In a season of plastic toys and excessive packaging, you try to be green — starting by plopping a ginormous pine in your living room.

Spruce up your effort with Aminals, a new line of dolls that can be completely composted. Designed by local artists who are also parents, the eleven animal and human characters are inspired by the sweet simplicity of children’s drawings. What’s more, they’re made of chemical-free and organic materials, so they can be safely put into the Earth once they’re played out.

That way, kids can lovingly give back to nature.

As sappy as it sounds.

Available online at aminaldolls.com.

SIP
Holiday Tea
What: Visit with Santa, hear stories, and feast on treats at the cozy family event.
Why: Get the big guy’s ear one last time.
When: Sat., 2 p.m. (Also Dec. 19.)
Where: The Grille at Morrison House, 116 S. Alfred St., Alexandria. For reservations, call 703-838-8000 or e-mail storytime@morrisonhouse.com.

BUY
Downtown Holiday Market
What: Little shoppers gawk at handmade gifts (wooden toys, stuffed animals), take in live performances, and gobble sweets.
Why: You’re home again, home again, jiggety-jig.
When: Thru Dec. 23. Daily, noon-8 p.m.
Where: F St. NW, b/t 7th & 9th Sts.

BROWSE
Polarn O. Pyret Trunk Show
What: Shop the beloved line of Swedish baby and kids’ clothing, and nibble on snacks.
Why: It benefits Labels for Love, helping children’s and women’s charities.
When: Thurs., noon-8 p.m.
Where: Hela Spa and Ted Gibson Salon, 5481 Wisconsin Ave., lvl. 2, Chevy Chase (301-951-4445).

Photo: Courtesy of Aminal Dolls