The Tot 10: Rattan Toys
Of all the toy trends, we simply can’t get enough of rattan! In this guide, we go over the importance of choosing sustainably sourced options, the benefits of rattan as well as our favorite rattan toy and furniture picks for kids!
We know. There’s pretty much nothing cuter than rattan toys and kids furniture.
The perfect combination of boho and chic, it’s a look that works with pretty much any aesthetic. While we love rattan for the element of style it brings, we mostly love it because it can be a sustainable, eco-friendly and non-toxic alternative to mainstream plastic toys.
With that being said, not all rattan is created equally.
In this guide, we’ll go over:
- What is rattan?
- Benefits of sustainably sourced rattan
- Why rattan is a great alternative to plastic
- Chemicals to avoid in kids products
- Our favorite rattan kids toy and furniture picks
Scroll down to learn more!
What is rattan?
According to the WWF, ‘Rattan is a naturally renewable palm that grows in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australasia, and is used for furniture, handicrafts, and building material among others. Rattan continues to be an invaluable part of rural people’s livelihoods in South and Southeast Asia.’
Benefits of sustainably sourced rattan
- Helps to protect deforestation
- Provides a source of income to impoverished African and Asian communities
- Allows these communities to become stewards and guards of their forests and biodiversity
- Provides habitat for endangered and threatened species
- Ensures a long-term supply of a useful material
Why rattan is a great alternative to plastic
While products made from natural materials are usually an eco-friendlier option than plastic, it’s always important to remember HOW it’s sourced.
Just like the cultivation of cotton and production of wooden products, if not done sustainably, the impact on people and the planet can be immense.
When rattan is sustainably sourced, it’s not only a greener option, it’s a safer option. Unlike mainstream plastic toys than can contain chemicals like BPA, BPS, Harmful Phthalates, Formaldehyde, and PVC to achieve shape, durability and texture, rattan is naturally bendable, durable and long-lasting.
Chemicals to avoid in kids products
At The Tot, we never use or recommend anything that hasn’t passed The Tot Test. This means we’ve looked deep into third-party testing, examined ingredients lists and asked in-depth questions about a product’s composition to ensure they’re free of the chemicals we avoid.
When it comes to kids products, we like to steer clear of the below because they’re all known to cause both short and longterm health problems:
- BPA + BPS
- Harmful phthalates
- PVC
- Formaldehyde
- Lead and other heavy metals
- Pesticides + herbicides
Click here to read the full list of ingredients we avoid and why.
Our Favorite Sustainably Sourced Kids Rattan Toy Picks
All Tot Tested and approved, here are our favorite sustainably sourced kids rattan toy picks.
Poppie Toys Poppie Rocking Horse
Handmade to encourage balance, coordination and active play, the Poppie Toys Poppie Horse is finished with a natural water-based finish to enjoy years of non-toxic play!
Poppie Toys Poppie Rocking Horse
$189
Poppie Toys Rattan Shopper
The Poppie Toys Rattan Shopper is a must-have for make-believe and will make honing hand-eye coordination and learning to steer that much cuter!
Poppie Toys Shopper
$159
Poppie Toys Rattan Doll Furniture
Available in a range of colors, Poppie Toys’ handmade Rattan Doll Daybeds and high chair will facilitate hours of imaginative play.
Poppie Toys Rattan Doll Daybed
$105
Available in more colors
Poppie Toys Rattan Doll Daybed – Floral
$109
Poppie Toys Rattan Doll High Chair
$95
Pretty in Pine Doll Accessories
Australian brand, Pretty in Pine, has won our hearts with their handcrafted sustainable wood & rattan doll accessories.
Pretty in Pine Woven Dolly Pram
$95
EXCLUSIVE
Pretty in Pine Woven Dolly Pram
$95
EXCLUSIVE
Olli Ella Strolley
Our favorite thing about the Olli Ella Strolley is that it goes from stroller to wagon, can be used indoors & out and can tote anything from a doll to books to backyard foliage!
Olli Ella Strolley
$139.90
Available in more colors
Our Favorite Sustainably Sourced Kids Rattan Furniture Picks
Poppie Toys Rattan Chairs
Simple and sweet, the Poppie Toys bunny chair adds style and functionality to any playroom.
Poppie Toys Rattan Bunny Chair
$129
We love Olli Ella’s Storie Stool that doubles as a seat with a hidden storage compartment for little treasures.
Olli Ella Storie Stool
$69.90
Continue exploring
- Looking for more plastic-free toys? Visit The Tot Wooden Toy Shop!
- What We’re Reading: Teaching Your Child A Second Language With The Habbi Habbi Reading Wand & Bilingual Books