Comments on: PVC & Christmas Toys

By: Tasha

Tasha — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:19:27 +0000

Thank you for your thoughts here. I can totally identify. My sons really have a blast making up scenarios with action figures. But I’m having a terrible time trying to find replacements to the PVC-type Power Ranger figures. I’m at my wit’s end. I have checked out the Waldorf-type dolls but they don’t seem to suit my sons. If anyone has any leads to offer, I would be most grateful. I’ve checked a plethora of websites already. All have beautiful doll and figure offerings for girls or younger boys. But what figures are available for school-age boys who want to have fun making up all kinds of scenarios for the good guys and bad guys. (I don’t believe in the cowboys vs Indians scenario and don’t think our boys would like the woodsman figures, which I’ve seen plenty of on on otherwise great toy sites.) I need some action figures they’ll enjoy playing with together and with their friends.

Any leads are much, much appreciated!

By: Fabiola

Fabiola — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:43:30 +0000

I know it can sound rough or rude to ask not to buy them…but I don’t feel any regret when as soon as possible I take them to the thriftstore…brand new….before my girls get too attached to them.
I know it’s healthier for them not only to play with something that is not made from plastic…but that it is made of natural materials (bamboo fabric has been banned in Canada from being called organic because the process to extract the fiber is so harsh and chemical it is the same process as rayon…).
After requesting natural toys and getting unhealthy junk…and then taking it to the thriftstore…everybody got the message. Now is the same with clothes…unless they are made of cotton, hemp,linen or wool out they go…we buy a lot of it from second hand stores…but it has to be natural. If you buy small quantities of quality made toys and clothes made from natural materials that go back to the earth…you don’t end up spending more money, you don’t have too much stuff, you live better…and you are healthier mentally, spiritually and phisically. I make a lot of my children’s playthings…but I also buy handmade…when I can. and my kids don’t have a lot of toys…but what they have they treasure and I love having around

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:21:31 +0000

Great advice from Jacquelyn – thank you! I personally think it’s too much for relatives to try and remember if you request itmes without ‘PVC’ or ‘Phthalates’ or ‘BPA’, etc. The most simply way is to explain you’d like to eliminate plastic toys or items given to your child this year. Then offer them direct links to some examples via online stores…even big box stores have websites for everyone. I love the idea of memberships to local zoos, aquariums, farms for a present or even adopting a family that is needing help this year and letting your child become involved in selecting gifts for those children. These gifts would be in leiu of their own, but for kids from very large familes, this would be a great idea! Hmmm too many great ideas on this…will have to write another article. Thanks ladies for your comments!
Suzanne

By: Jacquelyn

Jacquelyn — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:27:39 +0000

Thanks for this post. It is not only helpful for me when I think about what toys NOT to buy, but also reassuring to know that I’m not the only one haunted by these decisions.

And to Kara:
Nobody was getting my hints, either. No matter how many times I told them “Oh don’t let him put that in his mouth, here let him put his ORGANIC COTTON toy in his mouth”, they just never got it. So, Hubby and I went all out and we sent an email to everyone- grandparents, aunts, uncles- letting them know that first of all, we wanted a limited amount of gifts for our 9 month old son (they tend to go WAY overboard and half the stuff is junk that was found in the dollar spot at Target. We don’t care about gifts and “stuff” enough to want a bunch of little trinkets cluttering the house.) And secondly- most importantly- we asked that all gifts be eco-friendly. No Pvc’s, no harsh finishes on wooden toys, etc. I gave a list of websites that sell eco-friendly toys/clothes/arts and crafts so they could peruse and shop, or just get ideas of what to look for. It went over quite well actually, for two reasons:

#1, Recession! people don’t have a lot of extra money, so asking for limited gifts goes over quite well.
#2, My in-laws, specifically, want to buy things we need or will like. So by setting up guidelines/directing them in a certain way, they know they are on the right path.

Now the real test is to see if they can follow directions.

I’ll keep you posted.

Blogging at Thebueschs.blogspot.com

-J

By: Kara

Kara — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:54:03 +0000

I am having the same problem at the moment. Currently, my son has a plethora of toys bought for him by family and friends that he loves (and they love to see him play with) that, without even researching each one, I am sure are made of PVC and pthalates. I excitedly talk about each safe toy that I buy, hoping others will get the message. I don’t want to be rude, but how do I ask family and friends not to buy popular toys (including learning based ones) politely?