But THOSE Toys are Too Expensive, So I'm Just Going to Buy Them DVDs

If I hear that ONE more time, I think I might hurl plush toys and video games. I appreciate everyone's mild concerns about the toy recalls (cripes, doesn't the Aqua Dots thing make you even a little bit annoyed?), but let's be real. Just because toys are being recalled doesn't mean there aren't really great ones out there that don't involved plush and large electronics.

Duh!

But I'm not just going to share my list of favorite shops and where I bought all my kids' toys this holiday, but I am going to tell you about a great non-profit site that's running a "Get the Lead Out This Holiday Season." Consumers Union (the publisher of Consumer Reports) is asking people to sign up to be Safe Shoppers and hand out coupons at their local stores and get the message to the managers that we are SERIOUS. NO MORE LEAD TOYS on the shelves.

If you haven't gone shopping lately, then be forewarned, there are still recalled toys on the shelves. And as one mom found out, there's only one person testing them over at the CPSC.

ONE!

So, here's what you can do. Sign up to be a shopper and then send your business elsewhere -- what about small family run businesses that have tested their toys and know that they are safe? Yes, you might have to spend a little bit more, but believe me, it's WORTH IT. And keep in mind, this year I've asked the grandparents just to give us money. And since they tend to spend WAY too much every year, I've got a bit of leeway. There are certainly some cheaper options than what I've chosen, but we don't really buy any other toys during the year.

You can also find a lot of these things over at Amazon. But I price shop and if the smaller bizzes have good prices, then I'll give them my business.

And the best part, NONE of these require batteries, so you're going to save money that way.

Drew (Christmas and Birthday)

Drew's Favorite Rattle (they did his mattress as well, shop is owned by a mom)

Toddler Trike

Hammer Balls 

Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon 

I-Play Super Spiral Play Tower 

Artisan One-of-a-Kind Elephant

Quinlan

Ball Track

Puppets (Handmade by Artisans in Kenya)

Puppet Theater (have yet to purchase)

Gingerbread House (handmade by two moms)

Crown and Silk Dress-Up Skirt (shop is owned by a mom)

Stocking: Book Light and The Paper Bag Princess Book, Dinosaur Puzzles, Memory Game (she did Drew's room artwork as well and is a mom!), Red Riding Hood Finger Puppets (I bought the last set here -- shop is owned by a mom)

--

You can find many discount codes for these shops here. And please share your favorite picks for this holiday. If you'd like to support the Consumers Union, please write a post today. Specific details are here. You can help get the word out about the toy recalls!

And if you're looking for something specific or some ideas for the holidays, email us at Cool Mom Picks. We can give you some great suggestions!

Comments

[jaelithe]

Just wanted to gently point out that for some people it might not be a matter of not wanting to spend the money, but more a matter of not being able to spend the money on a $65 trike. Some people's entire Xmas present budget is less than $65.

These are the parents I feel sorriest for in this situation-- the ones who are being forced to choose between buying safe, responsibly built toys and giving their kids only one or two things to open under the tree, or taking their chances on the Target clearance shelves.

That said, I myself always prefer to buy things that are crafted rather than manufactured when I can, not just because of the current lead risks, but because I believe in paying people good money for good work and quality goods. So I really appreciate all the work you have been doing tracking these items down.

Thanks for posting this great list, and for all of the work you and the rest of the Cool Mom Picks team have been doing to help other parents find safe toys!

[Kristen]

I totally agree -- those are my holiday choices given my personal situation.

It is terrible that many children out there do not have access to toys like these. But I think sometimes parents want their kids to have quantity -- it doesn't help that kids see other kids with TONS of toys.

So, maybe for them it's a 2-3 toy year if that. But good toys.

There are certainly other fantastic choices out there that are more cost effective.

[susiej]

They are expensive!! Home made is probably the best -- but who has time!

[Queen of Shake Shake]

Ok, about the cost of some of these toys...I just have to say this. Because I have an opinion AND an a-hole too! Go me!

We'll pay for it one way or another. Buy the cheaper toy, run the risk of health concerns, put Americans out of jobs because we farm out the mfg'ing to Asia, economy goes to pot, and the cycle of life goes on.

Meanwhile, Asia is booming because we're throwing so much money at these cheaper toys, their economy booms, everyone buys cars, we now have an oil shortage and higher gas prices.

The cycle goes on and on.

Gas prices are high so people try ethanol. Ethanol becomes more popular, corn prices skyrocket, more farmers grow corn to meet the demand, less are growing wheat, thus the prices of bread goes up to $3.00/loaf.

All because we Americans love our cheap toys.

[Kristen]

Heather --

Totally agreed!

And when you think of batteries and longevity of toys (like those plastic things last maybe one kid)...

It's all about quality for me these days -- to be honest, though, more now than ever. I'm just more willing (because I can, I know this) to spend more to get good quality and support local businesses.

[Randolph]

You made some good points. You have to have quality these days! http://ddlfrog.com