If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours

"Brown Teddy Bear" by Lydia Jacobs

Welcome to another edition of, “If it’s Tuesday it must be toys and tours.” Like our sister columns, Wednesday’s “Book Report,” Thursday’s “Musical Notes” and Friday’s “Popcorn Report,” which respectively features information on books, music and movies, this weekly post highlights the best in product offerings in the world of toys, games, puzzles, crafts, sporting goods and vacation specials for children and teens, as well as industry news and up-to-date product recalls from United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Be sure to check back each Tuesday.

This week we’ll take a look a quality made/specially priced (all under $10.00) plush stuffed animals, for playtime and collecting.

We’ll also share some news on a tour offering at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, and take a look at current product recalls that you may have missed.

STUFFED ANIMALS

FAO Schwarz 9 inch Plush Bear - Light Brown

An adorable and snuggle-type bear, which measures nine inches tall and is dressed in a soft pink teddy-appliqué shirt. Perfect for children five and older, the bear is surface washable and very nicely crafted. The bear is also available with a blue shirt, and both varieties may be purchased online at a discounted price of $9.99 at Toys R Us.

COLLECTIBLES

In the world of plush stuffed collectibles, perfect for ages five and up, comes delightful offerings from Ganz: Webkinz Lil’ Mini Plus Stuffed Animal Lamb; Webkinz Lil’ Kinz Rabbit; Webkinz Siamese Cat; Webkinz Border Collie and Webkinz Dachshund.

Each Webkinz plush has a tag that bears a secret code, which lets children enter the online site “Webkinz World;” a fun place where kids can design a special room for  Webkinz pets. There is also a fun arcade, trivia games and much more.

 



The lamb measures 6 x 4 x 4 inches and best available pricing is through Amazon Marketplace for $4.89.

 

Rabbit measures 5 x 3 x 3 inches and best available price is also through Amazon Marketplace for $1.99.

The cat measures 11 x 5 x 7.5 inches and best available pricing through Amazon Marketplace for $7.50.

Border Collie measures 8 x 6 x 6.5 inches and best pricing is through Amazon Marketplace for $9.95.

Dachshund measures 11 x 5 x 7.5 inches and best pricing is through Amazon Marketplace for $8.49.

TOURS

If you live in New England, or are planning a trip to Vermont, The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory and Bear Shop, offers family tours year round at their facility in Shelburne, Vermont.

Tours last approximately one hour and 15 minutes in length and are offered free to children, and at a modest charge of $3.00 for adults.

On your tour, you’ll see how the world famed Vermont Teddy Bear is manufactured, step-by-step. 

If you can’t make the in-person tour, Vermont Teddy Bear also has a free online tour.

For further information, visit Vermont Teddy Bear’s website or phone (802) 985-3001/ (800) 829-BEAR.

Not only does Vermont Teddy Bear manufacture quality stuffed bears but they provide an actual “bear hospital” for repairing the “injured” toys: Check out the video below as

Chip visits the Vermont Teddy Bear Hospital.

PRODUCT SAFETY RECALLS AND NEWS

The following is a compilation of notices from the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Below you will find the most recent recalls and product news updates from the CPSC since the last date of this column.

In case you happened to have missed any of the announcements, just click on the following links for complete information on each of the items and breaking news.

TOYS

UJ Trading Recalls Knight Hawk Toy Helicopters Due to Fire Hazard

G.A. Gertmenian and Sons Recalls Toy Story 3 Bowling Game Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Sea Elite Systems Recalls Buoyancy Control Devices Due to Drowning Hazard

Children's Scooters Recalled by Kiddieland Due to Laceration Hazard

Disney Princess Plastic Trikes Recalled by Kiddieland Due to Laceration Hazard

Infantino Recalls Toy Activity Trucks Due to Choking Hazard

Consumer Alert: CPSC Warns of Deadly Danger with Water Walking Balls

SPORTS AND RECREATION RELATED

WRK Enterprises Recalls Edge and HOG Buoyancy Control Devices Due to Drowning Hazard

Rogue Fitness Barbell Brackets Recalled by Coulter Ventures Due to Injury Hazard

CPSC NEWS

75 Drownings and Near-Drownings in 15 Weeks; Pool Safely PSAs Urge Parents to Watch Children At All Times Around Pools and Spas This Summer

If you are searching for other consumer product items such as household, outdoor products, utensils, furniture and clothing that may relate to all family members, please review additional listings at the CPSC’s search page.