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Toxic chemicals in children’s toys are a major concern, as they can have some pretty serious health implications. Many inexpensive toys are made from plastic, which may contain chemicals like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Luckily, there are some toy manufacturers today who make organic and non-toxic stuffed animals and toys that we can opt to choose for our children instead.
Children, especially infants and toddlers, are more vulnerable to these toxins, as their developing bodies are less able to filter out these chemicals. Exposure to these toxins can potentially cause developmental delays, reproductive and hormonal problems, and even cancer. Sigh.
Toys that are painted or coated with lead-based paint are another source of toxic exposure for children. Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause a range of health problems, including learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and seizures. This is especially concerning for young babies and children who tend to put toys in their mouths.
Why Shop for Organic and Non-toxic Stuffed Animals Instead?
So, why go for organic stuffies, or lovies, or whatever cute name you call them in your family? Organic stuffed animals are made from natural, non-toxic materials that are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. This means that you can rest easy knowing that your baby is not being exposed to any potentially harmful substances as they gnaw on their favorite lovey.
Organic stuffed animals are also made from sustainable materials and produced using eco-friendly practices (at least, the ones in this list are!).
Another extra benefit of non-toxic stuffed animals is that they are often hypoallergenic, meaning that they are less likely to cause allergic reactions in babies who have very sensitive skin.
Head’s up: You may see the label “GOTS certified cotton” being attached to a lot of toys out there. Being made of GOTS certified organic cotton just means the cotton was produced without pesticides and harmful chemicals. While this is a good start, it does not tell us anything about whether the process of producing the toy’s materials into a finished product was non-toxic or eco-friendly. You can only know this to be the case if the company is fully “GOTS certified” for safe production processes and materials and ethical labor standards.
9 Best Organic and Non-Toxic Stuffed Animals, 2023
Here are our favorite organic stuffed animals and lovies for babies, toddlers, and kids. Note that these are specialized organic baby toy brands that, for the most part, you won’t find on big sites like Amazon. These stuffed animals are certified organic and made with safe and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. They make great gifts for baby showers and birthday parties!
1. Under the Nile
Under the Niles’ utterly adorable organic stuffed animal critters are made from certified organic cotton and stuffed with eco-friendly filling. The GOTS certified company is committed to sustainability in every aspect of their business, from using biodegradable packaging to partnering with local farmers to grow their organic cotton.
Under the Nile also creates jobs by training women in villages in Egypt to make the toys in Fair Trade facilities. They make some of the best organic stuffed animals that are as environmentally and socially responsible as they are adorable. They are also on the budget friendly side of organic loveys these days!
Cece the Soft Flat Cat ($20)
Cece the flat cat toy from Under the Nile is the purrfect choice for kids who prefer their felines two-dimensional!
Giraffe ($23)
If you’re looking for a toy that’s head and shoulders above the rest, we love this adorable stripped giraffe lovey!
Multi-Color Scraptopus ($26)
This eco-friendly octopus is tentacool! Made from scrap fabric, the scraptopus toy is the perfect upcycled stuffy choice for kids who love to go green.
2. Bears for Humanity Organic Stuffed Animals
Bears for Humanity is a mom-owned and run, GOTS certified organic toy company that’s all about sustainability and social responsibility. These cute huggable bears are made with organic materials and produced using sustainable practices in California. For every bear purchased, Bears for Humanity donates a bear to a child in need. Here are some of our favorites, although there are so many to choose from!
Lion ($30)
For our safari animal lovers- just look at that splendid, organic mane! He’ll be the king of the nursery in no time.
Black Bear ($35)
It may be our New England heritage speaking, but we adore a sweet little bear face like this one. He looks ready to cuddle and hibernate in bed with his human!
3. Efie Organic Stuffed Animals
Efie’s non-toxic stuffed animals are handmade in Germany by a workshop that’s been in the toy-making game since 1951. It’s GOTS-certified for eco-friendly excellence and ethical labor practices.
Efie the Elephant ($30)
We love the adorable Efie the Elephant. The picnic blanket plaid ears are especially eye catching on this organic pachyderm pal. Made from 100% certified-organic cotton plush and stuffed with organic Merino wool, this little guy is soft, cuddly, and totally planet-friendly.
Cuddle Duck ($39)
This adorable, huggable duck reminds me of the characters in one of our kids’ favorite books, Duck and Goose. This duck is completely safe for babies, with embroidered eyes that eliminate any choking hazard. They can chew and drool on it without any need for concern!
4. Senger Organic Stuffed Animals
Senger is a German company run by a couple who makes adorable non-toxic stuffed animals and toys by hand in their sewing workshop in the town of Sinn from German-resourced materials. These stuffies are filled with organic lamb’s wool (also from German sheet), and should be gently hand-washed if you need to clean them. There are so many adorable Senger organic stuffed animals to choose your baby’s new pal from, but here are a few of our personal favorites.
Floppy Squirrel ($42)
We love forest animals in our house, so this soft, cuddly squirrel fits right into our collection of forest friends. Kids will go nuts for this one!
Organic Floppy Cat ($65)
This floppy feline looks like it’s ready to cuddle up under the covers. As with all other Senger toys, it’s hand-made in Germany from organic meow-terials (apologies, once I get on a pun roll I can’t stop!) and stuffed with organic lamb’s wool.
5. Sigi Kids Organic Stuffed Animals
Designed in Germany and made in Romania from GOTS certified organic materials, these cuddly companions are perfect for babies and older kids alike. And with their biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and toxin-free construction, they’re gentle on both the planet and sensitive baby skin. They make a great gift for environmentally conscious families.
Squirrel Car Seat Toy ($34)
I’m a firm believer in the power of car seat hanging toys to entertain babies on road trips- there’s nothing worse than trying to focus on safe driving with a screaming infant in the back seat! This cute little organic squirrel has a hilarious expression and an acorn and leaf babies can grab onto.
Organic Plush Fox ($59)
This friendly faced fox is soft, cuddly, and sly-ly eco-friendly – the perfect companion for any little trickster!
6. Kallisto
Kallisto is a German brand known for their organic wool and cotton creations. With a range of designs beyond the traditional teddy bear, Kallisto offers a toy for every child’s imagination. And if you’re looking for something unique, they also make hand puppets and non-toxic stuffed animals with music boxes inside.
Moose Hand Puppet ($46)
Kallisto’s organic moose hand puppet is the ultimate moose-have toy for imaginative playtime – it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Snuffle Rabbit ($54)
Hope into snuggle mode with this super soft organic stuffed bunny with adorable long ears that any bunny-loving kiddo with love to cuddle.
7. Nanchen
Nanchen is another German toy maker that specializes in handmade, hand-painted organic toys. With a focus on natural materials and sustainability, each toy is crafted with care and attention to detail. From soft, cuddly animals to dolls, Nanchen offers a range of toys that are both safe and eco-friendly.
Nanchen Oompa ($25)
This organic doll is the perfect size and shape for a baby to grab onto. Each Oompa Baby is made with certified organic cotton terrycloth and filled with pure organic wool, making them pure and safe for teething babies.
8. Tikiri Toys
Tikiri is a Sri Lankan toy company that creates safe, sustainable, and eco-friendly toys for children. From soft non-toxic stuffed animals to natural rubber teethers, Tikiri offers a wide range of toys from natural rubber and cotton for children of all ages. Tiki says it’s committed to ethical manufacturing and fair labor practices.
Midnight Dragon ($34)
This whimsical and starry dragon is handmade and BPA, phthalate, and PVC-free. It is sustainably made from recycled, natural and organic materials and is certified non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free and PVC-free.
9. Finn and Emma
Finn and Emma’s knit toys are hand-knit in Peru at an artisanal women’s collaborative with certified organic cotton. This cute little mermaid has a phthalate-free rattles inside it for extra fun. They also make adorable pacifier holders.
Non-toxic Stuffed Animals: Safer for Baby and the Planet
Parenting is tough enough without having to worry about toxic levels of chemicals in your babies’ favorite lovey. We hope some of these organic stuffed animal makers will help you find a safe, non-toxic snuggle pal for your little one.
If you’re looking for non-toxic toys for an older child, check out our Ultimate Guide to the Best Eco-friendly Toys for Kids! I also review the Best Non-Toxic Bath Toys for Kids of All Ages.
