Recall Madness: 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

Mattel issued a new recall today, but this time it can't be blamed on Chinese subcontractors. 155,000 Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Learning Kitchen toys made in Mexico were called back because parts of the faucet and clock hands can come off and choke little children.

Hmmm. Well what toys don't pose a choking hazard when ingested by younger toddlers and infants? Anyway, the interesting thing about this one is that it isn't about China or lead. In fact, a BBC article says that while Mattel recalled more than 21 million Chinese-made toys, it later said that 85 percent of the recall was due to its own design faults.

What I want to know is, what are parents going to about playing Santa this holiday season? I know my shopping habits have changed dramatically since last year. Instead of going cheap at Ross, I've been buying my Christmas presents online, spending more on nicer stuff but buying less.

What about you? I'd love to hear what other folks are planning to do.