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I've thought a lot about this. Do you think battery manufacturers lobby the toy makers, have people AT the toy makers, or what? Because my kids have toys that are nearly IMPOSSIBLE to turn off. There's a company that makes toys that try to draw them back after they've walked away. Like they're playing, pushing buttons that go beep-boop, but then they go play with something else. Like three minutes later the toy's like "See you later!" or makes another sound, attempting to pull them back in. I would be shocked if battery manufacturers didn't at least exert subtle pressure on toy manufacturers to use more batteries.
We obviously attempt to limit battery-operated toys, but you're correct that gifts are a problem. My sister and I actually lashed out at one another by buying annoying toys for each others' children, but we realized that an eye-for-an-eye makes the whole world blind so now there is a truce.
I -really- think battery companies have inputs into the toy making process. To what extent, and in what ways I don't know.
Also, the annoying toys war thing is funny.
Most annoying toy we EVER received was some kind of gift from my aunt that had 4 monkeys each playing a different loud instrument. Not only was it grating on the ears, but it required something ridiculous.....like 12 C batteries.
She hadn't even pulled out of the drive way good when I walked outside and through it in the trash cart.
I should've sent it to you, and you could've won your war.