blogtootoo

China Needs Better Shoes in the Futurehttp://www.buy-shoes-china.com/

China is now the world’s largest footwear producer and exporter, accounting for 66% of global footwear output. But moving into 2008, due to negative factors such as international trade protectionism, rising Chinese currency, rising raw materials cost, labour shortage and new labour laws, the Chinese shoe-making industry is now facing tough challenges ahead.

Hurt by the currency

The rising Chinese RMB, which has now broken the 7:1barrier with USD, has given tremendous pressure to many labour-intensive exporters in
China. Statistics show that for every 10 percentage point rise in RMB, Chinese exports will slow by 3-4 percentage points on average. Therefore, every trading company in
China is now nervously watching the currency appreciation.

Although industry insiders admitted that a rising currency may optimise industry structure in general, but for labour-intensive exporters, such as footwear companies, currency appreciation has been a huge challenge to them. A veteran textile analyst in
China, Ms Fan Min, recently indicated that for every one percentage point increase in RMB, shoemakers will see a corresponding one percentage point decrease in their profits. 

A high-cost trade surplus

China’s total trade value in 2007 amounted to US$2174 billion, up 23.5% from 2006.
China is now becoming over-reliant on international trades, with a reliance ratio of 70%. On one hand, the long-time policy of encouraging exports is now costing the government huge amount of export subsidies and rebates. On the other hand, demand from the domestic market is far from being satisfied.

Dr Liu Shangxi, a senior official from the Ministry of Finance of China, commented that
China’s high reliance on international trades has also made the government’s fiscal income sources highly reliant on international trades. At present, income from international trades is accounting for one-third of the Chinese central government’s fiscal income. The issue is especially evident in eastern regions of
China, where export rebate payments have placed heavy burdens on local governments. 

So from an economic development point of view, it is necessary for the Chinese economy to shift from foreign trades to domestic demands, whose vast size can provide tremendous potential for future economic development.

An industry that needs change

Textile and footwear are an important source for
China’s trade surplus. According to the Chinese Customs, between January and October 2007,
China had a net textile and footwear trade surplus of US$115 billion, representing 54.2% of total net trade surplus (US$212 billion) from the same period.

Chinese footwear exports have long been characterised by their low price, abundant output and voluminous suppliers. But in recent years, due to rising labour costs, land supply tightness and rising commodity prices,
China’s comparative advantage in footwear is weakening. Furthermore, the Ministry of Commerce had reduced a series of export rebates and rationalised trade processing industries last year, further contributing to the reduction of footwear export orders.

Although
China continued to increase its footwear export to 4.4 billion pairs in the first half of 2007, up 12.3% from previous comparable period, average footwear export price had been maintained at around $2.50 per pair for many years. “This is mainly because in the whole industry chain, multinational trade partners are still controlling the supply of premium raw materials, core technologies, R&D design and marketing,” said Mr Wang Hanjiang, President of China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Light Industrial Products and Arts-Crafts. 

This shows that
China’s export advantage is still built on its low cost labour and cheap products, which lack long-term competitiveness. On the other hand, the abundant supply, low prices, low quality and some unregulated competition, are all triggers for international trade frictions. In the first half of 2007 alone, there were 127 anti-dumping investigations on Chinese products in the European Union. In addition, the overemphasis on exports has also created acute problems of resources wastage, environmental pollution and disadvantaged workers in
China.

New directions

It is obvious that
China has a competitive advantage in footwear production, resulting in a prominent share of the low to medium-end footwear market globally. But the Chinese footwear industry now has to learn how to deal with the changing international market environment and domestic survival environment, as well as how to seize more development opportunities.

Industry experts suggested that
China’s footwear industry will inevitably evolve from low end markets to medium to high-end markets, as well as from quantity-driven to quality and performance-driven. Therefore, the number of Chinese footwear output and exports may fall in the future, but quality and price should be improved at the same time, maintaining an overall growth of export value.

Industry upgrade and production transfers are the two trends for
China’s footwear industry. Some innovative and efficient companies will opt for the path of capability upgrades, while those low cost producers will shift their production lines from costal regions in China to the more affordable central and western
China.

Despite the export challenge,
China’s domestic market is now growing. For a country with 1.3 billion population, per capita footwear consumption is only 1.7 pairs per year in
China. So it is absolutely possible for Chinese people to increase their average footwear consumption to 3-4 pairs per year. Therefore, Chinese footwear companies should start to improve their product design and proprietary innovation capabilities, in order to establish their own brands and distribution channels in the home market. 

Brands are also good for expanding international markets. Although Chinese shoes have captured significant market shares internationally, most of them are tagged with foreign brands from OEM (original equipment manufacturing) orders. As the industry is upgrading and market competition is intensifying, Chinese footwear companies should accelerate their process of creating their own brands and distribution channels in the international market, in order to obtain better profit margins and competitive advantages.

http://www.appareltextile-china.com/http://www.buy-shoes-china.com/

 http://www.buy-shoes-china.com/

Following the successful launch of the Materials at WSA in February 2008, the next edition will take place in
Las Vegas, 27-29 July 2008.

The latest and most innovative materials, components and manufacturing and sourcing options available to the footwear and accessories industry will be on display.

Leading names and niche up-and-coming suppliers will launch new materials, techniques and applications for all sectors of the footwear supply chain to the
US industry for the first time.

A host of new exhibitors have signed up with the July show and joining the line-up will be industry leaders including Swarovski and E&R / Feng Shern, sitting alongside ‘green’ pioneers such as Bio-Tec Environmental.

Major brand names from across the globe – including Europe and South America – join a large array of leading Asian companies such as Daewoo, Henan Prosper and Hanshin Korea, all looking to expand their sales network in the
US.

Courtney Harold, show director, Materials at WSA comments, “At Materials at WSA we have created a marketplace for the most innovative and cutting-edge products to be launched into the
US footwear, handbag and accessory industry.

The show offers design, development and sourcing professionals the opportunity to meet with important suppliers from every key category, many of which do not show at any other event in the
US.“

July’s first time exhibitors and launches to the US market include, Korean giant, Daewoo, who has chosen Materials at WSA at which to launch its 1.0mm coated microfiber for athletic & casual shoes, while CRYSTALLIZED (Swarovski) joins the list of debut exhibitors.

CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements, will be presenting its ‘
Crystal loves Leather’ application, the new method of applying crystals onto the finest quality smooth leather. Demonstrations of the various application techniques will be also held at the show.

Another first at the forthcoming show is E&R, who will be taking a booth to display its range of the most trend-right polyurethane materials.

Having partnered with Feng Shern Enterprise Co Ltd (manufacturing facility based in
Taiwan) since 1996, the US Company prides itself in delivering quality products to its customers in a speedy manner in order to provide the best value.

With the Materials Expo making a strong stand point on ‘green’ products and processes, many companies will be exhibiting new or improved eco-friendly lines.

Bio-Tec Environmental LLC will be showing at the Materials Expo for the first time and will be using the event as a platform to launch their new green product Bio-Batch.

Samuel Adams, Senior VP comments, “We are very excited about showcasing our new biodegradable additive solution, Bio-Batch, at Materials at WSA.

It offers us the perfect stage on which to present the product to the apparel and footwear industry for the first time.”

Hansin
Korea plans to unveil its new natural fabrics - Bambix and Silvix – at the Materials Expo, as well as showing its multi-functional insole and ventilated EVA sponge.

Bambix isan ambitious fabric, which is made of natural Bamboo, which has an anti-odour, anti fungal, anti-microbial function, as well as the emitting negative ions, while Silvix is nano-silver fabric, provided by Samsung Cooperation.

Taking the event beyond the show floor and creating the industry’s top intellectual forum in the US, the Materials Expo will host a number specially developed educational workshops, as well as a cutting edge trend forecast arena.

http://www.appareltextile-china.com/http://www.buy-shoes-china.com/ 

Brown Shoe Company Inc is introducing its newest licensed footwear collection GRETTA, a collaboration with style and beauty expert and television personality Gretta Monahan.

A weekly staple on The Rachael Ray Show, Monahan was recently named as the new co-host of Bravo network’s Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style.

Gretta footwear captures the unique fashion perspective inherent in Monahan’s dual role of Gretta Luxe luxury boutique owner, which takes her to the front row of European designer runway shows and the ateliers of the designers themselves, and provider of real-world style counsel to women across the
U.S. through regular appearances on The Rachael Ray Show.

The premiere line of 12 styles of sandals, heels and ballet flats emphasizes trend-right styling like cone heels and peep toes, and comfort features such as soft, flexible materials and insole padding.

Each shoe features signature elements selected by Gretta, including a pink-painted bottom made from a special component that prevents scuffing, and metallic hardware embossed with a “G.” Monahan appeared live on QVC in May to introduce the spring/summer 2008 shoes, and sold out eight of the nine styles during the one-hour debut.

“While working with Brown Shoe designers to develop the collection, I had one clear focus - fashion that works in real life. My philosophy is that every woman wants to be fashionable, no matter her lifestyle needs or what she is willing to spend,” said Monahan.

“This collection offers the Gretta consumer key fashion trends that are relevant to her life and personal style, with the comfort she needs and at a price she can understand.

While other brands may say that, only Gretta shoes are designed from my firsthand knowledge of what women really want in footwear.”

The pinnacle of the collection is the “Rachael,” a chic patent peep toe pump named after Rachael Ray. The “Rachael” appeared on the May 6 episode of The Rachael Ray Show, and every member of the studio audience received a pair.

Consumers can also find Gretta footwear beginning this week on a dedicated page at Shoes.com, which features style tips from Monahan on everything from apparel to accessories.

Other e-commerce sites that will begin carrying Gretta shoes in May include http://www.buy-shoes-china.com/ , GrettaStyle.com, QVC.com and Zappos.com. Select Famous Footwear stores will also carry the shoes.

“At the heart of this brand are Gretta’s vibrant personality and desire to share her distinctive fashion perspective with consumers,” said Brown Shoe Senior Vice President-Marketing Terri Rawson.

“QVC was the perfect choice in launching the brand because television is the primary way Gretta establishes her connection with women, and builds trust with the viewers who have come to count on her style advice over the past two years.

Additionally, offering the shoes online at http://www.buy-shoes-china.com/  and other sites makes Gretta’s stylesavvy even more accessible to consumers.”

A stylist with a celebrity client roster that includes Rachael Ray, Kelly Ripa, Billy Joel and his wife, Katie Lee Joel, Monahan appears weekly as a style and beauty expert on The Rachael Ray Show and will co-host the second season of Bravo’s Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style.

She regularly hosts the “Gretta’s Got It” fashion segment on NBC stations in Boston and Miami, and owns a chain of Gretta Luxe luxury boutiques, Grettacole & G Spa salons and spas located throughout the
Boston area. Her style empire will expand this month with the new G spa, located at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.

http://www.appareltextile-china.com/http://www.buy-shoes-china.com/ 

 www.buy-shoes-china.com

China’s position as the world’s top shoemaker will not be shaken by the closure last year of a fifth of the manufacturers in
Guangdong province, experts have said.

Shoemaking companies have been forced out of business amid industrial upgrading, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

China supplies at least 60 percent of all kinds of footwear to the global market, official figures show.

Guangdong’s shoemaking firms include mainly small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) such as shoemaking factories, material processors, machinery manufacturers and traders, Li Peng, general secretary of the Asian Footwear Association, said.

The association said more than 1,000 of the 5,000-6,000 city’s shoemaking firms closed in the first three-quarters of last year.

Their manufacturing capacity accounted for 10-15 percent of the total industry in
Guangdong, and about 150,000 to 200,000 employees were laid off, Li said.

However, many industrial players, including Li, believe the recent trend is a positive sign for the over-competitive industry. The tightened market could enhance competition and help reinforce the nation’s role as industry leader, they said.

Figures show the number of shoemaking factories on the mainland increased from 20,000 to more than 30,000 between 2002 and 2006, but orders were much slower, leading to an irrational “price war”, experts said.

Industry newcomers, most of them SMEs, were further hit by an unfavorable marketing environment that included the appreciation of the yuan, price hikes of raw materials, rising labor and land costs, the reduction of the export refund rate and revised policy on custom duty deposit, analysts said.

“The industrial reshuffle has just begun. More SMEs without core competitiveness will be washed out and those with better technology and sound internal governance will survive,” Xinhua said.

Compared with burgeoning markets such as Vietnam and India, experts said
China still has advantages in terms of cheap power and water supply, excellent infrastructure and an integrated industry.

To lower costs and expand capacity, some large firms in
Guangdong have built new plants in other provinces.

www.buy-shoes-china.com

www.buy-shoes-china.com

Vero International Software’s newly introduced VISI-Shoes fully integrated shoe design software system has been developed as a specific response to global demand Global footwear production is currently estimated at 14 billion pairs of shoes manufactured annually* with China and Hong Kong alone accounting for around 50% of world production

This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 18 Nov 2005 at 8.00am (
UK)

Related stories

Iona Unitool takes advantage of VISI-series

VISI-Series software is integral to Iona Unitool’s design and manufacturing operations

Latest Vero software focusses on speed

The latest release of Vero’s VISI-Series CAD/CAM solution includes many new and improved features but Vero has also managed to improve both speed and quality within the existing applications.

With this industry specific product, Vero’s designers have utilised the power of the acclaimed VISI-Modelling system within its overall VISI-Series CAD/CAM software solution to create a powerful, easy-to-use programme in which the entire design and manufacturing process is catered for with a single, seamless environment.

Key features include powerful 3D modelling with combined solid and surface capabilities based on Parasolid, an automatic mould tool construction including upper and lower punches and automatic sole creation to quickly create design and size variations by simple parameter changes that comply with recognised industry standards.

The software provides a range of possible benefits allowing the incorporation of individual detail and methods for customised designs through to full volume production of shoes.

Further reading

Bakers Patterns is first UK SMIRTware user

Bakers Patterns Limited has become the first British company to invest in Vero International Software’s SMIRTware die design software.

5-axis micro-drilling reduces wing times

A powerful 5-axis micro-drilling application has significantly reduced the production time for aerospace components - drilling up to 350 holes in each wing.

How sheet metal stamping firm chose CAD/CAM

Before selecting the best CAD/CAM system for purpose, a German sheet metal stamping company set up a clearly defined profile for company and product requirements.

Within VISI-Shoe, 2D or 3D data from the shoe designer is imported into one of the software’s four modules - insole, sole, heel and tool build.

VISI-Modelling integrates the power of both solid and surface modelling in a friendly, comprehensive approach to 3D design.

VISI-Modelling also incorporates all of the characteristics of the VISI-Design module, offering unification of all aspects of a shoe design project from concept to final production.

The powerful modelling tools have the ability to rapidly create generic solid forms while the advanced surfacing allows unlimited opportunities to create the most organic of shapes.

With is extensive range of powerful translators, VISI-Modelling can work directly with IGES, DXF, DWG.

Parasolid, Step, Catia, Unigraphics, Pro-Engineer Solid Works and Solid Edge files, ensuring the user can work with data from almost any source.

Grading, the 2D/3D grading (sizing) facility within VISI-Shoes can use all the international standards including Shtih imperial, metric and custom allowing the flexibility for companies to use their own methods to meet any specific grading requirement.

Grading parameters must be applied across different areas of the shoe governing length, width and height.

VISI-Shoes calculates these automatically so that different moulds can be created at the tool build stage.

VISI-Shoes offers the facility to grade using a constant heel size - particularly applicable in women’s shoes where the same heel design is often used across multiple shoe sizes.

The sole application provides the ability to automatically create the complete sole model including the in-board, out-board and inner rib patterns quickly and easily.

Using an intuitive and easy-to-use interface all parameters are fully editable and graphically displayed within a parameter tree.

Any variation of a sole design is possible by simply editing the geometry contained within the parameter tree and re-building the sole model.

Complex rib patterns are provided which can be updated with a simple click of a button.

Within the tool build function of VISI Shoes, injection moulds for PVC, EVA, rubber and polyurethane shoes are created with ease.

Starting from the completed sole design, the cavity plates and shoe punches are automatically created as separate solid models.

With all the sole design data accessible from within the parameter tree, any changes to the sole model can be quickly applied throughout the entire mould tool design.

This functionality provides unrivalled flexibility when trying to produces shoes within the continually shortening lead times forced upon the tool maker.

It is very common within the footwear industry to create more than one core for managing multi-coloured mould combinations.

The solid and surfacing tools available directly within VISI-Modelling provide complete flexibility and ensure the entire shoe design process can be completed with ease and without the need or intervention of another system VISI-Machining 3D is a high level CNC programming system providing toolpath calculations and simulation directly on an integrated solid and surface modelling base.

The package offers multiple gouge free machining strategies which cover the full range of geometric conditions required by complex parts.

Requiring minimal intervention from the production engineer, the system speedily calculates offsets and CNC codes for a range of tool shapes.

Simulation of tool movements and solid, shaded representation of the final piece ensure error free machining and scrap reduction.

Commenting on the new software programme, Richard Youhill, Sales Director of Vero International Software states; “VISI-Shoes is another example of how adaptable the core VISI-Series product is for a wide cross section of manufacturing industries”.

“We believe its ease of use features coupled with advanced functionality in a number of its modules will ensure it receives an enthusiastic response,” he explains.

Vero International Software is represented in over 40 countries by more than 80 distributors and, in addition to its extensive dealer network, has its own direct sales operations in the UK, France, Italy, USA, Japan, China and
Canada.

www.buy-shoes-china.com

The alarm woke me up at 7am, and in a short time, I got dressed and was out the door headed for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Why so early? Today was the annual pass holder’s first chance to ride the brand-new attraction, Toy Story Mania. Housed in the building on

that used to be the home of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Play it” this new addition to Disney’s arsenal of attractions is just about ready for the guests. Last week the cast members got a sneak peek and this weekend, annual pass holders and DVC members get their chance to experience it.  

Before I get into the attraction itself, let me first say that this new entry is the most visually stunning of any attraction in my opinion. The colors and prop sets are just simply amazing! The experience begins before you enter, on the outside of the ride. You enter under the “Pixar Studios” entranceway sign and continue down; on the right are the fast pass kiosks and a hint of all the brilliant colors you will encounter throughout the whole ride. Everything is painted in bright orange, yellows, greens and reds. For those of you who remember “Tinker Toys“, the round connecting pieces are on top of the kiosks and around the sign. Strung across the street is the colorful “Barrel of Monkeys” hand in hand. There is even a huge “Scrabble” board game hanging on the opposite building. The entrance to the ride is surrounded by huge crayons, kid’s blocks, kite string and playing cards.  

But the best is yet to come. Upon entering, it is like you are transported back to your childhood. On the ceiling, walls and all around are posters, pictures and props of all kinds of toys. The ceiling is painted with a large mural of the old “Chutes and Ladders” game, the left wall a painting of the old standby game for kids; “Candy land”. The walls also contain kid’s drawings of Woody, Buzz and other Pixar characters. But the best part of the queue line is in the back, as you get to meet “Mr. Potato Head” Using similar technology as Turtle Talk with Crush and Laugh Floor Comedy Club, Mr. Potato Head will talk with you, recognize and answer questions and joke with the guests. Again, all the colors are rich and vibrant.  

Now let’s ride the attraction. The premise of the ride is based on popular Midway games played at fairs and carnivals around the country. Remember the ring toss game? Or pop the balloons with a dart. They are all here in 3D with the Toy Story characters in all the games. You get your 3D glasses and enter a 4 passenger car, similar to the ones in Buzz Light Year, but two face front and two face in the back. Your “Shooter” similar again to the ones in Buzz except you have to pull back on a string in the rear of the gun to “Shoot” your darts, hoops or whatever is needed to hit the target. Your ammo is unlimited. Your car enters the arcade, spins around and stops at say the balloon pop game. You have about 40 seconds to hit as many targets as you can. There are two identical games on each side of the track, one for the front guests and one for the rear. After each game, the cars spin around and end up facing the next game.  

Just like in the queue line and the loading dock, inside the ride itself are colorful murals, pictures and props everywhere you look. This is the most colorful attraction on property! Even the ride vehicles are colorful and bright. I will honestly say I never thought Disney would top “Laugh Floor Comedy Club” which is one of my favorite attractions, both in innovation and originality. But I stand corrected as Toy Story Mania is the most fun and interactive offering Disney has to date. You have to give Disney credit. When you think they have reached their zenith, they come out and just top themselves! I only got a chance to ride twice today, because of the lines, but once you get the hang of the “Spring Loaded” shooters, you really get into the games! This was just a lot of fun to play, and it made me feel like a kid again, after all that is what Disney is all about. A cast member even told me there are four “Hidden Mickey’s” on the ride. The preview for pass holders and DVC will continue until Monday. The Official opening is slated for May 30th. Although no one could say if there will be any “Soft Openings” in the next few weeks, but I will be making lots of trips back, just to see if I can get on again，from www.buy-china-toys.com

Toys are enjoyed all around the world. Play is essential for learning. Toys are the tools that help children learn and play. Selecting and using the best ones is our goal. What toys are popular where you live?And how do you say “Toy” in different language?Writer from www.buy-china-toys.com collect “toy” in different languages in the world.Please give me some advice. Include the phonetic English pronunciation if you can. What languages are not on our list? And is our translation correct?with information to help complete this list. Thank you, Mahalo, Danke, Gracias, Spocibo Bolshoe, Merci, etc. Afrikaans : SpeelgoedAlbanian : Lodra grazieArabic : Lu’baArmenian : JaghalikAssyrian (Babylonian) : Thal YadeiBangla : KhelnaBosnian : IgrachkaCantonese (Chinese): Wan GeeCatlan (Spanish) : JoguinaCroatian : IgrachkaCzech : HrackaChinese (Cantonese): Wan Gee Chinese (Mandarin): Wan Ju Danish : LegetoejDutch : SpeelgoedEgyptian : Lu’baEnglish : TOYEstonian : MänguasiFarsi : Samanie Bazi Atfal or Asbab BazziFinnish : Leluja Flemish : Speeltje French : Jouet German : SpielzeugGreek : PehnithiGujarati (
India) : Rumuckdoo (pronounced: Rum as in the drink, Muck, and Doo, not do) Haitian Creole : JwetHawaiian : Mea pâ’ani (play things) Hebrew : Tza’a'tzu’a or MischakHindi : KhilonaHungarian : JátékIcelandic : Leikfang

Following six-year development, Shanghai Toy Expo became the largest trade fair of its kind in mainland
China with professional service. In 2006, Shanghai toy expo was awarded GTQ by AUMA (
Germany). In 2007, the fair was recommended as the top one toy fair in
China to all international buyers by Buy-china-toys.com, the leading BtoB suoucing website in the world.

As the only national toy association in China authroized by Chinese government, China Toy Association(CTA) plays a very important role to link
China toy industry to international toy industry. Although we termintated the sole cooperation partenership with Spilewarenmesse eG, three main reasons convinced us that China Toy Associaition should conntinue to hold Shanghai Toy Expo(STE) for properous development.

STE is the fastest growing toy trade fair with more than 35% average annual growth since year 2002. By 2007, Shanghai Toy Expo reached 21,000 square meters exhibition space, 1000 standard booths. Total visitors broke new record of 25,320 from 80 countries.

STE is the best platform to access
China toy market. International toy companies can easily meet experienced domestic toy importers, national and regional distributors. Many international exhibitors have been attending the Shanghai Toy Expo for more than 6 years and they are quite happy with the business results.

STE is the most effective channel to search Chinese manufacturers. As the members of CTA, the qulified Chinese toy factories making different kind of toys from every key production regions is the unique highlight to attract international buyers every year.

China Toy Association would like to thank all market partners for the support shown. We are pleased that more international organizations started strategical cooperation with us on Shanghai Toy Expo. We here officially announce that the fair name is changed from Shanghai Toy Expo to China Toy Expo to better fit the positioning of the fair. Besides the toy fair, China Toy Associaiton also provide first hand information on Chinese government policy, industry development and toy factories through website www.buy-china-toys.com

Check Age Labels: Don’t confuse age labels with your child’s intellectual ability to play with the toy or game. Just because your child enjoys, understands or can play with the toy or game doesn’t mean it’s safe for him or her. Age labels are safety, not development ratings!

Beware of Choking: For infants, toddlers and all children who still put objects in their mouths, avoid toys with small parts that could pose a fatal choking hazard. Unfortunately, the government standard for choking hazards is too weak. Many objects that will pass the test can easily choke a child. Rattles, balls, blocks and other small parts should be at least 1.75 inches in www.buy-china-toys.com recommends this simple test: If the item can fit inside a toilet paper roll, keep it away from small children.

Examine the Toy: Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, nose and other potential small parts and well-sewn seams on stuffed animals and cloth dolls. Be sure that eyes, noses, ribbons, buttons and other decorative items can’t break or be pulled off. For all children under eight, avoid toys with sharp edges and points.

Avoid Known Hazards: Avoid toys that can be shot or propelled. Do not let your child put caps in his pockets. They can easily ignite and cause burns. Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, before they become deadly playthings. Never let your child play with latex balloons including uninflated balloons or balloon parts. Avoid toys that make loud noises, such as cap guns, as they can damage a child’s hearing. Strings and ribbons on toys should be no longer than six inches to prevent strangulation.

Check buy-china-toys.com  Frequently for Recalls: Millions of toys are recalled every year and parents never find out about them. The only way to protect your child from these hidden hazards is to KNOW about them. Log on to buy-china-toys.com and check the status of the toys your child has, and then check back every month for updates. SafeChild.net is unbiased, advertiser free and dedicated to just one thing: keeping your child safe!

For additional toy safety tips, visit www.buy-china-toys.com

I was in a children’s store today and my friend pointed out these doll sets from www.buy-china-toys.com, a website that actually supply very good toys. The choices are “Asian Family,” um, “Ethnic Family,” and, er, “Doll Family.” According to the www.buy-china-toys.com site, there’s also a “Modern Doll Family” available of oddly-dressed white folk. Link to Plan Toys, Link to larger photo (Thanks, Mike Messinger!)