Since my daughter was born two-and-a-half years ago, my “going green with baby” focus has changed with her age. First it was all about safe BPA-free baby bottles, then the same for teethers, sippy cups and unbreakable plates and cups. The Soft Landing and Safe Mama were amazingly helpful in these areas and saved me a lot of internet searches for the safest products out there.
Right now, the focus is all about fun, fun, fun. Imaginative play is what it’s all about these days and I find myself thinking often of what I can do to make it exciting and new. The challenge is seeing if I can make it a little “green” while saving a a little “green” too.
The first thing I did was make a doll house out of a box.
Then I made a stove and oven out of an old box.
If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to make a more elaborate kitchen, try this link for some other ideas.
Afterward, I filled up her kitchen with felt food to play with. Why go for the plastic ones when you can make your own! Here’s a great list of free patterns so you can sew your own. If your sewing skills have seen better days, then have a look at Etsy where you can buy all kinds made from very crafty individuals.
Here’s a really easy one I made that anyone can do – spaghetti with sauce!
Of course, you can always recycle some containers from your own kitchen.
And let’s not forget the always popular playhouse out of an old box — who didn’t do that when they were a kid?!!! It’s pretty simple to do but if you want some instructions, try here.
My next project is a super easy, very “green” aquarium that Made By Joel posted a few weeks ago.
Check out all his ideas — they’ll keep both you and your children busy for months!
