I almost don't want to have Ashley's party

MommyToAshley wrote: Ashley's birthday party is on Saturday. With all the toy recalls, I almost don't want to have her party. We've put up certain toys (even if they are not on the recall list) and have been careful about what we buy. I am sure she is going to get some questionable toys at her party, maybe even some stuff that has been recalled, and I am not sure how to deal with that. I hate this... it just plain sucks that we have to deal with this issue. There is absolutely no reason lead paint should be in kids toys. The more I think about it, the madder I get.

We had the blood test done for lead done at Ashley's last check-up since she had so many things on the recall list for lead paint, but it will be 10 days before we know the results.

I know some of you have had or are having birthdays, what, if anything, are you doing about the toys you receive that you feel might not be safe?

luvmykids replied: I think I'm being most careful of the party favors...all the cheap little "trinkets". We haven't hosted any parties recently but have been to some and it's rotten that I have to go through the gift bags and pull out the questionable things

If you get suspicious gifts I would just say thank you and deal with them later. I hope you enjoy the party!

Kaitlin'smom replied: well if it make you feel any better the things Kaitlin has in mind to buy her are deffinalty NOT on any list.

I still need to see to see all the list out there and find out what all I need to get rid of.

I will save my question for another post

MommyToAshley replied:
I would never say anything to the gift giver. I was more concerned about how to deal with Ashley later. It's sad that we have to deal with this.

MommyToAshley replied:
Oh... I know you wouldn't and I hope I didn't offend you. I just know that some stores are still selling stuff on the recall list and I know that there are parents out there that take things like this less serious or are not even aware of the recalls. You'd be surprised how relaxed and carefree some parents are about the recalls. One parent even said to me "I grew up in a house with lead paint, and I am fine"

Kaitlin'smom replied:
not at all, she just has not metioned buying her any toys, just tons of other things this should be an interesting/fun shopping trip.

luvmykids replied:
I wasn't thinking of that , that's the hard part I know.

Maybe once everyone leaves you can explain to her that some toys have things that aren't healthy and that when you return them she'll be able to pick out something she wanted and didn't get.

Calimama replied:
That's a good idea.

I hope she has a great party regardless.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: I would let Ashley take the toys and trade them in on something else.

I bagged all of the kids toys up....I'm not sure what to do with them, but all this infuriates me, too.

lovemy2 replied: You know what really bothers me the most about these recalls - there are some things on the lists that we have BUT we purchased them before the date they say but how do I REALLY know if they are ok? Other than the clickable Polly's which I just threw out and the Barbie with the dog that poops - I threw out the poops - they were magnets and got rid of the pooper scooper cause it had the magnet end that was recalled but our little people farm and all the dora diego stuff we have is all from before this May 2007 date??

Anyway - I think you have to just explain it to Ashley - I had to with Olivia with the Polly's - she freaked at first but then was ok -

I hope she has a good birthday anyway and try to relax and enjoy it....

gr33n3y3z replied:
I think that is a good idea

I'm sure the party will be lots of fun

Our Lil' Family replied: I posted a response in the other thread (3rd Mattel recall) but wanted to say it here too. DH is in med school and I've asked him about this, we have 1 toy on the list and he says that unless the paint is chipping and they are ingesting it, it's not life threatening. Just wanted to throw that out....but you of course can make the best decision for your family.

MommyToAshley replied: Thanks all... I am sure Ashley will be fine exchanging anything that has been recalled. She is more excited about seeing her friends and getting to play at Pump It Up more than anything else. I think I am just frustrated and a bit anxious about all these toy recalls.

amymom replied: This doesn't solve your concern this year, but alot of Mary Beth's friends have changed their birthday parties to celebration / fund raisers. Two years ago, one girl told her mom she didn't really need more gifts could she ask for $$ and give it to another kid's mom for help with Chemotherapy she was undergoing. So her mom had a bowling party and they put a jar out and the kids put money in that instead of opening gifts. Mary Beth gave the birthday girl a card.

Last year one of her friend's younger brothers had a party and they toured the fire house did the smoke house all that good stuff. And the 'gifts' of money were donated to the volunteer fire dept.

Just last week Mary Beth went to a birthday party and they went to the Animal Shelter, played with some of the animals to give them exercise, brought as 'gifts' for the birthday girl, dog food, towels, cat food, money and water. Mary Beth said it was lots of fun!

She has been to others that raised money for the library, for the American Heart Association, for the Hospital Auxillary. Interesting idea.

Kaitlin'smom replied: what a great idea, and such great kids to forgo gifts for helping others

kit_kats_mom replied: We fared pretty well with Katherine's party. Only one person (my MIL ) did the dollar store gift box with loads of jewlery and junk. I just explained to Katherine that it was very nice of Grandma Nana to send her the gifts, but that we wouldn't be able to keep them because they may be dangerous and tha nana may not know that. She was a little bummed but she got over it quickly.