A Few American Toy Companies to Ponder

Did the lead paint in toys scare you last year? While the vast majority of toys are safe, Americans were thrown into a panic when a couple of big companies with popular toy lines announced that their products didn’t pass their safety standards. We commend these companies for announcing the recalls publicly and immediately taking action and getting these items off toy store shelves. However, we spoke to toy companies that make their products in the U.S. and were told that they were getting so many orders that they couldn’t keep up with demand. For a consumer this was frustrating. Take a chance with toys from China or find an alternative present because local toy makers could not produce enough products.

When making a toy purchase there are a lot of things to keep in mind. The quality of the product and educational value are two important things to look for when you are buying a child’s toy . Today people are also more concerned with where a toy is made. Most of the toys on the market today are imported from China and other foreign countries. Although a high percentage of items made overseas are perfectly safe and good quality some people really want to buy toys that are made in America. Luckily there are toys that are made throughout the USA in small, hometown companies that keep the tradition of American made toys alive.

Many American consumers like to know where the toys they purchase are made. It also gives them a sense of comfort to know that they supporting small businesses – especially family owned businesses that have been around for generations. We need to get back to the basics, allow our children to experience the same toys that we were able to love and enjoy – toys that are made in America. Why not shop here, in our own country? Let’s bring back an old tradition that has been long forgotten.

There are not many companies that beat Holgate Toys when it comes to long tradition of making quality toys. This long standing American toy company has been in continuous operation ever since. After the Civil War they moved to Kane, PA to be closer to the area’s abundant hardwood forests. This way they could make quality wooden educational toys from local American forests. They make wooden blocks, educational toys like the Hickory Dickory Dock Shape Sorting Clock, and even step stools that can be personalized with your child’s name painted on top as part of the design.

Although wooden products are cherished and loved by American sometimes other types of products have a lot of value for young learners. An American company called Smart Monkey makes high quality cardboard blocks that kids can stack and knock down again and again. These blocks are called Imagibricks because they inspire a kid’s imagination and have endless play value.

For art loving kids, American Easel makes a nice selection of items produced from Pacific Northwest trees. Over the last decade, this company has built a reputation for producing quality products at an affordable price. Their line of artist and display easels are produced from clear Douglas Fir. This tree has a natural beauty yet is strong enough to offer high performance. Most of their designs are shipped without a finish on them, leaving them to reveal the natural beauty of the wood. We think budding young artists will feel inspired by one of these easels.