Play: November 2007 Archives

The World Against Toys Causing Harm, a nonprofit group, had a lot to choose from in compiling its annual list of top ten worst toys this year. Top honors for worst toy of 2007 goes to: Fisher Price's Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Boat, which is covered with lead paint. The toy was recalled in October.

Another cool-looking plaything is considered so dangerous that it has earned its own alert category and isn't even on the list. Made by Spin Master, it's a craft kit called Aqua Dots pet pals that contains toxic beads. At least two reports have been filed with safety authorities of children swallowing the beads and "slipping into a comotose state.''

Here's the list; for a full description of the worst toys, see the W.A.T.C.H. web site.

GO DIEGO GO ANIMAL RESCUE BOAT
STICKY STONES
JACK SPARROW’S SPINNING DAGGER
DORA THE EXPLORER LAMP
LIL “GIDDY UP” HORSE - SASSY PET SAKS
SPIDER MAN 3 NEW GOBLIN SWORD
HIP HOPPA
B’LOONIES PARTY PACK
MY LITTLE BABY BORN
RUBBER BAND SHOOTER

Since the recall madness broke out this spring, tens of millions of toys have been deemed unsafe, and lots of parents -- me included -- have been buying Christmas presents on Web sites selling handmade and US-made toys. But here's an alternative I hadn't considered: the Amish.

Groups of Mennonites and Pennsylvania Dutch are highly skilled at making things by hand, since they generally shun electricity. These toys don't come cheap, but they are exquisite. Check out handmade doll cradles, wooden puzzles, pull toys and hobby horses at these Web sites:

http://www.futureheirlooms.net/
http://www.artsinheaven.com/items/amish-toys-amish-wooden-toys/list.htm
http://www.squidoo.com/amishtoys/
http://www.crafttoys.com/

A free play date for Children of All Abilities at Gates Canyon Park/Brandon's Village in Calabasas

November 3rd from 11:00a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Kiwanis of Calabasas-Agoura is sponsoring the play date at the new Universally Accessible Playground at . Come and celebrate Thanksgiving with lots of fun activities! Brandon’s Buddies is a FREE KIDS CLUB that meets every month. This playground, which is the first fully-accessible playground in the region, was made possible thanks to the Friedman Family Charitable Foundation, the City of Calabasas, the Las Virgenes Special Education P.T.A. and Shane’s Inspiration. The day will include Integrated Play, Face Painting, Arts & Crafts, Entertainment, and Treats (but please feel free to bring a sack lunch). Children with and without disabilities and their families who want to spend a great day playing in the sunshine and making friends. Brandon’s Buddies gives children with disabilities the opportunity to play with their typically-able peers, while giving their parents a chance to share experiences and advice with other parents/caregivers. It gives children with typical abilities the chance to get to know their peers and gain greater awareness and compassion.

Brandon’s Village
25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Calabasas