Nov 23, 2007 1:52 pm US/Eastern
Holiday Shoppers Wary Of Toxic Toys
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
From Aqua Dots laced with the powerful date rape drug when injested, to dangerous lead levels in Curious George, and hair accesories from Claires, this is a holiday shopping season where toxic toys are on everyone's minds.
Carrie Jaffe isn't sure what to buy her 5-year-old daughter and two-year-old son. "Holiday shopping is definitely going to be more challenging because we're not sure that what we can buy that's safe anymore."
Now that millions of dangerous toys have been recalled, parents like Jaffe are being extra cautious. In fact, 70 percent of all parents will be checking product labels this holiday before they buy.
"Made in China could be thought of as a warning label," Jaffe said.
That fear is turning into a windfall for small, independent toy stores. For many parents, toy shopping this year is getting back to basics. Wooden toys, puppets and books are the big sellers.
"I am finding that people are really curious to find toys that are made in this country. They're welcoming toys made by crafts people," said Pamela Pier, proprietor of Dinosaur Hill store.
As for Carrie Jaffe, she thinks she has found the perfect, safe gift. "We're thinking of getting my daughter a fish - a little bit old fasioned but we know it's not going to be recalled."
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