Ah, the holidays, a magical season of sparkles, sugar cookies, and an onslaught of flashy plastic toys from well-meaning relatives.

If you're hoping for more thoughtful gifts for your kids this season, you're not alone. Many eco-conscious parents are leaning into intentional, plastic-free traditions. But how to encourage your circle to choose your more sustainable celebration style? We believe it all starts with open, kind communication.

So we wrote a little rhyme to help! Check it out here. 

We also have rhyme printouts themed for birthdays and baby showers. Keep up the new tradition year-round!

There's all kinds of great ways to use this tool, but it's not the only magic you can work for a plastic-free holiday season.

Kindly Asking for Plastic-Free Gifts

Sharing your family’s values with gift-givers doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable. In fact, most grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends want to give gifts that feel special and aligned with your parenting style. They just might need a little guidance.

This rhyme is a gentle way to start that conversation. You can:

• Add it to a holiday card or gift list

• Include it in a message to family members

• Share it in a group text with your own heartfelt spin
  

When you lead with warmth and gratitude, people tend to listen with love.

More Ideas for the Best Eco-Conscious Gifts

So, you've sent your loved ones our festive invitation to plastic-free gifting. Already you can feel your stress levels falling. Then someone asks, "Well, what should I get instead?" Don't panic! We have a few suggestions:

• A personalized wooden name puzzle
• Books (Try asking your gift-givers for a favorite from their childhood!)
  
• A sweet first Christmas ornament
  
• Experiences (such as a pass to a museum, a day at the zoo, or a painting class)
  
• A handmade wooden rattle or teether
• Baking kits with family recipes
  
• A hand-knitted plush toy
  
• Homemade or thrifted dress-up costumes
  
• Babysitting vouchers (this one doubles as a gift for parents!)
  
• Still thinking? Check out our Sustainable Gift Guide for even more ideas!

These aren’t just gifts, they’re memories in the making.

What We Mean by “Plastic-Free”

At Smiling Tree Toys, we believe childhood holiday magic lives in things like natural materials, open-ended play, and keepsakes that last a lifetime.

Our toys are:

• Handmade from sustainable hardwoods in our Minnesota woodshop
  
• Finished with organic oil (no paints, stains, or dyes)
• Packaged plastic-free
  
• Backed by a lifetime guarantee
  

And for every toy sold, we plant a tree through our Buy.Plant.Grow. program, because giving back is part of the joy.

Final Thought: Gifting Well Is the Best Kind of Magic

Our holidays don’t need more noise or clutter. We need connection, care, and gifts that spark joy long after the wrapping paper is gone.

So whether you choose to share our little rhyme or create your own gifting traditions, we hope your season is filled with what truly matters: presence, peace, and plenty of wonder.