TIPS ON BUYING THE RIGHT TOY FOR THE RIGHT AGE CHILD

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In light of the recent news about toys made in China, we would like to assure you that providing safe, quality products has been a Constructive Playthings goal for over 50 years. Because we want our products to be safe for our family's children and just as importantly, for your children, our standards are and have been tougher then those required by law. For example, Constructive Playthings has been successfully working to eliminate Phthalates from our products which, while allowed in the US, are banned in European toys.

We evaluate and test our items and only carry the best items from the most reliable suppliers. Constructive Playthings has never purchased any products from the Chinese factories involved in the current recalls and none of the items carried by Constructive Playthings have been recalled.

We do carry items made in China as well as from countries all over the world, including the United States. Our experience is that unsafe toys can come from anywhere and our high standards are the same no matter where the products are made.

Our personal standard is that we carefully select each toy as if we were giving it to our own children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We appreciate the trust you have placed in Constructive Playthings over the years and will continue to earn your trust by providing a variety of quality made products that make playing and learning a joyful, safe experience for your children.

Sincerely,

Frances Gershon
CEO
Great Grandmother
Former Early Childhood Educator




TIPS ON BUYING THE RIGHT TOY
FOR THE RIGHT AGE CHILD
The most important aspect of purchasing toys for children at any age is to carefully select ones that are developmentally appropriate for the skills, abilities and interests of the child.

Choose Age-appropriate toys
a) Look for labels that state age recommendations required by the U.S. Consumer Commission.
b) Look for warning of small parts that could be a choking hazard to children under three.

Keep toys made for older children out of the reach of younger children.

Look for sharp edges on any toy.

Look for "ASTM D-4236" on art materials that are non-toxic.

Check all old toys periodically for breakage and wear.

Teach children to put toys away to avoid tripping hazard.

Insist that children wear a helmet with riding toys.

Be careful buying toys at a garage sale as they may be broken or manufactured before recent safety precautions were instituted.

For young children, pull toys or any item with a cord should have a break-away device if the cord is longer than 9".

Make sure eyes, buttons, or any attachments are securely sewn on stuffed animals or affixed in a permanent way.

From books and puzzles to interactive, high tech toys, use common sense in purchasing. Try to select playthings that simulate, challenge the imagination, help develop gross and fine motor skills, and develop cognitive learning. Don't forget fun! Remember, children learn through play and a good toy will be one that a child revisits after its first introduction.