These Tree Branch Blocks by Natural Pod were recently chosen as one of the Top 10 Eco-Toys of 2009 in the 2009 Eco-Friendly Toy Test by Goddard Systems and Eco-Child’s Play. Made in Vancouver, BC, Canada, these rustic blocks consist of many unique pieces of wood in various diameters and lengths, still covered in a thin layer of bark with smooth,finished ends. They are beeswax-finished and kiln-dried, and offer a child numerous possibilities in building masterpieces. They are recommended for ages 2 to 8, and are sold in a locally-made cotton bag. At $29.95, this is an affordable, safe, fun gift idea for the holidays. You can read more about them at NaturalPod.com, where these tree branch blocks are also available in a larger size.

Natural Pod has created an eco-friendly doll house that appeals to both genders. Made of 100% FSC Certified Europly, and without any glue or screws, it measures 2 ½’ wide x 2′ deep x 2 ½’ high and easily dismantles to store flat. Its removable roof allows kids access from all sides of the house. Its versatility has led children to use it as a fire station and parking garage as well. You can view this unique doll house, which sells for $595 CAD (about $551 USD) at NaturalPod.com.

Right now, Natural Pod is giving away a doll house worth $625 in a special contest. Details can be found here. This contest ends Oct. 31, 2009.

Here is a larger version of the Plant Dyed Playsilks (12×12″). This Rainbow collection of Playsilks measure 36×36″. Also hand dyed, these beautiful silks are light enough to float and swirl but “durable in an 8 momme weight 36″ square.”

I still have a memory from when I was in kindergarten and our teacher used to bring out a large box of different colored silks. She would put on classical music and we all danced around the classroom waving our silks and letting them float through the air. It was so much fun and very “freeing.” You might like to try this activity with your own child or use these silks to decorate your child’s room. Place them over the windows or hang them from the ceiling to the walls to create a private space.

Visit NaturalPod.com where you can view this item, priced at $64.95 CAD for a set of 4 (approx $54 USD).

These are two Play Stands with Arches placed together to create a theater, a house, a store, or whatever else your child’s imagination makes it.  I would place a child size couch under the arches to make a quiet reading space. Fill the shelves with baskets of your child’s favorite story books. Or just cover the floor area with a comfortable rug and throw in a few bean bags. This might even be a fun sleep area for sleepover buddies. You can see the possibilities are endless.

Visit NaturalPod.com to view this item. Each play stand measures 15.5″ deep x 36″ wide x 56″ high at the highest point of the arch. The set is priced at $495 CAD ($approx $410 USD).

What a lovely touch this Plant Dyed Baby Playsilk would be if included with your baby shower gift. The unique and beautiful color is produced from using natural plant dyes. Babies love silky textures and this Playsilk by Natural Pod will provide a cool and soothing distraction. Why not play peek-a-boo using this  12×12″ silk? Your baby will enjoy the stimulation and the time you spend with him/her. Visit naturalpod.com to view this item, priced at just $6 CAD ($5 USD) and available in Coral, Pink, Yellow, and Multi-Color.

These Sammy Dolls are not just fun for your little to play with, but they have a unique feature of absorbing comforting scents of home and family. These dolls are made by Natural Pod from soft 100% cotton stretch terry, which colored with AZO-free fabric dye. Their heads are filled with pure sheep’s wool, which is anti-bacterial and non-toxic (safe to chew on with no fluff to inhale). Another smart feature of this little doll is that there are no parts or accents that may come loose, making them very safe for infants. What caught my eye were the colors and the rotund figures that you just want to squeeze.

Visit naturalpod.com to pick out your baby’s Sammy Doll, available in Orange, Pink, and Torquoise for $27.99 CAD (approx $23 USD). These would make a lovely baby shower gift.

Tree Blocks®are such an unusual block set. Each set comes with some “Y” or forked shaped pieces, and pieces of various diameters and lengths.

Tree Blocks® are made from discards of managed paper forests — no living trees are harmed in the production of Tree Blocks®. “We identify abandoned or end of productive cycle plots and contact the farmers,” it says at the Tree Blocks®Web Site. “We come in to push the old trees over, thereby removing the roots. Then we purchase the wood and haul it away to process. This leaves the farmer clean soil and seed money, so it can be back into production.”

The entire set comes ready to give as a gift in a drawstring cotton bag. Safe, lab tested. Conforms to CPSC & ASTM 963- F, and EN 71. Sounds like you can purchase this natural product with a clean conscience, and at a price of just $39.95 at naturalpod.com, it’s a toy that’s affordable too.