Melissa and Doug First Play line

While many other websites list Melissa and Doug as a Made in the USA company, we have noted that most of the Melissa and Doug products that are widely available are made in China. However, we have inspected several of the Melissa and Doug First Play line of toys and they have all been labeled "Made in Vietnam." If you are interested in Melissa and Doug for your infant, these toys are for you. Make sure the box is labeled "First Play" or double check the box for yourself. We have already checked these for you:

Gearbotics Robots- robotics not made in China

Through many searches of Lego and K'nex, we've been disappointed to find that the robotics pieces are made in China. We found Gearbotics Robots from Learning Resources today that are an excellent substitute. Manufactured in Korea, the are of a high quality plastic without the concern of Chinese paint. Please note, we have only checked these products and not all Learning Resources products.

PlanToys - awesome renewable wood toys, Made in Thailand

Today in a smaller toy shop in town, we discovered Plan Toys and we are thrilled to be able to recommend a high quality, renewable wood toy that is fun and exciting for the kids! PlanToys makes a wide selection of pretend toys, including pretend food, musical instruments, dollhouses, car tracks, blocks and more. We know you'll be happy with their high quality and selection for boys and girls.

Another 200,000 Thomas the Tank Engine trains recalled

According to ABC News and other sources, another 200,000 Thomas brand trains have been recalled due to lead paint concerns. We wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of some suitable train substitutes so that your holidays can be China-free. We highly recommend Maple Landmark Woodcraft as well as the wooden railway set made by Heros.

Spielstabil Made in Germany- great plastic toys!

Spielstabil products are made in Germany and PVC-free! You can feel comfortable bringing plastic toys back into your home, knowing they're made by Spielstabil. They'll be food-safe, dishwasher safe, perfect for pretend play and fun! Some of our favorites include:

Heros construction toys Made in Germany

This week we're adding Heros toys manufactured in Germany. The wooden toys are painted with a saliva resistant dye that is free from contaminants and applied carefully. The company manufactures toys primarily for children 3 and up, however a few options are available for children 2 and up.

Construction for older kids, Made in the USA

We've discovered a great construction and math product for older kids that is also made in the USA. We are so excited to share Zome with you that we're jumping out of our seats! Zome has received numerous awards from Dr. Toy, Oppenheim, Child Life Magazine and Parent's Choice. While their toys are definitely not suited for kids under-3, your older children will delight in the freedom to build and build and you'll know they're safe from lead paint.

Lacers, peg boards, puzzles and more by Lauri Toys

Your 3 year old doesn't put toys in her mouth anymore, but your 1 year old still will. What do you do when you want a challenging, fun project for your older child but you're still concerned with your younger child? Check out Lauri Toys!

Finally a suitable train substitute for Chinese- made Thomas

We've found it! After hours of scouring the internet, toy stores and more, we have found a made in the USA train that your kids will love and you'll appreciate too! Maple Landmark Woodcraft makes beautiful wooden trains, games and more that you can count on to be safe and lead free. They have also won several awards for their Name Train and carry a line of baby rattles and infant toys.

Buffalo Games and Photomosaics are Made in the USA

Buffalo Games is the manufacturer of the Disney Photomosaic puzzles and many other games. They are committed to high-quality, American made products with licensed characters like Spiderman, Disney, Peanuts and more. You're sure to find some great games and puzzles!

Additional Klutz products found

Thanks to a reader's comment, we have researched and discovered four additional Klutz products that are not Chinese-made. We did find others that had components manufactured elsewhere, but the books were made in China. Please check these products carefully as there are additional versions that may not match. In addition, the Klutz Rainbow Hairstyles is not made in China but we could not find an Amazon link.

Playdoh is NOT made in the USA

Through our research we've noticed that many other websites refer to Playdoh as made or manufactured in the USA. Please use great caution when buying Playdoh and check the packages carefully. We searched over 50 packages, designs and products by Playdoh today and could not find a single product labeled Made in USA. All packages we looked at were Made In China.

Slinky Toys Made in USA

For 62 years, the classic American toy, Slinky has been made in the USA. Every kid needs a Slinky to go downstairs and torture with kinks! Slinky also manufactures a line called Poof of foam balls, similar to Nerf, but also Made in the USA. For older kids, try the Slinky Science line. Use caution when buying Slinky toys and make sure that they hold the original Slinky logo!

New Release- 2007 Holiday Barbie, Made in Indonesia

Holiday Barbie 2007 is Made in Indonesia! We have not check any other accessories or dolls in the holiday 2007 line, but we have independently confirmed that Holiday Barbie 2007 is not "Made in China."

Some Klutz Products are not Made in China

After searching through several dozen Klutz products, we did find a selected few that were not made in China. However, packaging on these products varies and so does manufacturing. Also, some components of these were made in Taiwan. Though the major recalls have stemmed from Chinese factories, we wanted to make you aware. We recommend you purchase the following products from a toy store or bookstore where you can check the packaging yourself.



For outdoor fun, this Klutz product is exciting for the whole family:

Uncle Goose Toys- classic wooden blocks Made in USA

Founded in 1983, Uncle Goose Toys are made in the USA and have a longstanding tradition of open-ended, creative toy-making. You can trust that their blocks and toys are nontoxic and meet all USA and EU standards of for toy manufacturing. Infants will love just holding these toys, toddlers can build amazing towers and preschoolers can build and make words with the classic blocks.

Selecta infant and toddler toys Made in Germany

Selecta is a German brand that makes finely crafted wooden toys. Their products, while a bit more expensive than their plastic counterparts, will last your children a long time and provide hours of entertainment. Selecta also makes a miniature food set that is adorable. It's hard to find miniature food for your pretend kitchens that doesn't carry the Made in China label!

Mattel will issue expanded recall tomorrow, September 5th

Just another recall to add to the reasons to buy toys that are not made in China.

Breaking News from ABCNEWS.com:

MATTEL TO ANNOUNCE WEDNESDAY IT WILL RECALL SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND MORE CHINESE-MADE TOYS BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF LEAD PAINT, THE AP REPORTS

Not at your computer? Access this story or other breaking news using your cell phone or PDA. Just type m.abcnews.com in your mobile browser.



http://abcnews.go.com?CMP=EMC-1396

GeoMag- Made in Switzerland

We've discovered a substitute for Magnetix that your older children are sure to love. GeoMag is made in Switzerland but has all the magnetic fun Magnetix sets that have been recalled lately. Most sets are designed for children 6 and up but a mature 4 year old would have fun building as well!

Change in Lego recommendation

After extensive research over the past few weeks, we have discovered that the Lego website is wrong and indeed does have some parts manufactured in China. While the Lego website does not list a manufacturing or processing plant in China, it may be sourcing products from Chinese manufacturers. We discovered today that, like K'Nex, Legos with motorized parts have components made in China. This does not affect regular Legos sets or Duplo or Quatro blocks.

Step2 Products mostly Made in the USA

Step2 makes most of their larger outdoor products here in the USA! If you're looking for great, high quality, long lasting outdoor play toys or wagons, Step2 is an excellent choice. Many of their smaller products and accessories are made in China and Korea however, so check carefully. We recommend:

Infant and Toddler Toys You Can Count On

During our research, finding infant and toddler toys has been nearly impossible. The most readily available brands in the US, Fisher Price and Playskool, are mostly made in China and have been under several recalls lately. We have finally discovered a few options for the tiniest ones in your life!

Haba is a well known German line of toys that are generally wooden with a strong Waldorf influence. Many toys from Haba are Made in China but we have found these Haba toys are made in Europe. Haba also makes a line of pretend food that is entirely crafted in Germany.



For cuddly dolls and snugglies, check out the like by Kathe Kruse, many are infant safe, washable and all are made in Germany.



Looking for an infant gym but trying to avoid the Fisher Price models? This Selecta Musina playgym is made in Germany and perfect for your lead-free family!


If you're searching for puzzles, Chelona makes a wide selection of puzzles and wooden board books, all made in Greece.



Finally, a collection of wooden animals for pretend play or simply carrying around everywhere baby goes. Holztiger makes a selection of farm, zoo and ocean animals that your child is sure to love. All are made in Germany and painted with a special non-toxic paint that makes them saliva resistant. We especially like: