Ten Gift-ready Toys That Passed Tough Safety Tests

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Navigating the holiday toy market is a special challenge this year, given the spate of recalls and lead paint warnings.

We have already advised you on how to stay away from lead-contaminated toys by spotting signs that give away their hazardous nature. Today we offer a sample list of "safe" toys that can give you peace of mind because they have been deemed very low risk.

The 10 were culled from 1,200 toys screened for lead and other harmful materials and chemicals by a coalition of nonprofit consumer health groups: the Michigan-based Ecology Center, the Washington Toxics Coalition and the Center for Environmental Health. The findings, as well as a wealth of additional information, are published on the Web site www.healthytoys.org.

Here are 10 of the gift-ready toys that tested clean. Keep in mind that no results are absolutely foolproof. To make your toy-shopping experience even safer, choose plastic-free products, such as those made of wood, cloth or plush.

Examples of toys without detected chemicals of concern:

First Keys by The First Years

Caterpillar Grasping Toy by First Play

Amazing Animals Hippo by Fisher Price

B.R. Bruin Stacking Cups by B.R. Bruin

Harlequin Jumping Jack by Sevi

Rock-a-Stack by Fisher Price

Wooden Car and Mouse by Selecta

Baby-Clip Pacifier Holder by Selecta

Big Top Circus Truck by Jackrabbit Creations

Snap Lock Beads by Fisher Price

By Marshall Loeb