We have long extolled the virtues of thrift-store shopping here at Strollerderby. And why not? It's eco-conscious, has clothes that will cover your daughter's navel, and Julia Roberts does it. And if that wasn't enough, it's, well, cheaper.
But if your thrift-store shopping list contains toys, you may want to rethink that. Apparently some parents, and I won't name any names here, are going through their kids' toy boxes, removing the recalled lead-filled toys, and then donating them to charity. I don't know if these people are unthinking or just idiots, but apparently thrift stores are overwhelmed with toy donations lately which unfortunately contain a good many of the recalled toys.
Idiots. I've decided they are just stupid, people who would donate a toy poisonous to their own kid that, what, wouldn't be poisonous to someone else's kid? Or is it the tax write-off for the donation? Thanks but no thanks!
As a result, some thrift store chains (notably, St. Vincent de Paul, where once upon a time I shopped for retro beaded cardigans and old wedding dresses and elbow-length gloves) are no longer selling toys at all. And while thrift workers and shop owners are scurrying to keep up with the recalls, there's just no way that there won't be an oversight here and there, so vigilance on the part of the shopper is likely the best course of action. If you or someone you love shops for toys at thrift stores, have a close look at the latest recall list from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, would you? And pass it on.
