DEAR EDITOR:

Christmas is coming and with it, the Grinch Tax.

According to The Toy Association, nearly 80% of the toys sold in the U. S. are sourced in China. President Trump’s tariff is, in truth, an all-American sales tax on imported Chinse goods. Ultimately, it must be paid by American holiday shoppers. Unless retracted, it could inflate prices up to 25%…the Grinch Tax.

The higher skilled, lower paid toy makers in China will not soon be replicated in America. Same applies for Chinese-made artificial Christmas trees, ornaments, lights, and blow-up outdoor sculptures. Anticipating lower sales, Chinese manufactures are already scaling down production.

This will result in less selection and/or supply.

As President Trump grinchily observed on April 30 “Maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls. So maybe the two dolls will cost a couple bucks more.”

Toy shoppers should plan now to avoid the Grinch Tax, thin inventories, and grownup fistfights in toy aisles. Buy pre-owned, Pre-Trump toys at re-sale shops or flea markets. Budget for fewer toys or games. Give American made practical, age-appropriate things like books, hand tools, kitchen wares, or garden implements with seeds. These can be used to teach essential skills for life instead of amusements for a week.

Something else to give children is the gift of giving. As federal nutrition assistance programs are DOGED away and food pantries run low, more of us will need help. If able, consider involving children in donating food, funds, or time to feed the hungry this December. Even a restaurant or grocery store gift card bought and mailed anonymously to needy family or friends will beat the Grinch Tax.

Is this really “the mandate the American people voted for?” Ho, ho, ho.

JIM WEYRICK

Ellet