Published: November 25, 2007 11:03 pm            

Holiday shoppers wary of ‘Made in China’ while strolling toy aisle

PRINCETON — Toys crafted by Santa’s elves may be welcome under any Christmas tree, but recalled toys from China are making parents cautious about buying the presents on their children’s wish lists this year.

For several months a variety of toys manufactured in China have been pulled from retailers’ shelves for problems ranging from poisonous lead paint to magnets and small parts that could choke children. Keeping potential hazards in mind is making parents more mindful during their holiday shopping.

“It’s scary because you don’t know what’s going to be recalled next,” said Michele Colley of Bluefield.

Colley’s 7-year-old daughter Zoe wanted a toy called Aqua Dots, but that product was recalled recently.

“I’m glad I didn’t get those early,” Colley said.

Buying toys for daughter Erika, who turns 2-years-old next January, is somewhat easier; gifts such as building blocks are still an option, Colley said.

Garey Lester of Princeton has 5-year-old twin boys Jacob and Trevor and newborn baby girl Carley to think about when he shops for Christmas presents.

“Oh yea, there’s definitely a concern,” he said. “One of my boys was really into Batman, and it’s one of the toys that was recalled. You’re definitely more alert about catching the news for recalls and stuff like that. You’ll look for alternatives.”

Parents must also think about all of their children when deciding which toys will go under the Christmas tree. Older children who may not put toys with lead paint or small parts in their mouths could still unwittingly share them with younger siblings, Lester said, thinking of his sons and new daughter.

“Whatever they play with can affect her,” he said. “There was just a great deal of recalls from Barbie to Batman.”

Lester said he planned to give his sons more computer toys as an alternative to recalled playthings.

Another parent also planned to be very careful about what her child gets for Christmas.

“We’ve told everybody if they’re going to bring him toys not to get him anything with paint on it or small parts,” said Tasha Hicks of Rock, who has 1-year-old son Jackson to think about.

“It’s hard to know what to get your kid when you really don’t know if it’s safe,” Hicks said. “You buy something and think it’s safe and in three or four months they recall it.”

Numerous toy recalls have given manufacturers and retailers large financial losses to deal with, but Hicks said parents recognize their honesty.

“I have appreciated that they have taken them [recalled toys] off the shelves and not just lied to the customers,” Hicks said. “I know they’re losing a lot of money, but kids are more important.”

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

        

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