What if I made something to give away?

[Former_Member]

A few months ago, my 5 year old daughter had an idea to make toys to give away to children that didn't have any. She is very creative - gets it from her mama :-) - and loves to draw. I've been sewing her some little stuffed toys that look like her drawings. I'm not much of a seamstress so my stuffed creations are more like shaped pillows. The last one of a dragon turned out really well and I'd love to make more to donate to some charity for children.

Would that be allowed, assuming I could find a charity that would be interested? I'm just using fabric, stuffing and thread. I did add some buttons for eyes, but other than that, they have no other embellishments.

[PressedFlowerJewelry]

Do you mean post it then donate the money? If it's not posted you can give away anything you want. If it's posted you can state in the list that you are donating as certain amount to whichever charity. I'd love to see the dragon doll, I'll bet its cute.

[Former_Member]

Are you asking if it's legal under the CPSIA to donate items for children without testing or a certificate stating the materials are safe?

[Former_Member]

jewelrydesignsbyME says:
Are you asking if it's legal under the CPSIA to donate items for children without testing or a certificate stating the materials are safe?
________________

That is how I understood the question. I can't remember reading anything about that. So hoping to see a reply with the answer!

[Former_Member]

From the http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/manufacturers.html#q1

"I work part-time in my home making clothes and toys for kids. Am I affected by this law?

Yes, the law covers all manufacturers and importers -- large and small, domestic and foreign. All businesses, including handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters, those making charitable donations, and other small business must take appropriate steps to be sure that their products conform to all aspects of the law and safety standards, including the new lead content and phthalates limits (more on phthalates) and mandatory toy standards."

So the CPSIA does cover donations of goods, and all the exemptions & testing requirement are the same for someone donating something handmade or even gently used items.

[Former_Member]

flowers, no I would look for a charity to see if we can give them the toy that they could give to a child. I'd like to be able to do something where my daughter can actually give the toy to someone, whether it's the child themselves or someone who helps children.

There wouldn't be any selling involved and it would be a good way for my daughter to learn generosity.

The dragon we made, I gave to a friend's daughter for a birthday gift. Her daughter loved it and slept with it that night.

[Former_Member]

It's my understanding that charities can no longer accept donations of children's items that are not compliant with CPSIA. It's a very nice idea, and it is wonderful to teach your child generosity. I hope you can find another way for her to learn.

[SimmonsCreek]

This is correct. I closed my charity because of this law. The volunteers that make the items are still considered 'manufacturers' and all items need to be compliant. So sad

[Former_Member]

If she is using all materials that are exempt, she'd just need to put a tag/label on it, correct?

I'm thinking that the buttons would need to be eliminated from the design if she wants to avoid testing though.

[Former_Member]

CPSIA covers donations. However, the fabric and stuffing are exempt materials. Just change the eyes to hand embroidered eyes - just could take a few stitches with embroider thread -- and add a label. You would be cpsia compliant for donating.

[Former_Member]

http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/cpsiasbguide.pdf

Read pages 7 & 9...as Lilgirlca says remove the buttons and you should be fine.

[Former_Member]

simmons, I'm sorry you had to close your charity because of that law.

Are all fabrics exempt? I'm just using fabric that I already have which I bought years ago before this law was ever even conceived of.

I haven't been following the CPSIA forum section religiously because I don't sell anything to children. (well except my kids outgrown stuff on craigslist) Is there an easy way to find out what items are excempt without having to try and wade thru official CPSIA documentation? I can't stand reading legal type stuff, it hurts my brain. lol

Ugh, what a dumb law, seems like it's hurting way more people than it's helping.

[Former_Member]

woops, I didn't refresh before I posted.

good idea on the embroidered eyes and thanks for the pdf post and which pages to read.