Instead of filling a child’s stocking to the brim with candy laced with artificial colors and ingredients, why not promote leafy greens and juicy fruits early on?  Its surprising to me that more parents don’t realize they are the ones that form their children’s taste buds (for the most part) or that a child’s behavior can be directly related to what they are consuming on a daily basis (candy, soda, dessert, excessive amounts of fruit juice, white bread, cookies, etc.).  If this is the case, why give them sugary treats, caffeine and empty calories?  I know I sure feel and act differently when eating these things, so why would it be any different for kids? 

It’s no secret that Europe has more stringent standards than the U.S. in terms of restrictions on ingredients and they’ve always been ahead of us in terms of nutrition, alternative medicine and a more natural way of life.  According to The LA Times, earlier this year the UK’s  Food Standards Agency (the British equivalent of our Food & Drug Administration) asked food makers to voluntarily recall six artificial colors in food products by 2009.  And in July, the European Parliament voted to add warning labels “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” on foods containing the same six synthetic red and yellow dyes, which spurred large manufacturers such as Nestle to re-formulate their products rather than risk suffering a drop in sales. 

Unfortunately parents now also have to watch out for lead, PVC and BPA in toys.  Gifting a child with veggie & fruit toys is a subtle message, one that should be followed up with actually feeding them with the real versions, but the subliminal message may encourage them to think more highly of them.  Under The Nile offers some cute teethers and toys for young children that would undoubtedly make great stocking stuffers or small gifts for the children on your list. 

You’ll find great stocking stuffer ideas for under $6 here: Mushroom, Green Bean, Grapes, Tomato, Brocolli , Carrot, Banana and Eggplant.  Or find an entire organic veggie crate for $30 or an organic fruit basket for $28.50.  If you prefer wooden toys this non-toxic natural wooden set for $38.49 from Germany is absolutely adorable. 

For even more great baby gifts, check out this Waldorf Maple Teether and this Organic Pop-Up Puppet from our sister site, Family Time.