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Happy Squash Toys are all entirely hand-crafted by Jim and Jenise from Hillard, Ohio, they’re a true ‘Mom & Pop’ operational. They make wonderfully original designs, never from a pattern. All toys are made of poplar wood with oak axles and all paints and finishes are More »
It’s about time they came up with a transformer toy that actually ‘does’ something. The 6 in 1 Educational Solar Kit, an excellent beginner building kit designed to teach how solar power is used to drive a small motor. Kids use the 33 snap together parts (no tools required) to build six different working models including an airboat, windmill, More »
Times are changing but I have found it is still hard to find non-toxic toys that are free of phthalates, BPA and PVC which are the standard for most soft plastic or rubber toys on the market. Of course there are standard wood toys and a few classics, but few true gems.
One of the rising stars is the Boon line which is surprisingly accessible, meaning, I have found their stuff at Target, as well as Amazon. Specifically, the Boon Scrubble toy is a playful lil’ set that will encourage the kids to scrub and squirt there way through their bath-time routine.
I will introduce you to additional non-toxic bath toys as I stumble upon them. Feel free to drop me a line or comment if you know of some great affordable products out there. In the meantime, you may want to consider dropping $8 bucks and replacing that classically toxic rubber duck in you bathroom.
Boon Scrubble $10 bucks [+shipping] at Amazon.Com
All Natural Rubber Ducks at Amazon.Com
Additional Articles:
The ebb and flow of toxic toys
5 cool & affordable eco-friendly kids gifts
All-natural teether for the tots
Old Navy has voluntarily recalled their recent line of plush toys on concerns of the button eyes posing a potential choking hazard. The stuffed animals and creature toys in question are made out of cotton and have plastic button eyes. They come in a variety of styles, such as a rabbit, penguin and reindeer.
Unlike most recalls I have seen, Old Navy is offering customers who return these recalled toys to any store before July 1st, 2009 for a full refund, they will receive an additional $5 coupon toward a future Old Navy purchase. Nice touch.
If you think you own one of these (or someone you know), please follow the link to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Press Release to check the style number listed. If you do, you can contact Old Navy toll-free at (866) 580-9930, or or e-mail the firm at custserv@oldnavy.com.
Sited Links:
CPSC Press Release | Old Navy Recalls Stuffed Toys; Button Eyes Can Detach…
Old Navy, Customer Service | Recall Information
To me, the problem with most eco-friendly toys is that they lack the same level of visual fancy that their phthalate stuffed, lead choked plastic counterparts have. Is it the limited palette of materials? Perhaps. Is it a general lack of robust design, in this growing corner of the toy industry? Maybe.
Occasionally, I stumble upon some beautifully designed pieces and here is a small round-up of recent finds. I tend to look for stuff that has a strong visual design, that doesn’t cost a lot. Here are three of my favorites right now.
This all-natural wood Rolling Turtle push toy (*pictured above) from Nova Toys is fantastic for More »
Tags: 2-4 years, 3-5 years, classic toy, design, mod
The Automoblox Company
A scaled down version of full-sized ones, the Mini Automoblox line is “future-retro” styling that fits in the palm of your hand. And its new universal connector system enables a rapid interchange of parts, further accentuating the fun factor of creating different cars styles.
Automoblox vis a vis Amazon.Com
