Crooked House in Jon and Kate Plus 8.
KidsCrookedHouse.com

As the Gosselin’s household crumbled, a new village was being assembled in the backyard. Something about the whimsical Crooked Houses made the announcement about Jon and Kate's separation more tragic.

But if the delightful playhouse charmed you, the price tag probably won’t.

• Original Playhouse - $1249.00
• Deluxe Playhouse - $2,549.00
• Double Deluxe Playhouse - $4,449.00 Welcome to “reality” TV.
  
  

  More on the Gosselin Divorce from the About.com Parenting Channel:

  • It's Official: Jon and Kate Gosselin Separate, from our Working Moms Guide
  • Jon and Kate File for Divorce, from our Stay-at-Home Moms Guide
  • John and Kate Gosselin File for Divorce, from our Guide to Twins and Multiples
  • Jon and Kate Plus 8 Equals TMI, from our Guide to Work-at-Home Moms
  • Was it the Chocolate Pudding?, from our Guide to Preschoolers
  • Divorce Advice, From our Guide to Single Parents

Mattel and Fisher-Price have been ordered to pay a $2.3 million settlement based on the fact that they knowingly imported and sold toys containing lead, thus going against the federal lead paint ban which was already in place when the events in question took place. The importing and selling of the affected toys including toys like Geotrax, Bongo band, Go Diego Go and Barbie took place in 2007. Subsequently, the toys were recalled later that year. By imposing this penalty on Mattel and Fisher-Price, the CPSC hopes to set an example to other non compliant toy firms and discourage similar events from occuring in the future.

Toys worth buying include toys which encourage positive growth in children, both mentally and physically. It's worth buying toys which have the potential to be used over and over again and which are not a one time craze. Some toys are well worth the money spent. Toys which provide a lot of play value for a reasonable period of time are usually safe bets to spend your money on. Here's a look at recommendations for toys worth buying.

Toy shopping doesn't have to be a huge strain on your wallet. In tough economic times like these where money is an issue for most people, second hand toys are a good option. However, you do have to follow a few basic precautions before you go in for a second hand toy. Before you buy a second hand toy, you should consider all possible pros and cons. Buying second hand may be easier on the wallet, but before you buy a second hand toy, check it out for safety, durability and wear and tear. Here's our handy guide to buying second hand toys which will help you to make a more sensible and informed decision - Before You Buy A Second Hand Toy.