Have car, will travel. Hape Bamboo Mini Hot Rods are available in an array of body styles ranging from beach buggys, racers and monster trucks to this sweet hot rod. These lightweight minis can fit in the palm of your kiddo’s hand — which will make them the go-to toy of choice for on-the-go fun. Made from sustainable, renewable bamboo, minis feature nontoxic finishes in aesthetically pleasing, eye-popping hues.
Black Toy Car Roadster $24
Designed and built especially for toddlers, this wooden roadster (with a removable wooden passenger) is made to order with a 5-7 day lead time, and handcrafted out of poplar. Multiple coats of tung oil and beeswax give the beauty its satin sheen. Designed by Etsy shop Hill Country Woodcraft, the toymakers are currently offering free personalization, so you can get the lucky recipient’s name or initials emblazoned into one of the roadster’s inside wheels.
Little Sapling Toys Wooden Toy Car & Truck with Bridges $36
This charming play set comes complete with one maple car with walnut wheels, one maple truck with walnut wheels and two nesting bridge/tunnels — all conveniently packaged in a cotton drawstring carrying pouch. Little Sapling Toys makes each of their toys by hand using FSC certified hardwoods and they plant a tree through Trees for the Future for every toy sold. Their cars and trucks are sanded to a satiny smooth finish and topped off with local beeswax and organic jojoba oil to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
Plan Toys Fire Engine $13
What’s the ultimate truck in a toddler’s eyes? A fire truck. You’ll really light their fire with this offering from Plan Toys. Made from recycled natural rubber wood and dyed with vegetable and soy dyes, the bucket on this rescue vehicle extends up and down to promote interactive, imaginative play.
Note to parents: always check and adhere to the manufacturer’s age recommendation for each toy car you purchase to make sure it is safe and appropriate for your child.
Which of these four-wheeled toys looks like a good fit for your kiddo?
— Beth Shea
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