The holidays should be a fun and happy time, especially for children. Unfortunately, that happiness can turn to pain or worse when an unsafe toy is given as a gift. This situation happens more frequently than you may realize: According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, almost 232,000 toy-related injuries in children ages 14 and younger were treated in U.S. hospitals in 2023.
Do Your Research
Keeping the holidays safe and enjoyable for the kids in your life is easier than you might think with the right toy choices. To help you make the right decisions, we've gathered expert tips on giving safe toys and gifts this holiday season.
#1: Check the Label
The simplest way to ensure a toy is suitable for the child receiving it is to check the age recommendation, which is usually clearly printed on the label. This ensures you won't accidentally purchase a toy designed for a 10-year-old and give it to your 4-year-old nephew. In addition, the American Public Health Association recommends checking the label for an ASTM seal. This provides assurance that the toy has met the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials. Toys that don't have this seal should probably be best avoided.
#2: Do Your Own Inspection
Even with the assurance of an age-appropriate label and the ASTM seal, it's always wise to take a closer look to ensure a toy is truly safe for the child you're buying it for. Check for small or broken parts, sharp edges, peeling paint, and other potential hazards. Small parts, in particular, pose a choking risk for young children. To test for safety, you can use a small-parts tester available for purchase or a simple toilet paper roll — if a toy part can fit inside, it's not safe for young children.
#3: Check the Cords, Batteries and Magnets
For younger children, it's best to avoid toys with long cords or strings, as these can present choking or strangulation hazards. Additionally, pay close attention to the type of batteries a toy requires and how the battery compartment is secured. Toys with button batteries should be avoided, as these can be easily swallowed by small children. Ensure the battery compartment is securely fastened with screws to provide an extra layer of safety. Super magnets should never be gifted to children. They can be choking hazard due to their small size but also cause internal injuries if swallowed.
#4: Make Sure Art Supplies Are Non-Toxic
Art supplies are always a great gift choice to get the creative juices flowing, but make sure any supplies you give are clearly marked as non-toxic to keep kids safe while they're crafting. Parents of the recipient may also appreciate it if you get art supplies that are “spill-proof” and “washable,” as well.
#5: Include the Safety Gear
As children grow, they often transition from toys and blocks to sports equipment like scooters, bikes, and skateboards. These make awesome gifts for kids of the right age, but it's essential to pair them with the proper safety equipment, such as helmets, knee pads and elbow pads. Including these not only ensures their safety but also reinforces the importance of protective gear while enjoying their new activities.
#6: Be Wary of Older Toys
It's understandable to be nostalgic for the toys of days past, but keep in mind that those toys were likely manufactured without the same safety parameters that exist today. Small parts, sharp edges and even lead paint are all potential risks of older toys. So, if you want to regift your old dolls or action figures, it might be best to save them for older children. And if lead paint is a possibility, steer clear of that gift altogether.
#7: Check Your Kids' Presents
It's always best to be vigilant when buying gifts for other people's children to prevent any of the potential pitfalls mentioned above. As an extra bit of insurance, however, you can do an inspection of the gifts your own kids receive, as well. When both the giver and the recipient's parents are aware of the risks, chances are that kids will stay safe, and the holidays will be merry and bright.
#8 Be Mindful of Multiples
In families with multiple children, it's crucial to remember a toy for an older child can become a choking hazard in the hand (or mouth!) of younger siblings. For parents and siblings alike, toys that are not appropriate for younger siblings should be properly put away after playtime. Toys that can potentially cause harm should be stored out of sight, as curiosity about a toy can also lead a child to injury trying to reach it.
