It feels like the fight to save handmade toys and other small batch children’s products is a never ending.  So let me publicly state  I am so GRATEFUL for the Handmade Toy Alliance and the hardworking people who are constantly working to protect small businesses from the CPSIA law that passed with so many “unintended consequences” two years ago. Really, how can it already be TWO YEARS??

The HTA has been working for tirelessly appealing to congress, petitioning for hearings, and continuing to spread the word and educate consumers, manufacturers, importers, and retailers about the impact of this law.  Most recently representatives of the HTA testified at a congressional hearing to address the Consumer Product Safety Enhancement Act (CPSEA), as the bill that would offer *some* help to the small batch manufacturers who are still affected by this law and are on the brink of going out of business. Yes, there has been *some* progress but there are many, many businesses still affected by this law and it’s requirements. If you aren’t sure where you stand right now in regards to 3rd party testing for  CPSIA ( it IS confusing even still for us and we’re still in the thick of it) see this wonderful Flow Chart for CPSIA testing that the HTA created.

To celebrate and recognize the hard work of the HTA, we are blogging during the HTA’s blog week highlighting handmade toys, products, manufacturers, importers, and retailers who businesses that are still in jeopardy of closing. The complete member list can be seen here and if you click through to look at these businesses you will see such a wonderful variety. The HTA would LOVE if bloggers would choose a member and spotlight them  or discuss why you love handmade products for children. If you don’t’ have a blog, or the time… please consider making a donation to HTA to support all the work being done by the HTA to protect SO many businesses and the wonderful products they make and sell.

So instead of spotlighting just a single business today, I want to shine the light of acknowledgment and gratitude on the organization that IS saving handmade toys and gifts. (And retailers like ourselves). Without the HTA, I’m not sure how many small businesses would already be closed… I know many of the people behind the scenes of HTA are working very, very hard in what probably feels like a thankless job.

So I am shouting from the mountains in Vermont a shout out to  recognize, celebrate, appreciate, and give all the props and credit to the organization itself that is the grassroots organization behind saving small handcrafters making children’s products.

I know Polkadot Patch Boutique is eternally grateful for what these hard working people are doing. From all the small voices that haven’t said it yet but DO feel the sentiment:  Thank you HTA!

P.S. I promise to highlight other members tomorrow