As I might have mentioned, my life for the last few weeks has been focused on the holidays. Holiday food, holiday traditions and of course, holiday shopping. It's just one big holiday around here, wooo holidays! Since I have been thinking so much about the holidays while working at BlogHer, I have a pretty good jump on my holiday shopping list. Nice, eh?

Except one of the items on my "looks like it might be good for one of the kids" list has just been recalled. Oops. I hate it when that happens.

Aqua Dots have gone from being one the hottest holiday toys to being one of the most frightening toys, ever.

Look at these quotes...

From Gimme a Break, on October 18:

When I went gift shopping for the kiddy party, I dragged my girls along. I thought they might have fun picking out a gift for the little boy. I believe in buying educational toys for kids so they can play and learn at the same time.

I wish I’d found out about Aqua Dots then. It would’ve made a perfect gift. They are really a fun way for kids to recognize and match colors because it allows kids to exercise their creativity.

On October 19, Ranting, Rambling and Mumbling said:

Aqua Dots was the most innovative and creative educational tools available in the market.

The Joy of Learning on October 18:

Do your children enjoy crafts? With this fun Aqua Dots Super Studio, your child can start to create some amazing crafts.

October 20th, Bargain Hunting Moms said:

This is definitely destined to be a hot toy for the holidays! Get yours now while you can find it and while it qualifies for free shipping!

I could go on and on and on but I won't because today's blog comments are far different.

The Not quite crunchy parent says:

Apparently this toy made in China..duh! But, it's imported by a Canadian company. So, the problem doesn't just lay with US inspectors. ( There have been numerous recalls in Europe too!)

Did I just say, Canada? Ummm…this is a first world country right? If they don't control products imported, do they control products manufactured there better? Do we? Does anyone?

At Echidne of the Snakes:

Although these are children's toys, not the kinds of dots I sometimes see after reading too many inane political articles (including my own, let me hasten to add). These Aqua Dots are not good for little children:

From My Two Boys:

“You really can’t go wrong with any of these toys,” said Phillips (Walmart). “ As a constant Mom wants price, convenience and safety, and with our Toy Safety Net program underway, we feel confident delivering on all three this upcoming holiday season.”

Mr. Phillips...I think you may be eating your words right now...

According to MSNBC, Aqua Dots "contains a chemical that converts into the date rape drug if swallowed". Personally, I don't think that is very safe.

And finally, from Raising a Healthy Family:

Like millions of other parents, I am really beginning to dread this holiday season! Not only do I have to collect gift ideas from my kids, but I have to run every option through a safety or recall list before purchasing. Case in point, Aqua Dots.

Ain't it the truth?

Aqua Dots was on Walmart's top toys list in October. Less than a month later it's being recalled because it contains a chemical that converts to a "date rape drug" if swallowed?

I'm not an alarmist, by nature. I've blogged before that I pay very little attention to product (or food) recalls. But even this one has me scratching my head and worrying. I would have bought this toy if I had a child in the age group - heck I might have bought this toy for our very crafty and creative 9 year old if I was in need of just one more thing to complete my shopping for her. Would she have put it in her mouth - and swallowed it? Darn good possibility since she's the kid who swallowed a penny a few years ago and loves to tell the story to anyone who will listen.

Are any toys safe? How are you going to decide which toys to buy and which to leave on the shelf? Do you have a personal toy shopping strategy to share?

~~Denise
Flamingo House Happenings and Fast Times @ Homeschool High