toys

One of my fondest childhood memories was playing with a brand new refrigerator box with our neighbors in the front yard.  This large box was a space ship, a school bus, a house, etc.  Parents know that kids love boxes, and sometimes these corrugated containers are more interesting than the toys they contain on birthdays and holidays.  Kidsonroof has combined children’s love of cardboard boxes with dramatic play to create the MobileHome.

The statistics are staggering when comparing children’s footprints across the globe, which causes many environmentalists to suggest that not having children may be the single most important thing you do for the environment. As a mother of two, this is a hard pill to swallow, and I try to convince myself that my children will be part of the solution since they are raised with green family values.

There has been much concern of late regarding the hazards presented by small magnets used in childrens toys

Co-founder of green product index elaborates on what's hiding in our kid stoys other than lead

Swapping is the latest trend to hit the shopping scene, allowing folks to trade in their old stuff for something new. Check out this post on the best sites for swapping everything from clothes to toys to video games.

Webkinz cheats blog is all about webkinz world. A lot of secrets, recipes and other webkinz stuff

Toys R Us recently announced the launch of an exclusive line of environmentally friendly toys that will be marketed under the Toys R Us brand.

Toys R Us announces new natural line - but, is it really?

What a fun idea. But why?

A tiny solar powered car. Entertainment for the adults while waiting for 'real' solar cars, a toy to explain alternative energy to the kids.

Major toy manufacturers have jumped on the eco bandwagon - but are they really eco and are they really good for your child?

It's essentially Netflix meets Toys R Us! Fablous idea to avoid clutter, cut down on non recycleable plastics, promote reuseage and save the earth!

Consumer groups say they found on store shelves toys that contained illegal levels of lead. The government warns that further recalls are under way, which is a sign that dangerous toys are still on shelves.

How does one define a toy or game as “eco-friendly?” The basic materials, the paints and dyes, and the manufacturing process all come into play. Ideally, every toy would be handmade by local artisans using recycled, organic, or renewable resources and plant-based dyes. This article highlights a raft of eco-friendly toys & games that are perfect for the little ones on your "naughty and nice" list this season.

Not only are they safe, as in lead-free, but most of them are eco-friendly and educational. I personally like the solar-house. You're never too young to start learning about renewable energy these days.

Surprised? The plan has no recommendations about stopping the use of lead in children's products (nor would it give the Consumer Product Safety Commission the same mandatory recall authority that is recommended for the FDA), budget numbers or adequate fines.

I'm loving these Kapla Blocks, an open-ended, totally unique blocks set for kids and adults. “Kapla” is short for the phrase “Kabouter Plankjes,” which means “pixie planks” in Dutch, and that’s exactly what you get with each set of Kapla Blocks. Made from renewable forests in France, Kapla Blocks are non-toxic, free of magnets, with no little screws or tiny extra pieces to worry you. They come in seven different colors, and include directions and lesson plans based on a child’s building abilities.

The longstanding battle over off-shoring vs. keeping American manufacturing jobs takes an interesting turn in the wake of the lead paint scandals. Toymakers are rushing to salvage their battered images. Are American jobs to benefit from the toxic toys??

The governor of California is currently considering a ban on phthalates. The bill is on his desk awaiting his signature or veto. Find out more and send an email to the governor asking him to protect our kids from toxic chemicals.

Not just toys, but hammocks, treadmills, appliances, food, baby stuff and computers--a vast array of items have been recalled recently for health and safety. Our regulatory framework is weak, and China's is corrupt. What’s next, ask reeling consumers?

Your kids may not eat their veggies, but they’ll be all over Celery Furniture. And no wonder. Their Lullaboo Rocking Pony requires minimal assembly and has NO metal hardware. Made from bamboo (celery/bamboo = large stalks that grow fast, get it?) and/or formaldehyde-free medium density fiberboard, and with low or no-VOC paint, this is a fun and funky addition to your playroom.

BEWARE OF ELMO! One million character toys—including Big Bird, Dora the Explorer, and Cookie Monster—were recalled this month because they might be coated in toxic lead paint - a poisonous substance that can cause learning disabilities, seizures, and even death when ingested.

Let’s tell Congress we are sick of putting ourselves, our children and our pets at risk from hazardous products crossing our borders. This is the 26th toy recall THIS year—all toys produced in China.

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