ICON DECODER
COMPANY RATINGS | |
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Praises, no criticism |
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Some praise, no criticism |
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No rating |
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Praises, some criticism |
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Criticism, some praise |
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Criticisms |
Note: Ratings are based on company record, including parent companies.
They are not a comment on the product itself. |
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OTHER ICONS | |
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Australian Owned |
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Outstanding Product Feature |
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Industry Alert |
IssuesWhat do you value? > Animal testing > Conflict minerals > Factory farming > Food miles > Genetic engineering > Labour exploitation > Nanotechnology > Overfishing > Packaging & waste > Palm oil > See all |
CategoriesWhat do you buy? > Baby > Clothing > Food & Drink > Household > Office Supplies > Personal Care > Pets > Retail > Technology > Toys > See all |
Dolls
The Guide > Toys > Toys > Dolls |
Toys & China
Many toys are produced in factories operating under sweatshop-like conditions. Despite protests, the industry continues to source toys from factories with documented labour and human rights violations.
Three-quarters of the world's toys are made in China. Working conditions have been improving, but serious labour violations continue. Toy workers have to work long days in the peak season without appropriate pay ' often for more than 80 hours a week ' well above China's legal limit. Many factories impose fines for refusing and other 'misdemeanours', such as missing a day's work or spending too long on a toilet break. The ICTI CARE Process is the toy industry's ethical manufacturing program aimed at ensuring safe and humane workplace environments for toy factory workers worldwide. However, this process has been criticised by labour rights organisations. [The Guardian (Dec 2016)]
Three-quarters of the world's toys are made in China. Working conditions have been improving, but serious labour violations continue. Toy workers have to work long days in the peak season without appropriate pay ' often for more than 80 hours a week ' well above China's legal limit. Many factories impose fines for refusing and other 'misdemeanours', such as missing a day's work or spending too long on a toilet break. The ICTI CARE Process is the toy industry's ethical manufacturing program aimed at ensuring safe and humane workplace environments for toy factory workers worldwide. However, this process has been criticised by labour rights organisations. [The Guardian (Dec 2016)]
- Toys last a lot longer than kids' interest in them so keep them moving around. Pass them on to family and friends (and tell everyone you're happy to get hand-me-downs as presents), join your local Freecycle, seek out used toy fairs, buy and sell used toys online or join a local toy library.
- Choose Australian made toys, available at websites such as www.playtolearn.com.au, www.ecotoys.com.au, www.entropy.com.au, www.woodentoysaustralia.com.au [More links ...]
- Choose 'China-free' toys from companies such as Playmobil and Lego, who manufacture most of their products in Europe.
Alternatives beyond the mainstream 
Kenana Knitters [more info]
About these listings
Find farmers' markets, food coops, farm gate products at Local Harvest
Features: Handmade in Kenya. Organic.
Kenana Knitters produce hand knitted toys, made by Kenyan mums. All in hand spun, hand dyed wool, and organic cotton. Dedicated to the empowerment of African women.
Manufacturer: Kenana Down Under
Kenana Knitters produce hand knitted toys, made by Kenyan mums. All in hand spun, hand dyed wool, and organic cotton. Dedicated to the empowerment of African women.
Manufacturer: Kenana Down Under
BRAND | COMPANY | OWNED | RATING |
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Dream Collection | Gigo Toy | CHN | ![]() |
Seedlings | Goldberger Co. | USA | ![]() |
Lots to Cuddle Babies | JC Toys | USA | ![]() |
Lots to Love Babies | JC Toys | USA | ![]() |
Missy Kissy | JC Toys | USA | ![]() |
Tinkerbell | Playmates Toys | HKG | ![]() |
Uglydoll | Pretty Ugly | USA | ![]() |
Uneeda | Uneeda Doll Co | USA | ![]() |
Baby Alive | Hasbro Australia (Hasbro) | USA | ![]() |
Disney Princess | Hasbro Australia (Hasbro) | USA | ![]() |
furReal | Hasbro Australia (Hasbro) | USA | ![]() |
Littlest Pet Shop | Hasbro Australia (Hasbro) | USA | ![]() |
My Little Pony | Hasbro Australia (Hasbro) | USA | ![]() |
Our Generation | Battat | CAN | ![]() |
Cabbage Patch Kids | Jakks Pacific | USA | ![]() |
Tinkerbell | Jakks Pacific | USA | ![]() |
Bratz | MGA Entertainment | USA | ![]() |
Lalaloopsy | MGA Entertainment | USA | ![]() |
Moxie Girlz | MGA Entertainment | USA | ![]() |
Baby Born | Zapf Creation (MGA Entertainment) Distributor: Toys 'R' Us ANZ |
USA | ![]() |
American Girl | Mattel Australia (Mattel) | USA | ![]() |
Barbie | Mattel Australia (Mattel) | USA | ![]() |
Creatable World | Mattel Australia (Mattel) | USA | ![]() |
Enchantimals | Mattel Australia (Mattel) | USA | ![]() |
Monster High | Mattel Australia (Mattel) | USA | ![]() |
Polly Pocket | Mattel Australia (Mattel) | USA | ![]() |