Are wooden toys really more sustainable? In short, yes. Wooden toys are generally better for the planet because they are made from a renewable natural material, tend to be more durable and long-lasting, and can often be passed down, repaired or reused rather than quickly ending up in landfill.
Wooden toys have become something of a byword for sustainable play. They look beautiful, feel lovely in little hands and, compared with many brightly coloured plastic toys, are a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious families.
At Tollers, sustainability is something we think about carefully when choosing the brands and toys we stock. We believe in buying fewer, better-quality toys that are made to last, but we also know that simply calling something “wooden” doesn't automatically make it sustainable. There is more to the story than the material itself.
Instead, it’s about making more considered choices. Where has the wood come from? How has the toy been made? Will it stand up to years of play? Can it be passed on when a little one has outgrown it? These are the questions we think are worth asking when it comes to choosing toys for our children and for the world they’ll grow up in.
So, are wooden toys really better for the environment? Often, they can be, but it isn't quite as simple as choosing wood over plastic. In this guide, we’re taking an honest look at what makes a wooden toy a more sustainable choice, what to look out for when shopping, and why we believe that buying fewer, better toys can make a real difference.
Why Are Wooden Toys Considered More Sustainable?
So, what is it about wooden toys that makes them such a popular choice for families looking to make more sustainable choices?
For starters, wood is a natural and renewable material. Unlike conventional plastics, which are generally made from fossil fuels, wood comes from trees that can be replanted and managed as part of a healthy forest ecosystem. When timber is responsibly sourced, choosing wood can mean choosing a material that comes from a renewable resource rather than one that relies on finite fossil fuels.
There’s also something to be said for the simplicity of a wooden toy. A beautifully made wooden puzzle, building set or vehicle can often do exactly what it needs to without layers of unnecessary materials or complicated electronics. For example our ferry play set by Just Bee Kids or Wooden Numbers Shape Sorter by Le Toy Van, that simplicity can mean fewer components and a toy that is easier to keep, care for and pass on.
But perhaps one of the biggest reasons we love wooden toys at Tollers is their potential to last. A well-made wooden toy can withstand years of enthusiastic play, and many are designed with a timeless quality that means they don't quickly feel outdated. They can move from one child to the next, be passed between siblings or even become a much-loved toy for the next generation.
It’s easy to see a wooden toy and assume it must be the more sustainable choice. And while wood can be a wonderful alternative to plastic, there’s a little more to consider. Not all wooden toys are made in the same way, and the journey from tree to toy can have a big impact on how sustainable that toy really is.
But Not All Wooden Toys Are Created Equal
At Tollers, we believe it’s worth looking beyond the material itself. Where has the wood come from? How has it been sourced? Where was the toy made? What has been used to paint, finish or glue it? And, perhaps most importantly, is it made well enough to last? With all of the toy brands we stock at Tollers we research all of these questions and make sure we are 100% happy with the answers.
Cubika is a Ukrainian based brand at Tollers, they use locally sourced hardwood, including sycamore and juniper, from sustainably managed forests, the toys are incredibly well made and check all the boxes for us at Tollers. The fact that they source their wood from sustainably managed forests gives us greater reassurance that the forests the wood comes from are being managed with consideration for the environment, wildlife and the people who depend on them.
It’s also worth thinking about what else goes into the toy. Paints, varnishes, glues, plastics and other materials can all form part of a wooden toy, so the word “wooden” doesn't necessarily tell you everything you need to know. At Tollers, we like brands that are open about their materials and manufacturing processes, rather than relying on vague claims about being “eco-friendly”.
A wooden toy isn't automatically sustainable simply because it's made from wood. It's what happens before, during and after its time in the playroom that really matters.
The environmental benefits of wooden toys.
It's easy to focus on the materials first. Is it wooden? Is it plastic-free? Is the packaging recyclable? These things all matter, but there’s another question we think is just as important: how long will the toy actually be loved?
We believe one of the most sustainable choices you can make is to buy something that is made to last. A beautifully crafted toy that is played with for five, ten or even twenty years is very different from a toy that is bought on a whim, quickly forgotten and replaced a few months later.
A long-lasting toy also has the opportunity to have more than one childhood. It might start life in one playroom before being passed down to a younger sibling, given to a friend or saved for the next generation. The longer a toy stays in use, the more value we get from the materials, energy and resources that went into making it in the first place.
This is something particularly close to our hearts at Tollers. Our own story began with a rocking horse that had been passed down through four generations. It was a simple reminder of what a well-made toy can become when it's built to be loved rather than quickly replaced.
How to Choose a More Sustainable Wooden Toy
If you're trying to make more thoughtful choices when buying toys, the good news is that you don't need to become an expert in sustainability overnight. A few simple questions can help you look beyond the packaging and work out whether a wooden toy is genuinely a more considered choice.
Where does the wood actually come from?
look for toys made using responsibly sourced timber. Brands that have core values and promises with actual facts on their sustainability within their brand story.
Consider how it's made
Look at where it has been manufactured and whether the brand is open about its production. We love brands that are transparent about where their toys are made and the materials and processes involved.
Choose quality over quantity
This is perhaps our biggest piece of advice at Tollers. Rather than choosing a toy simply because it's made from wood, ask yourself whether it's something that will genuinely be played with and loved. A beautifully made toy that lasts for years is a much more thoughtful purchase than something that will quickly be forgotten.
Think about what's on the wood
Paints, varnishes, stains and glues can all form part of a wooden toy, so it's worth checking what finishes have been used. Look for brands that are clear about the materials and finishes they use, particularly when you're buying for younger children.
Don't be afraid to ask questions
Perhaps the most important thing is not to feel pressured into believing every “eco” claim you see. If a brand talks about sustainability, have a look at what that actually means. Are they transparent about their materials? Do they explain where their products are made? Are they designing toys to last?
So, Are Wooden Toys Really Better for the Environment ?
So, after all that, are wooden toys really better for the environment?
Our honest answer is: they can be. But we don't think it's as simple as saying that anything made from wood is automatically a sustainable choice.
Wood is a natural and renewable material, and when it is responsibly sourced, it can be a wonderful alternative to materials that rely on fossil fuels. But the bigger picture matters too. How the wood is sourced, where the toy is made, what other materials are used, how far it travels and what happens to it at the end of its life all play a part.
For us at Tollers, though, one of the most important things to consider is how long a toy will last. A beautifully made wooden toy that is played with for years, passed down to siblings and eventually enjoyed by another family has a very different environmental story from a toy that is quickly discarded, regardless of what material it is made from.
That's why we don't want to tell you that wooden toys are the answer to every environmental concern. Instead, we'd encourage you to look for toys that are thoughtfully made, responsibly sourced, durable and genuinely loved by children.
FAQ
Are all wooden toys sustainable?
No. Simply being made from wood doesn't automatically make a toy sustainable. It's worth considering where the wood comes from, how the toy is manufactured, what finishes and other materials are used, and how durable the finished product is.
Are wooden toys biodegradable?
Untreated wood is a natural material and can biodegrade over time. However, a finished wooden toy may also contain paints, varnishes, glues, plastics or other materials, so it's important to look at the whole product rather than assuming every wooden toy is fully biodegradable.
What makes a wooden toy genuinely sustainable?
There isn't one thing that makes a toy sustainable. Look for responsibly sourced materials, transparent manufacturing, minimal unnecessary packaging, non-toxic finishes and, most importantly, toys that are well made and designed to last.
The Tollers View: Buy Less, Buy Better
When choosing the brands we stock, we look beyond the finished toy. We want to understand where materials come from, how products are made and whether the brands behind them are genuinely committed to making better choices. For us, sustainability isn't about finding a perfect product, it's about making thoughtful choices and working with brands that are open and honest about theirs.
When choosing toys for Tollers, we look for:
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Thoughtful materials - natural, responsibly sourced and chosen with care.
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Honest and transparent brands - businesses that are open about where and how their products are made.
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Quality that lasts - toys that can withstand years of play rather than being quickly replaced.
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Toys with longevity - products that can be passed down, shared, repaired or enjoyed by another child.
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Less, but better - choosing fewer toys that children will genuinely love and return to time and time again.
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A genuine commitment to doing better -brands that are continually looking at how they can reduce their impact.
For us, buying less and buying better is about choosing toys with a story worth keeping, beautifully made pieces that are loved, played with and passed on, rather than forgotten at the bottom of the toy box.
