I have never liked the plastic dolls that are available on the market for children. In fact I despise them, mainly because they seem to all fit into a very gender stereotypical role. They all seem to look and dress the same, there is no diversity and uniqueness. Their facial expressions are so ingrained that it leaves no room for a child to use their imagination and honestly quite often they look stunned, almost like they themselves have had too much plastic surgery! lol

Quite  simply the dolls children play with are a reflection of themselves as they often play out roles and solve problems through role play. Look at all the princess dolls out there? They all seem to have light hair, light skin tone and wear pretty pink frocks. Yes, well that is the fairytale story you say but really think about the message this is sending to your child? All princesses are white and wear beautiful pink dresses. What about the rest of the population?  Does your child really relate to these dolls or are they sending them the clear message that to be a princess you must be A, B & C and anyone else just simply doesn’ t fit in that role?

There  has actually been quite a bit of research done in this area and studies show that during doll play children will not only aspire to be like their princess dolls but they will exclude children  from diverse cultural backgrounds because they do not fit into their ideal of a princess.  So why isn’t there more diverse dolls from various cultural backgrounds on the market (sorry but those Bratz dolls DON”T count!)? Only now in 2009 is  Disney releasing its first ever black doll princess! I actually think an Arabic princess is much more exotic and beautiful than Cinderella.

So if you are like me and don’t like the plastic baby dolls then I have an alternative . . .

I would like to introduce Suzie, Whoopie & Girly Red organic cotton rag dolls. These 3 gorgeous dolls are sure to put a smile on any child’s face! The organic cotton & pure wool stuffing makes them extremely soft and cuddly, perfect to take to bed, better for children with allergies and better for our environment. They have simple sewn in facial features which makes them completely safe for babies and allows your child to explore different feelings and use their imagination.

But the thing that I love the most is that these dolls represent us, our community and our world. They are diverse and they tell children its ok to be you no matter where you come from. These dolls can be used to teach children about cultural diversity and respecting our differences. I’m really excited about these dolls and browsing through their catalogue today I came across a gorgeous blonde/red haired doll they have just released which I will be adding to our collection!

As the company Keptin-Jr states on their website “big, small, blond or black, everyone is welcome in the Keptin-Jr tiny dolls family”.

If you are looking for an organic cotton boy doll we have our beloved Lenny. He is made Brazil by Natural Fashion, a socially and environmentally responsible company, that invests in local businesses, employs local people and supports small farmers that grow organic cotton. Lenny is made using the off cuts from the clothing range so is truly an environmentally friendly doll and he is on special this month for only $28! He also comes in a light & dark skin tone.

Firstly congratulations to Rachel Rose from QLD who is the winner of our April eco hamper give away.

This month we are giving away a free gift for all those lovely mamas out there. All you need to do is spend a minimum of $50 (excluding postage) at Eco Toys and you get a free copy of Barefoot Magazine. This offer is valid for the whole month of May 2009.

Barefoot is an awesome new parenting magazine that focuses on conscious parenting, environmental issues, alternative health & schooling, nurturing our children and respectful communication. It is published in Melbourne and is the work of three dedication mums who want to share their passion and love for children, people and the earth.

I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time with Anna, one of the writers and part owner of Barefoot and I just love what they are doing. Plus Barefoot is such a fantastic read, full of interesting articles and information on all the things that are important to me as a parent.

Now for some more exciting news! I have a box full of new goodies that was delivered earlier on today so I’m off to have a play with them. Will keep you updated but remember to look out for our new range of toys coming very soon!

Hello everyone, I’m Eco mama and I finally have my very own blog that my lovely friend Kate from Lazycow designs has designed for me.  Thanks Kate!

I hope to share information and stories on the things that matter the most to me; sustainability & gentle parenting. I have a gorgeous 2 year old daughter called Safari. She doesn’t know it yet but her mum has the BEST job in the world and she gets to test all the toys so mum can sell them on her store. Don’t ask me how but somehow all my demo toys seem to end up in Safari’s toy basket.

I am passionate about making the world a better place and protecting out beautiful planet. I want to be able to provide parents with an alternative to the plastic, toxic junk that fills the toy shops.

So check out my store Eco Toys and if you aren’t already on our newsletter mailing list then sign up before the end of April to go into the draw to win a gorgeous eco baby hamper filled with pure organic cotton toys and wooden rattles.