This post has been updated and expanded here: Classic European Toys.
Toys that are well-designed and made with renewable materials are optimal. European toys often fit this description. This durable block set, for example, is made in Germany by Haba using solid, natural, untreated beech wood that is harvested from sustainable forests. Toys like this are known for their longevity — they can be enjoyed by multiple generations of children.
Good sources of European toys are: Amazon, Moolka, Oompa, Maukilo and Monkeybean Toys.
One other consideration is the amount of energy used to transport these toys from across the world. It would be more optimal to purchase toys that produced locally. However, there are few manufacturers in the U.S. who produce sustainable toys (I may cover some of these companies in a future post).
its cooooooooooooooooooooooooooool
I’m looking for some pirateology wooden ship toys but couldn’t find except on ebay.
Any ideas on reliable shops/providers?
Another great source of European toys is euroToyShop.com. Worth a check as they carry toys for a wide range of ages.
You might want to check out Barclay Blocks
http://www.barclaywoods.com/
They sell awesome unit block sets and are made in the USA. I have not seen a larger selection of block sizes and types anywhere. Amazing quality as well.
Roy Toy is a building set also made in the US
http://roytoy.com/main.html
Also, don’t forget Ten Thousand Villages which sells things that are eco friendly as well as fair trade.
http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/
We specialize in toys from Eurpoean designers, along with others from around the world. In addition to companies like Haba, check out Kapla Toys. Kapla makes wooden building blocks harvested from 100% renewable forests in France. That means they are Safe, Non-Toxic and “Green” (ok, they are actually available in a variety of colors).