Not Made In China- a collection of China-free toys and household products

Kinderware- adorable fleece stuffed animals and lovies, Made in Bolivia

2008-10-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

We love these fun and whimsical baby toys, dolls, fleece animals and lovies! Kinderware products are hand-sewn in Bolivia by skilled craftswomen and paid a fair-trade wage. The bright colors and textures are perfect for a child of any age.

Infant and Toddler baby formula made in the USA

2008-09-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

In light of the recent problems with melamine contamination in the Chinese milk supply, we wanted to add some infant formulas and dairy products that are made in the USA. Most health organizations now recognize that breastmilk is best for infants but if you need a formula substitute there are options available. We recommend Nature's One brand which is manufactured in the USA, no ingredients are sourced in China and the formula is certified organic.

Keptin Jr- Made in Lithuania with natural fibers and materials

2008-09-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

Keptin Jr designs their products in the Netherlands and they are handcrafted in a small studio in Lithuania. All of their products meet high American and European standards and have been tested free of any harmful chemicals or toxins. They are perfectly designed for any baby and toddler to bite right into!

Erzi Toys- Made in Germany

2008-09-08T08:00:00.001-07:00

As the 2008 holiday season kicks off, we're searching for even more options for your family! We're happy to recommend these products made by Erzi. Erzi toys are made in Germany and designed to entertain your kids for hours of open ended play. Their toys are designed with natural products, nontoxic paints and are environmentally friendly.

Lucy and Michael Play Tents: Made in the USA

2008-09-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

These play tents made by Lucy and Michael will inspire hours of playtime and plenty of creative games! Neutral colors work for boys and girls alike. You'll be very satisfied with the craftsmanship and quality, all while supporting a Made in the USA company!

BlaBla on sale for a limited time

2008-09-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

Amazon.com is featuring BlablaBlaBla on sale for 20% off for a limited time! These 100% cotton adorable friends will make a great buddy for any child. They are handknitted in Peru with love and you can trust they'll be safe and lead free.

Green Toys Made in the USA and BPA free!

2008-08-13T07:44:00.001-07:00

Green Toys manufactures their products right in the USA. They use 100% recycled milk jugs to make some of the coolest, most fun toys for your preschooler.

Back to School Gear You Can Trust

2008-08-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Looking for safe, high quality back to school gear for your kids? You've come to the right place! All products listed here are made outside of China and many are made in the USA. We will continue to update this list during August with current information.

*Water Bottles Made in the USA, BPA Free*

*Backpacks Made in the USA*

*Lunch Supplies*

*School Supplies*

Toy Safety bill passed on to President

2008-08-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

After a very difficult year in the toy industry, the Senate has passed a toy safety bill that will require additional testing by 3rd party groups, as well as mandating standards that are currently voluntary. Six types of phthalates will also also be banned, should the President sign this legislation.The White House has voiced concerns but has not threatened a veto of the bill.

If the legislation passes, it is still too late to affect any toys sold this coming holiday season. Continue to shop wisely and make effective decisions for your family!

Looking for summer art supplies or art for travel? You need Wikki Stix!

2008-06-19T07:55:00.001-07:00

Wikki Stix are a wax coated yarn that is perfect for making cool summer art projects, practicing letters, modeling and design and so much more. We love that they're made in the USA, nontoxic, reusable and totally portable. You can take them to a restaurant while you wait for dinner, keep them in your pocket for long amusement park lines or use them at home for hours of fun. They're inexpensive so you won't spend a fortune making sure your kids have a safe product.

New recalls are a reminder to be vigilant

2008-06-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

Even though the holidays are over and we're all outside playing in the sunshine, there are still toys being recalled every day. It's important to remain vigilant and keep an eye on what you're buying for your children. These toys and children's' items were all recalled in the month of May due to violation of the lead paint standard.

Some of the latest recalls include:

Makeit and Bakeit Suncatchers and Jewelry kits

Little Tikes Toy Cell Phones

Rawlings Junior Batting Helmets

Early Childhood Resources Sure Grip Paint Brushes

Disney Store TinkerBell Wand

Disney Store Pirates of the Caribbean Sleeping Bags

Toys R Us Natural line is Made in China

2008-04-25T12:56:00.001-07:00

Toys R Us is heavily advertising their Natural Toys line that includes alphabet blocks, a toy car and more. Please know that while the toys are made of natural wood, the entire line is made in China. Their own website says that the toys are decorated with a unique wood-burning technique and are ecofriendly and chemical free. You'll have to decide whether or not you trust them to manufacture to standards that meet your family's needs. We cannot comfortably recommend these toys at this time.

GBaby by Geomag- Made in Switzerland

2008-04-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

We're so happy to be adding a new Geomag product to our recommended list! Geomag is already on our Brands You Can Trust list for their fun and interesting toys for older kids. Now, Geomag has a new line just for babies and toddlers. The bright colors and simple shapes will delight your child and you'll know you've given them an exciting and safe toy. The entire G Baby line is BPA free and bath and dishwasher safe. G Baby is available through Amazon, Fat Brain Toys and some Toys R Us stores. The products are just rolling out so they may not be available locally yet.

Sigg Bottles removed from recommended list

2008-04-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

After a warning from a wise reader, we have verified that the newest models of Sigg bottles are indeed made in China. You may still come across an older version on store shelves that does not carry the made in China label. We are working on finding a suitable replacement for the Sigg bottle and we should be able to add it to our list soon.

Baby products you can love and trust

2008-02-25T10:19:00.001-08:00

It's nearly spring and we're surrounded with babies, beautiful pregnant bellies and baby showers everywhere. When you're looking for the perfect gift for a friend or your own baby, you want to know it'll be safe, beautiful and worth every penny. We've put together a few recommendations from different companies we know you'll love. SwaddleDesigns features made in the USA cotton with organic options. Speesees products are made with attention to detail in India and according to fair trade principals with organic cotton. Earth Mama- Angel baby products are certified organic, certified vegan and made with the utmost attention to earth friendly and baby friendly practices. Sckoon (made fair trade in India, Egypt and Japan) offers organic toys, baby clothes and pet accessories that make great gifts.

Cinderella Car RECALLED

2008-02-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

We don't usually post recalls here unless they are significant. However, we felt that the danger posed from the Cinderella Car recall was significant enough to warrant an individual post. You may have purchased this car for your darling princess sometime between August 2005 and Feb 2006. If so, take it away immediately. There have been over 40 reports of the car's wires overheating, including an incident of flames shooting out from under the hood.

It's not surprising, but these cars were made in China.

Amazing Sale- Britax car seats and products 20% off for one week

2008-02-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

Did you know that most Britax products sold in the USA are made in the USA? While they do use global components, the Britax safety record is undeniably one of the best in the world. You can trust that your child will be well protected in a Britax product.

Because of their reputation, Britax is rarely on sale. However, for one week Amazon is having a Britax 20% off sale from February 24th through March 2nd. Don't miss out on that Britax seat you've been wishing for.

We recommend all Britax products but are particularly fond of:

Homer Laughlin China- dinnerware that is lead free and Made in the USA

2008-02-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

You've probably seen it on many tables and never even noticed that Homer Laughlin China (the makers of Fiesta dinnerware) is made in the USA and lead free. You can still put together a beautiful table and know that your family is safe. We've highlighted just a small portion of the many options available from Homer Laughlin.

Newest recalls remind us to still be vigilant.

2008-01-31T06:36:00.000-08:00

We just wanted to remind everyone that while the holidays are over, we are still seeing a lot of recalls of Chinese-made and lead tainted products. Please check and make sure you are not buying birthday and baby shower presents that could be dangerous to children. It's not making the nightly news anymore, but it's still happening. These are just some of the most recent recalls. For a more detailed list visit the CPSC website.

First Learning Toy Wooden Blocks and Train Sets 1/24/08

Battat Magnetic Construction Sets 1/23/2008

Cranium Cadoo sets 1/17/2008

A.A. of America Toy Wrestler Figures 1/15/08

Kash N Gold Tinkerbell Lamps 1/10/08

Tricam Industries Toy Wagon 1/3/08

Beautiful glass dinnerware, lead free and made in the USA

2008-01-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

After detailed research on many companies, we are so happy to have found a wonderful company that uses recycled glass to make beautiful pieces of dinnerware for your table. Fire and Light Originals are all handmade in the USA from recycled glass and are lead free. They are priced for any home looking for classy and interesting dishware that is safe for the whole family.

A lunchbox you and your kids will love!

2008-01-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Did you know that some lunch boxes made specifically for children contain lead? Recently, California distributed lunch boxes to encourage healthy eating, only to discover that they were tainted with lead paint. Others have been recalled for lead, sharp edges and other hazards.

We are so happy to recommend Laptop Lunches for your children and family. Laptop Lunches are manufactured in California and tested for lead and mercury as well as other chemicals. They are made of high quality food grade plastic that will last a long, long time. I should know, my 4 year old has used one every day for seven months. They also have adult models that are designed for you to take to work, on a date or a picnic.

It's a great alternative to hundreds of sandwich baggies being thrown away each day. You can trust that Laptop Lunches packaging will be safe for your kids too.

Happy Holidays everyone!

2007-12-25T06:50:00.000-08:00

Happy and safe Holidays to everyone! Not Made in China will return after the new year with ongoing product recommendations of more toys, clothes and household items. We wish you and yours the very best new year.

Last day to order with standard shipping

2007-12-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

Today, Tuesday 12/18, is the last day to order from Amazon with standard shipping and have your stuff arrive before 12/25. You still have time to order using two day shipping after today.

Many of the brands listed here are available in small, local toy shops. If you can't get it from Amazon in time, don't give up on your China-Free Christmas! Google your city name and locally owned toys store or independent toy store and see what you get. In our area, most shops carry a good selection of Playmobil, some Kathe Kruse and Haba, Plan Toys, and Heros. If you can't find a local toy shop with these brands, you can pick up some Briarpatch Games, Buffalo Games and Photomosaic puzzles, Crayola or Legos at any Target or Walmart.

Happy holidays and happy shopping! Have a safe and wonderful lead-free Christmas.

Ongoing problems with lead children's jewelry

2007-12-12T19:34:00.000-08:00

According to the Sacramento Bee, retailers are being encouraged to pull 16 different children's jewelry items from shelves after they tested positive for high levels of lead. Many of these come from vending machine and gumball type machines but others are being sold by mainstream brand stores like Macy's, Gap and Wishing Well.

Please use caution and common sense this holiday season. If something looks cheap, it probably is!

8 days left to order with free super saver shipping from Amazon

2007-12-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

Monday, Dec 17th is the last day to order Amazon merchandise with free super saver shipping. Many of our recommended brands however, come from a third party through Amazon so you'll need to order this week to get things in time for Christmas!