Black Friday has passed and now the rush begins to get the perfect gift.
While most of us may be looking forward to unwrapping new iPhones, DVDs and other technology, it is the little ones who are looking forward to unwrapping a mountain of toys.
But what happens when the toys are too toxic to play with?
Will there be no Christmas for these kiddies?

With the recent recall of the more than 69,000 made-in-China toys, it’s buyer beware for parents purchasing toys this holiday season.
The number of recalled toys this year has grown at an alarming rate.
Parents not only have to be concerned about small parts, but now the possibility of lead and GBH lurking in the toys.

Aqua Dots are the newest Chinese-made toys being recalled for safety reasons.

No, they don’t contain lead, but something worse. When swallowed, Aqua Dots actually mimic rohypnol – the date rape drug.

Those cute little beads that can be molded into any creation when wet, can surely mold a kid in a coma, when swallowed.

It’s ridiculous that adults have to watch their cups for the date rape drug, but now they have to watch their kids as well.

Three children in Australia have already been hospitalized as a result of the beads.

Two American children were also hospitalized.

Both children began vomiting and fell into a comatose state after ingesting what seemed to be an innocent bead.

According to www.aquadotsrecall.com, “Children who swallow the beads can become comatose, develop respiratory depression or have seizures.”

Seizures?

Looks like these deadly dots, usually sold for $17 to $30, are off Santa’s Christmas list this year.

Lead poisoning has also become an overwhelming concern.

It has been found in lunch boxes and made-in-China toys, but it is also reported to be found in some sweet treats.

Recently reported was the concern of lead in Mexican candy. Researchers found that lead in this candy may cause brain damage.

A report postedon the Centers for Disease Control Web site from 2002 explains five cases of children affected by lead poisoning caused by eating Tamarind candy. These cases are from the Stanislaus, Fresno, Orange and Los Angeles counties.

Through routine screening, each child was found to have elevated blood lead levels not caused by Mexican pottery (known for containing lead) or folk remedies, but by their imported Mexican candy.

Looks like candy may be scratched off parents’ shopping lists as well.
Brain damage? Vomiting? Coma?

As the scrounging for Christmas gifts begins, Americans are warned to be safe this holiday season. There is a lot to be aware of: crowds, identity theft, weather hazards.

And now toxic toys.

So much for the perfect gift.

It seems toys are the most dangerous thing Americans have to watch out for this season.

Toy companies should try to take the time to make toys safe because children value them so much. Especially during the holidays: kids look forward to it all year.

Perhaps it’s time to rethink our recent tradition of outsourcing manufacturing of toys among many other things to the cheapest bidders. For the sake of the children, please stop such activities before they further erode the holidays’ spirit of giving.