Gift Guide: For Kids
Next up on our list: thoughtful, safe, and sustainable gifts for the kids in your life. Here's what we're gifting:
Preloved Lovevery
Buy gently used Lovevery playthings for your little loved ones this holiday season (they won't know the difference). My son has a November birthday, so I bundled some toys for his birthday and Christmas from the same seller to save on shipping. Lovevery Montessori toys are great for kids' development, and buying secondhand is always better for the planet. Prices vary depending on the item, but expect 30-50% off retail. As a parent, I'm always thrilled to receive gently used toys, but if you're unsure, just ask! Most parents will happily let you know their preferences. Check out preloved.lovevery.com for deals.
Shop In Person at Cottontails Children Consignment in Shrewsbury
Visit Cottontails, the area's largest resale shop for babies and kids, and you're guaranteed to walk away with high-quality, gently used gifts. Their huge, ever-changing inventory includes baby gear (strollers, high chairs, activity centers), toys, books, and clothing from affordable favorites to premium brands. You'll find quality gifts at every budget. Family-owned since 1992, shopping here means affordable prices, supporting local, and helping the planet.
Little Waves Kids Bath Toys + Rustic Strength Refillable Bubble Bath
Make bath time fun and sustainable with this perfect pairing. The Sea Party Squirties from Little Waves Kids are BPA, phthalate, and lead-free bath toys, featuring adorable sea creatures like crabs, dolphins, and sea turtles. Pair them with our refillable bubble bath from Rustic Strength to create a bath time gift set that's safe for kids and the planet. Buy both and complete the set for under $45. No harsh chemicals, no single-use plastics, just good clean fun. Grab the bath toys in person at Little Waves Kids in Red Bank and check out the sustainable clothing brands they carry, like Konges Sloejd and Quincy Mae, while you're there.
An Annual Membership to the Monmouth Museum
Give the gift of year-round discovery with a membership to the Monmouth Museum in Lincroft. Perfect for those cold winter months when you need indoor activities, this 15,000-square-foot cultural center offers rotating art exhibitions, hands-on STEM programming, and dedicated children's wings. The family membership covers two adults and all children under 21 in your household for $125—making it an incredible value for families with multiple kids. With unlimited visits, a gift shop discount, and access to special exhibits, it's way more valuable than a single toy that will end up under the couch.
Organic Toddler Pillow from Avocado
A beloved kids' pillow for safer sleep. Thoughtfully designed at 20" x 12" with no synthetic microfiber, polyester, or polyamide fibers. This pillow is perfect for toddlers transitioning to their first big-kid bed. It features a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover and organic kapok fiber fill for breathable, supportive comfort. Lovable and huggable, it's perfect for sleep, preschool naps, travel, and play. With GREENGUARD Gold, MADE SAFE, and OEKO-TEX certifications, it meets the strictest nontoxic and environmental standards. $35 $28 with current 20% off.
These are our honest recommendations for thoughtful kids' gifts—some we carry, others are from local NJ shops and sustainable brands we love and want to support. Either way, we're here to make sustainable gifting easier. More gift guides are coming soon, and you can visit us at our holiday pop-ups or shop online for local delivery!