Toys Toys Toys
With Christmas quickly approaching and our move forcing me to be uber organized, I wanted to share some thoughts. Open ended play has become very important to me and we have moved further and further away from “character” licensed products.
In fact all the recalls, we sat and watched. I searched for toys that Becca (and Ethan in theory) may have that were affected. None. Believe me Becca has her fair share of toys, so why? Then one of the last recalls we had two items. Cats that we purchased to help Becca through the transition when the movers did not arrive with our stuff. Purchases made on a whim at Walmart *shudders*. Unfortunately Becca was very fond of the cats, so we sent them back for replacements.
Mattel was amazing. Not only was the turn around much less than they had estimated but they sent not only 2 cats (different but Becca was pleased) but a variety of cats, dogs and accessories. I realize it was HORRIFIC that lead was included in the paint used for children’s toys and the customer service now does not erase that, however my child is happy to have her cats back.
Will I be purchasing plastic toys from Mattel in the future? I cannot say for sure. Since we are not really into character toys the chances are slim. I found the Schleich has cats and other animals that are plastic, without the lead.
There are so many amazing shops online for open ended toys, funky parenting gear and the like. While searching for Christmas presents for the kids I came across Baby Oliver. The customer service is great, and I have a long wish list of items I would love to have. One thing on our wish list is the Haba Doctor kit, since Holly informed me the Fisher Price Doctor kit has been listed in Consumer Reports to have lead. The Eeboo Growth Charts are so cute! Baby Oliver also carries the funkiest diaper bags, cool art and much more. So many alternatives for parents that are concerned this holiday season.Are you worried?
Have you changed how you are shopping for your kids?
I love those animal figurines. I got the boys a couple and they adore them too.
Well I certainly will be looking more at labels this holiday shopping time. My Aunt wants to buys us a lead tester, it is scary thats for sure.
Haba is one of my favorites. Glorious Toys!
This was a great post. Real and informative.
Thanks for the links.
Like you, we had few toys that were recalled - just two I think and I admit the easy bake oven is still sitting there waiting to be mailed back to them!
I try to stay away from licensed things in general because that’s just me. But this year I’m doing great buying handmade and I admit we are buying video games like it’s going out of style. Or at least that’s what it feels like.
My kids are grown, but it would change how I shop for other little ones in my life.
Hang in there with the move. You’ll be in your new home before you know it.
I’ve always *tried* to shop like that so far but am definitely more conscious now!
We haven’t had any recalls, I’m more worried anout the things we don’t know, like the Dr. kit that Consumer reports found. What about the costumes I buy after Halloween? His painted blocks? His matchbox cars? About the only toys I’m confident in are his legos, the things I make, videos games, and books. But, I don’t overly worry either. He’s (mostly) past the stage of putting things in his mouth. I am considering a lead tester.
We were already trying to make responsible choices, and now everything is just that much more stressful - sigh.
I’ve realized thankfully that because my children are a bit too old for character toys, we have not been affected by the recalls. I cannot however say the same for the Aqua Dots recall. That one put a little damper on Christmas for the girlie.
Ugh!!
This is the first year my daughter hasn’t asked for any toys. She’s 10 and is asking for an ipod or wii. We don’t own any video games and I really don’t want to get into all that. What happened to the days of sketch pads and markers.. or heaven forbid…. BOOKS. I want her to use her imagination, not her assault rifle.
This year will be extra hard, not only am I shopping for Santa times four kids but three sets of grandparents have turned over checks so I do their shopping too. Whew!
I also won’t buy character products for my kids so it has more solidified my stance.
But the Doctor kit? Oh now that is sad.
Good luck with the move.