How to Find Safe Toys for Your Children This Upcoming Holiday Season

With all the recent recalls of toys, it makes many parents worry about the issue of safe toys. What is a parent to do during the upcoming holiday season? How does one go about finding safe toys?

Most toy stores and department stores are full of choices. Parents really must do their homework where their kids toys are being produced and under what standards. It does matter.

First and foremost you will want to seek out quality toys. Cheap toys ,most of the time, equal cheap labor. Why our society is obsessed with quantity over quality I will never know. It would be so much better if children had a few quality toys than many cheap plastic toys. I think it is our consumer driven society on a whole. Toys have become disposable in our disposable society. We really need to change our way of thinking as now it is posing a risk to children's health. Not to mention setting them up for a lifetime of wanting more things.

Here is a list of ideas for safe and fun kid tested toys and gifts for the upcoming the holidays.

Books and Magazines

Books are always a hit with most children. Try to find books that you know your child has interests in. Such as animals, space, trains, etc. Even if your child doesn't read books are still always a good choice. There also tons of children's magazines on the market your child might enjoy. These are great as you child can stretch the gift out over the course of a year.

Blocks

Lego's are a safe and favorite toy of many children. They are Danish made and are safe. There are so many different sets and pieces you can buy to add to your kids collection. A Lego table would make a nice gift as well.

There are also lots of types of wooden blocks on the market. You will want to look for ones made in the USA or Europe for the best and safest quality. There are several companies that make and sell "tree" blocks which are pieces of tree branches cut into blocks. Kids seem to love these.

Another favorite are the timeless cardboard building blocks. There are so many possibilities with these and they are sure to be used for years to come.

Wooden Toys

Not all wooden toys should be assumed safe. Especially in light of the recent Thomas the Train Wooden Railway recalls. Again, you will want to look for products made in the USA or Europe. The wooden toy maker HABA also produces toys out of Thailand. There are many people that make wooden toys as a hobby though so be sure to check out your local craft fairs for locally made toys! This is best because then you can ask directly if the wood has been treated and what kind of paint they might use on the product. There are lots of websites that sell wooden toys. My favorites are www.atoygarden.com and www.threesisterstoys.com do a Google search though for wood toys and many will come up. A lot of specialty stores and baby boutiques sell wooden toys as well as consignment shops. If you are buying used be sure to check the toy over well and look to see if it's been recalled. Many larger toy stores and department stores are catching on to the wooden toy craze so you will find more wooden toys available. Be sure to check where they are made. If you have any concerns you can always write or call the company and ask directly.

Waldorf Style Toys

Waldorf style toys are made with all natural fibers and materials. Some examples would be Waldorf dolls, cloth books, beeswax modeling clay, unfinished wood and natural based art supplies. There are no battery operated toys or plastic among these toys. The Waldorf philosophy is based on Rudolf Steiner's philosophy. The waldorf influence encourages children to play with toys and items made of natural things.

Puzzles and Games

Puzzles and games are an easy one. You could find your childhood favorites. Video games are always popular of course with the older set.

Presence

Presence over presents is a good motto to stand by. What do you want your kids to remember about this holiday season? Surely the time you spend together as a family is much more important than presents. You could even go as far as making dates for after the holidays for your gift. Explore the world around you with your children and I bet they will remember that more than any toy. You could make a date for lunch with your child on a weekly or monthly basis. Also you could institute a baking night or game night. Get creative!

Experiences

A spin off to the presence idea. Is your child interested in the ballet, opera, theater? DO they have a favorite music group they life? You can always give tickets for upcoming events and they will surely be appreciated.

Make Your Own

There are tons of handmade gifts you could make your child. Search for patterns online and get creative! You could make play food, dolls, musical instruments, dress up clothes and more!

Memberships

Memberships to the zoo, local park, museum or pool are always a good bet. Then your child can use their gift the whole year round. The whole family will benefit from it!

Art Supplies

Arts and craft supplies are great for the creative children. You could put together an art kit or purchase an easel and paints. Homemade dough's are always fun too! Don't forget craft supplies like glitter, pipe cleaners, pom poms, sequins, glue and foam pieces. Get creative and you will have something to provide your child with hours of entertainment long after the holidays are through.

Music

iTunes gift cards or cd's might make an ideal gift for the music lovers out there. You could also go as far as purchasing small musical instruments or music lessons too.

Dress Up

Dress up is a favorite childhood pastime and a good fit for all ages! Even older kids like dressing up in funny and unique costumes. You could create a dress up bin or just add to their collection. This is ideal because after Halloween you can find great deals on costumes and accessories.

Don't be afraid to get creative this holiday season and don't forget your children won't mind much if they don't get a lot of toys. What matters is the thought behind it!