If you didn’t read yesterday’s blog, here’s what you missed: The charges that Mr. Squiggles, the adorable robotic hamster and the holiday’s hottest toy, contains unsafe levels of the toxic metal antimony, are untrue. Mr. Squiggles and the other Zhu Zhu Pets are all perfectly safe. But what about those other toys on your holiday list? Here’s some advice to share with your workers and colleagues to help them ensure that the toys they select are safe for children. 1. Check the CPSC Recall List Mr. Squiggles managed to elude the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) recall list. But lots of toys don’t. Recalled toys might still appear on store shelves. So the first thing you want to do is check the CPSC recall list at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html. The site includes not just product descriptions but photos. 2. Check Consumer Sites The fact that a toy isn’t on the recall list doesn’t necessarily mean that it doesn’t pose hazards. So you also want to check the major consumer websites like Consumer Reports, http://web.consumerreports.org/test/SEM/version2.htm?EXTKEY=SG72CR0&CMP=KNC-CROBRANDG&HBX_OU=50&HBX_PK=consumer_reports. 3. Stick with the Big Stores Buy from the big toy stores. In addition to doing a better job of monitoring recalls, many of the larger retailers do their own safety testing on toys. Conversely, steer clear of smaller stores and thrift shops. 4. Beware of Past Offenders “Keep in mind that some types of toys have historically been repeat offenders when it comes to safety,” writes parenting expert, Nancy Shute. Examples:

• Cheap metal jewelry and charms have often been found to contain high levels of lead;
• Brightly painted toys sometimes contain lead to make the colors brighter;
• Toys that contain rare-earth magnets have caused dozens of injuries and at least one death. The problem is that the magnets come loose, get swallowed and end up blocking the intestines; and
• Plastic toys might contain phthalates. Ms. Shute recommends checking the label to ensure the plastics are phthalate-free or, better yet, choosing wooden toys instead.

Check the Safe Toys List The Canadian magazine, Today’s Parent, publishes a list of safe toys for all different age groups. The 2009 list includes: INFANT & TODDLER

• Dandelion Organic Toys (Re-Think It, $12 and up);
• Explore ‘n Grow Busy Ball Popper (Hasbro/Playskool, $35);
• Island Stroller Set (Tiny Love, $25);
• Lightning McQeen Activity Ride-On;
• Princess Ride-On (Kiddieland, $37);
• My Soft World Farm (Edushape, $25);
• My Pal Scout (LeapFrog, $25);
• Natural Skwish (Manhattan Toy, $18);
• Smart Snacks Trail Mix & Match (Learning Resources, $20);
• Tag Junior Book Pal (LeapFrog, $40).

PRESCHOOL

• Crazy Forts (Crazy Forts, $50);
• Matchbox Mega Rig Pirate Ship (Mattel, $69);
• Pretend & Play Birthday Set (Learning Resources, $33);
• Rocket Race (Tactic, $30);
• Shopping Cart (Melissa & Doug, $60);
• Sprig Toys: Eco Trucks – Dump Truck/Front Loader/Excavator (3 different models) (Sprig Toys, $20);
• Superstructs Pinklets: The Fairy Garden (Waba Fun, $45);
• Text & Learn (LeapFrog, $25);
• Tree Blocks (Tree Blocks, $29).

SCHOOL-AGE

• ArtLab Motorcycle Studio (SmartLab, $26);
• Lego Track Turbo RC (Lego, $50); Six (FoxMind, $20);
• Too Many Monkeys (Gamewright, $13);
• Villa Paletti (Wiggles 3D, $29).

PRETEEN

• Art Nouveau (Djeco, $34);
• Bop It! (Milton Bradley, $30);
• Cosmic Cows (Playroom Entertainment, $25);
• Jishaku (RSV Productions Inc., $25);
• Polar Derby (Gamewright, $18);
• Portrayal (Braincog, $40);
• Say Anything (North Star Games, $30);
• Yamslam (Blue Orange Games, $25);
• Yikerz! (Wiggles 3D $20).

If you go to the Today’s Parent website, you can get more information about the toys, including pictures showing you what each one looks like. http://www.todaysparent.com/craftsactivities/toysbooks/article.jsp?content=20080918_135440_12400 Conclusion It’s up to all of us to be not just generous but wise this holiday season, especially when it comes to choosing gifts for our kids. Better a lump of coal in the stocking than a hazardous toy.