The recent news stories concerning toy safety have scared parents. Toys have been called back all over the country, either because they contained lead or other toxic materials, or because they were dangerous to play with.
These call-backs occurred at respected manufacturers, brand names that parents had trusted for years. No matter how well-known these corporations might be, no matter how caring their marketing campaigns might be, one thing remains fact: in order to be profitable, these companies are forced to outsource a large part of their production to sub-contractors abroad, mainly in Asia.
Etsy’s talented artists and crafters offer wonderful alternatives that make great Christmas gifts. Wooden puzzles, train sets and trucks, baby-safe soft toys, sock monkeys, or plush monsters – you will find all of these handmade goodies on Etsy.
Not only are Etsy’s toys a safe alternative, they will also be cherished longer – while plastic fads are usually boring or broke within a couple of months, the quality and personality of handmade toys will hold your child’s interest for years to come.
My own toys
All of the socks used for my softies carry a European seal of approval, meaning they have been checked for toxic residues. I do not go for the cheapest China imports that do not carry this seal - I am aware that even the dyes used for socks could be harmful.
The polyfill stuffing that is used is new, and is the same that can be found in high-quality bedding. It is anti-allergic and does not burn easily. I have tried this myself - when I try to light it, it just melts.
Most of my critters are baby-safe and use felt or embroidery for the face and eyes, and possibly felt or satin applications. When I am using buttons or beads, this is clearly indicated - please be aware that these are a choking hazard for small children.
I sew everything by hand. I like being able to check each and every seam, and make sure that each critter can take some rough-housing as well.
Shopping for toys on Etsy
Even on Etsy, some common sense and informed decisions need to prevail when shopping for children’s toys. If you are unsure, do not hesitate to contact the seller with your questions – I am sure he will be happy to provide you with additional information.
Here are some helpful things that you might need to be aware of:
- Swarovski crystals contain lead, as do pretty much all crystals. Jewelry using these might not be suitable or safe for children.
- Toxic chemicals can also be present in paint and painted items. If you are unsure about the paints used, contact the seller.
- Small parts in any toy are a choking hazard to young children. If you want to make sure, you can easily check a choking hazard by using a cardboard toilet roll; if the item fits, it should not be given to small children.
- Even small magnets are dangerous when two or more are ingested, since they can attach to each other internally.
The same applies to me - if you have any questions, please get in touch? I am also thrilled to do custom orders, for example using only unbleached and natural materials.
8 Kommentare:
I tend to trust individuals over corporations in safety. You are building relationships and with a smaller customer base and fewer lawyers at your disposal, have more of a motivation to maintain a good reputation.
Since I'm just a pseudonym with no bank account or credit cards to my name, I can't order any of your creations. But I wouldn't put it past my real life alter ego to order one for her brother's new baby.
Well, if the later ego then drops a quick hint, there might be something added for the virtual two kids. :)
But I agree with the corporations. I grew up on Lego and Fisher Price, and I only get mad when I see their pre-Christmas ads right now.
This is a great article. Thanks!
Thanks for writing this article! It really emphasizes that the majority of independent sellers are very approachable (unlike big corporations) - and that we do care!
Well, rumor has it that there is a striped sock monkey destined for a warm and sunny new home somewhere in the US, but it may already be on its way...
:) I see the light...
Just wanted to let you know that a sock monkey arrived safe today all the way from Germany at the home of my alter-ego. The kids are so eager to see their baby cousin and give it to her. My daughter also (introduced to Gummi Bears for the first time) said, "I love Gummi Bears! Next time I want a big bag." (Holding her hands up over her head.) "This big!" ;)
Thank you for letting me know that he arrived safely - though that must have been one of the slowest packages yet.
But I am glad your daughter now knows gummi bears.... and that tiny bag won't cause a sugar rush. Hm, a huge one might - but tell her that Germany has Santa Claus as well (called Weihnachtsmann), and she might get lucky. :)
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