HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-12-02, Page 25Page 4
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OPEN: Monday -Thursday. -.9 am -5:30 pm; gakiiii 52--4312
Friday a am -9 pm; Saturday -- 9am-5.,00 pm.
Toy Report helps parents
choose safe, durable toys
BY LOU -ANN DE BRUYN
Picture this. Christmas is just around
the corner and you still have to buy new
toys for little Suzie and Johnny. You
decide to spend Saturday, your only free
day, at the toy store.
It's Saturday now and you're inside the
toy store. As you stare at the aisles full of
toys, stacked from floor to ceiling, you
begin to wonder, "Where do I begin? What
do I look for? How do I choose?"
Slowly; you make your way up Aisle
One. It takes you almost 30 minutes to look
at all, and examine some, of the toys on the
shelves in this aisle alone and there are
nine more aisles to go. At this rate, you
will be in the store for at least another four
and one-half hours — if you can handle the
throngs of other frustrated parents sear-
ching for the perfect toys for their children
as well.
But wait! A young couple ahead of you
seem to be making their way through the
store fairly quickly. They appear to be
happy with their selections. You don't
mean to pry, but you can't help but wonder
how they can choose their toys so quickly
so you approach them and ask them for
their secret.
"Haven't you heard of the Canadian Toy
Testing Council's Toy Report?" is the
answer you receive.
Dismally you say no and ask them what
it is.
THE TOY REPORT
In 1952, when play was just being
recognized for its importance in child
development, the Canadian Toy Testing
Council (CTTC) was formed in response to
concerns about the durability, safety,
function and overall suitability of toys
available in Canada.
It was at this point the 1,1"1'C established
methods and standards for evaluating
toys. These included: no snap judgements
or unfounded statements, that testing
methods had to be realistic and within the
bounds of the val lie human factor so
that both the toy' ufacturer and con-
sumer would co-operate and respect 'the
test. Evaluation also rested on understan-
ding how children played with the toy over
long, unstructured periods of time. These
early methods still form the basis of to-
day's testing by the Council.
Testing by the CTTC gives an accurate
reading of the toy's potential play value;
how it stands up to the wear and tear of -
normal play; whether it encourages safe,
appropriate use; and the ways in which it
is used, whether the manufacturer intend-
ed it to be used in that manner or not.
For today's parents, choosing toys for
their children is nothing short of difficult.
Choices are made more difficult by the
wide selection of toys, the aggressive
advertising of toys on television, and the
replacement of the single toy by the "toy
line" (a collection of toys such as Cabbage
Patch Dolls, Cabbage Patch clothes, Cab-
bage Patch high chair, etc.) .
This is where the Toy Report, produced,
annually in book form by the CTTC, can
help parents select toys both high in quali-
ty and safety.
In its report, the CTTC provides lists of
toys available on the Canadian market.
The toys are categorized and listed in 18
different sections (ranging from baby and
toddler toys to winter play). The CTTC
identifies each product, its manufacturer,
the product's serial number, a broad price
range, a commentary which lists the
strengths and weaknesses of the product,
and a product rating with three stars being
the highest (excellence in design, function,
durabililty and play value) .
By reading the information provided in
the report, parents can make choosing
toys they feel are suitable for their
children much simpler.
As you listen to the young couple explain
that this is how they were able to select
toys for children, you begin to wish you too
had read the CTTC's Toy Report.
The Toy Report for 1988, priced at $5.95,
is available in many bookstores and
magazine outlets. It just may save you a
few hours of walking through toy stores
searching for the perfect toy.
How celebrities spend Christmas
With the whirlwind of the holidays
around you, it's a rare luxury to put your
feet up, and table that monstrous shopp-
ing list that has been agitating your sleep
since Thanksgiving.
Like many of us, you have probably
"saved" the most important people for
last, counting on inspiration to strike like a
thunderbolt.
Certainly the most treasured gift is one
that springs from the creativity of the
giver or responds to the passions or
achievements of the recipient.
If such gifts do not readily come to
mind, try imagining the holiday lists of
your favorite celebrities, and let them in-
spire your own gift ideas.
Here are some to get you started:
Some friends mark this season by honor-
ing their shared interests, activities and
lifestyles. For example, since they are the
indisputed masters in a common genre,
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas might
honor each other with cameo roles in their
upcoming films.
Drawing on his elegant creativity,
French master couturier, Hubert de Given-
chy might host a sumptuous candlelit
dinner for his dearest friends,
avishing each with a personally -created
evening design accompanied by his sensa-
tional new and very successful fragrance,
Ysatis, an exotic and sensuous floral
seduction that highlights the individuality
of the woman who wears it, and Xeryus for
men, bold and elegant, with the dynamism
and hypnotic fascination of a great cat.
Family gifts can mark aspirations, devo-
tions, memories and pride. To express her
love, Mommy Bette Midler could make a
private recording of lullabies especially
composed for her precious one.
In the same vein, Prince Charles,
already a published author, could write, il-
lustrate and privately print a short story
for each of his children.
Actor and devoted father Martin Sheen
might express his pride in his children's
remarkable accomplishments by presen-
ting each with a handmade personal col-
lage assembled from articles, scripts,
movie outtakes and other memorabilia.
To honor his parents and family, Eddie
Murphy could make a gentle video of
private reminiscences. .
For real estate maganate Donald
Trump, his wife Ivana might choose his
favorite building and have it interpreted in
a meticulous miniature.
Fortunately; you don't have to be as rich
as Croesus ... or even Donald Trump ... to
give memorable gifts this year.
The gifts of the heart - personally com-
posed lullabies and songs, stories, poems
and reminiscences — would be as welcome
on an audiotape, a home-made video or in
a handsome blank book as they would be
in a professionally finished version.
And remember that even a small budget
can express that special holiday generosity
that extends beyond your front door.