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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1986-12-03, Page 35Christmas Gift Giving Made Easy! Holiday Entertaining Made Easy! C 77 SCieltd QUALITY F yODS & F TEND SERVICE Free Delivery! Within 25 Miles of Clinton * Gift Baskets made specially for you! Orders are being taken now! SPECIALS CHRISTMAS MIX Reg. 53.29 Ib. 57.25 kg. MOZZERELLA CHEESE Reg. s3.99 Ib. 58.80 kg. Prices in effect 5249 • Ib. 15.49 g. $ 2.99 $6•kg 'til closing Sat., Dec. 6/ 86 11 Albert St., Clinton 482-3478 tisi t/ Toys, toys, toys Choosing good toys is far from child's play, say consumer experts. The wind-up, ride -on, assembly -required world of toys that so delights children, often confounds their parents with the sheer number of products available. "Some stores offer acres of toys from which to choose," says Pat Weldon of the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Commer- cial Relations (MCCR ). "But it is possible to pick out the best playthings by comparing a few important factors and doing a bit of research before buying." One popular source of information, The Toy Report, was released in October as part of National Consumer Week. Produced an- nually by the Canadian Toy Testing Council, the report rates more than 1,400 playthings. The 1987 edition was published with the help of the Cosumers' Association of Canada (CAC) and is available on newsstands across the country. Each toy featured is assessed in terms of safety, play value and durability, says Julie Creighton, an executive on the council. The new report also includes a "best bet" list and other hints for toy -hunters. To get the most from The Toy Report and similar studies, consumers should use the information they provide as a reference when comparison shopping. Don't pick a toy based solely on a good rating. Be sure the Page 11 product is suitable for your child, Weldon says. Children often ask for particular toys just because they are connected with popular television programs. Creighton explains. Based on a character's animated exploits, childrens' expectations of a toy can be unrealistic. For example, plastic figures may not even be bendable or a cuddly - looking creature could turn out to be heavy or unappealing to the touch. "We think parents should talk a lot more with the child," she says. "Don't be negative about the toy in question, but try to find out if the child's expectations are going to be fulfilled. Often, the best thing is to go into the toy store and ask to see the toy out of its box." Visits to a few toy stores can settle many concerns and, questions for child and parent alike. Plan to make the trip well in advance of Christmas — before hopes and dreams have settled on particular products. Look at all the toys available, inspecting likely pur- chases carefully for safety, ease of use and durability — this is where ratings can help. Is the item appropriate for the age and abilities of the child? Is it intended to be an actual plaything or is its purpose purely decorative? Sales staff may be able to Turn to page 12 BAKE AND WRAP! • Hictosm&AAL eV 4.41 Do the Hallmark holiday two-step (1) Bake your favourite holiday goodies (2) "Wrap them in Hallmark holiday containers. Then HO HO HO! Containers. 95c - • S2.49 For Christmas come to Sandy's - Clinton's One -Stop Hallmark Shopping Centre • EXPANDED BOOK SECTION HARDCOVER AND PAPERBACI *GREETING CARDS AND STATIONERY * BOXED CHRISTMAS CARDS • CHRISTMAS PARTYWARE • PAPER PLATES, SERVIETTES, ETC. •STUF►ED ANIMALS *COFFEE MUGS * GIFT WRAP * CANDLES •PICTURE FRAMES *NOVELTIES �anDg's Cara hppt1e 9 ALBERT STREET, CLINTON Open: Monday to Saturday 9 am - b pm: Friday •r•nings HD • pm Opon'9111 9 pm starting Monday, Doc. 15