A local Toy store owner has some advice for parents as the Christmas Toy buying season swings into high gear.
Deb Haswell, owner of the Rocking Horse in Owen Sound, says safety should be the number one concern for anyone purchasing a toy for a youngster.
She says that is especially important now because of all the problem with toys from China being contaminated with lead.
She says people these days now want good value for their money and they also want to purchase toys that will engage their youngsters and are safe.
Haswell says her toy store is a member of the Neighbourhood Toy Store Association that represents more than 100 independent toy stores right across the country.
She says as a group they purchase from accredited companies and have more quality control over the products they sell as opposed to some of the big box toy stores.
Haswell says while parents should be vigilant about the origin of the toys they purchase they also should be reassured that 98 per cent of all the toys imported into Canada are of high quality.
