Save Handmade Toys

We've had an eventful few weeks, and I'm sure there will be a barrage of posts to come, but I want to bring something to everyone's attention ASAP.

As you (may or may not) know, I am a huge fan of handmade wooden toys. We have tons of great plastic ones, but there will always be a place in my heart for maple blocks or pine cars. Will has a number of these toys (Melissa and Doug brand is a great one), but I have recently discovered Little Alouette. Amy and her husband did an amazing workshop at our New Year's Festival last weekend. One of Will's Christmas presents from us is a membership in the wooden-toy-of-the-month club (this and other AMAZING toys are available at her Etsy Shop).

Amy brought to my attention a terrible thing that is happening to not only handmade children's toy manufacturers, but kids' handmade clothing, furniture, and accessory builders. The Consumer Products Safety Commission is instituting, amongst other things, $4000 worth of testing per toy starting in August 2009. Most of the small toy and clothing manufacturers we have come to know and love, the very same ones that have helped made Etsy what it is today, will not be able to afford this testing fee and will have to cease selling these items.

Visit the Handmade Toy Alliance and support our friends, family members, and favorite toy and clothing makers. And support Little Aloutte as well for bringing this to my attention!