Holiday shoppers say toy recalls won't deter them

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Safety concerns following a spate of recalls of toys made in China are unlikely to have a big impact on holiday shopping, according to a new survey.

Nearly 40 percent of consumers questioned in an online poll said they planned to spend as much, or more, on toys this year as they did last holiday, and 43 percent said they would purchase toys regardless of where they were made.

"In the end when a child says 'Mom this is what I want for Christmas' that is what the parent is going to end up buying," said Sheliah Gilliland, a spokeswoman for online company eToys.com, which conducted the survey.

The poll of 221 consumers showed nearly 60 percent believe toys made outside the United States are less safe than those manufactured in the country, and 25 percent said they would only buy toys made in America.

"But the fact is 80 percent of the toys sold in the US are made in China," said Gilliland.

Millions of toys made in China have been recalled because of safety concerns about excessive lead in paint. The products range from painted toy blocks and key chains to bookmarks and mirrors.

But the recalls have had an impact on some consumers.

"Forty-seven percent said they planned to spend less on toys and more on other products such as electronics, books, music or apparel," said Gilliland.

Fifteen percent of people intended to tighten their holiday budgets and would spend less on toys and other products.

When asked about their main concerns about toy safety, consumers ranked hazardous chemicals, lead paint and sharp pieces as their main worries.

But Gilliland said small parts in toys which can pose a choking hazard are the most dangerous for young children.