Safe Toys and Creative Toy Alternatives for Year Round and Christmas Gifts

In Light of Recent Toy Recalls

Christmas time is a wonderful time when families come together to celebrate traditions and/or the birth of Jesus. One highly celebrated tradition is that of gift-giving. When it comes to gift-giving, children are very high on that list. However, recent toy recalls have left parents feeling confused and even frightened of the gifts their children might receive. Below, you will find toys that are guaranteed safe by their manufacturers, as well as some creative alternative toy options. Following these suggestions, you will also find some helpful tips, as well as more websites deemed safe for children's products.

Highlights: Fun With a Purpose

Highlights for Children, a company widely known for its dedication to children as a trusted magazine source, also offers a full line of creative toys. These toys are offered in their Fun With a Purpose catalog, which can be found online, as well as requested in print. These toys are designed to be fun as well as to enhance creativity and critical thinking skills in children.

Highlights puts their toys through a multitude of tests that include safety issues as well as ability to entertain and educate. Visit Highlights.com to find out more about these toys, including product safety information.

Creative Alternative: Keepsake Box

Many craft supply stores, such as Hobby Lobby (my personal favorite) carry a variety of unfinished wooden trinket or treasure boxes. To jazz up these boxes, simply buy some fabric remnants (which can also be found at craft supply stores) that match the taste of the child you are creating this gift for. When choosing fabrics, keep in mind that you will need enough to not only cover the outside of the box, but the inside as well. Always get a touch extra, to make up for folds and possible wrong cuts or other mistakes.