Comments on: What’s with all the plastic toys?

By: Teacher Jen

Teacher Jen — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:32:14 +0000

Great comments from everyone! Reducing waste, going green- YES!

Here’s another thought to ponder…

Remember that we, as parents and consumers, have a political responsibility when choosing toys and gifts.

http://www.mothering.com/guest_editors/kids_commercialism/kids_commercialism.html

By: Lara

Lara — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 03:51:42 +0000

I too agree with your approach to plastics. No one material is write for all sittuations and I think the problem is the over abundant use of plastic rather then its existance. For instance lego and duplo are stable well made toys which encorage immagination which will last for generations, the same with playmobil and ther reputable brands like littletikes. I don’t think if monney was no object I would allways buy wood and fabric and mettle etc as I think the life of a toy is determined a lot more by its design, does it allow immaginary play, is it fairly open ended, has attention to detail gone into its manufacture, rather then what material the toy is made of. For instance a lot of wooden farm animals seem to be flat carved animals whereas the plastic animals look more realistic.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 21:04:22 +0000

I agree, and your list of toy suggestions is great. Not only do we have a bunch of them, but we’ve gotten some good ideas as well. Thanks for the “reality” as well as ideas for toys that really are better.

By: amy

amy — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 13:53:37 +0000

I completely agree with Jen about the longevity of toys. Part of going green is reducing waste. It’s counterproductive to spending lots of money for wooden toys that quickly turn into trash.

By: anjii

anjii — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:00:34 +0000

My thoughts on the subject land right about where yours do… thanks for making a REALISTIC gift guide, rather than cowtowing to the extremists, and expecting us to spend impossible amounts of money.

By: Jen

Jen — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:41:26 +0000

My husband saw a wooden bike the other day being steered by a little girl of about 2. I did some searching and found the manufacturer – and the little wooden bikes retail for $300+. Not cool for something our son would grow out of in a mere few months. For me, its not necessarily about the material – its about the longevity. I’ll cave and buy plastic (as much as I hate the idea) if I know that its durable and well made, and ideally, made in Canada (since I am a Canuck). For example, Discovery Toys has a lifetime guarantee on all their toys. If I can find a comparable toy made from wood/metal/cloth, I’d rather buy it. But my beef is with cheaply made toys rather than toys made from the evil plastic. A crappy made wooden puzzle can be just as dangerous (think choking hazard or splinters or lead or whatever) than a cheaply made plastic toy. So as long as the toy is designed to have a long life, and even better -grow with our child, I’d rather go that route. Your take on plastic is well thought out. Kudos.

By: Alicia

Alicia — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:34:37 +0000

I personally second your take on plastic! We actually have to live in the real world, so I’m also getting worn out with the hundreds of “posh” gift guides out there. I believe there it’s possible to have a good balance between going green, choosing safe toys and keeping the cost reasonable.

As you pointed out, there are plenty of safer options in plastic toys, and many are made from recyclable plastic. I’ve learned the hard way that just because a toy is made from wood – doesn’t mean it’s non-toxic. The recent Melissa and Doug recalls took me and my kids by surprise.

I enjoy your blog – keep up the great work!