Earlier this year major toy makers Mattel and Fisher Price issued recalls of toys made in China due to high levels of lead. Other recalls due to lead paint and dangerous chemicals have included Curious George dolls, children’s sunglasses, and AquaDots. The more than 60 recalls have affected department stores and discount chains alike – J.C. Penney, Dollar General, Toys R Us, Meijer, Kmart, Target, and WalMart to name a few.

The Salvation Army has stated that they will have an individual assigned to checking donated toys against the recall list this Christmas season. So what is a parent or caring community member to do? Carry around a list of recalled toys when shopping? Hope that the stores pulled each and every one? Hope that there are no more recalls to come? No!

The answer is to do something different this year. One alternative is to get to know the handmade movement, if you haven’t already.

Buying Handmade Means Many Things:

• It means getting a gift made with love and care.
• One of a kind and unique gifts.
• Customized or personalized touches.
• Being able to know and communicate with the maker. If there are problems they can be cleared up and rectified.

There are many places to get handmade items for the holidays. Though sometimes it can cost a little extra to give handmade you are supporting an individual, often a family, with each purchase.

Online

Choose from plushy toys, wood toys, games, children’s accessories and clothing as well handcrafted jewelry of any composition and quality, sculptures, pottery, original art, photographic prints, home décor, adult and humorous clothing, purses and bags, figurines, hand turned wood items and so much more.

With over three quarters of a million items to choose from on one particular venue there is certain to be something for everyone on your list, even the children. There are dedicated teams of sellers called EtsyMoms and EtsyKids that specialize in children and children-friendly items.

Some sellers offer special touches and giftwrap. Even if they do not, many shops have handmade giftwrap, bows, and tags for purchase.

Not all of the sellers are from the United States so you could still get an international item for your loved ones if you want to. But order soon, it takes time to ship!

A Local Craft Fair

There are usually lots of such fairs in most metropolitan areas leading up to the holidays. But beware, some sellers resell lead containing Chinese toys! Look for unique items that are handmade by the person selling them. It should be evident in the information they’re able to provide about the items. They have painted, burned, carved, assembled, glued, strung, welded, or shaped each part of the piece and certainly know it well.

Make it Yourself

Visit your local craft store and take a tutorial. Join in on the forums of handmade sites. Buy some craft supplies and start playing, let inspiration and creativity guide you. So many toys that are given can be made by hand, they usually already are, in China for a few cents.

For more information visit
BuyHandmade.org.