Help with Buying Lead Free Toys This Christmas

AC Contributer, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Nov 15, 2007 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Are you worried about buying toys this year? With all of the recent recalls of lead-tainted toys, you may be wondering which toys are safe to buy children for Christmas. Here is your guide to ensure that you and your loved ones have a safe, lead-free holiday season.

First, look for toys that are either made in the U.S.A. or Europe. Parents can scoop up toys from Playmobil. Playmobil toy production is based in Europe. Playmobil takes seriously the quality and safety of their toys and uses 100% high quality materials to make their toys. Playmobil offers a wide variety of toys including castles, airports, and figurines which are aimed at the 4-9 year old category.

Lego has seen a recent resurgence in popularity. There are theme sets for pre-teens (8-12 yrs.) such as Star Wars and Mission to Mars. Lego is primarily European. Denmark is the home of Lego. Each Lego piece is made in solid colors, not painted plastic.

If you are shopping for a puzzle and aren't sure what to buy, then consider purchasing a Ravensburger Puzzle. Ravensburger puzzles are some of the highest quality puzzles. Ravenburger puzzles are made in Germany.

Are you looking for a truck for a child's gift? If you are, then consider the toy trucks from Bruder. Bruder toys are made in Germany.

Plan Toys is another toy company that wants to keep your children safe from lead paint. Instead of paint, all of their toys are coated with a food grade dye. If your child happens to put one of these toys in their mouth, then worry not. Because they use food dye rather than paint, Plan Toys are very safe.

For infants, Haba is another great European brand that manufactures toys that are free of lead paint. For toddlers, the Euro-made Kettler tricycles are another safe choice for your children.

Perhaps you prefer to buy toys that are made in the U.S.A. The classic Slinky toy is still made in the United States. Other companies that manufacture their toys in the United States are: Crayola, Lincoln Logs, Little Tikes, Step 2, and Vermont Teddy Bear. For an in depth list visit www.usmadetoys.com and www.stillmadeinusa.com to find list of manufacturers that produce toys in the United States.

Beware! There are some American-sounding toys brands that are produced in China. Build-A-Bear, Lionel Trains, and American Girl Dolls are all made in China. You can always check the box of a toy to locate the country where it was made if you are unsure.

Look out for the best interest of the children this holiday season. While not all toys from China contain lead paint, many parents are nervous about possibly purchasing a toy coated with lead paint. Use this guide to help your family have a safe holiday season.

Note from the author

The following websites can help you:

www.usmadetoys.com

www.stillmadeinusa.com

http://www.haba.de/index.php?en Kettler toys can be bought at www.amazon.com, http://www.growingtreetoys.com/brand/kettler.html or through many other sites.

Published by AC Contributer

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