Safe Toys for Girls this Holiday: Gifts Not Made in China
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When Chinese toys were first recalled, I wasn't concerned. My children had little of the toys listed and were well past the stage when they'd put the toys in their mouths. The next recalls - same thing. I had little concern that we needed to worry. Of course, it helps that my 5-year-old daughter muc 
h prefers to waste a ream of paper for coloring each day and rarely plays with her toys.
Two weeks ago, in an attempt to get a head start on my Christmas shopping, I headed to Toys R Us and threw a few items in my cart. I was focusing on the 5-year-old because the 10-year-old boy is so much harder to shop for. She has been begging for Aqua Dots, and after reading some reviews, I decided the toy might actually be fun, so I threw a box of Aqua Dots in the cart as well.
You know the rest. Aqua Dots were recalled recently because some of the beads were found to be laced with the date rape drug. Ok, I thought, it's time to take this seriously. As I dug around in the rafters last night for the box so I can return it this weekend, I started thinking of all the creative and fun gifts I could give her that wouldn't put her in any danger. Herewith, then, is my list of safe, not-from-China, gifts for young girls.
1. Art stuff. Most girls between 4 and 8 are quite happy to be creating art of some sort - pictures, necklaces, paintings, clay figures. You name it, they want to create it. If you purchase a large inexpensive plastic storage unit at Wal-Mart or the Container Store, you can fill the drawers or cubbies with paper, colored pencils, markers, crayons, staplers, scissors, tape and stickers. Add some paint, or a bead kid and you have a gift any girl would love.
2. Outdoor toys. If you live in a fairly temperate climate, a new bike is always welcome as are new balls, jump ropes and sidewalk chalk. If you live in a cold or snowy climate, what about a snowman decorating kit or other snow toys (a new toboggan or sled, perhaps?). Think ahead to sunnier days and add an outdoor game to the mix or a tree swing.
Two weeks ago, in an attempt to get a head start on my Christmas shopping, I headed to Toys R Us and threw a few items in my cart. I was focusing on the 5-year-old because the 10-year-old boy is so much harder to shop for. She has been begging for Aqua Dots, and after reading some reviews, I decided the toy might actually be fun, so I threw a box of Aqua Dots in the cart as well.
You know the rest. Aqua Dots were recalled recently because some of the beads were found to be laced with the date rape drug. Ok, I thought, it's time to take this seriously. As I dug around in the rafters last night for the box so I can return it this weekend, I started thinking of all the creative and fun gifts I could give her that wouldn't put her in any danger. Herewith, then, is my list of safe, not-from-China, gifts for young girls.
1. Art stuff. Most girls between 4 and 8 are quite happy to be creating art of some sort - pictures, necklaces, paintings, clay figures. You name it, they want to create it. If you purchase a large inexpensive plastic storage unit at Wal-Mart or the Container Store, you can fill the drawers or cubbies with paper, colored pencils, markers, crayons, staplers, scissors, tape and stickers. Add some paint, or a bead kid and you have a gift any girl would love.
2. Outdoor toys. If you live in a fairly temperate climate, a new bike is always welcome as are new balls, jump ropes and sidewalk chalk. If you live in a cold or snowy climate, what about a snowman decorating kit or other snow toys (a new toboggan or sled, perhaps?). Think ahead to sunnier days and add an outdoor game to the mix or a tree swing.