Consumers shopping for toys this year may find fewer recalls and worries over toy safety but more shoppers competing for lower-priced toys.

At the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, acting chair Nancy Nord said toy recalls are down by half from a year ago, after numerous complaints about lead paint, choking hazards and other problem playthings.

"We're looking harder for violations and finding less. This is a testament to the enforcement authority of the agency and partners like U.S. Customs and Border Protection," Nord said in a December newsletter.

Closer to home, toy shoppers in Hawai'i are asking more about price than safety this year, according to independent toy store owner Mary Zanakis-Pico.

The former news reporter now runs Mary's Toys in the Kailua Shopping Center. She said things have calmed down since last year, when many customers were avoiding all toys manufactured in China after numerous lead-paint recalls.

Since the CPSC has stepped up inspection and enforcement and toy manufacturers have responded as well, "they feel a little bit better about what's being imported."

Last year, Zanakis-Pico found consumers willing to pay extra for a special toy, such as a pricey truck made in Germany or other high-end play sets not made in China.

That's less likely this year. "The economy is playing a big part," she said.

With the economy slowing early this year, Zanakis-Pico ordered a bigger percentage of toys priced at $15 or under for this holiday season. "Most of them are gone," she said yesterday.

People still want to buy special things for the children in their lives but are trying to spend less.

Major trends this year include classic toys, trucks, puzzles, and kits. "They still like the learning toys. They are looking for creative play and crafts," Zanakis-Pico said.

She prepared for a slower year with hope for improvement next year. "My personal feeling is it's going to get better."

One way to evaluate toy safety is to look at what's been recalled because of safety defects or violations. You can check on those and sign up for e-mail notifications at www.cpsc.gov.

Parents can keep the holidays fun by looking for age-appropriate toys, and by reading all the warning labels.

Are You Buying This? is a weekly consumer column. Curious about consumer issues or have a tip to share? Reach Robbie Dingeman at 535-2429 or rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.