I usually enjoy shopping for toys and baby gifts, but not this year. Those three little words, "Made in China," have come to mean, "Made with Lead." What are we to do? I went to at least five of the largest store chains in the Los Angeles area and could not find a toy that was not made in China. I thought I had found one but then realized it was only the packaging that was made in the good old USA.

Guess it is time to go back to earlier times in our country's history, where people made their own gifts. With this in mind I stopped by the fabric store in the mall, Sally's Fabrics, and purchased material for pillows. Even kids like cuddly pillows made out of a design reflecting their interests.

You may not have time or inclination for that. How about handmade wooden toys, educational board games, wooden puzzles for children? I found a company named 1888Toys.com that promises their products are safe for kids. Take a look if you are still searching, and Merry Christmas anyway.

By the way, here is more information on how to find What Toys Are Safe For Kids.

No, bah humbug here! The Schoolmarm