Smiling Planet offers a fresh alternative to plastic plates: BPA, phthalate, lead, and toxic ink-free plastic plates with adorable little designs. What attracted me to the plates was the design, truth be told, but the other safety features make me want to buy them even more.
Plastic plates are great for little ones who are just learning about the table and all of the ways to eat (except the proper way, right?). These plates are made from 100% recycled polypropylene plastic. Apparently, Smiling Planet buys medical grade plastic that exceeds FDA regulations for food contact. They melt it down (or do what it is they do to get it ready to be made into a plate), place the design sub surface so nothing will scratch it, and viola – you have an adorable, safe plate. It’s 8″ around and has a 1″ lip so the food cannot easily spill over the side (but we’re talking toddlers here, so be prepared for some spillage).
The best part is the cute designs. You can have sweet sentiments (like THE WORLD IS WONDERFUL, LET’S MAKE HER SMILE), cute animals (like a lion who says SOME ROAR, I SMILE or lots of creatures holding hands (and snouts and tails) in a big, world-like circle. Founder Freddy Deane’s artwork celebrates the wonder and diversity of the world with an innocence that touches both kids and parents alike. The plates retail for $14 each.
And, if you’re not into plates, you can get those same designs on placemats (most on the site, unfortunately, are sold out right now), shirts and even a coloring book.
The placemats are similarly safe plastic and are durable, tear resistant, and waterproof. Each placemat has 2 designs (1 on each side), sure to make even the pickiest of eaters happy with at least something at dinnertime.
The plates, placemats, and other items can be purchased directly from the Smiling Planet website.
