Check out these tips for gifting safe toys and other items this holiday season:
1) Toilet Paper Roll Test
When buying toys for young children, use the toilet paper roll test. If a toy can fit into a toilet paper roll, it’s too small for children under age three, as it poses a choking or ingestion risk.
2) Watch Out for Recalls
Recalled toys and children’s products may still be found for sale (unlawfully), especially on secondhand markets like Meta/Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay. Before making a purchase, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website for recalls and incident reports.
3) Respect Age Labels
Check age labels on toys and adhere to them. These labels aren’t just recommendations — they’re designed to address specific safety concerns related to developmental stages and skill levels. Buying age-appropriate toys helps prevent incidents and injuries.
4) Avoid Counterfeit Products
Shopping online can lead to unexpected hazards if you’re not careful about product authenticity. Traditional retail stores are required to sell toys with a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC), ensuring that they meet all federal safety standards for children. Unfortunately, some products bought through online marketplaces may not meet these standards, increasing the risk of counterfeit, and potentially unsafe, items. Stick to reputable retailers whenever possible to minimize these risks.
5) Beware of Small Parts and Batteries
Batteries in toys are required by law to be secured in child-safe compartments and now, with Reese’s Law, all consumer products, including holiday products must offer the same protections. But be careful as some products without that protection might still be for sale. In addition to batteries, small powerful magnets are also unsafe, especially for younger children. Loose batteries and small magnets can lead to serious ingestion hazards.
6) Gift Mobility with Safety
If you plan to gift a bicycle, scooter, or skateboard, include a properly fitting helmet for the child. For electric mobility devices like e-scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards, it’s important to buy certified products that meet safety standards. When charging these items, only use the supplied charger and never leave them charging overnight or unattended.
7) Register Durable Infant Products
For infant products like cribs, strollers, or high chairs, fill out and return the product registration card or register the product online. This is the best way to be notified if there is a recall, keeping your child safe from any safety issues with the product.
Read our new Shopping Safety Guide for the 2024 holiday season.
