Thrifty Toys for Kids: Second Hand Kids Toys Dangerous

What happens to toys for kids when a child outgrows them? Most are given away to thrift stores, the Goodwill or sold at yard sales or garage sales. It may seem harmless enough to pay only $2 for a $20 kids toy, but how do parents know whether that kids toy is safe for children? Every month, hundreds of toys for kids are recalled by kids toy manufacturers for defects that increase the risk of choking hazard. These toys for kids are not always returned for a refund or exchange and some make it onto the front lawn of a yard sale or garage sale only to pass the danger on to parents trying to save a little money with thrifty Christmas shopping.

How to Buy Cheap and Save a Life at the Same Time

Parents can quickly log into the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) website and search by kids toy manufacturer or kids toy name for any active recalls. While some recalls are aimed specifically at a certain model number, which may be impossible to read when buying thrifty Christmas toys for kids from a yard sale or garage sale - others are blanket recalls including all toys for kids in a given line.

The CPSC lists all kids toy recalls by date on one page. Recalls are listed from 1974 to present. In order to search, parents should log into the CPSC site and navigate to the "kids toy" section, found here - CPSC Kids toy Recalls. Once on the page, hold down the CTRL button on the computer keyboard and hit the "F" button. A search box will open and parents can enter the name of the kids toy or manufacturer. All results on the page will be highlighted.

How Can Parents Shop Safe and Thrifty?

When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no money saving tactic more important than searching the CPSC website. Local thrift and Goodwill stores will often hold toys for kids for a short period of time while parents search the database for any safety recalls. If the toys for kids are found at a local Church sale, yard sale or garage sale - try placing a small hold deposit or asking if Internet access is available to check the safety of a kids toy.

If a kids toy is found for sale that has been recalled for safety reasons, parents may have a dilemma on their hands. Leaving the item on the shelf and telling a clerk about the recall may seem like enough, but what if that kids toy is not pulled from the shelf and another parent buys it? Some parents choose to purchase the kids toy and contact the manufacturer about a possible refund for the money spent - but this could mean a long wait or no resolution at all.