It’s probably no surprise to learn that we buy 300 million toys every year in the UK.  Sometimes it feels like half of those are spread across your own carpet, right?

The numbers suggest that your child could have up to 493 toys by their 13^th birthday – while they’ll probably choose to play with only a handful from day to day. Don’t get us wrong… we love our Lego (unless it’s under our feet), but that’s a lot of plastic in toys which are probably destined for landfill in just a few years. Is it time to rethink the way we buy presents - especially plastic toys - for our children?

Buying less plastic
In 2018, an important study showed that toddlers actually played for longer, and more creatively, when they had fewer toys.  

And it makes sense… practical experience tells us that kids often prefer non-toys. Think about cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, saucepans and garden tools… or the holy grail: a giant cardboard tube. Most plastic toys only have one function, but most of these can become ANYTHING!

At home, you’ve probably invented your own plastic-free toys from time to time. Ever built a den from sofa cushions or given your child a bowl of water in the garden?  Boredom breeds imagination, and that’s something that most kids have in wild abundance!

If we want to reduce our toy-load, and the loft is stuffed full, what should we do?  Choosing plastic-free toys and zero-waste activities is a brilliant start!

Gifting experiences and activities
As parents, we love a play session which is secretly educational – visiting a science centre, park or museum fall under this category. You can use this idea for gifts, too.  Give tickets or for free activities, make your own voucher that serves as a ‘promise’.

• Science centres like Techniquest
• Museums like the London Transport Museum – but regional ones often have undiscovered treasures!
• Inventive playgrounds, like the Diana Memorial Playground
• Zoos, animal sanctuaries and aquariums – try the National Aquarium in Plymouth
• Indoor climbing centres.

Gifting subscriptions
Ever since the pandemic, there have been LOADS of new subscription boxes for adults and kids – many of these provide activities and can be ordered singly or as a subscription. They’re not always fully plastic-free but lots are designed with minimal or zero  waste (or a goal to achieve that).

• Here’s ours! The C&C Baking Club sends out a new baking activity every month. It starts at £35 for 3 months (which includes 50% off your first box).  
• We have also tried and loved the crafty Toucan Box, which features one or two crafty activities with a little booklet and stickers 😊

The plastic-free ethos
We’re parents. We’ve been through all the LOL doll/Sylvanian Family/Lego City stages… so we KNOW that buying only plastic-free toys is not yet completely feasible.

Instead of feeling guilty, we’re trying to do our bit whenever we can. Things like supporting small businesses who are trying to reduce waste and choosing experiences and activities instead of plastic toys.

Kits like the Monster Cookie Bake & Craft Kit and the Brownie Dipper Bake & Craft Kit give you two activities in one: there’s a yummy recipe to bake and a craft activity printed inside the boxes. You get lots of time together – plus a rewarding and delicious result.

P.S. As part of our goal to achieve B-Corp status, we are working really hard to reduce waste and make everything in the Craft & Crumb kits plastic-free and recyclable!  We’re at around 80%. Watch this space.