A Rich Tradition of Commitment
To Quality and Safety

Providing safe, quality products has been a Constructive Playthings® goal for 55 years.  As a family-run company, we want our products to be safe for our own family's children and, just as importantly, for your children. Our standards are and have been tougher than those required by law.  Many toys we carry are made to the European EN 71 standards which are higher than those in the United States.

We test our products in independent testing labs and only carry the best items from the most reliable suppliers.  We search the United States and the world for quality products.  Our experience is that unsafe toys can come from anywhere, therefore, we are committed to high standards in bringing you the safest, most current and inventive educational toys available.  Our innovative products and business practices have been recognized by many local and national awards due to our dedication to excellence. 

Our personal standard is that we carefully select each toy as if we were giving it our own children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  We appreciate the trust you have placed in Constructive Playthings® over the years and will continue to earn your trust by providing a wide variety of quality made products that make playing and learning a joyful, safe experience for children.

Sincerely,
The Frances Gershon Family

Tips for Buying Age-Appropriate Toys

The most important aspect of purchasing toys for children at any age is to carefully select items that are developmentally appropriate for the skills, abilities and interests of the child.

1. Choose toys that are age-graded for the age of the child you are buying for

   • Look for age recommendations on toy packaging
   • Look for small parts warnings that could be a choking hazard to children under 3 years of age
   • Ensure the size and weight of the toy will not cause danger to the child
   • Select a toy that the child will revisit after its first introduction

2. Look for high quality design and excellence in construction

   • Check for sharp or rough edges, splinters or dangerous prongs or points
   • See how the toy is constructed - ensuring buttons, eyes, beads, ribbons, and other attachments are securely sewn or attached
   • Watch for pieces and parts that can trap or pinch fingers
   • Take caution in buying toys at a garage sale or thrift store as the toy may be broken or manufactured before recent safety standards were instituted

3. Take caution when buying toys with strings or cords

   • Pull toys or any item with a cord should have a break-away device if the cord is longer than 9"
   • Toys with long strings, cords, or ribbons should not be purchased to hang in cribs or playpens

4. Discard packaging after opening

   • Plastic and cellophane packaging should not be available for young children to mouth or inhale
   • Small parts used in packaging can have sharp points and can be a choking hazard

5. Avoid toys with loud noises and sounds

   • Ensure the decibel level of the toy's noises and sounds do not exceed acceptable standards for young children

6. Choose toys that safely offer experiences that challenge and encourage learning through multiple modalities

   • Select toys that are open-ended - offering opportunities for the child to explore, problem-solve and enhance growing and emerging skills
   • Buy toys that are fun, challenge the imagination and delight children as they learn through play