Mission: Toy Purge – 2007 China Recalls

8/23/07: Infuriating would be an understatement. All of the China Recalls have been sickening. I sit here wondering, when does it end? How many more recalls are left? How many more companies are sitting on their hands, biting their fingers, waiting for affirmation that their products are tainted too? How many of you have turned over toy after toy to be shockingly suprised just how many of your items are from China? I certainly have. And just in case you are wondering the picture you see above is a picture of one of the many toys we’ve had on the recalled lists.

It is just yet another reminder to me that quality is better than quanitity. I have been sitting on the fence for about a year now in regards to our toys. We have an innumerable sea of toys in our house and overflowing our garage. Ridiculous amounts of toys. We are the toy masters. Don’t get me wrong we haven’t spent oodles of money on toys. We are just garage sale fanatics. We find it hard to pass up a good deal. I also provide childcare, or did (tomorrow is my last day), so we’ve felt it fairly necessary to have all the toys. Beginning about last year after reading a couple books on child development I came to the conclusion that less is better. Children’s imaginations (and your pocketbooks) thrive when they have less. They do better with higher quality, open ended, limited toys.

So I kept telling myself that is what I wanted for my kids but it has been so easy to put off. Well, we’ll just slowly start buying the good toys and then we’ll sell off all these, I would think. But it still hasn’t happened.

Well, it starts next week. These recalls have me sick. But above the recall it is just a general reminder that I need to buy local and that I need to limit our purchases and get rid of the plastic junk in general. So, I will be starting this process next week since I will no longer be babysitting and will have more time on my hands. Please wish us luck. This is not going to be an easy undertaking for me. I’m not sure what we will do for toys but we’ll get by. At this point she can play with cereal boxes for all I care (unless it’s made in China). I am also throwing out all of our children’s jewelry. I will be sure to take before and after pics. I welcome anyone else to join me on this mission. View the updated playroom HERE.

And if you happen to have missed them here are some of the toy recalls (be prepared to puke). Please message me if I’ve missed any of them here:

2007 Recalls

 

December: 

Bell Racing Collectible Mini Helmets (lead) 12/5 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08112.html 

Home Depot Holiday Figurines (lead) 12/5 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08122.html

FGX International Children’s Sunglasses (lead) 12/7 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08087.html

United Scientific Horseshoe Magnets (lead) 12/12 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08128.html 

Far East Brokers Fishing Game (lead) 12/12 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08130.html

Jo-Ann Fabric Water Globes (lead) 12/13 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08526.html

Codee International Children’s Jewelry (lead) 12/13 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08132.html 

Dollar Tree Children’ Toys (lead) 12/13 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08133.html

Discount School Supply Measuring Charts (lead) 12/19 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08528.html 

Soldier Bear Toys (learning blocks, time teacher, wooden riding horse) (lead) 12/19 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08141.html 

MTC Super Magnet Toys (lead) 12/21 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08149.html 

November:

American Greetings Confetti Bursts (lead) 11/29 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08107.html

Reeves International Holiday Ornaments (lead) 11/28 http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08105.html

Boppy Slipcover Recall (lead) 11/21 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08097.html

Children’s Pencil Pouches (lead) 11/21 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08096.html

Big Lot’s Children’s Metal Jewelry (lead) 11/21 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08095.html

Children’s Necklace and Earing Sets (lead) 11/21 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08092.html

Children’s Bracelets (lead) 11/21 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08094.html

Children’s Metal Necklaces & Bracelets (lead) 11/21 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08093.html

Michael’s Recalled Jewelry (lead) 11/21 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08091.html

Discount School Supplies Paintbrushes (lead) 11/21 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08090.html

Family Dollar Stores Metal Jewelry (lead) 11/21 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08088.html

Hobby Lobby Halloween Baskets (lead) 11/16 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08084.html

Children’s Sunglasses (lead) 11/8 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08080.html

Curious George Doll (lead) 11/8 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08079.html

Aqua Dots (chemical that reacts like date rape drug) 11/7 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08074.html

Toy Cars from the Dollar Store (lead) 11/7 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08068.html

Toy Robot from Schylling (lead) 11/7 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08072.html

Duck Music Box from Schylling (lead) 11/7 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08071.html

Spinning Tops (lead) 11/7 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08070.html

Duck Family Toys (lead) 11/7 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08069.html

Toy Dragstar and Cars (lead) 11/7 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08067.html

Wagon (lead) 11/7 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08066.html

October: 

Ribbit Board Games (lead) 10/31 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08056.html

Toys R Us “Elite Operations” Toys (lead) 10/31 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08057.html

“Ugly Teeth” Party Favors (lead) 10/31 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08059.html

Henry Gordy “Galaxy Warriors” Toy Figures (lead) 10/31 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08060.html

Limited Too Pearl like Bead Attachment (lead) 10/31 – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08058.html

Halloween Pails (lead) – Dollar Store 10/25: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08051.html

Football Bobble Head Cake Toppers (lead) 10/25: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08050.html

More Jo Ann’s Garden Tools (lead) 10/25: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08049.html

Diego Toy Boat (Lead) 10/25: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08048.html

Dollar Tree Metal Jewelry (lead) 10/25: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08045.html

Shrek & Spiderman Metal Jewelry (lead) 10/25: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08044.html

Cars Game Pieces (magnets) 10/25: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08039.html

Guidecraft Tabletop Puppet Theatre 10/17: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08031.html

Cool Clip & Mini Cool Clip Bookmarks 10/17: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08032.html

Skull Halloween Pails 10/17: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08033.html

Bendable Dinosaur Toys (10/11) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08020.html

Travel Art Sets (10/11) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08021.html

Winnie The Pooh Playsets (10/11) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08022.html

Deluxe Art Sets (10/11) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08023.html

Breyer Stirrup Ornaments (10/11) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08024.html

Jeff Gordon Mini Helmets (10/11) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08019.html

Cub Scouts Totem Badges (10/9) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08018.html

Sports Authority Aluminum Water Bottles (10/4) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08011.html

Bookmarks & Journals (10/4) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08010.html

Key Chain’s (10/4) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08009.html

Baby Einstein Color Blocks (10/4) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08005.html

Children’s Decorating Kits (10/4) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08008.html

Dollar General Tumblers (Frankenstein) (10/4) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08007.html

Pirates of the Caribbean Flash Lights (10/4) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08006.html

KB Toys Wooden Toys (10/4) – http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08004.html

September: 

Guidecraft Puppet Theatre (9/26): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07312.html

Thomas the Train Wooden Railway Toys (9/26): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07308.html

Toby N.Y.C. Children’s Metal Jewelry (9/26): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07314.html

Children’s Spinning Wheel Metal Necklaces (9/26): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07313.html

Children’s Toy Rakes (9/26): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07311.html

RC2 Toy Knights (9/26): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07310.html

Target Children’s Gardening Tools & Chair (9/26): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07309.html

Barbie Accessory Toys (lead) 9/4: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07301.html

Geo Trax Locomotive Toys (9/4): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07302.html

Bongo Band Toys (9/4): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07303.html

Toys R Us Paint Recall: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07299.html

Rubber Duck Watering Can (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07290.html

Caterpillar Boots (electrical shock risk): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07291.html

Sponge Bob Address Books & Journals (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07283.html

Thomas & Curious George Spinning Tops & Pails (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07282.html

Children’s Charm Bracelets (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07281.html

Children’s Jewelry (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07280.html

Polly Pocket Magnet Recall (magnets): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07273.html

Fisher Price Character Toys (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07257.html

Doggie Day Care Magnetic Toys (magnets): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07272.html

Barbie & Tanner Magnetic Toys (magnets): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07271.html

“Sarge” Toy Cars (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07270.html

Batman Action Figures (magnets): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07269.html

Hampton Magnetic Train (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07570.html

Walmart Earings (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07241.html

Soldier Bear (dinosarus & hero’s) Toy Sets (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07239.html

Children’s Metal Jewelry (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07232.html

Mag Sticks Magnetic Building Sets (magnets): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07231.html

Children’s Necklaces (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07218.html

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07212.html

Kmart Silver Stud Earrings (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07210.html

Flashing Eyeball Toy (kerosene!): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07556.html

Limited Too & Justice Stores Jewelry (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07202.html

Toy Drums (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07196.html

Troy Bilt Children’s Gardening Gloves (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07549.html

Children’s Rings (lead)(think quarter machine): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07189.html

More Chilren’s Metal Jewelry (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07188.html

Vinyl Baby Bibs (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07175.html

Anima Bamboo Collection Game (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07173.html

Children’s Necklaces – Oriental Trading Co (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07172.html

Children’s Take Apart Townhouse Toys (magnets): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07179.html

Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets (magnets): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07164.html

Stuffed Ball Toys (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07141.html

Children’s Mood Necklaces (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07129.html

Claire’s Necklaces (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07128.html

Accesories Palace Necklaces (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07125.html

Two Sided Easels (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07531.html

Big Lots Children’s Rings (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07114.html

Kmart Children’s Jewlery (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07113.html

Samara Brothers Boy’s Jackets (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07102.html

Children’s Bracelets (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07099.html

Kidz Children’s Rings (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07098.html

Dillard’s Two Piece Overalls (lead): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07516.html

Doesn’t this outrage you? Make you sick?