By Monica Wright

The Green Goober may be a funny name, but this new toy shop has a serious mission: to get eco-minded toys in the hands of kids. Owner Amee Whittaker spent the past year and a half researching the best green toys from around the world (and of course around Minnesota) and offers knowledgeable advice about what kids will like. A map on the wall shows where in the world The Green Goober’s toys come from (“Not all toys from China are bad,” she adds as she points to an eco-friendly plush frog that calls the country home) and Whittaker promises to only work with companies committed to environmental responsibility. Sure that kind of thing is important to parents, but are such seriously healthy toys any fun? Absolutely. The shop is awash in colorful wooden playsets, pedal toys with uniquely modern designs, and handmade dolls with their own wardrobes. The store is officially open today, but the weekend of November 14–16 The Green Goober will donate 5 percent of customer’s subtotals to the school of their choosing. An extra excuse to stop by!
Open Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m, Saturdays 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
612-823-2222
GreenGoober.com
For a more in-depth look check out our slideshow