http://childparenting.about.com/od/toys/a/toyrecalls_2.htm">How to Find American-Made Toys, European-Made Toys, and Certified Safe Toys
Because 80% of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China, finding American-made toys is definitely
a challenge. Many made-in-America toys are in the nostalgic category, often great for younger
kids; but for older kids, jacks and jumpropes would be about as popular as oranges and nuts
in the Christmas stocking.
The thing to keep in mind is that the vast majority of kids' toys are safe; and more stringent
safety testing is sure to follow the revelations of unsafe toys. We can avoid cheap toys that
are potential hazards and focus on high-quality toys that we can trust for fun and safety for
our kids.
We can also consider European-made toys because of strict safety testing standards. However,
European toy manufacturers are outsourcing also; so, the same precautions apply. Just as in
the U.S., a board game or toy set may be primarily made in Europe but include some parts
produced in China.
With that said,
the following are some ideas for American-made and European toys,
as well as toy manufacturers with strict safety standards for their toys.
American-Made ToysRoy Toy
Log cabin and other wood structure construction toys, made in Maine.
Stack and Stick
Wood construction sets with unique details, made in U.S.
Vermont Teddy Bear
You can even take an online or in-person tour of this famous teddy bear factory.
K'NEX
K'NEX construction set pieces are primarily manufactured at their Pennsylvania factory.
Read their safety statement on other toy components.
Step Two
Most of Step Two's large play products are U.S. made.
Read their safety standards for components produced in China.
Camden Rose
We especially love the beautiful wood toy kitchen. Handmade in USA
Elves and Angels
Handcrafted pretend-play kitchens and accessories, made in Maine.
Green Toys
Bioplastic toys made in the U.S. include gardening, cookware, and tea sets.
Lauri Toys
Lauri's foam puzzles tend to be for younger children.
95% of its products are wholly made in the U.S.
Play Clay Factory
Non-toxic scented play clay made in the U.S.
ZomeTools
A very creative construction toy, made in the U.S.
Taurus Toy Block-n-Roll System
A U.S. made block and marble construction set that
is compatible with Lego/Duplo and MegaBlocs.
Dado Cubes
Unique new construction toy for younger children, made in U.S. by Fat Brain Toys.
European-Made ToysCorolle Dolls
Corolle products meet or exceed all mandatory and voluntary U.S. safety standards.
Ravensburger
Child development experts have long recommended the high-quality Ravensburger products,
which include sturdy puzzles, games, and craft kits.
HABA
The German toy manufacturer has kept its creative quality spirit through the years.
For example, check out the beautiful porcelain toy tableware set, mail and doctor play sets.
Playmobil
Playmobil extensively tests the raw materials, such as the paint, used to produce their toys.
See the company's safety-testing statement.
Spielstabil
PVC-free plastic toys that are CE rated, microwave and food safe.
See the products on the web site, then find at retail stores.
Toy RetailersTurner Toys
An online toy retailer where safety standards and testing are discussed in detail. Turner Toys
lists the country of origin of their toys, does not carry toys with PVC, and lead tests all the
products they offer.
Oompa Toys
This online toy store carries primarily European toys, and they are expanding their toy detail
pages to include information on toy safety certification for each product.
Moolka Toy Shop
An online retailer for European-made toys.
Maukilo Toy Store
Another good online source for high-quality European toys.
Safety-Certified ToysPlan Toys
Role-play toys such as kitchens and dollhouses are featured by this Thailand-based toy manufacturer.
Plan Toys has a strong safety commitment as evidence by their CE rating and ASTM safety compliance.
I'll add more American and European-made toys and safety-certified toys. Share your finds in Comments.
First page > http://childparenting.about.com/od/toys/a/toyrecalls.htm">Toy Recalls and Toy Safety
Sponsored LinksTop Toys for 2007
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Toy Recall List
Get information on toys recalled for lead and safety concerns. www.FamilyEducation.com
Educational Toys
Find the right toy for your child. More choices, more toys, more fun! www.EducationalToysPlanet.com
American Made Toys
250 American Made Toys to Buy for Christmas. Learn More Now! www.thedailygreen.com
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