Gentle choices in toy buying?

Ever since we had Boo I've tried really hard to make conscientious choices for his playthings. For example, I prefer to buy something lovingly handmade as opposed to mass produced. This isn't always possible because of the expense, but I try really hard.

To me it's about my values. When I buy the cheapo toy from the store I'm probably putting a lot of money in a corporation who exploits workers in some other country. Not to mention, there's the concern with all of the toxins that are to be found in the toy market - that's downright frightening. However, it is expensive to buy from WAHMs - as it should be - they put their time into making their goods and we all know what a precious commodity time is! So it comes down to quality over quantity. Some may gasp at spending $20 for a wooden truck made by someone who stays home with their children when they can go to the local discount store and buy one for $5. However, often the gasping person has several such trucks, which being cheapo plastic usually break and need replacing. So...I guess that's one point to consider.

I would love to have every toy in this house lovingly made by a WAHM or if not handmade, at least made by a responsible company that specializes in natural toys. However, I have to balance this desire with the fact that I do home daycare. Because I do home daycare quantity is a bit more of a necessity than it would be if I was just caring for my own little one. So I guess I pick and choose. Items that I'm getting primarily for daycare and not as much for my little one I tend to go with lower quality. However, I do try to buy from garage sales, which is a bit gentler of a choice as the item is getting reused. Things that I want to last through all of our children and for years to come I'd rather buy handmade. For example, we're getting Boo a kitchen set for his birthday. Part of the reason we don't have one yet is that we're going to get a nice, handmade, wooden set that will last for years and years to come. It's going to be an investment that will last through all of our children.

There are a lot of great options out there for gentle choices in purchasing.

Etsy

Hyena Cart

Nova Naturals

I've ordered from all of these. Nova is not all WAHM stuff, but they are responsible in the selection they offer. I've ordered from Nova several times and have been happy with them. Hyena cart has a lot of wonderful WAHMs who make cloth diapers, clothing, toys, candles, you name it. Etsy is similar to Hyena cart - you can find just about anything!