Rescue Toys: Plastic toys are so last season that even kids prefer sustainable play

More parents are ditching plastic toys in favour of eco-friendly alternatives that last. With growing environmental awareness, families are choosing sustainable options made from recycled materials, natural fibres, or responsibly sourced wood—offering a guilt-free way for kids to play.

A circular solution: Get to know Rescue Toys

One standout brand leading this movement is Rescue Toys. Founded by Joanna Whitehead, the company rescues fabric waste from the fashion industry and transforms it into unique, handmade toys. Every toy is crafted from recycled textiles, and any offcuts from the manufacturing process are shredded and used as stuffing, ensuring a zero-waste production cycle.

Unique, handmade, and meaningful

Unlike mass-produced toys, each Rescue Toy is one of a kind. Designed and handmade in England, these toys minimise transportation emissions and support local craftsmanship. They also carry an important environmental message, teaching children about sustainability in a fun and engaging way.

Meet the toys seeking a forever home

Rescue Toys

Rescue Toys offers a range of lovingly crafted characters, each made from upcycled fabric:

• Murphy the Triceratops: A super clever dinosaur ready to help with homework and share his knowledge. Murphy is made from second-hand clothing and fabric cut-offs, stuffed with shredded fabric waste and recycled polyester fibre from plastic bottles.

• Spooky the Bird: Once found with a broken wing, Spooky has fully recovered and is now a loving, musical companion. Like Murphy, Spooky is crafted from second-hand clothing and stuffed with recycled materials.

• Other toys in the collection: Rescue Toys has a variety of other cuddly friends looking for a home, each with its own personality and story. Every toy is handmade from sustainable materials, ensuring a truly one-of-a-kind playmate for children.

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A Commitment to longevity

Rescue Toys isn’t just about creating new products—it’s about repair, reuse, and reducing waste. The brand offers a repair service for all its toys, ensuring they don’t end up in landfill. Parents can also donate unwanted fabrics, contributing to the circular economy.

Teaching sustainability through play

Choosing sustainable toys helps children understand environmental responsibility from a young age. By supporting brands like Rescue Toys, families can encourage ethical production while fostering a more mindful approach to consumption.

With the toy industry evolving, brands like Rescue Toys are proving that playtime can be both fun and sustainable. Investing in eco-friendly toys isn’t just a trend—it’s a step towards a greener, more responsible future.