Toy safety

The issue of toy safety is back in the news, fortunately this time for less distressing reasons. The US Government is trying to establish a set of standards that all imported goods will be held to as well as enforce these through third party testing of all toy imports. While this idea makes sense it's practical application may not fall into place so easily. The silver lining to the recall debacle, in my mind, is that many consumers have chosen to become more aware of where their products have come from, who made them and how much care was taken in their production. This new awareness opens the doors for smaller manufacturers and fair trade companies and takes the emphasis off the drive to get the cheapest item and on to the desire to buy goods of lasting quality.

During the recall scare I was contacted often by customers who wanted to know where out toys come from, who makes them and the kind of certifications they are held to. It was great to see so many people so concerned about their products and it made me aware of the information my customers desired. Now on the site we have information about every toy, I have confidence in all of them and know from experience (my kids!) that they are safe and sturdy! It did kick me into making sure everyone knew the information so I made it readily available on the site.

Even if new standards are put in place to safeguard the quality of imported goods it is my hope that shoppers remember the small craftspeople they found and the handmade toys that their kids loved with just as much fervour!