COMMENTARY: These Toys Are Full of All-American Goodness

The Lemonade Set, from BeginAgain Toys

Shopping consciously is a lot easier when there are toy companies out there dedicated to manufacturing products in the U.S. While made-in-the-U.S. toys may not have been one the biggest trends at Toy Fair this year, we still wanted to round up some of the fantastic products we saw, that you all should keep an eye out for this year!

Cozy Comforts Kitchen (American Plastic Toys)

AmericanPlastic.CozyComfortsKitchen

With more than a 50-year history of made-in-America products, American Plastic Toys offers quality play at an affordable option for American families. Its new-for-fall Cozy Comforts Kitchen features an ultra modern design and a realistic feel. Accessories include everything kids need from plates, cups, forks, knives, and spoons to a muffin tin and a strainer. The Kitchen stands at more than 3 feet tall, and even has a single-cup coffee machine, a raised “gas” burner that makes a boiling water sound when pots and pans are placed on it, a microwave, a refrigerator, an oven, a toaster, and more.

Thomas & Friends Track PlayTape (Bachmann Trains)InRoadToys.ThomasPlayTape
Manufactured exclusively for Bachmann Trains by InRoad Toys, Bachmann’s new Thomas & Friends™ Track PlayTape makes playtime so easy for kids ages 3 and up (and for parents). Not only is this tape the same exact track kids see on the show, but it’s made in the U.S. The tape sticks to any flat surface, is easy-to-tear, repositionable, can be peeled away without leaving any residue behind, and is recyclable. Kids can lay down the track any way they want and then play trains on it!

Lincoln Logs 100th Anniversary Tin (K’NEX)

Kne.LincolnLogsAnniversaryTin

For the first time in nearly 60 years, KNEX’s Lincoln Logs are now being made in the U.S. to celebrate Lincoln Logs’ 100th birthday next year. The 100th Anniversary Tin will be just like parents remember with 111 made-in-the-U.S., real wood logs for kids ages 3 and up.

Green Toys Sport Boats (Green Toys)

GreenToys.SportBoats

Green Toys is an amazing company because not only are their toys made in the U.S., but they’re also made from 100-percent recycled plastic. Even the packaging is printed using soy inks and can later be recycled. Sport Boats, just one of their new products for this year, are brightly colored, chunky boats that kids ages 2 and up can take into the bathtub or pool, or to the beach. The set includes three different boats that feature interchangeable tops for mix-n-match fun. Each boat includes a duck captain figure for extended imaginative role play. Parents can feel good about putting toys such as these into kids’ hands knowing that there are no external coatings, BPA, phthalates, or PVC.

I know New York (Nut Island)

NutIsland.IKnowNewYork

In the games arena, Nut Island’s I Know New York is a challenging multi-player game for kids ages 16 and up. Through individual or team play, this American-made board game allows players to test and expand their New York knowledge in topics such as geography, people, history, sports, arts, natural history,

The Lemonade Set (BeginAgain Toys)

BeginAgain.LemondaStand

BeginAgain Toys is another company that not only makes eco-friendly toys, but also manufacturers certain products in the U.S. The Lemonade Set is made from 100-percent recycled plastic and is completely non-toxic and food safe. Their Lemonade Set gives kids everything they need to start a lemonade stand or for just imaginary play. The set can also be used in the bathtub and contains a lemonade style pitcher with lid, four serving cups and saucers, a mixing spoon, and an ice tray.

Now I’m Growing! Books (InnovativeKids)

NIG_GrandPa_USA_cvr

InnovativeKids’ Now I’m Growing! Books help both parents and children as they take on the many steps, challenges, and changes that go hand-in-hand with little kids becoming big kids. With contemporary art and child-friendly stories, these books are the perfect way to introduce young kids to many first experiences and major milestones. The two newest titles include, I Love My Grandma and I Love my Grandpa. Children of all ages adore their grandparents! From silly adventures to quiet moments spent together, these two new titles celebrate the loving bond between grandparents and kids. While these books are actually manufactured in the U.S., InnovativeKids is also known for a range of eco-friendly product.

Rolling Rover (Maple Landmark Woodcraft)

MapleLandmark.RollingRover

Possibly best known for their adorable Alphabet Trains, Maple Landmark Woodcraft brought a ton of new product to Toy Fair that made it hard to pick a favorite. The level of craftsmanship that goes into these wooden products is remarkable and for us, it’s easy to get behind products that are made right in Vermont! The Rolling Rover includes 12wheels and colorful, flexible joints that allow kids to push or pull it only through all kinds of terrain. Designed for toddlers, the Rover is crafted from hardwood maple and measure 13.5 inches long and 4.25 inches wide.

Pretendi Naturali (Luna Star Naturals)

PretendiNaturali.LunaStarNaturals

While not a toy, Luna Star Naturals will make you rethink what we put on our children’s bodies and nails with their variety of all-natural lines that cover everything from face paint to nail polish. For their Pretendi Naturali line in particular, otherwise known as their Natural Face Paint, only FDA-approved natural colors and earthy ingredients are used to create these face paint sticks. Available in 12 different colors, they are completely non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and will keep kids’ skin soft and smooth. They’re proudly made in the U.S. and so are the products in their Sparkli Naturali (hair care and mineral play makeup), Pinki Naturali (nail polish), and Klee Girls (natural mineral makeup) lines.

For more commentary from Deanna, check back often. Views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Toy Book as a whole. We hope that you will share your comments and feedback below. Until next time!

About the author

Deanna Atkins

Deanna Atkins

Deanna Atkins is the editorial assistant at Adventure Publishing Group. She helps the editorial team on leading trade magazines The Toy Book and The Licensing Book, and contributes online at toybook.com, licensingbook.com, and thebigtoybook.com. When she’s not trying to keep up with Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht, she can be found reviewing kids’ CDs, DVDs, and books while daydreaming about the upcoming How to Train Your Dragon sequel and reading the dictionary. Follow her on Twitter @Deeeannuh and keep up with her bi-weekly, sometimes funny commentaries on toybook.com.

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