Happy Thanksgiving! Looks like it might be a pretty day! On this important day of thanks, I am going to go against the grain and talk about something I am NOT thankful for. But first, to make us all feel good, I will say a few things I am thankful for. First, of course, I am thankful for my healthy child and family. I am thankful for Play-Doh, my DVR and Velcro shoes. And yes, I am thankful for many other wonderful things.
What I am NOT thankful for is all of the toy recalls. As we enter the holiday shopping season I am sure this will be hot on all mom’s minds: “was this toy recalled and did not get taken off the shelves?” Or “will this toy be recalled in the future?” I found a good page on Babycenter.com that has the latest recalls. Back when the mass recall for Fisher Price happened I was looking for a page where they would show photos of all the products. I mean, when they list “Elmo & Pals – Cookie and Ernie”, what the heck does that look like? Claire has all kinds of Elmo items, how do you know which one is recalled? I found this handy visual list on their website and found that Claire did in fact have one of these items.
The top 10 worst toys of 2007 was released last week. Complete with pictures, make sure you do not have any of these!
On a brighter note, last week, Toys R us sent out a release on their new policies. I was very glad to see them make a statement on the issue. They now have a policy that if a toy is recalled, you can bring it back to Toys R us even if it was not purchased there. The also have a Toys R Us resource guide list of recalled products, you can click to see visuals.
Now, what about all the toys in your house that you now think are suspicious? Do you throw them all away? Well, one option is to buy a lead testing kit such as the Homax Household Lead Test Kit
I hope this helps you as you head into the holiday buying season. In the next weeks we will also talk about some brands of toys we like that are not made in China, so stay tuned.
Happy Thanksgiving. Jen and I are VERY thankful to each of you for being loyal readers and subscribers to our site. Enjoy your turkey and good luck if you go shopping tomorrow!
5 comments
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! After reading this blog entry, I have learned that two items that I own have been recalled. One is my Britax carseat and the other is an Elmo/Cookie monster giggle writer. Your blog made it SO easy for me to find the recalls! I never would have known without reading your site. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I look forward to your review of the lead testing kit. I’d love recommendations re: determining what to test…with so many toys in the house it’s a daunting task! Also, do you need test every area of the toy if the toy has different paint colors in different areas — and is that a different testing stick each time? I have a teething baby in the house and I’m nervous every time he picks up one of his older brothers toys! Thanks for your help….I love your website!!
I know that FAO Swartz, Land of Nod and One Step Ahead do their own testing, so all of their toys are safe if you are skeptical about buying China made toys.
What I’d like to mention is that I asked the pediatrician to test my 3-year-old for lead last time we were in (it’s a blood test, but I’m pretty sure it was just a finger stick — obviously not that traumatic if I can’t remember). Her levels turned out fine, and it gave me some peace of mind.Now I can’t wait to check your link — it feels like a full-time job keeping track of the recalls!
Valentin’s day is express approaching links of london across the earth will start stress out about it. Most men, however, delay awaiting the last jiffy to goods their Valentine’s links of london sale. This is because they’re whichever dreamy, languid or don’t have any thoughts to make the day unusual. links of london charms , Valentine’s day is a very painless incident to celebrate. Here are some tips to duck being the average Joe this year! The two most communal gifts on links of london sweetie bracelet day plants and chocolates. These are very common because ladies like chocolate and flora are an image of links of london charm bracelet . It is definitely recommended to give one or, both of these gifts to your female, however, why impede there? baby and flowers certainly the way you feel about your links of London rings. If yes, then maybe this is where you should rest. One of best other idea Links Of London .For example, they, however, give off unimaginable faculty.