Always a concern...is that toy safe? Does it meet industry standards?

Like every parent I am concerned about the safety of our toys. Not only what they are made of but are they safe for the recommend age, or the big question...have they been recalled?? Or not sure what toy meets the toy industry standards? Did that toy you child has been begging for win an award??? It can all be so over whelming but fear not there are a few places to go to find out about toy safety and what the best toys of the year are.


The Toy Industry Association (TIA) is the toy industry's trade organization: the one that hosts Toy Fair in February in New York , and the one who has led American toy makers through the new toy safety testing laws and standards they must meet. TIA is a not-for-profit trade association for producers and importers of toys and youth entertainment products sold in North America, representing over 500 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. Toy safety is the number one priority for the toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety including development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and working with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe play. And now, TIA is reaching out to parents to help us understand how to buy safe/great toys. They have created two websites for consumers. One is Toy Info . Check out this link to a video that provides tips for shopping for safe toys and how to keep your children safe with their toys after they're home. It is a must watch even for us veteran moms! This site is filled with tons of useful information and is updated regularly as needed!


Wondering what toy to get your child, niece, nephew or grand children then go to Toy Awards it showcases the top toys in 11 product categories that have been nominated for the 2010 Toy of the Year Awards (TOTY). Recognized as the “Oscars®” of the toy industry, the awards program is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The TOTY winners will be announced on February 13, 2010 at a banquet and ceremony in New York City, officially kicking off American International Toy Fair. I loved the layout of the site, super easy to navigate plus there is downloadable PDF holiday shopping list! There is also a contest going on right now! Simply pick your your favorite toy in each of the 11 toy categories, from among 6-7 finalist products in each category. At the end of the survey you will be given the opportunity to win ALL THE TOYS in the category of your choice. (Winner will be announced on 2/13/2010)

I have been to both sites SEVERAL times as I shop for toys for not only my boys but for my 4 year old niece and 2 year old nephew and soon to be here grand niece/nephew(hubby's niece is due ANY DAY NOW) They are a wealth of information and I recommend you pay them a visit!