Relax with STEM Article by Tina Manzer, Editorial Director of EdPlay Magazine: Stress-reducing fidget toys, STEM, and Fractiles
Will the Real STEM Toys Please Stand Up Article by Mark Carson, President and Co-Founder of Fat Brain Toys. Fractiles is at the top of the list of Carson's favorite toys "contributing to STEM-related pursuits."
A recent AOL News Poll revealed that toy safety is a concern for almost 80 percent of consumers.
Lead, which can cause serious neurological damage to young children, was brought to their attention this year by one of the biggest and formerly most-trusted names from childhood.
In August, Mattel recalled approximately 1.5 million Chinese-made Fisher-Price toys that contained lead paint. Two weeks later, Mattel announced recalls for 9 million more Chinese-made toys, including popular Barbie items.
Over the last month, millions of Aqua Dots beads were pulled from shelves after scientists found a chemical coating on the beads, that when ingested, metabolized into gamma hydroxy butyrate, also known as the so-called date rape drug.
With the recent high-profile recalls of Chinese-manufactured toys it's no wonder parents are being extra cautious this holiday shopping season - and seeking out American-made toys, games and puzzles.
According to the Toy Industry Association, almost 80 percent of the toys sold in the United States are manufactured in China. The remaining 20 percent come from toymakers in Europe, the United States and elsewhere.
Almost every toy seems to have a "Made in China" stamp on the bottom. It's harder to find American made toys, but they are out there. Here are just a few of the toy companies that can honestly claim they are "Made in America."
1. American Plastic Toys Inc.
Quality plastic children's furniture that includes an Adirondack Table & Chair Set and toys that include a Sportster Ride-In and Enchanted Beauty Salon (with chair, sink and mirror).
2. Shop For America
BEKA is known for its high quality art easels, puppet theaters, unit blocks and other creative play products for children.
3. Fractiles
Using angles based on the number 7, these tiles let you create starbursts, spirals, butterflies, bouquets of flowers, swarms of fireflies, spaceships, illusions of 3D space and much more.
4. Kathys Reactions
Since 1982, these beautiful hand-crafted stuffed animal designs have delighted with their detail, authenticity and lifelike amazement.
5. KNEX
KNEX is the next generation of construction sets, inspiring creativity and encouraging interaction between children and parents.
6. Maple Landmark Woodcraft
Based in Vermont, Maple Landmark crafts a wide range of wooden toys, games, and gifts, following American standards of product safety, employee safety, and environmental protection.
7. Ameritrains
Ameritrains are "toy-like" renditions of scale and imaginary railroad equipment. The scale line closely resembles their prototypes; the six-inch line is more whimsical and nostalgic.
8. Shop For America
You can buy not just quality American-made toys, but also clothing for men, women and children.
9. Block N Roll
Block-N-Roll is the only plastic marble maze block compatible with all leading blocks, including LEGO/DUPLO blocks and Mega Blok construction.
10. Uncle Goose
Uncle Goose's multi-language Alphabet Blocks aid in developing fine motor skills, spatial recognition, math, and language skills in kindergarten and pre-school aged children.
As a final thought, there are toy companies that claim their products are American made, but is only partially true. For example, Crayola makes the majority of their products in the states, but some of the packaging or parts are made elsewhere.
As you shop for your children's presents, take time to check where the toy was made before you hand over your cash or credit card.
Note: This news article was created on Wednesday, November 21, 2007, by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. at http://www.nbc4.com/smallbusiness/14661953/detail.html. At a later date, it was deleted from the nbc4.com website.
