Sesame Street, Dora Toys, and More Recalled for Excessive Lead

Dora Set - RecalledLess than two months after a widespread recall of Thomas the Tank Engine trains because of high lead content, another major toy manufacturer is issuing a similar recall. Fisher-Price says various figures and toys manufactured between April 19, 2007 and July 6, 2007 should be taken away from children and returned for replacement vouchers. Toys include a number of Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer branded items, along with several others. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has the details.

Parental-rights group Moms Rising is asking people to sign their petition to tell Congress “Testing children’s products for toxic chemicals must be a priority. No more toxic toys and children’s products!” Seems like a good idea to me.

Perhaps this will spur a movement for more homemade toys. Mombian readers seem to be ahead of the curve on this already, as reader Erin’s story indicates. Lifehacker also recently highlighted several simple toy ideas in a post about cheap entertainment for kids.

What clever toys have you and your family made? What was your favorite homemade toy from your own childhood?