After finding 5 of Norah’s toys recalled for lead a few months ago, I’ve been somewhat nervous about toxic toys. I’ve also noticed that just about every toy on the store shelves was made in China. I was sitting in Norah’s room one night and had an awful thought: How many of her toys, clothes, shoes were made in sweatshops? If it was purchased at Walmart there is a darn good chance it was. Yeah, so that bothers me more than the lead does.
A few websites have helped me with the safety factor–Healthy Toys and CPSC’s email recall list.
The sweatshop factor is trickier. If you operate a sweatshop, you probably don’t want it to be common knowledge. I guess this shopping guide is a start. Our little global community is so intertwined. I could make my own clothes (well, assuming I could sew) but where did the fabric come from? I purchased Norah’s playsilks from a work-at-home-mom, but where was the silk made? Ai-yai-yai.
Inexplicable Ways 
check it out…
http://storyofstuff.com/
The above post (mine…not Carey’s) is what my dear husband fondly calls a “soapbox.” I will endeavor to avoid these as much as possible.
Now I’m off to check out Carey’s link which will probably send me climbing back up onto the box.
I can recommend Plan Toys. Norah’s wooden doll house brings out the little girl in me. Julie, you are doing a great job at encouraging her imagination. I do enjoy hearing what she will say or do next. One thing you can be sure of – it will not be something expected.