House & Home

On my travels throughout Toronto I came across Kids on the Hip, a fantastic little (well not so little) store located in Leslieville (1142 Queen Street East, 416-466-1171).

Owned by Cheryl and Gini, who also own Baby on the Hip. Once their customers started requesting more eco-friendly products for their growing children now 3 and up, they hatched Kids on the Hip.

Most of their products have the environment in mind. If they carry a regular manufactured item, chances are they will have an organic version as an option. I’m very impressed with the selection of toys, art supplies, bedding, toiletries and clothing that contain natural or organic ingredients. They even carry organic mattresses that have soy-based foam and are PBDE-free.

I have a 3-year-old and I had a hard time leaving the store empty handed!

Lemonade anyone!?! Decorate your own lemonade stand, made from recycled cardboard. And the fun doesn't stop here — planes, castles, rockets, drawing tables and chairs are also available.

Shop like mom and dad. Not only has Haba designed a fantastic organic framers market, they have a long list of products for all age groups.

Stockmar Beeswax Crayons are petroleum free.

Eco-friendly Sprig toys are molded using Sprigwood, a durable, child-safe bio composite material made from recycled wood and reclaimed plastic. The Discover Rig is actually made in Midland, Ont.

Small Fry clothing.

Cute summer dresses to beat the heat from Patouche and Speesees.

A few other lines they carry:
Prang soy-based crayons
Trebimbi cutlery
Oots lunch boxes
Boon potties and bath toys
Plover organic bedding
Eco Baby organic bedding
Radio Flyer
Bumbo
Not Neutral
Green Toys
iBert children's bike seats
Plan Toys
Eco Kid

Kids on the Hip is located at 1142 Queen Street East, 416-466-1171, www.kidsonthehip.ca.

Photo credits:
Sarah Hartill