The minimalist aesthetic of modern design can sometimes be too austere for children’s environments—”clean” tends to go against a kid’s lifestyle. But the husband and wife team behind Spot On Square found a way to unite simple modern design with the softer characteristics of youth products.

Bob and Nicole Springer have twins and a third child born just 18 months after the first two. With a handful of toddlers on their hands, the industrial designer and teacher applied their know-how to launching a small line of furniture and wall décor for kids like theirs. They use only non-toxic paints, adhesives and finishes in their pieces, as well as recycled and reclaimed MDF. Parents who choose the bamboo for their hardwood selection when customizing their furniture end up with a highly sustainable product.

 

The “cradle to cradle” concept is really brought home in the YiAhn bassinet — an infant cradle that transforms as a baby grows, taking on new functions as a child’s needs change. The bassinet, intended for babies from birth to 4 months, converts into a toy bin and book shelf that a child can use until age 4, and then into a chair and table for kids to use while learning to read, write and draw. If a new baby comes into the family, the materials can once again be assembled into a bassinet. We’re big fans of this innovative, full-circle design scheme.

 

If you want to know the history of the products you buy for your child, ducduc would be a good place to go. Based in New York City with manufacturing facilities in Connecticut, ducduc is a company that attends to every detail, from sourcing sustainable hardwoods from Northeast US forests to providing living wages and benefits to each of their employees. Among their extensive furniture collections, the
Austin Crib caught our eye for its slim profile and functional flexibility.

 

When it comes to choosing children’s furniture, design-loving parents want it all: aesthetic appeal, affordability, simple assembly, and perhaps most importantly, a guarantee that no toxic substances went into the product’s creation. The designers behind Celery Furniture—who are parents themselves—decided it was possible to have all of this and more.

 

It may be a while before hydrogen cars are a common sight on the freeway, but the development of sophisticated hydrogen technology is in full swing, and you can see it in action with the tiny H-Racer toy car. The H-Racer, by Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies is the 21st century update on the retro remote-controlled car, but it requires no batteries.

 

Pkolino’s ever-clever design approach comes through again with their P’kolino Klick — a workstation for toddlers that functions like a kid-size puzzle, with the chair fitting into the desk just so. Kids can get excited about learning and working with a desk and chair made just for them.

 

If you have a little wrangler running around the house, hook yourself a Giddyup Rocking Stool and let the kids find out what a real saddle feels like. Designer Tim Wigmore created these rockers with reclaimed leather saddles, oiling them back to health and attaching a base of sustainably grown hoop pine timber.

 

If you have a newborn, or you’re in need of an eco-friendly baby gift for a friend or relative, the Sckoon Baby Kimono Set is an obvious choice. The 100% organic cotton set includes a tiny kimono in light blue, rose, or natural, along with an elf cap and a matching doll. The kimonos are perfect for tiny newborns with sensitive belly buttons who can’t wear onesies yet. Sckoon also makes adorable booties, bibs, diaper covers, and blankets.