Sandra E. Graham

Toy Packaging----An Adult-Proof Nightmare



Posted: Wednesday, January 10, 2007

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My Books and Articles

If you have ever gone shopping (like we all didn’t spend millions just a few weeks ago doing just that) for kid’s toys, you can relate to my frustrations. We make our purchases and rush home all enthusiastic about the gleeful expression we are about to see exhibited on some child’s face---this is especially true if they are our grandchildren. If you are anything like me, this is an every day occurrence. I can’t pass a toy department anymore, even when I’m alone, without checking out the newest creations for the under twelve.

When we get our packages home, how often do we discover that we can’t simply open the box and pull out the proffered surprise? But instead have to find a screwdriver to remove half a dozen or more tiny screws or have to make a trip to the garage to find a pair of wire cutters to cut several dozen rubber-coated twisty ties because they are twisted so tightly and wrapped so many times around the small toy that there is no other possible way of removing them! And all this while a two-year old watches in tearful excitement.

Most two-year olds can’t understand such time-consuming mechanics involved in the opening a child’s toy and most adults---of any age---can’t phantom the logic for such extreme measures encompassed in this type of packaging. I have often asked myself---no one else being around to ask---why? Is it because the theft rate is so outrageous for anything not tied down? Or the insurance so exorbitant for transporting loosely packed items? Are they a safety risk to the toes should an uncontained toy fall out of a box while being inspected by an unsuspecting customer???? I have my doubts about more people being injured by loose toys, than are hurt while trying to remove the toys from the box!

I knew a fellow once who tried to open one with a large firecracker; which worked but the toy that came out was useless. The child, however, enjoyed it immensely, shouting, “Do it again, Daddy!"

I’m sure there are a million and one very plausible reasons for making toy packaging adult-proof, but what are they? Now that I have said my piece, I think I’ll enlist the aid of “Mr. Google" just to see if there is a website that can answer my questions. Then if that fails, I think I’ll write my congressman---isn’t that what we pay him for?

Have a good day and watch out for snares in the toy department.

Sandra E. Graham, author---Amos Jakey---Published by American Book Publishing. Visit my website: http://www.sandragraham-articles-books.com to check out my books and articles. If you enjoy reading, you’ll like my books.

About the Author

Sandra E. Graham

Born in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, Sandra graduated from Egypt High School in Egypt, Arkansas in 1965. Continuing her education by attending Eastfield College in Mesquite, Texas; Crowley’s Ridge Community College; Mississippi Community College; and finally back home to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She currently lives in Jonesboro with her husband, Donnie and a wealth of Grandchildren! Visit her website at www.wix.com/grahase/sandragrahamarticlesandbooks to see her newest publications. Sandra's books Amos Jakey and Nicolina are historical adventure books published by American Book publishing and may be purchased through pdbookstore.com, Amazon, Books in Print, Barnes and Noble, and Baker & Taylor. She also writes free book reviews for authors through Book Pleasures.
 
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