From Barbies and Easy-Bake Ovens to Thomas the Tank Engine, some very familiar toys have been recalled this year because of safety worries that have rocked the playground set and those who buy for them.

Customers turn up at stores big and small puzzling over how to buy the right toy, one that is safe, fun and not about to be recalled because of some hidden danger.

"Where are the safe toys? Which ones aren't made in China?" are common questions at the stores these days, said Mary Zanakis-Pico, owner of Mary's Toys in Kailua Shopping Center.

Zanakis-Pico does the computer homework for her customers, checking a consumer Web site daily and researching the toys she carries. "If I have anything on the recall list, I discard it or send it back."

Several government Web sites — mainly the Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov) — track recalls and will even e-mail you alerts of new bulletins. Other helpful Web sites are available (see box).

One of the tips is realizing that children often find the cardboard box infinitely more fascinating than the toy it once contained.

Some bigger stores offer extensive advice and lists on their Web sites, such as www.KBtoys.com. And smaller stores tend to offer personal tips and service.

Locally owned Thinker Toys posts at their stores phone numbers, Web sites and other tips for customers who may have purchased a recalled item, said training assistant Joy Takemoto.

Other times they just answer general questions. "They ask if we have any toys that aren't made in China," Takemoto said. "A good majority of our toys are made in China."

To help parents identify a recalled item that the store did carry, they posted pictures of the Thomas the Tank engines that were recalled in the section where they sell new ones, Takemoto said

Thinker Toys has three locations: Ala Moana Center, Kahala Mall and Pearlridge, and is expanding, Takemoto said. Both Thinker and Mary's stores tend to offer more educational toys, have wooden options and don't often feature the big name brands.

Zanakis-Pico, who is a mom as well, is planning to order some special U.S.-made teethers and other toys designed for younger children who put toys in their mouth regularly.

"I wouldn't buy a teething toy from China, and I tell them that," Zanakis-Pico said. "It hasn't been recalled but to be on the safe side, you don't need to buy it." She said parents and grandparents appreciate that honesty.

She has been researching toy alternatives from different sources but run into the second scariest reality in a toy store: the price.

Zanakis-Pico found a source for foot-long wooden toy trucks— made in the U.S. — and then figured the price would require her to charge $55 for each one.

At that price, she moved on: "Nobody would buy it."

But the former television reporter said she's happy to answer customers' questions and keep track of toy safety issues.

"I never dismiss anybody's concern," Zanakis-Pico said. "There's a million things out there, you can find something that you feel safe with. I just tell them if you have a hesitation, don't buy it."

HOW TO CHECK ON TOYS

Government watchdogs:

www.cpsc.gov

The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission regularly publishes recalls on the Web. You can search for recalls several ways: by date, by product type (such as bicycles), by company or by product description.

www.recalls.gov

Another government Web site produced by the CPSC that acts as a central source for recalls with an easy-to-remember name.

Toy companies:

Stores that sell the toys, such as KB Toys, Wal-Mart and other retailers.
Smaller stores often keep lists of recalls and sometimes photos and offer help with tracking down potentially hazardous toys.

Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.