This week of Thanksgiving is the big kickoff for the Christmas shopping season. And while I won't leave my house on Friday to spend even one dollar, I admit that I have started my list.Most of the items on my list, for my own children and our collective nieces and nephews are simple. Some handmade, some store bought (even if it is an online store) and books. But, many buyers this year, including me, are faced with the dilemma of whether or not the toys they choose are safe, and also from where to buy.
The Chinese toy recalls have prompted many a mom to rethink her Christmas list. Aqua Dots were on Peach's list, as well as probably hundreds of thousands of kids in America. From what I've read in the news, that seems to have been the last straw. I guess lead paint wasn't enough to scare parents away from Chinese toys, but the date rape drug was. So, we boycott Chinese toys, which is a good thing, in my opinion. If toy manufacturers were faced with this situation years ago, more toys would be manufactured in the U.S. I would rather pay more for fewer toys than pay less for lots of junk, and that's just what most Americans do. The problem is, how do you really know what toys are made in China, especially when you're giving suggestions to grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles? It's not always as obvious as reading the box, especially when you buy online.
Peach requested a toy (about a hundred times) after seeing it advertised on television. I don't even remember what it's called anymore, but it was a DVD and dance mat and costume designed to playteach a child ballet. I did not recognize the manufacturer after finding the toy at an online toy store. So I Googled the name and came up with nothing, no manufacturer's website. So I looked a little deeper and finally found it listed with other Chinese toy manufacturers. Hmmm.
Another item on Peach's list was a Mermaid costume. Well, I found quite a few on Amazon, but after contacting at least five of the companies, I find they are all made in China. I would never have known, until I purchased it, and even then I'm not certain the tag would have revealed where it was produced.
Then there is the issue of where to buy. I've been paying a lot of attention lately to the pro-life list. Buying from an organization that does not support PP is very important to me. So, I try to plan my gifts around that. But then I find there is also the Naughty and Nice List that reveals which stores refuse to acknowledge Christ with their signage and greetings. Do I want to shop where the trees are holiday trees and there's no baby Jesus? Ugh.
I tell you, between trying to make everyone on my list happy, trying to keep my kids safe, and trying to keep my conscience clean, I could go nuts.
I really think the solution is in no gifts. I wish I had started years ago. But, how do you go back? "Hey kids, we forgot to tell you, you're not getting any gifts this year. You don't mind, do you?" It would go over reeeealllly well. And while my children only get three gifts each, that's still 12 gifts, plus nieces and nephews.
I have one suggestion for this dilemma. Mothers unite. Post on your blog, or leave a comment about, your very favorite Christmas gifts for your children. You know, the perfect ones (ha!). Something that your kids loved in a past year, or will love this year (if your blog is safe from prying eyes).
I will post mine tomorrow. And if you do post, let me know and I'll post a link.
I'm hoping to get some really good ideas!
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Hi Barb!
ReplyDeleteIt is a challenge, isn't it? Finding the best way to acknowledge our dear Lord's birthday without slipping into extreme commercialism? It is a tremendous help to our family, that we never allow the children to see commercials or to look at toy catalogs. They certainly don't live in a hole and absolutely love the toy department, but this has enabled them the real privilege of choosing based on reality and not advertising. It is still quite a challenge...those displays are so enticing!
We also encourage the children to choose a couple items from their own "stock" to donate. This eliminates clutter and encourages charity. We have begged (successfully!) the grandparents to no longer send the myriad of little gifts. Family gifts seem to suit us best.
Here are a couple ideas our family has enjoyed in the past:
*A box full of family DVD's, complete with microwaveable popcorn, M&M's, etc. A theater in a box!
*Family memberships to our favorite places: the zoo, science museum, whatever interest the family has.
*A box full of family board games. We are always loosing pieces! Everyone is excited when we get "new games", even if they are simply "upgrades" to the old ones.
*A "no-battery" Christmas: we have made real efforts to abolish battery powered items. One year, we were completely battery-free. Last year, the boys had small remote control cars...I believe those were the only battery-powered items received.
*Hand-made gifts: it has been a little tradition of mine to knit one small item, per family member. Pocket dolls, mittens, drawstring bags, needle-cases, rosary cases, fingerless gloves...quick knits! Two seasons ago, I sewed two of the loveliest satin lined velvet capes, for my two youngest daughters. The pattern was very simple, the fabric was inexpensive and the resulting garments were exquisite. These remain their very favorite gifts...they wear them every Sunday to Mass--this will be the third season (capes fit much longer than coats do!)
Gifts my kids have loved? Legos. Wooden blocks and Dominoes. A dollhouse built and furnished by Dad. A large wagon with pneumatic tires (a perennial favorite, no matter the age of the children). Computer games for multiple players. For the teenager: anything that helps her photography career. Trade magazines. Lens cleaner. Tripod.
With nine children and four grandchildren, economy is the name of the game. And unity. Gifts that bring us all together...that's what I continue to shoot for!
I was just freaking out about this same thing last night. It is hard enough to try to figure out what to get my girls since they are still too young to really tell me what they want and now there is all of this other stuff to deal with. I will definitely be checking back to see what everyone else has to say. The one idea that popped into my head this morning is what about books? So I'll be looking into that as well.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that we mothers need to do something together though. That is the only way anything is going to change.
Great post, Barbara...sadly, it's not just toys, but many of the wonderful products and brands we adults and our teens need and use everyday.
ReplyDeleteSome of the littles favorites have been:
ReplyDeletea tub basket--filled with foam for shaving (the boys), color tint for bath time, tub crayons is fun for phonics and fine motor skills :)
I posted a picture last night on my blog of our movie gift for each child. The movie candy was on clearance for 75% off and each one gets their own container, a bag of popcorn and a family friendly movie.
Something else for the stocking--gift certificates to a local movie theatre. That way we can all see a family movie together over the Christmas break. This year we'll be watching The Legend of the Water Horse (done by the makers of the Chronicles of Narnia).