(not) Made in China- the unicorn!

Anyone else finding it IMPOSSIBLE to find toys/gifts/goods in stores that are NOT made in China?!? Any companies out there beside ultra expensive crazy shipping fees internet companies that actually (gasp) make goods in the US- or even Europe or Canada?

I want to go out of my way to avoid products from China this year but it is bordering on the impossible. Anyone have any ideas or just care to vent...?

 

seek and ye shall find...

http://toysmadeinamerica.com/

now to find these toys locally- i HATE shopping online...

 

Buy a skateboard, American goods

 

Playmobil has some great stuff and they are made in Europe (Germany). Not sure of the age range you're buying for but my daughter (almost 6) has several play sets and she loves them. http://store.playmobilusa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-US-Site/en_US/Link-Page?cid=SAFETY_QUALITY

Go Bananas might sell Playmobil?

 

Why? Santa wears brown at my house.

 

You can try Michaels and AC Moore for the Melissa and Doug wooden toys. I think they're made in the USA. They have some wonderful toys that encourage child interaction and learning. Watch for 40% off coupons in their weekly mailers!

Crayola operates primarily out of Pennsylvania. Some products are made in Mexico.

The Go Bananas store in Brambleton has a lot of fun, creative toys but I can't say that they're all made in America. At least it's a good selection of toys that you may not find at Toys R Us.

There are a lot of toys for sale at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ross, and Home Goods. Some of them may be made in China but each store has a large selection at discounted prices. I like the Home Goods store in Ashbrook for fun, slightly original toys.

You'll have to look to see where each one is made, but puzzles are nice gifts for young children.

Try this website for more information. And Fox News has an article with links about buying American made toys.

Happy hunting!

 

I saw that Hasbro had taken a full page ad out in the Post saying that they have not been involved in any of the recent "China recalls"...As a former Hasbro employee, I can tell you they take quality control VERY seriously...I would spend a minimum of 12 weeks a year in Asia checking up on factories...that's not to say that they have never had a recall but I can say that management was extremely cautious when it came to choosing their vendors.

 

We bought some not made in China toys at Go Bananas and some others at Kaboom in Leesburg. HABA toys are made in Germany and very high quality. We thought they were worth the extra money and have been huge hits with both of our kids.

Unfortunately, Melissa and Doug toys are made in China.

Both kids ended up with many books this year and they both love to read so it's going to be a good year.

 

I've found that some (ok, more like "a few") Melissa & Doug items are made in the US and also Vietnam. Depends on the item - most puzzles (any brand) are made in the USA. Not too long ago I read a blurb from M&D about the rigorous testing they do no matter where the toys are made. But, like you, books are a big part of Christmas this year too.

 

We found Little Tikes had a section on their website that has items made in the US.
(www.littletikes.com)

 

Huh. Now that you mention it, I think the only Melissa and Doug things we have are puzzles, so I guess I never realized that.

Ditto on the books as gifts!

 

I've attached an article we recently published addressing some of the concerns you have. Interestingly enough Go Bananas only had some Thomas toys and one puppet theater recalled. Nothing else. We tend to deal with smaller manufacturers who didn't seem to be affected by the safety recalls. Most of our manufacturers have sent us letters indicating they have tested all their toys and have deemed them "safe". I am very confident the toys we have are safe for your child and mine.

 

http://www.fatbraintoys.com

another awesome site- i think I might actually order online from this company- the products look really cool and original!

 

Just wanted to post about a toy that was a HUGE hit with both my kids that I bought at Go Bananas.

It's the Rody Horse which is made in Italy. My kids are fighting over this constantly. If you have a preschooler, it's well worth the money for this one.

 

wanna know something funny? if you google broadlands toys ( i was trying to find the name of that shop near Maggie moos and Bonefish)- you get THIS thread near the top!!!

 

Thats funny. We are all to popular through Google search
By the way I think the name you are looking for is Curiosity Zone

Staci

 

i thought so too- but isn't there another place next to it that sell toys- like webkinz?

 

Morning Glory and Seasons both have Webkinz.

 

So does Walgreens.