As if you don’t have enough to worry about… add to the list the concern that half of what’s filling your toy chest is laden with lead. While we can’t come over and sort for you (sorry), here is a one-stop list of all the recalls… and some great, lesser-known toy shopping resources:
First, about all those toy recalls…
You’ve surely seen mentions in newspapers and on the news; however, for one comprehensive list, it’s best to go to the authority on this: the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Be forewarned, the length is a little overwhelming, but it’s worth a long scan to see if at least any of the more favored toys in your household have the dubious distinction of making this list.
View the USCPSC’s complete list of toy recalls
Want to take a hiatus from any toy imports?
One expedient solution is to shop at a site whose mission is pretty clear from it’s name: U.S.MadeToys.com. Call it jingoistic, call it patriotic, but now more than ever there is a benefit to appreciating the varieties of fun that have been crafted in this country. What’s more, this site focuses on true classic toys and games, from wooden trains to puzzles to croquet sets. 
And for another interesting resource that edits the best toys by age…
eBeanStalk.com researches the best developmental toys for young children and then bundles them into different Gift Series for speedy shopping. While you can buy individual items, if you opt for one of their Gift Series (which you can choose based on a child’s age or skill set (i.e. imagination, dexterity), the child will receive 4 toys over a 12 month period that they have specially selected. Of note for urbanites: their Space Saver Series (i.e, no giant plastic monstrosities).
A Gift Series, it’s fair to say, works out to be a generous gift; they start at about $100 and go up from there (albeit with free shipping). One important bonus: ebeanstalk commits that NO toys on the site have been on the recall list.
ebeanstalk.com
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