The Journal Times Online - Racine, Wisconsin

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Posted by: thnk1st on December 2, 2007 8:12PM CST I would love to do that but it's really hard. I really try to not buy from China though or other oppressive countries.

Posted by: Mac on December 2, 2007 9:16PM CST I've had a bit of success that I'll be happy to share: Marshall's or TJ Maxx's carries good toys a lot of the time... Toys by "Melissa and Doug", Chicco, etc... Also, the Red Balloon store on Hwy. 20 now.. and JoJo's Toys downtown. Sometimes the price tags require fewer gifts under the tree but it's worth it

Posted by: SER on December 2, 2007 10:06PM CST JAG...I cheat. I buy all my kids and grandkids gift certs and let them deal with it. My hats off to those who try to buy all American.

Posted by: Attached Mommy to 4 Kiddos on December 3, 2007 7:51AM CST This is an email I recently sent out to my family and friends...I don't know what age you are trying to shop for, but these are toys... The holiday shopping season is upon us and once again, we read of another popular product made in China that is being recalled. The newest recalled product, Aquadots, once injested acts like the date-rape drug and children are falling over into comas. I am on a war-path this year because of all the toy recalls involving mostly those toys made in China. It is next to impossible to find anything not made in China, but there are choices out there. Toys and products made by eco-friendly companies that are more interested in putting out a quality product versus involving themselves in corporate greed and unsafe practices. I share this link because each of you has children in your lives...whether they are your own children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews..they are people you care about...and I care enough about all of you to pass on this link to a blog about safer toy choices. Not only do I have 4 children that I want to keep safe, but I also have a child with autism who is already developmentally damaged from who knows what...Most think it is a genetic pre-disposition that manifests itself through an environmental trigger...most specifically enviornmental toxins and chemical additives in foods and products. As a result of my reality, I have even more of a desire to protect all of our children from environmental toxins. So, I share this link with each of you, as an adovate for all children and a furious mom who has had enough of unsafe toys being solicited to our children. http://saras-toy-box.blogspot.com/

Posted by: JAG on December 3, 2007 7:52AM CST Mac, thanks for the tips. I do shop at JoJo's but I do not know of the Red Balloon. Where exactly is the Red balloon? SER, that is a good way, except I doubt too many kids are looking for Made in the USA.

Posted by: Attached Mommy to 4 Kiddos on December 3, 2007 8:22AM CST Jag, Red Balloon is downtown Kenosha...and the learning express on hwy 50 in kenosha also has good toys.

Posted by: TBV on December 3, 2007 1:13PM CST Give gifts of local services, such as salons and spas, dinner gift certificates, car washes or portering, etc. The money will stay in the local economy and will create/maintain jobs.

Posted by: Mac on December 3, 2007 4:22PM CST The Red Balloon is in West Racine's shopping district.... just west of Hwy. 20 and Osborne I think it is...although there IS a great toy store in downtown Kenosha that I keep forgetting to go to. (Their window displays are awesome). Good discussion.