Many products made in China have been recalled lately due to high lead paint content and other hazards. Some feel this would happen no matter where the products were made, but others feel that products made in America are safer. Step2 toys are nearly all made in the United States though some are made in other countries and others are assembled in the United States but the parts are made in other countries. Here are some of my favorites.
For babies aged 9 months and up, the Push Around Buggy is a fun way to take a walk around the neighborhood, especially if you have a child who protests when they see the stroller. I see parents with these at fun fairs and festivals, often with older siblings helping with the pushing. It comes in pink and red (shown here).
The up and down coaster comes with a high-backed car that uses gravity to ride down a sloped set of interlocking tracks. Of course, it doesn't use gravity to get back up the hill, it'll take your toddler's effort for that. You'll find that the ride back down is a just reward for all that work. My question for Step2: This is for kids 2-5. Any chance of an adult-sized version?
When your kids outgrow the Up and Down Roller Coaster, check out the Extreme Coaster for kids 3 and up. If you're giving this as a gift, consider also including the recommended bike helmet as it's a bit more steep than the toddler version.
This desk has a built-in seat and plenty of places to store art supplies. It's got a lamp that shuts off automagically so you don't have to worry about wasting tons of batteries (a peeve close to many of our hearts). The best part -- it's for toddlers aged 18 months and up, so it's perfectly sized for even the smallest budding artists.
One of the great things about a dish set (for boys or girls) is the practice they get with exploring different roles they see and learning polite table manners. And with no worries of toxic lead paint, this set of dishes can be used for play or for actual eating. We got a set years ago and they are durable and still going strong. For kids ages 18 months and up.
What I love about this table is that it is not on the ground, so it's less likely to become a cat litter box or ant farm. It has a manageable lid that has a roadway for cars molded into it, so it's like getting two toys in one. It also comes with two shovels, two scoops and a pot, so you don't have to buy a lot of extras -- just sand. For kids aged 1 and up.
This slide has "big" in its name, but don't be fooled. It can fold up and be stored away in the smallest of spaces right alongside your garden tools. For kids 2 and up, it's got a handrail for stability and safety and is wide enough to prevent tipping.
Here's a list of the rest of the toys made by Step2 that are either made in the U.S.A. or assembled in the U.S.A. out of parts from other countries. You can also take the time to read a very detailed explanation from Step2 about their quality and design standards and the care they take in making toys for your children.
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