Melissa & Doug toys are a favorite of consumers for their classic, wooden designs and bright colors. But if you’re looking for American-made toys, Melissa & Doug will unfortunately disappoint. The toy company is headquartered in Connecticut, but they manufacture the toy parts in China. What’s more disturbing is that their toys were found to pose potential health risks.
In both 2008 and 2009, there was a recall of 26,000 of their toys due to the discovery of excessive levels of barium in the surface paint. So, when it comes to purchasing safe toys for your kids, it may be better to buy them closer to home!
Made Overseas: Fisher-Price Toys
Toy brand, Fisher-Price, has filled homes for years with its wide variety of toys for kids of many ages. Fisher-Price falls under the umbrella of the larger toy brand, Mattel, which outsources production from Chinese factories. Disturbingly, the brand has had to issue many recalls of their toys made by Chinese vendors in 2007 and in 2020 due to dangerously high levels of lead.
The company has since promised to regain its customers' confidence once again. They are globally known for the best lie of products, Little People toys, which delivers various play sets such as a house, school, garage, and more.
Made Overseas: Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson is another brand that personifies the quintessential rugged, free-spirit American. The motorcycle brand was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1903 and was one of two automotive brands that managed to survive the Great Depression. Despite the success, Harley-Davidson motorcycles did not remain a fully American-made product.
Today, though they have plants in Wisconsin, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, the company shocked many of its loyal customers when, in 2018, it moved its production overseas. Today, many of their electric components are made in China. It used to be the biggest motorbike manufacturer in the world, operating in more than 60 countries.
Made Overseas: Barbie Dolls
Barbie dolls are some of the most iconic toys not only in America but across the globe. The dolls were originally conceptualized by Ruth Handler to be a 3-D version of a paper doll. Today, the Barbie doll has come a long way from the simple fashion doll.
Now, Barbie dolls are doctors, scientists, athletes, and businesswomen who represent the “American dream” for many young girls. But these “American dream” dolls were never made in America. They were first manufactured in Japan in 1959. And today, being owned by outsourcing giant Mattel, Barbies are made in Chinese, Malaysian, and Indonesian factories.
Made Overseas: Radio Flyer
The cherry-red Radio Flyer Wagon has become a symbol of an idyllic childhood in America. Radio Flyer wagons were originally made in Chicago, but after the company changed their materials from the original metal to lighter, cheaper plastic, they began outsourcing and began to produce out of the country.
The Chicago factory could not create the plastic parts, so in 2004, the company turned to none other than China. Today, though some of Radio Flyer’s products are still made in the Midwestern U.S., around two-thirds are made in China. Amongst other products, Red Flyer also produces scooters, tricycles, and ride-on.