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A story I did last week on the Aqua Dots recall has received some comments here. Six-year-old Stone only wanted Aqua Dots for his birthday, nothing else. But the day after he received them, the recall was announced and his parents took them away. He was so bummed. He thought he had done something wrong -- how do you explain dangerous chemicals in toys to a six-year-old? I know he didn't get sick or anything and it's not earth-shattering news, but it's something that many parents can relate too.
I've been doing some Christmas shopping for my toddler, and walking around the store on Saturday my best friend and I weren't sure what we could safely buy. We wished there was some way to know before she got that Dora doll or I picked out a puzzle whether or not these toys would be recalled soon for lead-based paint or other issues. My toddler is so opinionated (he sounds like the seagulls on "Finding Nemo" -- "Mine! Mine! Mine! Mine!") that I would hate to take a toy away from him. Of course I would still do it if the toy was dangerous.
I wonder how these recalls will affect holiday shopping -- it may be something to ask shoppers as I cover the crazy day-after-Thanksgiving crowds at the store. We did a story last week quoting some toy industry analysts who think parents will still buy what their kids want for Christmas. But sometimes I'm not sure.
