One of the good things about the Global Economy is the abundance of products and services that are available to anyone, almost anywhere. Combined with the power of the Internet, it can be a wonderful thing.
The problem, of course, is that you no longer immediately know what you may be getting. While quality standards are pretty well enforced in the U.S., Japan and Europe, it is becoming clear that you can't assume that quality is maintained uniformly everywhere. The problems with pet food and Chinese toys are too very visible and alarming examples.
In the world of toys, however, there are plenty of resources for the concerned parent and grandparent -- you just may have to search a little harder and read a little more of the fine print. Sites like our own, of course, specialize in finding unusual, quality toys from smaller, craftsmanlike companies in Europe and Japan. But a quick search just on "European Toys" will bring you to sites like www.eurotoys.com, www.moolka.com, and www.willowtreetoys.com.
If you're willing to go "off-road" a bit -- that is, look beyond the big box toy stores, you'll be surprised at how many innovative, SAFE, toys are out there.
Happy hunting!
Ken Kahn
Player #1, Oh! Toys