Returning toys/gifts?

[Beauchamp]

DD was given this Leap Frog Table

The giver lives far away, and wouldn't know if I returned it. I randomly checked it out on the Healthy Toys website, and got a "high" rating (i.e. bad) for bromine. How serious do you take things like this? We like the idea of an activity table, but wonder if we are now knowingly giving her a toy that's not safe. Plus, it's a big plastic thing and has batteries.

Thoughts? Would you keep it? Return it?

[lifeguard]

I'd return it - just because it's a huge eye sore! Seriously though, they have one of those at the early years centre that I bring ds to. In 7 months of going there at least once a week he has looked at it exactly twice for about 5 minutes. I'd return it & get something better.

[mamadelbosque]

I'd return it if I could, and if not, trash it.

[Ruthie's momma]

It could either be returned or donated.

[lach]

I have no qualms about returning gifts I don't like if I think the giver won't know. If I don't know where it came from of if it seems more money than it's worth, then I stick it in a bag in the hall closet until December and I bring the whole bag to the Toys for Tots dropoff.

[kamane18]

Originally Posted by lach

I have no qualms about returning gifts I don't like if I think the giver won't know. If I don't know where it came from of if it seems more money than it's worth, then I stick it in a bag in the hall closet until December and I bring the whole bag to the Toys for Tots dropoff.

Yeah that

[lach]

Originally Posted by lach

I have no qualms about returning gifts I don't like if I think the giver won't know. If I don't know where it came from of if it seems more money than it's worth, then I stick it in a bag in the hall closet until December and I bring the whole bag to the Toys for Tots dropoff.

Ugh, I mean "if it seems more TROUBLE than it's worth."

[Carhootel]

Funny, we were just given almost the exact same table from a neighbor as a hand me down from their kids. I haven't checked the healthy toys website about ours yet but my plan is to take it over to my grandpa's house and leave it there. We're over there a couple times a week for about 15-30 minutes and it seemed like a great place to have a distraction. I think grandpa is happy too because it makes him feel like his great grandson is there/is comfortable there. Win win for us, and another idea for those lookin to get rid of those blaring eyesore, icky loud toys

[mamazee]

I am not that worried about electronic toys. BUT. Someone gave me that for my oldest and the sounds drove me CRAZY, and as soon as I had an excuse to "hand it down" to someone else, I did. The givers asked where it was and I said she'd outgrown it, but she really hadn't. I just couldn't stand it. If you keep it, you will have those songs haunt you in your dreams, they're such terrible earworms. If the people aren't around and won't know anyway, by all means get rid of it.

[Comtessa]

One more vote for "get rid of it"! I nannied for a family that had one of these. The babies LOVED it - they spent hours hammering away on it - and mamazee is exactly right, you'll never get those awful electronic melodies out of your head. If I think about it for a moment, I can still hum them, and that was three years ago.

I personally wouldn't be as worried about the heavy-metals pollution from the toy (since it's not really the kind of toy the LO would be chewing on, for example), as I would be worried about the incessant noise pollution.

If you like the idea of an activity table, you could think about getting something like this: http://www.ronjuneshop.com/kilioffuacta.html

[pjs]

We have one of these from when ds #1 was a baby (he's now 7.5) and all of my kids have loved this thing. Yes, the music sticks in your head, it has batteries and is plastic, but out of all the plastic, battery, flashing toys we've had (extended family, thanks), this one has been a keeper. It's great for when they're learning to stand/cruise. I've donated most of our plastic/beeping toys over the years, but this one still remains. My ped has one in his waiting room (very alternative md, no vax, etc) and even when we go for a visit the younger ones all play with it.

[sewaneecook]

I agree with pjs. Very annoying, but one of the only battery operated plastic toys that has survived my decluttering. It is one of the go-to toys for all kids who visit (even older kids who should be too old for it!). I wanted to give it away as oon as DS1 unwrapped it on his first birthday from MIL. Unfortunately, she lives close, and he loves it, so it remains.

[askew]

Get rid of it. I told my family that we don't want battery operated plastic toys; so if they send them they are going to be donated. It was a fair warning.

[justKate]

Hmm. What does it actually mean to have high levels of bromine? I mean, what is the consequence to the little taster? I would look in to that more, unless you are against plastics in general.

In that case, I would just return it. Take a picture of the little one looking at the box for memory's sake, then it goes right back to ToysRUs!

[Beauchamp]

Originally Posted by justKate

What does it actually mean to have high levels of bromine? I mean, what is the consequence to the little taster?

From the Healthy Toys website...Lower levels of bromine (less then 5,000 ppm) are found in some toys. HealthyStuff.org testing can not determine the chemical form of the bromine. However, some voluntary Eco-labels (TCO'05 computer standard for example) standards are requiring elimination of all brominated compounds in plastics due to environmental concerns. Bromine at high levels (>1,000 ppm) is likely associated with the use of brominated flame retardants (BFRs). BFRs are added to plastics, fabrics and foams in order to impart fire resistance, but they are released from these materials into the environmental over the life of the vehicle or child car seat. Some BFRs have been associated with thyroid problems, learning and memory impairment, decreased fertility, behavioral changes, and other health problems.

I guess my thing is that I *know* that this toy is not "healthy", and I'd be knowingly giving it to DD. I don't like plastic monstrosities either, though, and don't want a zillion things that need batteries. (although we use rechargeables) But, I do want DD to have fun toys, and don't want any paranoia on my part to deprive her of a cool toy.

[JudiAU]

Its ugly, loud, and noisey and I would loathe having it in my house but I would probably give it a try. DS never was interested in that one and it was too light to help him stand up or cruise but I understand that it is a bestseller because a lot of babies like it.

I might, might tolerate one such toy. We are very careful with fire retardants but I would tolerate one. We have the most low key exersaucer on the market and it has its moments.

If the babe has no interest in it or you can't take the worry, sell it. Its a popular item on Craigslist. And then you can buy the woolen/wood/fair trade item that is your hearts desire.

[Blessed_Mom]

We have one and worry about plastics and batteries notwithstanding I think it is a great mainstream toy. It has many plastic-y things which need different types of hand co-ordination to operate them and my DD (now 6 mo) has learnt gradually to play them from 4 months. I found her beaming with pride at her accomplishments every time she masters a new movement. One of the better plastic toys out there - if you ask me.

[Blessed_Mom]

Originally Posted by Comtessa

If you like the idea of an activity table, you could think about getting something like this: http://www.ronjuneshop.com/kilioffuacta.html

That is about $400