Did you know that Mastermind carries several lines of "eco-friendly" toys? In fact you may already have some of these toys in your home and have never really realized they were "green." At Mastermind, we sell toys that are high quality, durable and that kids will play with over and over again. Being "green" is an additional benefit and one we are more than happy to consider -- as long as the toy is a good toy.

Babies and toddlers don't understand the concept of eco-friendly, all they understand is whether a toy will keep their attention, whether it's fun for them, and how they can explore with it.
If a toy is loved and used for many years and then passed on to other kids who love and play with it, etc., that is probably a greener toy than one that purports to be "green" but sits alone in a corner untouched.

So, here at Mastermind we sell several lines of toys that are 1) excellent, durable, high quality toys, and 2) manufactured in eco-friendly ways.

Plan Toys promote imagination, play and learning. They're made out of durable rubberwood, and are dyed with water-based non-toxic dyes. The rubberwood is used from rubber trees that no longer produce latex and would otherwise end up as waste. The company's environmental commitment extends to every facet of its business. Catalogues are produced on 100% post-consumer recycled paper using vegetal dyes for print. Materials are reused and recycled as much as possible.

The Dollhouse in the photo is the Eco dollhouse and includes a pretend wind-turbine, solar-panels and rain barrel. There are traditional dollhouses available, furniture sets and of course, dolls for the playhouse.

Plan also makes a Road and Rail City Transportation set for ages 3+ which includes track, figurines, trains, cars and a trainstation. Track can be configured in a variety of ways. The wood is the same durable rubberwood that is sanded smooth. (Tracks are interchangeable with other wooden train sets such as Thomas the Tank Engine).
See our website for more Plan Toys including toys for Toddlers.


HaPe Bamboo Games and eRacers: The HaPe (pronounced "Ha-pay") collection of toys are made from bamboo -- which is not a wood, but a fast-growing grass which only needs to be cut and not replanted; it will regrow within three years to be re-harvested. The bamboo is then processed and made into HaPe's toys and games. All paint used on products is water-based and non-toxic.
E-Racer: Available in three colours (green, red and blue) it is sleek and durable.
Bamboo Games collection: Five games available which take between 5 and 10 minutes to play -- perfect for short attention spans (like mine)! There is the classic Domino game to a balancing game, Cagola. All games are recommended for ages 4 and up.

Educo by HaPe: While Educo is known for those mesmerizing bead frames that kept my kids busy while waiting at the doctor's or dentist's office, they've introduced a new line of toys this year -- a Gourmet Kitchen and Dollhouse and accessories made from rubber wood from trees which are no longer in use for latex production. Toys are put together with non-toxic glue, painted with water-based non-toxic paints and are formaldehyde free.

Masterpieces Puzzles: Inks are soy-based, coatings are non-toxic water-based, backings are made from 100% post consumer recycled content. The 3-D pyramid puzzle new this year is made from cork, a sturdy and renewable resource. The pyramid puzzle offers a puzzle within the puzzle -- the detailed design on the pyramid have hieroglyphics which you can decode to uncover secret messages!


-- Cathy the Toy Mom