Babies need to develop a sense of cause and effect, and pull toys like this one are a great way to help them understand the world. Made by favorite stuffed animal maker Jellycat, this little elephant plays soothing music when little fingers pull on the ring. This toy would make a great new baby gift–for your own child, or someone else’s. You can purchase one for $14 at ronrobinson.com.

I’m starting to think seriously about first birthday gifts for my soon-to-be one year old. I always like to give a pull toy at that age. This attractive Ma Me Pa Turtle Pull Toy from Maya Organic really caught my attention when I was checking out options online. I love the shiny, bright colors that I know will attract my daughter’s attention. I think my three year old would enjoy it too, to be honest. This great toy is made from sustainable wood in India and finished with non-toxic natural dyes. It is designed for infants 10 months and up. You can purchase one for $28 at dandelionbaby.com.

As much as I love wooden toys and wish we’d gone that route with our boys instead of allowing all kinds of plastic, bleeping, flashing toys into our house, I do have to admit that some of them just don’t attract interest in babies. As cute as it is with its bright colors, soft ears, and happy face, we have a vintage pull along dog much like the Selecta Nico Dog Wooden Pull Toy and my older son as a baby was unwilling to play with it. Perhaps my younger son will take an interest in it; I have yet to let him try out our vintage collection. If you’d like to give it a shot with your children, I found it at babynaturopathics.com for $25.08. If it doesn’t fly, you can always decorate with vintage (or vintage inspired) pieces; that’s what I do with ours.

Here’s another one of those toys you can feel good about buying. This wooden crocodile pull toy is made from Baltic birch wood and water-based paints by a craftsman in Estonia named Heido Peterson, so it’s safe for children ages 3 and up. As your child pulls the string, the hinged crocodile makes all kinds of movements, his head, body, and tail swinging wildly in different directions.

This toy was recently featured on Cookiemag.com. and measures 4″ h x 18.5″ w x 5.5″ d and is also available in Pig, Elephant, Dinosaur, or Snake. You can purchase one for $70 at DesignWithinReach.com.

If you are one of the many parents who are trying to go a bit greener this holiday season, check out this fun Patrick Pull Toy by FAO Schwarz.  Made from certified organic cotton, this toy is certified non-toxic and chemical free, so you won’t have to worry if he occasionally ends up in your child’s mouth.  He is pretty cute, and sure to engage your little one in hours of imaginative play.  Children 12 months and up are sure to love pulling him along behind them as they begin to walk.  You can also remove his wooden wheels and use him as a cuddly pal.

You can purchase one of these fun toys on sale for $19.50 at FaoSchwarz.

Newly-mobile tots are sure to enjoy a good pull toy, and what better than a gorgeous wooden dragonfly by artist Brian Driscoll?  This is truly one of the most unique and attractive pull toys that I have seen lately.  It would make an ideal first birthday or holiday gift for the toddler on your list.

Made in the USA using only high-quality woods such as Cherry, Maple, and Black Walnut, the toy is silk-screened by hand with child-safe paint that is free from lead.  The end result is very attractive.  Your child will love to see this toy “flutter” behind her as she pulls it along.

You can purchase one of these great toys for $34 at CraftsburyKids.com.

I am on the lookout for a fun pull toy as a gift for my younger nephew’s first birthday.  While I don’t think either my sister or her husband would appreciate this rather feminine bunny from Empress Arts, I sure like it.  This vintage style toy is made of painted wood. This Floppy Woppy Pull Toy is very sweet and simple.

The makers point out that it would make a great piece of nursery decor until a little one is old enough to use it.  We have gotten a lot of wear out of all of the pull toys at our house, and I certainly remember having fun with mine when I was little.

You can purchase this cute little bunny for $19 at oliebollen.com. It would make a great holiday gift, too.

If you are looking for eco-friendly toys for your little one one this holiday season, you might want to check out this stunning toy engine from Maya Organic toys.  Trains are a lot of fun for girls as well as boys.  I know I enjoyed them immensely as a child, and both of my daughters have had a lot of fun with them, too.

This Engine Stacking Pull Toy is made from sustainable materials such as hale or rubberwood.  Each toy is crafted by hand using only non-toxic, natural dyes.  You won’t have to worry if the toy finds its way into the mouth of your curious toddler now and then.  It is safe for children ages 10 months and up.

You can purchase one of these toys for $20 at dandelionbaby.com.  Your child is sure to be drawn to the bright colors and the stackable pieces.