By Tracy M
These days, I’m feeling a little skittish in the kids’ aisles of Target and Toys R Us (I skip Voldemart) with all the heavy metals and lead that have caused Chinese toys to be recalled. ( And good luck trying to find a mass-market toy NOT made in China) For an updated list, check here, to see what toys are recalled- and it’s not just dollar-store toys, folks.
(Am I the only one who finds this unacceptable? Do you worry about this? Does it bother you that your kid has been slurping on a Thomas engine in church that has been recalled for lead toxicity? Frankly, I’m ticked about it. These toy companies have known for a long, long time that China doesn’t adhere to our standards, and they haven’t cared enough to put our kids above their profit.)
For me, that answer is simple: Support local toymakers, buy wooden toys, and buy European toys when I can. Yes, I know, just because a toy is wood doesn’t mean it’s safe- but if you avoid cheap wooden knock-off’s that are made in China, you can be certain of safety. Also, and I cannot stress this enough: Wooden toys last longer. A LOT longer. They can be repaired, unlike plastic, in the even they do break, and as wooden toys age, they often become heirlooms, rather than landfill. The initial cost may be slightly more, but trust me when I say, it pays off in the longrun.
Here are some links to toys and toy suppliers that are safe, natural, strong, imaginative. In full disclosure, I used to work in the toy industry before becomming a mama, so I know a lot these people, and have worked with more than a few of them. That only makes me more certain of my recommendations.
I hope you like some of these links, and that you might consider, just for a moment, if these toys might be a better option for your family. I also would be delighted to answer any questions anyone might have about wooden toys, thier safetly, the dyes and finishes, the manufactueres, cost concerns- I am the OZ of toys, bring me your questions!
according to my box, legos aren’t made in china… good thing too, we love them.
Comment #1 by AlissaNovember 2nd, 2007 at 10:09 amLEGO are a high quality product that will last years and years, and make it through many children. Not a landfill toy, by any stretch, and a great imaginative toy. They are mannufactered using ABS plastic in one of two places, either Denmark or the Czech Republic, but can be packaged in several places, including the United States. By the way, LEGO is plural, a derivation of the Danish phrase leg godt, which means _play well_.
Incidentally, I put Playmobil in this same category- a qualtiy plastic toy with a lot of value, made in a responsible manner. And you’ve never seen anything as cool as the Playmobil launch of a new line at a toy convention. It’s awe inspiring for adults- it would make kids pee themselves with happiness.
Comment #2 by Tracy MNovember 2nd, 2007 at 10:13 amI’ve enjoyed the toys from www.euroToyShop.com as well. They have a wider selection as far as age (including Legos) then some of the others. Thanks for keeping this issue on our minds because it is very important this time of year.
Comment #3 by Fran SamsNovember 2nd, 2007 at 10:23 amhttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5091554
Comment #4 by KellieNovember 2nd, 2007 at 10:28 amI am sorry if this is a repeat…I found this link on a blog, I just don’t remember which one. Handmade wooden toy puzzles. I ordered some for Christmas!
Beautiful!
This issue is so big to me I have trouble talking about it, even if I had a whole blog post or article to write, I couldn’t fit it in.
First, my oldest is toxic for lead and 2 other heavy metals. There are many probable explanations, but owning a recalled toy is NOT one of them. I wish it were that simple! I share your anger that the lead in toys is so widespread, it seems that now that companies are bothering to look and the light is shined on this topic, lead is being found in everything, all the time! How long has that been true? it’s horrible!
Second, I’m a WAHM and my business sells toys (among other things), so this issue is of professional concern too.
if anybody has questions about testing, their kids symptoms, what may explain his case, or picking toys, I’d be happy to chat. i just can’t begin to put it into words here, you know? the link here with my name has my email and phone info. seriously, if anybody is worried about their kid, I’ve been there and I can share what we’ve learned.
Comment #5 by cchrissyyNovember 2nd, 2007 at 11:32 amAmen Tracy
Although I have my fair share of plastic, I prefer wooden toys. The only problem is the blocks HURT when you step on them and anything wooden hurts when your three year old throws it….
I have been coveting the rainbow toy from The Playstore (we have one here…) and this is the excuse for me to get it for the baby for Christmas…. MAYBE I will let her play with it…
Comment #6 by bekNovember 2nd, 2007 at 4:12 pmI went shopping (at Voldemart) today for my son’s birthday, and decided to check the toy I was buying to see if it was made in China. It was. I decided not to purchase it. It more than scares me!
Comment #7 by LizNovember 2nd, 2007 at 4:36 pmI am totally overwhelmed. I have no idea where to start. That list made my eyes glaze over. I’m going to bed.
Comment #8 by Heather O.November 2nd, 2007 at 5:37 pmI have been thinking the same thing. Christmas will be here before you know it and the toy stores in my area are only carrying made in China stuff. I took my son’s Thomas toys away, put them in the garage and now if he catches a glimpse, he says “Thomas poisoned.” So sad. Yes, I need to put them in the trash. I will be looking for European toys for Christmas. Thanks for the useful links!
Comment #9 by RynellNovember 2nd, 2007 at 6:40 pmFinnegan’s in Portland is THE place for awesome toys. Their dress-up selection can’t be beat. I like their stickers and I LOVE their Mad Libs (natch).
Comment #10 by MillieNovember 2nd, 2007 at 7:02 pmAnd they ship, too.
Comment #11 by MillieNovember 2nd, 2007 at 7:04 pmWe are doing a Little House in the Prairie Christmas. Everyone gets an orange. The end.
Comment #12 by SueNovember 2nd, 2007 at 7:16 pmcchrissy - found your comment buried way down in the spam filter. Sorry about that, I’m not sure why it thought you were spam. You weren’t offering free drugs or anything!
Fran Sams comment was there too. Weird. Thanks for notifying us.
Comment #13 by The WizNovember 2nd, 2007 at 7:29 pmWooden toys are only more durable if you live in a home without parrots, which counts me out if I want my kid to have any toys at all. Plus I’m too much of a My Little Pony addict to give them up (and they weren’t implicated in the recalls anyway).
Comment #14 by FirebyrdNovember 2nd, 2007 at 8:08 pmBe carefull with My Little Pony if you have a child still mouthing things. MLP are made of a naturally brittle plastic (polyvinyl chloride) that has a plasticizer called a phthalate mixed in to make is soft and flexible.
The problem is this phthalate plasticizer is soluble in saliva, and once ingested, can mimic human hormones.
Many mass-market toys are still made using polyvinyl choloride. Why? Because it is cheap to make. Period. The manufacturers do not care about the _possible_ side effects, such as undescended testes, early onset puberty, celular resistence to insulin or a dozen other side effects.
If the toy is labeled for ages three and above, they don’t have to worry, since a three year old would _never_ put a toy in their mouth. Uh huh.
Yeah. Yuck. I kid you not. Feel free to check for yourselves. And keep soft plastic toys away from your babies.
Comment #15 by Tracy MNovember 2nd, 2007 at 9:39 pmI’m glad you said that about Lego(s), because Duplo blocks are the only thing I’m sure I’m getting my kiddos for Christmas, and wooden blocks just aren’t the same when the kids are not yet 3 and 1.5. They knock down way too easily.
Also, do you have any suggestions for wooden train sets (Thomas-like). My kids love theirs, and I’d like to get them some more, but I’m kind of paranoid about it now. I figure the track pieces are okay, since they aren’t painted, but they like the trains, buildings, etc. It’s hard to figure out what to get when it’s the name-brand, expensive ones that are being recalled.
Comment #16 by VadaNovember 3rd, 2007 at 4:45 amTracy, oh guru of toy-ness, can you tell me anything about latex in toys? My 10-month-old is latex-precaution, so we have to eliminate latex from ANYTHING he touches (all leather shoes, etc. Expensive!).
Comment #17 by KerynNovember 3rd, 2007 at 8:14 amVada- for a wooden train systen not made in China, try TC Timber. All their toys are made either in Germany or in New England. It’s very high quality solid maple, instead of Beech, like the Thomas sets. Beech splinters and chips far easier than maple- and while the sets don’t come in the characters that kids recognize from TV, they are really cute and well made, and comparable in price to a Thomas set (made by Learning Curve)A nice aspect of the TC Timber sets are color coded magnets on the engines and cars- to polarity is easier to determine- also, the magnets are far strong than the others; the trains never come apart going up a hill.
Oh, and TC tracks are the same gage as both Brio and Thomas, so they work together.
Keryn, as far as latex in toys, it’s a really hard call. There are many types of latex, beleive it or not, and I am in no possition to make a call on what’s safe for your child. Do be aware that natural latex comes from the sap of a tropical rubber tree, and the wood from those trees is used in many toys, once they are sapped out. There is also several varieties of synthetic latex- which is just a polymer suspended in surfactants.
I know of only a few toys that are specifically natural latex- one being a giraffe chew toy manufactured with latex in France, and noticabley markets as such. Obviously you would want to avoid that toy. Otherwise, if your child is highly allergic, you might want to watch out for toys made by Plan, Pintoys (both use reclaimed wood from tapped out rubber forests- a great way to use a natural resource previously just burned and destroyed) or any label that says Rubberwood. I don’t know if the residual latex in the wood is dangerous, but you might ask your doctor.
To completely avoid latex, I would go with preeminent EU toys- Selecta, Haba, Ostheimer, Kinderkram, NIC, Kraull- they’re all made from high quality hardwoods such as maple, alder and others, and all are colored with food-grade dyes and many are finished in natural beeswax. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
And, I can vouch from experience, those rattles and toys I invested in when my first was born over 6 years ago, are still going strong for baby #3 right now.
Comment #18 by Tracy MNovember 3rd, 2007 at 11:42 amI love this post, thank you for the information. Any comment on the toys at Ikea?
Comment #19 by JennyNovember 3rd, 2007 at 6:19 pm[…] Toys […]
Pingback #20 by LDS Mommy Blog - » ToysNovember 3rd, 2007 at 6:21 pmJenny, regarding Ikea: My guru status kinda fails me here. If they are made in China, be leary. If they are made in Sweden, part of the EU, their standards are stricter than ours.
Other than that, I never worked with Ikea, so I don’t have any firsthand knowledge. (I do love them for homestuff)
Comment #21 by Tracy MNovember 3rd, 2007 at 6:29 pmHi Tracy - How about toys from Melissa and Doug?
Comment #22 by BridgetNovember 3rd, 2007 at 8:46 pmOk, here’s the skinny on Melissa and Doug: First, they are REALLY nice people. When they started the company out of thier home, it was called Lights, Camera, Interaction! They had a good idea, and for a long time they were a mom and pop shop. They aren’t anymore, but both of them are still very involved in the company.
That said, most, if not all, of their manufactuering takes place offshore- industry code for “in Asia”. That is precisely why their prices are so affordable. Labor costs in China are so low, a product can be made, literally, for only a few cents. Even when transport in cargo ships, port fees and taxes are factored in, it’s SO much less expensive to have things made in China- which is exactly why companies do it.
It’s the same for Melissa and Doug.
That said, I know their intentions are not the same as, say, Matel- they really do want to provide nice wooden toys as a more affordable price than the EU companies can. But to do so, they have to use Asian labor. And lower quality woods and paints and papers. It’s just a fact.
The bottom line is, (with anyting made in China), the cute affordable toy your kids are playing with was possibly made by another child in a factory half a world away. It is also a fact, as we have recently seen, that China does NOT have the same safety standards as American or European countries- wheather we’re talking about paint, heavy metals, labor issues, children working or any dozen of other business practices. That is why a toy from Germany is priced higher than a toy from China- adults in safe workplaces using safe and often natural materials, often from safe and sustainably harvested woods, earn a living and support their families making those toys. I have personally toured several toy factories in Germany and can vouch for the amazing working conditions and the product they produce.
This is not the fault of M and D- it’s just a fact of innexpensive goods.
Where you stand on that issue is personal, and only you can decide for your family.
Comment #23 by Tracy MNovember 4th, 2007 at 9:45 amI have purchased a few Melissa and Doug items in the past, and also received some as gifts. I have been really unimpressed with the quality. Most of the pieces we have have broken, chipped, had the paint come off etc., often within just a few weeks of purchase. I won’t buy them anymore.
I love buying quality wooden toys and other “natural” items, but it’s a challenge when I can only afford to buy small things for my children that way. I am learning to combine these purchases with homemade items. For example, this Christmas I am making dress-up clothes for my son, pirate and knight outfits, and purchasing a wooden sword/shield for the knight outfit. I’m making a Waldorf doll for my dd out of a kit since there’s no way on earth I could afford to buy one already made. I’m also hand-dying my own playsilks since they cost so much.
One of my best purchases has been the interlocking blocks made in one of the Camphill communities by developmentally-disabled adults. I had to buy a small set each year for two years to have enough to do anything with, but it was worth it because the blocks are so wonderful. I know the Nova Natural catalog carries them.
I would love to hear what others do to be able to afford these purchases. I love the toys, but they are very expensive for most of our budgets–even if you buy just one or two things per child.
I wanted badly to buy an heirloom wooden Nativity set that the children could play with and thought I could buy just a couple of pieces at a time over the years. But even with that, they are just too much. I couldn’t pay $80 or more just for Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus! I did opt for a TC Timbers Nativity that I got for about $35, but it still isn’t near as nice as the ones on the websites Tracy links.
I absolutely love the Nova Natural catalog! It’s not just a catalog–it’s like a whole experience. I feel transported to a whole other place when I browse through it. I look at the beautiful pictures of the children playing with the toys and think “this is what playtime should be like”.
Comment #24 by Lisa G.November 4th, 2007 at 5:00 pmLisa- I love the Community Playthings catalog, which is the place in Camphill you mentioned getting the blocks from. Fabulous people, and an incomparable product.
The price of quality toys is indeed a stumbling block for a lot of people. I think it helps to remember a few things…
If you add up all the little junky stuff that ends up broken and/or in the trash, I think you might find you spend more than you think on toys. Yes, a wooden playset is absolutely more initially expensive. However, you will only buy it once, and it will LAST. My kids have a wooden push toy they’ve played with for six years now, and it cost me $40 new, not cheap, but we have consumed only one, and I guarantee the $20 one at the Mass Market store would not have lasted through three kids. So, you have to weigh it out.
Another thing to consider: In mass market toys, and I kid you not, often 75-80% of the wholesale cost is for the packaging. Yes. The industry has a standard called “Percieved Value”- what that means is if they put a cheap, smallish toy in a beautiful box, it will sell for more, and the consumer will feel like they are getting more. It’s sneaky, and statistics show, IT WORKS.
You mention a Waldorf doll- (I hope you’re making a kit from Weir Dolls- they’re fabulous and I’ve made several- if you need any tips, email me!) that’s a fabulous way to consume less and still get the toy you want for less cash.
For us too, we’ve made the decision to gets the kids each one nice toy for Christmas, and then stocking stuffers. We bought a play kitchen from Elves and Angels several years ago, and while it was $160, it gets a ton of play, is solid wood (not particle board) and still looks brand new. No plastic kitchen would have held up so well, and really would only have cost a little less. We could easily have spent $160 on five or six smaller mass market toys, but they would all be broken or gone now, six years later. The kitchen is still here, and perfect, and played with quite regularly. That’s real value.
I kind of look at wooden and quality toys as saving me money in the long run, because when it all comes out in the wash, I ultimately am purchasing LESS stuff, with less packaging, more play value, and it lasts forever.
(And Nova rocks. Really.)
Comment #25 by Tracy MNovember 4th, 2007 at 5:48 pmArgh! I have worried over this issue with Parker. He is on so many meds and his body just isn’t able to tackle stuff the same way that a body with only 46 chromosomes can.
I did get rid of my first set of bottles and bought the Born Free variety. I also purchase his stuff as organic as possible.
And I went through all of my kids stuff….got rid of a ton of Polly Pockets……and some of Parker’s stuff as well.
But sometimes Parker just needs lights and sounds to get his attention and get those brain cells pumping.
He is starting to get going with imaginative play with his Little People sets……which are made in China.
But for me it is again a financial issue right now. Like cleaning green, buying wooden is jaw droppingly expensive. While totally worth it, not always possible.
Which of course makes me feel like the worst mom ever.
Think my kids would be willing to just skip Christmas this year?
Comment #26 by Tammy and ParkerNovember 4th, 2007 at 6:00 pmOh Tammy- I hope I didn’t make you feel bad! What kind of toys you buy your children in no way is indicative of the kind of mother you are! Heavens, the very idea!
If Parker needs lights and sounds, he should have them.
We’re all just doing what we can. This happens to be a pet project of mine- and I, who know a TON about these issues, have many plastic toys. I just try, when I have the time and funds, to chose otherwise.
Comment #27 by Tracy MNovember 4th, 2007 at 6:08 pmTracy, thanks for your reply. I actually rarely buy mass market toys anymore, but my dh does, and it’s hard to convince him, grandma, relatives, etc. that it really is better in the long run to buy things that are higher quality. I have a list of things that I want for our home in the way of playthings, and gradually, year after year, I’m getting those many of those things. But last year I wanted soooo badly to get my ds a nice set of real maple unit blocks, and no matter how I sliced it, I just couldn’t figure out how I could justify the cost to my dh, when one decent-sized set would be substantially more than our Christmas budget for ds’s gifts.
I do spend a lot of money on books and CDs at birthdays and Christmas. Both of those things are important to me, and I want my kids to have good collections of literature and music as well as toys. So, I have to factor those things into our holiday budget.
I appreciate your insights, and will definitely put them to use in arguing the cause.
I will check out the Community Playthings catalog! I bought my doll kit from Magic Cabin as I was specifically looking for a toddler doll and theirs was reasonably priced. I’m curious for your opinion on Magic Cabin in general.
Comment #28 by Lisa G.November 4th, 2007 at 7:18 pmwaitingtimetoys.com is also a good one. My son plays with Lego’s that were my husbands!
Comment #29 by SheriNovember 4th, 2007 at 8:00 pmLisa- I buy things from Magic Cabin. They are an off-shoot of Hearthsong, and Magic Cabin have actually gone against the trend. For example, when they started, they were marketing a lot of their own brand, which were knock-off’s made in China of the quality toys from the EU. Knock of waldorf dolls, knock off wooden rattles and such- then, they turned it around and started purchasing direct from the actual creators of these good toys, and their business took off.
I’m still careful to check the maker of their products, but if they list it, I will definately support them. I am more careful with Hearthsong.
As far as unit blocks, Community Plaything is the gold standard, but there are less expensive, albeit not maple, unit sets available. We have a set made from Rubberwood that was only about $100, and they are great.
LEGO rock- they never get old, they never go out of style- the mark of a really good toy!
Comment #30 by Tracy MNovember 4th, 2007 at 8:05 pmTracy, thanks for the good tips about toys. I’m definitely going to check out those web sites and get a jump on Christmas shopping. I’ve been kin dof out of the loop on toys lately, so I’ll be interested in knowing what’s out there.
Comment #31 by meemsNovember 4th, 2007 at 8:12 pmHere’s a couple more links that we’ve been talking about:
Community Playthings- Industrial gold standard for wooden furniture and UNIT blocks. If you’re looking for the best, this is really it.
TC Timber Trains- Train sets made in America and Germany- maple tracks and cars, compatible with Brio and Thomas, but much highter quality.
Natural Baby Catalog- a good all around source of natural products, often have good sales.
Magic Cabin- one of the larger US retailers of natural toys. Prices vary.
Weir Dolls- Susan Weir makes great Waldorf doll-making kits; high quality supplies and easy to follow instructions give you a nice doll at a fraction of the cost of a ready made one. And, you can order the kits to match your children’s skin, hair and eye color. I’ve made several, and they are beautiful.
Comment #32 by Tracy MNovember 5th, 2007 at 5:22 amOne other place to find good quality toys and dolls (some made locally) will be Waldorf schools, which often have school stores. Many of these schools also have holiday fairs coming up and frequently offer dollmaking workshops, if you want to make one yourself.
Here is a link to a directory of schools http://www.waldorfworld.net/Waldorf/Schools/
Comment #33 by krisNovember 5th, 2007 at 5:46 amOh Kris, fabulous link- the Waldorf holiday faires are a great source of amazing stuff. Thanks for the link.
Comment #34 by Tracy MNovember 5th, 2007 at 5:51 amAlso, I should say Waldorf fairs generally provide great activities for kids (crafts, etc).
And I second Tracy’s recommendation for Weir dolls. I am not a seamstress by any standard, but her silkscreened doll pattern makes dollmaking very easy.
Comment #35 by krisNovember 5th, 2007 at 5:57 amLisa B- if you’re still in the market for an heirloom quality nativity set, The Playstore has a sale on Ostheimer every April, I beleive. They will special order what you want, and at 20% off, it really helps.
I’ve had my eye on both the Ostheimer Nativity and the Ark- just saving up to do it.
Comment #36 by Tracy MNovember 5th, 2007 at 6:03 amOK ladies, when I was growing up in the “olden days” even the paint on our walls had lead , oh and our cribs. There is a good chance yours did too. Fortunately, that has changed for the better, but point is that a few generations of people managed to grow up normally with lead paint in abundance. That doesn’t mean it is ok, and I am certainly glad that standards are higher, but it does mean that lead in some toys will not bring disaster to the masses. Almost everything we use here in the good ol USA is made in China and if toys are a concern, what do you think might be happening with everything else we own that wouldn’t require strict standards. I bet we are exposed in many ways every day. I don’t mean to belittle any of your concerns, just my take on things. We could always go back to whittled wooden toys and cornhusk dolls….but then, I bet some kids would be deathly allergic to those too….lol. Most kids have more toys than they know what to do with anyway….mine included
Comment #37 by LindaNovember 5th, 2007 at 6:16 amLinda, I get your point- and sure, ladies even used to paint their faces with lead based make-up, oh so long ago. And the average life expectancy was 34 years. Just sayin’…
I know there are tons of environmental sources for lead and a dozen other environmental nightmares. I don’t lose sleep over it-
However, if there is somethings simple I can do to make my home safer, I do it. For me, part of supporting wooden toys has nothing to do with lead, but rather with consuming LESS as a whole- buy a few nice, quality things, and make them last. It’s better for all of us.
The arguement about the good ol days just doesn’t hold water for me- sure kids never used to ride in carseats, and most of us survived, cribs had lead paint, and most of us survived, DDT killed mosquitos, and many survived… but that doesn’t mean we should toss our kids loose in the car and follow the mosquito truck around in the summer.
Yup, most kids have WAY more than they need- that’s why if you purchase a few nice things, it’s better for everyone.
This is my personal soapbox. I’m betting you have one too!
Comment #38 by Tracy MNovember 5th, 2007 at 6:44 amLinda,
I totally “get it” that our kids don’t just contact toys made in China, but clothing and cups and electronics, and maybe we ought to wonder more about the chemicals in those things and not just toys.
but you’ve got a logical fallacy there about how we had lead paint or lead cribs and turned out fine”. Again, I’m the poster with a lead-toxic child who never had recalled toys. you know what his doctors all want to hear about? Prenatal environment. My exposures. My dental fillings, my vaccines, my addresses, my work environment history. We’re participating in current studies on this stuff, there isn’t concrete news yet for me to point you to. But the study doctors, and his regular Drs, would loudly disagree that “our kids will be fine because the parents had more exposure and they were fine”. they’d say that - maybe- the new childhood epidemics of autism and allergies and asthma are telling us that we adults who seem OK are actually not OK inside and it’s putting the next generation over the edge.
Comment #39 by cchrissyyNovember 5th, 2007 at 7:55 amI am sorry I wasn’t clear. I am not saying everything will be fine. My point was similar to yours that there are many more dangerous exposures other than toys. I guess my point also is no to throw out the baby with the bathwater. While toys are a concern, panic doesn’t need to creep in. I am all for making things safer for all of us and concerned moms will make it happen.
Comment #40 by LindaNovember 5th, 2007 at 8:22 amThank you so much for this information, Tracy. This is very helpful, especially with the holiday gift giving season approaching.
Comment #41 by ECSNovember 5th, 2007 at 2:50 pmoh, guru of toys (and the rest of y’all, too!), any ideas for little girls who want toy computers? all i can find are the plastic “learning” ones, which i don’t want. they had a cardboard one from a mail promo and they loved it to pieces. i’d love to find a wooden laptop, though i understand why that’s difficult.
ooh, what about wood irons and ironing boards?
Comment #42 by makakonaNovember 5th, 2007 at 6:15 pmmakakona- Community Playthings has an ironing board and iron, not inexpensive but it totally is amazing:
http://www.communityplaythings.com/c/DramaticPlay/PlaysizeEquipment/C93.htm
Also Magic Cabin has an ironing board set, but I have no firsthand knowledge of quality or of the maker.
Regarding play computer- hmmmm. That’s a tough one- the best I can think of off the top of my head is this:
http://www.selecta-spielzeug.de/index.php/selecta_en/produkte/puppenwelt/kaufladen
The cash register might made her happy with it’s buttons? My kids love the computer too, and I’ve given them our old laptop, sans batteries, and they love it. I’m not so sure about he safety of it, but the boys are old enough that things don’t go in their mouths any longer.
You know, if you’re creative at all, I bet you could make a cardboard one- get out your markers and have some fun!
Comment #43 by Tracy MNovember 6th, 2007 at 5:01 amMy girls made a ‘computer’ out of some shoeboxes that they played with for several years. Go for it!
Comment #44 by claireNovember 6th, 2007 at 6:38 amWow! So many things we parents need to worry about. I love the idea of buying wooden toys that can be passed down. I’m guilty of buying the cheap dollar store toys that last only a short while, break, are thrown out and are easily replaceable. I always appreciate your lighthouse posts, Tracy to let us know what to watch out for at home. I had one of those mercury bulbs break in my house the other day and was so glad to have read your previous posts about them and their dangers. I’m going wooden this Christmas!
Comment #45 by SarahNovember 7th, 2007 at 7:36 pmHi. Another option is to buy vintage toys. I have all my Little People by FP from when I was little and I have bought several more sets at garage sales. Guess what - they all say Made in the USA on them. My kids love to play with them. (and I do too to tell the truth;)
Comment #46 by JennyNovember 8th, 2007 at 3:35 pmJenny- Me too! I have the original village and farm set with the wooden people, and my kids LOVE them. Good idea!
Comment #47 by Tracy MNovember 8th, 2007 at 6:31 pm[…] This makes over 21 million Chinese toys recalled. This year. Here’s a link to sources for safer toys, from last week, in case you didn’t see it. […]
Pingback #48 by Mormon Mommy Wars » AquaDots RecallNovember 11th, 2007 at 3:42 pmTracy - What do you know about Schleich toys? Thanks! Christina
Comment #49 by ChristinaNovember 17th, 2007 at 5:21 pmSchleich toys are made from polyvinyl chloride, the same plastic I mentioned above used in My Little Pony. The company is based in Germany, and their figures are well detailed, but they are all made in China.
They are not a toy I would really recommend.
Comment #50 by Tracy MNovember 17th, 2007 at 5:55 pmI am looking for dolls (similar to American Girl dolls in looks and concept) for my daughter age 10. My daughter and I really like the French Corolle brand “Les Cheries” 13″ dolls. They are nice quality and additional clothes sets can be purchased for “dress up”. They are priced at about $27-$30. I called the company to inquire where they are made. Some are made in Spain (the multicultured dolls) but the rest are made in China. Same with the German Gotz brand. (Gotz is priced at about $65 per doll. Too much $ for me, but it is another nice quality doll) Gotz was actually the company that began making the American Girl Dolls. (Gotz are basically same as American Girl but priced about $30-$40 less and A.G. are made in China too!)
Comment #51 by Amy VNovember 21st, 2007 at 6:23 pmMy daughter prefers the Corolle Les Cheries style. Corolle Company said they adhere to the highest US standards, but how can we be sure the factories way off in Communist China are really adhering to the standards? They have certainly proven naught.
I’ve been researching dolls made in USA, but none have really been of interest to my daughter or they have been way above our price range. The only German dolls that are actually made in Germany are priced at $160+. I am not sure if I should purchase the Corolle dolls. Any insight? or other recommendations? I prefer dolls that can be played with, that are washable and hair that can be brushed/pulled. My daughter does not care for the porcelain doll look, but does prefer the soft style vinyl face. Thank you.
Amy-
That’s a tough one. The only dolls I know of for certain that are not made in China are the Kathe Kruse dolls, and they are made in Germany. But the cost can be prohibitive- they are indeed pricey.
No American company, no matter what they say, can guarantee the factory in China in adhereing the set standards. The Aqua Dots just taught us that- they were supposed to use one glue, and instead substituted their own less expensive, (highly toxic) glue to save some money.
It’s not worth the risk.
On the upside- the Kathe Kruse dolls, much like Steiff stuffed animals, while expensive, actually increase in value over the years- they are collectors items as well as toys, so that might help you justify the money.
I wish I could be more helpful, but unfortunately, there just isn’t anywhere I can point you for a less expensive vinyl doll.
Comment #52 by Tracy MNovember 22nd, 2007 at 5:34 pmThank you, Tracy. Yes, Kathe Kruse and Steiff have beautiful product lines. I will consider these for gifts!
Comment #53 by AmyNovember 26th, 2007 at 4:06 pmI’ve heard Keva Planks are natural, wood planks for children of all ages….are they safe?
Comment #54 by MelisaNovember 27th, 2007 at 1:22 pmKeva, a newer comer to the game, is the same as Kapla blocks, which have been around for well over a decade.
Both are fine, both are natural, both are made domestically, and both are tons of fun. Really, for something so simple, you’d be amazed at how much fun they are.
Comment #55 by Tracy MNovember 27th, 2007 at 4:59 pm[…] I loved the 11/2 Mormon mommy Wars thread on this topic. It got out lots of good information, and it shows the questions that conscientious parents everywhere are asking now. Is this brand safe? Are contaminated toys actually dangerous? If we parents turned out fine, aren’t our kids fine too? Are the European toys durable enough to be worth it? […]
Pingback #56 by Tender Cargo Blog » Personal Reflections on the Toy Recall StormNovember 27th, 2007 at 7:04 pmany ideas for a safe Wooden castle for boys age 5 & 7 that doesn’t cost a ton?
Comment #57 by MelisaNovember 28th, 2007 at 4:54 amMelissa- the only castle I know of that’s remotely affordable (and it’s all in what that means to you!) is this one:
http://www.playstoretoys.com/wooden-castle-camelot-p-274.html
I can totally vouch for the construction and the people who make it- as well as the store that sells it (I used to buy for them, oh so long ago)
It’s by a company called Elves and Angles, made in upstate Maine. It is a family run business, literally, as they have 10 children, and the grown kids stayed on the farm with their spouses and now make the toys. They are all solid wood, no particle board or anything cut-rate. Their toys are so good, you can, as an adult, stand on them and they won’t so much as wobble.
We have one of their play kitchens, and it’s been through everything you can throw at a toy, and it’s still like new. I would buy their stuff ten times over, and they don’t pay me to say that!
Comment #58 by Tracy MNovember 28th, 2007 at 6:16 amI thought I would share this with all concerned,I to am a fanatic with country of origin,If its made in the PRC(china) I treat like a virus and dont even touch it,There are still though allot of kool made in the USA and Canada toys still around but you really have to search hard,I came accross Scale Models farm toys a while ago and was super impressed with there quality,All are made in Iowa,www.scalemodeltoys.com there is also Grandpas Farm toys as well formerlly slik toys that sell farely priced tractors trailors and implements in all sizes all made in the usa as well,www.grandpasfarmtoys.com,Marble king is another with tons of colorful and interesting marbles and games,very cool,Stuffington bear factory still makes all there stuffies in Arizona and they are proudly tagged made in the USA,bought three for Christmas for my kids and they love them.
Comment #59 by Con the builderJanuary 1st, 2008 at 7:57 pmDo you know if theres a way to know if theres latex in a toy without calling the toy company.I’m referring to a dance mat. I opened it up and got lightheaded from it to the point I had to sit down. I also recently found I may have a small allergy to some latex items.
Comment #60 by BonnieJanuary 3rd, 2008 at 4:20 amBonnie- I really don’t know. I DO know that anything plastic can _outgas_ which is the release of the toxic plasticizers they use to make the plastics flexible, in gas form. This is especially strong when an item is new, or has been wrapped and the gasses have accumulated. That can certainly make you nauseated.
Comment #61 by Tracy MJanuary 3rd, 2008 at 6:34 amI was looking to buy a Plan Toys My first dollhouse for my 3 year old daughter. Do you know if Plan Toys and Pintoys are safe wooden toys to buy?
Comment #62 by Holly LJuly 4th, 2008 at 4:46 amHolly- yes, I have worked with Plan, and they are a reputable company. While I have not worked directly with Pintoys, I do know of them, and they have similar business practices to Plan. Both are fine.
Comment #63 by Tracy MJuly 9th, 2008 at 7:10 pmCorelle used to make their dolls in France until 2004. My daughter does own 2 Corelle dolls. They are made in China. There is a site called Kangaroo Boo that sells Europian toys and they sell the Petticollin dolls. There are some real cute boy and girl dolls that are about 33 dollars and there are some more expensive ones. There is a big selection of nice dolls. They also have Haba wooden toys and Plan Toys woodens toys. I’m starting to search for wooden toys for my daughter now and also dolls that are made in France, Germany, or Spain. Also the live and learn site sells toys not made in China and there are Corelle and Petticollin dolls on it that are not made in China. There is a part of the site that has not made in China toys. If you have a baby or toddler, the Kathe Kruse Nicki dolls are adorable and come in different colors. They are made in Germany.
Comment #64 by HollyJuly 27th, 2008 at 1:23 pmKeep working ,great job!
Comment #65 by SeshayaFebruary 14th, 2009 at 6:53 amHi
I’m currently making my daughter a Waldorf doll and baby and I wondered if you could offer me some advice. I plan on making it a nursing doll a and would like to use magnets so that the baby can attach to the mama, and wondered what sort of magnets would be safest to use. Any advice would be great!
Many thanks
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