BIRDSFeathered Friends

How to Find Safe and Quality Toys for your Children

Buying safe toys for children is always a concern for parents, but increasing numbers of toy recalls have made safety an even greater concern. Parents do not want to spend a small fortune for toys, but they do want quality toys that will stay in one piece during play, and they do not want toys to pose a danger to the child. Fortunately, there are alternatives to most retailer offerings that can help parents meet all of those goals.

One of the easiest places to find safe, quality toys for children is through online retailers. Online retailers are often more able to offer unique, quality toys than retailers who are subjected to the limitations of corporate purchasing. At 1888toys.com, for example, there is a wide selection of toys for all ages, including toys and furniture for bedrooms and waiting rooms, which are tested not only by the manufacturer, but also by the merchant, in order to ensure quality and safety. Such retailers are also able to offer a variety of toys that have been designed, and tested, to be safe for children.

Among the quality toys that parents can look for are handmade wooden toys and wooden puzzles. Wooden toys and puzzles are painted with water-based child-safe enamel, although some may be purchased with an organic natural finish. The enamel used meets all government standards as a lead-free paint, and is perfectly safe for use by children. In addition, the toys are more durable, and generally have few to no small parts, helping to eliminate choking hazards.

Of course, wooden toys are not the only options for parents. Because babies tend to chew on everything, educational baby toys must pass government standards regarding the possibility of transmitting any toxic elements to the baby. Hand puppets and marionettes must meet the requirements of flammability and heavy metals testing. Most board games are required to pass certain standards regarding the safety of the ink, paper, and game pieces.

Finding safe, quality toys may not always be easy for parents, but there are specific things they can look for in toys. Typically, toys that are made in the U.S.A. are less likely to be subject to product recalls. The U.S. government has imposed strict regulations regarding flammability, presence of lead or heavy metals, and general safety of toys. Any toys that fail to meet government standards may not legally be sold or purchased.

Parents should also look for toys from reputable manufacturers. Individual toymakers, craftspeople and artisans are also good option as the manufacturer of safe and quality toys for children. An individual typically does not make a toy simply to make money. Instead, the toys are expressions of their creativity, and they are made with a genuine love for the toy and the child in mind. Toys made by individuals will rarely contain parts or chemicals that are harmful to children.

There are options for parents who want to buy safe toys for their children, and who also desire a quality toy. Knowing where to look, as well as knowing what to look for, can help parents find safe, quality toys. While those toys may not be on the shelf of the local mass retailer, they are well worth spending the time to find.

About the Author

Marina Neiman, author and mother of two, writes for 1888Toys.com – Educational Toys Store, featuring classic wooden toys and selection of safe and quality toys for children.

Safe Toys for Toddlers

Aurora Baby Food Bib Infant Safe Purple Hippo NEW! $10.99

Duck Hunter Launch & Load safe and fun indoor/outdoor game used $0.99

Wood Building Blocks – 112 PIECE – Handmade – Natural – Safe – EcoFriendly Toys $39.00

Dream On Me Baby Toddler Bath Ease Safe Seat Toy rack $89.88

OFNA Fail-Safe, Micro: Fu/JR/Air/Hi OFN91002 $24.89

LOT OF 2 TOM THUMB VINTAGE TOYS A CASH REGISTER & SAFE !! $20.00

Stuffed Elephant plush soft toy knit fabric nursery baby gift child safe OOAK $18.50

Stuffed Elephant plush soft toy knit fabric nursery baby gift child safe OOAK $17.50

EDGE/ large Lipo Safe Charging and Storage Bag $10.95

Stuffed Scotty Dogs Handmade Patchwork Cute Child Safe $8.45

G I JOE D-DAY SALUTE WITH A TIN SAFE $35.00

Tupperware EARLY AGES ECO Kid’s MINI Tumbler Set 4 New 2 oz Safe Toy $8.99

OFNA FAIL SAFE MICRO UNIT NEW $13.99

Steiff Baby New Lamb 11″ Made In Germany Comforter Perfect Safe Non Toxic Toy $39.99

Made 4 Ferret~Set of 3 TOYS! Safe! Gr8 4 Exercise-Two Balls & Stuffed FISH! $8.99

Xtreme Lipo Battery Safe Bag 180 x 215 mm $15.50

NEW Kids Stuff Super Spider Water Sprayer Squirt Outdoor Toy Safe Soft Octopus $24.99

PLUSH TOY Somewhere City Oink LeRouge MOMA MWT KID SAFE $9.95

Discovery Toys Play to be safe boardgame $5.00

Auburn rubber toy/Amcor safe play-car 1940s Olds? no axles $9.99

ANTIQUE HEARTS METAL TOY SAFE BANK 1891 Patent $69.50

Black and Decker Junior Leaf Blower, Child Toy, Balls Spin Inside, Toddler Safe $59.99

Sanrio Hello Kitty Safe Money Bank Box Case Toy E23a $3.99

Smash Stix NEW Safe Foam Battle Joust Sticks (2) Electronic Score Keeper Ages 8+ $9.99

Disney Store Exclusive Eeyore Plush 12″ Velcro Tail Stuffed Animal Safe Eyes EUC $14.95

SUPERMAN Saving Money is Powerful DC combination safe bank toy with alarm $1.04

Wooden Toy Building Blocks – 24 Piece – Handmade – Natural – Safe – Poplar Wood $8.00

Safe Slingshot toy for baby child Kid – Lovely Interesting gift boy girl A263 $0.99

Super Spy Safe Cracker safe and game $9.99

Dubro Products Remote Safe Ignitor:Recess Plugs, $10.48

Reclaimed Wood Toy Building Blocks – 72 Piece – Handmade – Naturally Safe Toys $26.00

Mini Toy Safe with LCD Digital Clock – Great for Kids $7.98

HO Kansas City Southern long Safe Shock boxcar $8.49

Expanded Half-dollar Shell trick – also free coin safe trick $7.49

Train-Safe Acrylic Wall Supports for 7 Level Display $215.77

PUR 18 Cup Dispenser with One Pitcher Filter DS-1800Z $24.05 It conveniently fits in the sink for refilling with a special fill-tray design that helps distribute weight and handles that make it easy to carry. Plus, the slim, space-saving design makes optimum use of your refrigerator shelf….

Fred M Cup Measuring Matroyshkas, Set of 6 Dry Measuring Cups $7.90 These Russian Doll Measuring Cups are exactly what you need to doll up your kitchen with some old country charm! Why use boring, washed-up utensils when you can have these adorable stacking measuring cups? Designed to nest inside each other like traditional matryoshkas, these white measuring cups are a must-have for any stylish kitchen. Our charming set comes with 3 matryoshkas — the tops measure…

Takeya 64-Ounce Iced Tea Maker with Silicone Handle, Avocado/Olive $16.76 Versatile and compact, this Iced Tea Maker from Takeya makes it easy to brew hot tea, ice tea and sun tea. Its made from BPA free AcraGlass which is stain and odor resistant for hassle free use again and again. The contemporary airtight design features a removable rotating infuser built right into the twist top lid which fully extracts tea flavor while steeping. The iced tea maker also has a soft …

How to Save a Life $5.05 On their full-length debut, Denver quartet the Fray don’t exactly reinvent the wheel, but those looking for melodic, mid-tempo pop could do far worse. That said, the 12 songs on Top 40 hit How To Save a Life are barely distinguishable from each other. If you like one, you’ll probably like the rest (and you’ll be in the company of thousands of other listeners.) If you don’t like one, it’s unlikely …

IV $6.49 Godsmack IV – Autographed US CD album…

Green Toys GRTSTPA1477 Green Toys Pizza Parlor $41.85 Kitchen Play XXX Mama Mia The Green Toys Pizza Parlor is open for business. Pizza lovers can pretend and play chef and server by taking orders creating custom pizzas and serving guests. This colorful 27piece set features four slices that can be stacked with toppings galore to dish up any personal pie. Heres an even greater incentive to make your kids drink their milk. Green Toys uses recycled milk containers as the main ingredient to create their toys. The milk containers are reprocessed into highdensity polyethylene (HDPE). Its one of the safest cleanest plastics around. Everything from the collection of materials to the production of Green Toys occurs in Los Angeles CA. Local production of toys means that far fewer miles are used for transportation. On average every pound of recycled milk jugs used in the making of Green Toys saves energy equal to 3 000 AAA batteries. Green Toys products are tested by nationally recognized independent thirdparty labs (located in the USA.) They contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or BPA. They are also designed without any external coatings eliminating the fear of lead paint. Although Green Toys may not be as nutritious as a glass of milk you no longer need to worry about what odd chemicals your kids are ingesting every time they launch a playful bite into one of their toys. Each pizza ingredient is interchangeable with other Green Toys stacking play food products and fits on Green Toys kitchen sets. The set includes 4 pizza crusts 20 pizza toppings (4 sauce 4 cheese 4 sets pepperoni 2 sets mushrooms 2 sets onions 1 green pepper 1 red pepper 1 red tomato and 1 green tomato) pizza cutter Pizza Parlor order forms and pizza delivery box. Take out or deliver this Good Green Fun No BPA PVC phthalates or external coatings. Meets FDA food contact standards. Dishwasher safe. Includes 27 pieces. Dishwasher safe. Meets FDA food contact standards. For ages 2 and up. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials and printed

Green Toys GRTSTK01R Green Toys Stacker $30.02 The Green Toys Stacker takes a classic toy and makes it safer and more playful. The eight whimsically colored nesting pieces stack easily from large to small while also allowing little builders to use their imagination and stack in any order. Little ones can develop handeye coordination and color recognition while having plenty of Good Green Fun. Most importantly the Green Toys Stacker is safe. Its unique design has no center post. Here s an even greater incentive to make your kids drink their milk. Green Toys uses recycled milk containers as the main ingredient to create their toys. The milk containers are reprocessed into highdensity polyethylene (HDPE). It s one of the safest cleanest plastics around. Everything from the collection of materials to the production of Green Toys occurs in Los Angeles CA. Local production of toys means that far fewer miles are used for transportation. On average every pound of recycled milk jugs used in the making of Green Toys saves energy equal to 3 000 AAA batteries. Green Toys products are tested by nationally recognized independent thirdparty labs (located in the USA.) They contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or BPA. They are also designed without any external coatings eliminating the fear of lead paint. Although Green Toys may not be as nutritious as a glass of milk you no longer need to worry about what odd chemicals your kids are ingesting every time they launch a playful bite into one of their toys. No BPA PVC phthalates or external coatings. This Stacker is made in the USA from 100 recycled plastic milk containers which save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Dimensions: 73/8 H. Extra Safe with no center post color combinations may vary. 8 nesting pieces. stacks in any order. extra safe with no center post. color combinations may vary. 6 months and up. No BPA PVC phthalates or external coatings. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks. Age Grade: 2+. Dimensions:

Green Toys GRTTEA01R Green Toys Tea Set $41.85 Talk about green tea Young hosts can serve up a pot of tea while doing something really good for the earth with this Green Toys Tea Set. Heres an even greater incentive to make your kids drink their milk. Green Toys uses recycled milk containers as the main ingredient to create their toys. The milk containers are reprocessed into highdensity polyethylene (HDPE). Its one of the safest cleanest plastics around. Everything from the collection of materials to the production of Green Toys occurs in Los Angeles CA. Local production of toys means that far fewer miles are used for transportation. On average every pound of recycled milk jugs used in the making of Green Toys saves energy equal to 3 000 AAA batteries. Green Toys products are tested by nationally recognized independent thirdparty labs (located in the USA.) They contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or BPA. They are also designed without any external coatings eliminating the fear of lead paint. Although Green Toys may not be as nutritious as a glass of milk you no longer need to worry about what odd chemicals your kids are ingesting every time they launch a playful bite into one of their toys. Meets FDA specs for food contact. Dishwasher safe. Includes 17 pieces; Tea Pot with Lid Sugar Bowl with Lid Creamer 4 Cups 4 Saucers 4 Spoons. 17 pieces including: tea pot with lid sugar bowl with lid creamer 4 cups 4 saucers 4 spoons. Meet FDA specs for food contact. Dishwasher safe. For ages 2 and up. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks. Age Grade 2+. Ingredients: Recycled milk containers highdensity polyethylene (HDPE). Color: MultiColored. Dimensions: 12 x 4.5 x 10.5 .

Green Toys GRTCHF01R Green Toys Chef Set $31.84 Reducing fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions is part of the recipe for aspiring gourmets who use the Green Toys Chef Set. Here s an even greater incentive to make your kids drink their milk. Green Toys uses recycled milk containers as the main ingredient to create their toys. The milk containers are reprocessed into highdensity polyethylene (HDPE). It s one of the safest cleanest plastics around. Everything from the collection of materials to the production of Green Toys occurs in Los Angeles CA. Local production of toys means that far fewer miles are used for transportation. On average every pound of recycled milk jugs used in the making of Green Toys saves energy equal to 3 000 AAA batteries. Green Toys products are tested by nationally recognized independent thirdparty labs (located in the USA.) They contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or BPA. They are also designed without any external coatings eliminating the fear of lead paint. Although Green Toys may not be as nutritious as a glass of milk you no longer need to worry about what odd chemicals your kids are ingesting every time they launch a playful bite into one of their toys. This chef set even meets FDA food contact standards. Dishwasher safe. Guaranteed to produce hours of Good Green Fun. Dishwasher safe. Includes 5 pieces; Stock Pot with Lid Skillet Ladle and Spatula. 5 pieces including: stock pot with lid skillet ladle spatula. For ages 2 and up. Meets FDA food contact standards. No BPA PVC phthalates or external coatings. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks. Age Grade 2+. Dimensions: 10.25 x 4.88 x 7.25. Color: MultiColored.

Green Toys GRTBLK01R Green Toys Blocks $41.85 Green Toys Blocks are the worlds most environmentally friendly basic building set. All 18 boldly colored blocks are oversized and lightweight making it super easy for tiny hands to stack and unstack. This unique block set includes a variety of shapes for building castles towers or any imaginative structure budding architects can dream up. Heres an even greater incentive to make your kids drink their milk. Green Toys uses recycled milk containers as the main ingredient to create their toys. The milk containers are reprocessed into highdensity polyethylene (HDPE). Its one of the safest cleanest plastics around. Everything from the collection of materials to the production of Green Toys occurs in Los Angeles CA. Local production of toys means that far fewer miles are used for transportation. On average every pound of recycled milk jugs used in the making of Green Toys saves energy equal to 3 000 AAA batteries. Green Toys products are tested by nationally recognized independent thirdparty labs (located in the USA.) They contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or BPA. They are also designed without any external coatings eliminating the fear of lead paint. Although Green Toys may not be as nutritious as a glass of milk you no longer need to worry about what odd chemicals your kids are ingesting every time they launch a playful bite into one of their toys. Most importantly Green Toys Blocks are safe. No BPA PVC phthalates or external coatings but plenty of Good Green Fun. These blocks are made in the USA from 100 recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Dimensions: Single block: 3D x 3W x 21/2 H. Includes 18 oversized mulitcolored blocks 8 single blocks 4 half blocks 2 double blocks 2 double bridges and 2 triangle blocks color combination may vary. 18 Oversized multicolored blocks. Includes: 8 single blocks 4 half blocks 2 double blocks 2 double bridges and 2 triangle blocks. Color combinations may vary. 6 Months and up

Green Toys GRTDSH01R Green Toys Dish Set $41.85 It s dinnertime with the worlds most environmentally friendly dish set The Green Toys Dish Set includes everything you need to serve a meal for four and do something great for the planet. Heres an even greater incentive to make your kids drink their milk. Green Toys uses recycled milk containers as the main ingredient to create their toys. The milk containers are reprocessed into highdensity polyethylene (HDPE). Its one of the safest cleanest plastics around. Everything from the collection of materials to the production of Green Toys occurs in Los Angeles CA. Local production of toys means that far fewer miles are used for transportation. On average every pound of recycled milk jugs used in the making of Green Toys saves energy equal to 3 000 AAA batteries. Green Toys products are tested by nationally recognized independent thirdparty labs (located in the USA.) They contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or BPA. They are also designed without any external coatings eliminating the fear of lead paint. Although Green Toys may not be as nutritious as a glass of milk you no longer need to worry about what odd chemicals your kids are ingesting every time they launch a playful bite into one of their toys. This set even meets FDA food contact standards. Dishwasher safe. Includes 24 pieces; 4 Cups 4 Plates 4 Bowls 4 Utensil Set (Fork/Knife/Spoon). 24 Pieces Including: 4 cups 4 plates 4 bowls 4 utensil sets (fork knife spoon). For ages 2 and up. Meets FDA food contact standards. No BPA PVC phthalates or external coatings. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks. Age Grade 1+. Ingredients: Recycled Milk Containers HighDensity Polyethylene (Hdpe). Color: MultiColored. Dimensions: 12 x 4.63 x 7.5 .

Green Toys GRTDIN01R Green Toys Cookware and Dining Set $57.32 Young chefs can concoct and serve makebelieve culinary treats that have real benefits for the earth with the world s greenest cookware and dining set. Like all Green Toys products our Cookware and Dining Set helps to reduce fossil fuel use and CO2 emissions all in the name of Good Green Fun Meets FDA specs for food contact. Dishwasher safe. Here s an even greater incentive to make your kids drink their milk. Green Toys uses recycled milk containers as the main ingredient to create their toys. The milk containers are reprocessed into highdensity polyethylene (HDPE). It s one of the safest cleanest plastics around. Everything from the collection of materials to the production of Green Toys occurs in Los Angeles CA. Local production of toys means that far fewer miles are used for transportation. On average every pound of recycled milk jugs used in the making of Green Toys saves energy equal to 3 000 AAA batteries. Green Toys products are tested by nationally recognized independent thirdparty labs (located in the USA.) They contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or BPA. They are also designed without any external coatings eliminating the fear of lead paint. Although Green Toys may not be as nutritious as a glass of milk you no longer need to worry about what odd chemicals your kids are ingesting every time they launch a playful bite into one of their toys. Includes 27 pieces; Stock pot with Lid Skillet 4 Plates 4 Bowls 4 Cups 4 Utensil Set (Fork/Knife/Spoon). 27 pieces including: stock pot with lid skillet 4 plates 4 bowls 4 cups 4 utensil sets (fork knife spoon). For ages 2 and up. No BPA PVC phthalates or external coatings. Packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks. Age Grade 2+. Dimensions: 13.25 x 6.25 x 10.88 .

H2O Rope Toys Dumbbell $10.99 This H2O Aqua Dog Toy is great for playing with your dog in and around water, in your backyard or at the local dog park. It’s even soft enough for indoor play during those cold winter months! Great for fetching, exercising and training. The colors make them easy to locate, and the soft material makes it safe and easy for dogs to grab and catch. IT also retain scents, so it can be used as a training device. The size LARGE currently on DISCONTINUED. Please Call 1 (800) 889-8967 For Availability

Towins P123 Jeep Toys $21.61 Jeep is an automobile marque (and registered trademark) of Chrysler. It is the oldest sport utility vehicle (SUV) brand with Land Rover coming in a close second. All is made by original basswood and firstclass workmanship as all 3D puzzles have no paint so it is leadfree and safe toy for Children. Ages 6 and above. Parts Quantity: 50 Pieces. Assembling Size: 175 mm L x 105 mm W x 95 mm H. Board Size: 370 mm x 225 mm x 6 mm.

Kid Kusion 4600 Safe Bannister Guard $39.95 The Kid Kusion Kid Safe Banister Guard is a clear plastic guard that helps to prevent falls and keep the toys upstairs – upstairs Easily attaches with the enclosed tie straps

Kid Kusion 4600 Kid Safe Banister Guard $47.25 The Kid Kusion Kid Safe Banister Guard is a clear plastic guard that helps to prevent falls and keep the toys upstairs upstairs Easily attached with the enclosed tie straps.

Jw Pet Company SJW82205 Toys From Trees Fruits $20.12 The PetVille Toys from Trees Fruits 3pk Small are colorful chew toys made from pine which is the safest type of wood for small animals. These delightful toys are brightly detailed with safe waterbased paints. Small animals need to consistently chew to keep their teeth at a healthy length. Toys from Trees encourage this healthy behavior with specific designs that were created with unique shapes and edges for easy grab and chew.These are healthy fruits with a rounded shape .designed to let the good times roll