Where Have All The Safe Toys Gone?

There’s panic in the streets this Christmas- which toys are safe? What toys won’t drive parents crazy? Which ones won’t be tossed aside within 5 minutes?

While I can’t guarantee just how long the kids will play with any certain toy- my own children find more enjoyment out of the boxes their toys come in and those darn plastic-tie thingies that hold every single little piece in place (they’re weird like that)- here’s some safer suggestions to help finish off your Christmas list.

You can trust K’NEX lead-free products with core-parts all made in America (imagine that!) Big spenders might splurge on the GIANT Double Ferris Wheel [$199] recommended for the older kids age 16 & up. Or if a smaller version suits your giftee, this Double Ferris Wheel [$29.99] for ages 8 & up is truly a winner and it even won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Lead-Free Platinum Award. KID K’NEX doesn’t leave the little ones out - geared for ages 3 & up with bright, chunky pieces and easy-connect rods and connectors. The Undersea Pals [$9.99] is great for any budget!

End the We forgot the batteries! guilt! SEE Toys , a new product from Zen Design Group, is the first eco-friendly kid-powered toy line. They never need batteries but still light up, make cool sounds and offer endless hours of play- you’ll have to see it to believe it!

The Dyna Fly [$19.99] and Dyna Car [$14.99] are in demand, and with just a turn of a crank they are ready to go!

With the philosophy: "When the toy does less, the child does more," Parents Magazine’s line of colorful educational toys are something you can count on. They are also phthalate -free. Gray gets so involved with the Under Lock & Key Garage by Parents, and although the age recommendation is for 18 months & up, my 5-year-old Carter loves it, too! The keys are easy to use to unlock the garage where three vehicles can be stored and then played with separately. I personally like the colors of Parents products because they are so gender neutral, and their idea of combining education with play is refreshing. Find a great selection of Parents toys and classic wooden toys online or also at Target.

Win! I’m giving away two Under Lock & Key Garages from Parents! Just leave a comment here and two winners will be chosen at random Friday Dec 14! You don’t have to have a blog to enter, but be sure to include a valid email address where I can contact you. Contest has ended.

Congrats to winner Alisha who commented: How cute! My 2 boys would love this as much as yours do, I’m sure! and Artsweet who said: Very cool. My son would love this.

Check back Sunday for another great giveaway!

Back to Close To Home .

You can also find me blogging at Adventures In Babywearing .

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