OT: Buying Kids Toys for the Holiday Season - More Toy Recalls

[Guest guest]

Hey folks,

 

Another toy recall:

http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/07/news/international/toys_drug.ap/index.htm

 

In light of ALL these recalls, I was wondering what other folks here are

planning on doing this holiday season when it comes to toy buying for

the kids in your life.

 

We have a local indie toy store that sells a lot of educational toys,

wooden toys and toys that are NOT made in China. I've been buying

presents for any birthday parties my kiddos have gone to there, and I'll

be encouraging the boys to pick holiday toys from there this year as well!

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

 

A Little Ol'Factory

Aromatics from around the globe

http://www.alittleolfactory.com

 

CZ Luxe

Luxuriate in our natural formulations

http://www.czluxe.com/

[Guest guest]

Christine,

 

We don't have a local store like that but I like http://www.lehmans.com

for wood and American made/Amish made toys. That's where I am

purchasing toys for the 2 year old grandson this year....

 

Sandi

BlackKat Herbs

http://www.blackkatherbs.com

[Guest guest]

Chris,

 

I'm going to forego the presents and give them bulk clothes pins and

rubber bands and see what they come up with.. He he he he he... I wish I

could and not be considered abusive by friends and family...

 

cause hey... rubber bands and clothes pins are neato fun... and can be

dangerous too.

 

Jennifer

 

Christine Ziegler wrote:

>

> Hey folks,

>

> Another toy recall:

> http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/07/news/international/toys_drug.ap/index.htm

> <http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/07/news/international/toys_drug.ap/index.htm>

>

> In light of ALL these recalls, I was wondering what other folks here are

> planning on doing this holiday season when it comes to toy buying for

> the kids in your life.

>

> We have a local indie toy store that sells a lot of educational toys,

> wooden toys and toys that are NOT made in China. I've been buying

> presents for any birthday parties my kiddos have gone to there, and I'll

> be encouraging the boys to pick holiday toys from there this year as well!

>

> *Smile*

> Chris (list mom)

>

> A Little Ol'Factory

> Aromatics from around the globe

> http://www.alittleolfactory.com <http://www.alittleolfactory.com>

>

> CZ Luxe

> Luxuriate in our natural formulations

> http://www.czluxe.com/ <http://www.czluxe.com/>

>

>

> ------

>

>

>

> Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.24/1115 - Release 11/7/2007

9:21 AM

>

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

" This is something that they could not have foreseen. This is an

extremely hot toy. ... It's a little scary, " Byrne said. This is a

quote from the story...

 

This is an out and out lie. They could have foreseen it if they did

their homework in chemistry and in reality with children...It's small

and it looks like it might be fun to put in your mouth.

 

Toy makers do not look at life like children do. If they are old enough

to put a spoon or something near their mouth....into the mouth it goes

(no matter what it is). Yep common sense says... Test your toys for

hazards when attempting to market to children. No one thinks hey a kid

isn't going to put a firecracker in their mouth, but you know what

....I've known 3 or 4 who have (thank heaven they are still alive and

have all their teeth).

 

If you don't have kids you do not need to be working in the toy business.

 

jennifer

 

Christine Ziegler wrote:

>

> Hey folks,

>

> Another toy recall:

> http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/07/news/international/toys_drug.ap/index.htm

> <http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/07/news/international/toys_drug.ap/index.htm>

>

> In light of ALL these recalls, I was wondering what other folks here are

> planning on doing this holiday season when it comes to toy buying for

> the kids in your life.

>

> We have a local indie toy store that sells a lot of educational toys,

> wooden toys and toys that are NOT made in China. I've been buying

> presents for any birthday parties my kiddos have gone to there, and I'll

> be encouraging the boys to pick holiday toys from there this year as well!

>

> *Smile*

> Chris (list mom)

>

> A Little Ol'Factory

> Aromatics from around the globe

> http://www.alittleolfactory.com <http://www.alittleolfactory.com>

>

> CZ Luxe

> Luxuriate in our natural formulations

> http://www.czluxe.com/ <http://www.czluxe.com/>

>

>

> ------

>

>

>

> Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.24/1115 - Release 11/7/2007

9:21 AM

>

[Guest guest]

I'm going to buy my niece (12 years old) a book on how to do shadow

puppets, and some art supplies, as she is a budding artist :-)

Shelley

 

>

> Christine Ziegler wrote:

>

>> In light of ALL these recalls, I was wondering what other folks here are

>> planning on doing this holiday season when it comes to toy buying for

>> the kids in your life.

>>

>>

>

[Guest guest]

They will not have made in China on them.

Zo

-

" Shelley " <bbubbles

 

Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:48 AM

Re: OT: Buying Kids Toys for the Holiday Season -

More Toy Recalls

 

 

> I'm going to buy my niece (12 years old) a book on how to do shadow

> puppets, and some art supplies, as she is a budding artist :-)

> Shelley

>

>>

>> Christine Ziegler wrote:

>>

>>> In light of ALL these recalls, I was wondering what other folks here are

>>> planning on doing this holiday season when it comes to toy buying for

>>> the kids in your life.

>>>

>>>

>>

>

>

> The information contained in these e-mails is not a substitute

> for diagnosis and treatment by a qualified, licensed professional.

>

>

> Step By Step Instructions For Making Herbal Labna Cheese! So easy, SO

> yummy!

> http://www.aromaticsage.com/cz.htm

>

>

> To adjust your group settings (i.e. go no mail) see the following link:

> /join

>

[Guest guest]

I'm from the generation who basically had to make our own fun from what we

had at hand . . . Christmas usually meant that you got your new pair of ice

skates (and your old pair got polished up for your younger sister). Other

gifts were art supplies, junior chemistry sets, erector sets, Lincoln logs,

books, books and books. I think that the disturbing trend of unsafe toys

might be an opportunity for parents to return to gifts that challenge a

child's imagination, creativity and dexterity more; so many of them nowadays

are nothing but push a button and ____________(fill in the blank) happens

without any effort from the child. Aqua Dots can easily be replaced with

some nice crayons or colored pencils and a blank tablet. How about aromatic

seeds and a first primer on cultivating plants for an indoor garden

experiment? This could then segue into fun projects teaching them how to

use the herbs they've grown, develop crafts and culinary skills. It is very

difficult now to woo children back to these more simple ideas, but they

really do contribute more to 'real world' developmental skills. Our schools

are rife with kids who can't settle down in class because they are used to

the fast-paced excitement and action of video games - they haven't learned

deferred gratification and patience. The advent of scary toys could be a

blessing in disguise that moves us to more considered decisions about

'entertainment' and toys. I'm not discounting all of the wonderful creative

learning computer programs; I think this kind of entertainment needs to be

balanced with a healthy play environment without any gadgets at all.

 

Just my grandmotherly thoughts.

 

 

Be well,

Marcia Elston/Samara Botane/Nature Intelligence

http://www.wingedseed.com

http://www.aromaconnection.org

" Historically, the most terrible things - war, genocide and slavery - have

resulted from obedience, not disobedience. "

Howard Zinn

 

 

>

>

> On Behalf Of Shelley

> Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:49 AM

>

> Re: OT: Buying Kids Toys for the

> Holiday Season - More Toy Recalls

>

> I'm going to buy my niece (12 years old) a book on how to do

> shadow puppets, and some art supplies, as she is a budding

> artist :-) Shelley

>

> >

> > Christine Ziegler wrote:

> >

> >> In light of ALL these recalls, I was wondering what other

> folks here

> >> are planning on doing this holiday season when it comes to

> toy buying

> >> for the kids in your life.

> >>

> >>

> >

>

[Guest guest]

> I'm from the generation who basically had to make our own fun

> from what we had at hand . . . Christmas usually meant that

> you got your new pair of ice skates (and your old pair got

> polished up for your younger sister).

 

[Dave]: Well said, Marcia! I came of age during the 50s and 60s, which to

the best of my recall is when toys started involving less and less

imagination.

 

 

 

Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.25/1118 - Release 11/8/2007

9:29 AM

[Guest guest]

Jennifer, actually, cardboard boxes are great too. My kids used to

almost spend more time playing with the boxes the toys came in than

the toys themselves. Especially if they are nice big ones!

 

Oh and what a fun store Lehman's is. I was able to visit their one

year (in Ohio) and had the best time. We bought the boys some small

metal tractor models there. The drive home was a little scarey

though - foggy and rainy and we were behind a buggy with no lights!

 

Cindy Jones

Sagescript Institute

http://www.sagescript.com

 

 

> I'm going to forego the presents and give them bulk clothes pins

and

> rubber bands and see what they come up with.. He he he he he... I

wish I

> could and not be considered abusive by friends and family...

> cause hey... rubber bands and clothes pins are neato fun... and

can be

> dangerous too.

> Jennifer

[Guest guest]

Have I mentioned here before that I DO buy items marked ‘made in China’ at

************ and *********** (big box and membership stores) ON PURPOSE???

THEN, I return them on my next trip and in a ‘just loud enough voice’ state

that I’m returning them BECAUSE they are ‘made in China.’ I also make them

write that on the return form.

 

Bonnie

 

 

 

Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.25/1118 - Release 11/8/2007

9:29 AM

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

My husband and I have been debating wether the kids need more toys to begin

with. I'm planning more on buying books, cd's (my kids love Laurie Berkner),

and camping/fishing equipment they are only 3 and 5 but I hate this overload of

toys they barely play with half of what they have and just like cats they don't

want the expensive toy designed just for them; instead they want the little

piece of trash that cost nothing (new a cat that would spend hours playing with

a milk jug ring).

 

Kathryn

 

 

Kathryn Chapman

Painted Goat Farm

 

BEWARE OF THE SHEEP!

 

" Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it's time to reform. "

Mark Twain

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

That's funny... We need more people like you in the world...

 

Jennifer

 

Bonnie Kuhlman wrote:

> Have I mentioned here before that I DO buy items marked ‘made in China’ at

> ************ and *********** (big box and membership stores) ON PURPOSE???

> THEN, I return them on my next trip and in a ‘just loud enough voice’ state

> that I’m returning them BECAUSE they are ‘made in China.’ I also make them

> write that on the return form.

>

> Bonnie

>

>

>

> Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.25/1118 - Release 11/8/2007

> 9:29 AM

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Just out of curiosity... if you're doing this on a regular basis, don't

they ever ask you why you don't check where the things are made BEFORE you

purchase them in the first place?

 

Karen

(who is, in fact, made in China herself!)

 

 

 

On Fri, November 9, 2007 6:28 am, Bonnie Kuhlman wrote:

> Have I mentioned here before that I DO buy items marked ‘made in China’ at

> ************ and *********** (big box and membership stores) ON PURPOSE???

> THEN, I return them on my next trip and in a ‘just loud enough voice’

> state

> that I’m returning them BECAUSE they are ‘made in China.’ I also make

> them

> write that on the return form.

>

> Bonnie

>

>

>

> Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.25/1118 - Release Date:

> 11/8/2007

> 9:29 AM

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

This tickles me to death, Bonnie - GOOD FOR YOU!!! We've become a nation of

sheep, fearful of embarrassment, intimidation and being perceived as

'different' from the subservient masses. Nothing will happen unless we

complain and make it known that we aren't happy with toys made in China.

(Along with a long litany of other things I don't' feel comfortable with.)

Boycotting and peaceful demonstration are good tools, if it has to come to

that and we aren't otherwise being heard.

 

Marcia Elston/Samara Botane/Nature Intelligence

http://www.wingedseed.com

http://www.aromaconnection.org

" Historically, the most terrible things - war, genocide and slavery - have

resulted from obedience, not disobedience. "

Howard Zinn

 

 

>

>

> On Behalf Of Bonnie Kuhlman

> Friday, November 09, 2007 6:28 AM

>

> Re:OT: Buying Kids Toys for the

> Holiday Season - More Toy Recalls

>

> Have I mentioned here before that I DO buy items marked 'made

> in China' at

> ************ and *********** (big box and membership stores)

> ON PURPOSE???

> THEN, I return them on my next trip and in a 'just loud

> enough voice' state that I'm returning them BECAUSE they are

> 'made in China.' I also make them write that on the return form.

>

> Bonnie

>

>

>

> Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.25/1118 - Release

> 11/8/2007

> 9:29 AM

[Guest guest]

Has anyone mentioned FlyLady yet in this

context? Great tips on how to stop the

toy collections from drowning your home in

total clutter. Special tips for The Season.

All free.

 

http://flylady.net

 

Ien in the Kootenays

http://freegreenliving.com (blog)

 

 

[Guest guest]

, Christine Ziegler

<chrisziggy wrote:

> In light of ALL these recalls, I was wondering what other folks

here are

> planning on doing this holiday season when it comes to toy buying

for

> the kids in your life.

>

> We have a local indie toy store that sells a lot of educational

toys,

> wooden toys and toys that are NOT made in China. I've been buying

> presents for any birthday parties my kiddos have gone to there,

and I'll

> be encouraging the boys to pick holiday toys from there this year

as well!

----------------------

I started buying wooden toys and home made dolls a few years ago

when I started doing craft shows. Seems like there is always a

retired guy at every show that makes toy trucks and such. There are

a few women at the local senior center craft show that make doll

clothes for the American girl dolls. I noticed that this year they

are doing an incredible business. One guy told me he had to get a

couple guys to help him out he has so many orders. He makes

beautiful rocking horses, and they are sturdy enough to last a

lifetime. I think it is great that this is happening in a way. I

have given my nieces and nephews wooden " retired guy " toys for the

last couple of years and they love them. The cheap plastic junk gets

tossed in six months or so when it breaks or a new fad comes along.

But they all keep those nice wooden toys.

 

I hope people learn something from this. You get what you pay for.

I'd rather my toy dollar go to a quality toy made by someone here in

my neighborhood who is making it with love.

[Guest guest]

, " David Lambert " <dlmbrt

wrote:

>

> > I'm from the generation who basically had to make our own fun

> > from what we had at hand . . . Christmas usually meant that

> > you got your new pair of ice skates (and your old pair got

> > polished up for your younger sister).

>

-----------------------

It is also amazing how many toys are made to be thrown away. Drive

down the street on " garbage night " and it is amazing at the piles of

toys and stuff you see on tree lawns.

The toys I had as a kid lasted years. The fur got rubbed of those

teddy bears, but still they didn't get thrown out. And you got one

bike. It served you through your entire childhood. Dolls were

purchased, but after that you got things like a new doll dress each

year. And maybe a little suitcase to put your doll stuff in. It

wasn't a new doll, bike, whatever each year.

Hopefully our society will start returning to valuing what they

have, and only wanting things that have value.

[Guest guest]

http://www.mainetoys.com/index.html

http://www.sanderstoys.com/

http://www.babykissesdolls.com/store/Default.asp

http://www.karenskids.net/

-

" shupy3 " <jwittenbrook

 

Saturday, November 10, 2007 2:16 AM

Re: OT: Buying Kids Toys for the Holiday Season -

More Toy Recalls

 

 

> , " David Lambert " <dlmbrt

> wrote:

>>

>> > I'm from the generation who basically had to make our own fun

>> > from what we had at hand . . . Christmas usually meant that

>> > you got your new pair of ice skates (and your old pair got

>> > polished up for your younger sister).

>>

> -----------------------

> It is also amazing how many toys are made to be thrown away. Drive

> down the street on " garbage night " and it is amazing at the piles of

> toys and stuff you see on tree lawns.

> The toys I had as a kid lasted years. The fur got rubbed of those

> teddy bears, but still they didn't get thrown out. And you got one

> bike. It served you through your entire childhood. Dolls were

> purchased, but after that you got things like a new doll dress each

> year. And maybe a little suitcase to put your doll stuff in. It

> wasn't a new doll, bike, whatever each year.

> Hopefully our society will start returning to valuing what they

> have, and only wanting things that have value.

>

>

>

> The information contained in these e-mails is not a substitute

> for diagnosis and treatment by a qualified, licensed professional.

>

>

> Step By Step Instructions For Making Herbal Labna Cheese! So easy, SO

> yummy!

> http://www.aromaticsage.com/cz.htm

>

>

> To adjust your group settings (i.e. go no mail) see the following link:

> /join

>

[Guest guest]

Do please watch little ones if you use wooden toys..

My granddaughter gnawed them and got splinters..

My advice is what reflects most post written. don't buy that much, make

sure it's safe, ask a lot of questions loudly in the store about the

safety and origin and be selective.

I've bought books and videos for my grandchildren this year, knitted

them sweaters and scarves or socks, did special soaps for them and bath

salts.. Also sewed reusable bags for the gift wrap.

My grandchildren range in the age from 2-23 so the need is very different.

C-M

[Guest guest]

http://woodtoyshop.com/Gizmos.htm

http://www.dandmewoodtoys.com/toys/Scripts/default.asp

-

" shupy3 " <jwittenbrook

 

Saturday, November 10, 2007 2:08 AM

Re: OT: Buying Kids Toys for the Holiday Season -

More Toy Recalls

 

 

> , Christine Ziegler

> <chrisziggy wrote:

>> In light of ALL these recalls, I was wondering what other folks

> here are

>> planning on doing this holiday season when it comes to toy buying

> for

>> the kids in your life.

>>

>> We have a local indie toy store that sells a lot of educational

> toys,

>> wooden toys and toys that are NOT made in China. I've been buying

>> presents for any birthday parties my kiddos have gone to there,

> and I'll

>> be encouraging the boys to pick holiday toys from there this year

> as well!

> ----------------------

> I started buying wooden toys and home made dolls a few years ago

> when I started doing craft shows. Seems like there is always a

> retired guy at every show that makes toy trucks and such. There are

> a few women at the local senior center craft show that make doll

> clothes for the American girl dolls. I noticed that this year they

> are doing an incredible business. One guy told me he had to get a

> couple guys to help him out he has so many orders. He makes

> beautiful rocking horses, and they are sturdy enough to last a

> lifetime. I think it is great that this is happening in a way. I

> have given my nieces and nephews wooden " retired guy " toys for the

> last couple of years and they love them. The cheap plastic junk gets

> tossed in six months or so when it breaks or a new fad comes along.

> But they all keep those nice wooden toys.

>

> I hope people learn something from this. You get what you pay for.

> I'd rather my toy dollar go to a quality toy made by someone here in

> my neighborhood who is making it with love.

>

>

>

> The information contained in these e-mails is not a substitute

> for diagnosis and treatment by a qualified, licensed professional.

>

>

> Step By Step Instructions For Making Herbal Labna Cheese! So easy, SO

> yummy!

> http://www.aromaticsage.com/cz.htm

>

>

> To adjust your group settings (i.e. go no mail) see the following link:

> /join

>

[Guest guest]

, " Karen M Chan " <kmchan

wrote:

>

> Just out of curiosity... if you're doing this on a regular basis,

don't

> they ever ask you why you don't check where the things are made

BEFORE you

> purchase them in the first place?

>

> Karen

> (who is, in fact, made in China herself!)

>

>

-------------------

Most employees in stores are trained only to give service with a

smile. They really don't question. The only way anyone further up

the foodchain even hears about reasons for returns is if you give

them something written or the returns are significant enough that

they take it up with the vendor.

I used to work for a big box store in the corporate offices, and it

is all a numbers game. It isn't until something becomes widespread

or it costs the company money that they pay attention.

Stuff returned like that just gets resold to a liquidation company

and they dump it on a secondary discount market.

Joanne