Think about where a toy is made. Not only may it have been transported from the other wide of the world, but it may have been made by a person (or even a child) working in sweat-shop conditions. Fair trade toys are available from Traidcraft if you want to be really sure.

What about the packaging? Is there far too much?

Is the toy safe? The lion mark shows it has been made by a member of the British Toy and Hobby Association – this covers around 95% of toys sold in the UK.

Join a toy library, and give your child the benefit of regular new stimulations, whilst saving yourself money. See the National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries for more information .

Plastic toys can be dangerous. Especially avoid those containing PVC, which can cause cancers.

Once toys are finished with, make sure you recycle them.

If a toy requires batteries, make sure you use re-chargeables not disposables.