16 More Lead-free Toys Made in America

What's one of the most-read stories on The Daily Green in the last few weeks?

A little weekend story we posted awhile back about 10 lead-free toys made in the U.S.A.

It's no wonder; last week's latest recalls from Mattel produced more grim headlines in the news about lead-paint toys made in China. Since the recalls of literally millions and millions of toys sold in the US broke, we've found more American-made toys as well as information that often European made toys are excellent alternatives. Often, toys made in Europe have been subject to rigorous safety testing standards. What is apparent with all of these lead-free alternatives is that these are toys that stress imagination and creative play value, and are less branded and more traditional than the typical toys involved in the recalls.

The news media, including The Daily Green, are predicting that a China-free Christmas will be a big retail trend this holiday, and that Made-in-America toy manufacturers are being swamped with orders from parents and retailers. Expect to pay more for these toys than many of the mass produced toys; now we know why those other toys were so cheap. Hint: shop early if you want to put an American-made toy under the tree.

American-made Toys:

• Whittle Shortline Railroad
• Step 2 Toys (toddler toys, ride-on toys, wagons, much more)
• K'Nex (bricks and building sets)
• Poof-Slinky Toys (slinkys and foam things you throw)
• Oompa Enterprises (specialty retailer of American and European made toys)
• Briarpatch Games and Puzzles
• Imagiplay

European:

• Playmobil

• Smethport Toys - Magnetic Games and Educational Products
• Lauri Toys - Crepe Rubber Puzzles, etc.
• Nico & Zoe Toys
• Turner Toys
• Our Green House
• Great American Puzzle Company
• Processed Plastic Company Plush riding toys-check for made in America label.
• Whitepigeon Enterprises

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