How many times have you or your child opened up a favorite time-worn game and lo and behold you have everything you need to play except one card or the directions are missing? Or perhaps you just bought your kids a great outdoor game, but that special ball that comes with it seems to get lost at least once a week!! What is a parent to do?

Most companies have a web site and most toy companies will replace parts for a nominal fee. For parents interested in recycling strollers, or juvenile furniture such as cribs, dressers and dressing tables, contacts listed below are also available. For those interested in toy or product safety, the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov keeps track of all recalled items, including toys and juvenile products. The following list can help get you started.

1. ALEX Toys – creative art toys
2. For replacement parts contact: www.info@alextoys.com.
3. Or, you can call our customer service number at 800-666-ALEX.
4. www.alextoys.com
5. Binary Arts – puzzles
6. 1321 Cameron Street
7. Alexandria, VA 22314
8. www.binaryarts.com

To order replacement pieces, instructions, cards, or solutions please mail a check made out to Binary Arts with a very specific description of the missing pieces and the puzzle that they come from. There is a $2.50 charge for replacing one to three puzzle pieces. There is a $5.00 charge for four to six puzzle pieces. Instruction booklets, solutions, and up to five challenge cards can be sent free of charge. If more than five cards are needed you may purchase a replacement deck for a $5.00 charge.