Holiday Shoppers, Take Note: What Not to Buy the Kids This Year

If you are like most holiday shoppers, you want to find gifts that will be loved and appreciated by your friends, family and loved ones. For some of us, though, the best gifts are the ones we give to the children in our family.

Of course, you want to make sure those gifts for the little ones are safe, too. Recently, Consumer Affairs talked to Joan Siff, president of World Against Toys Causing Harm (or WATCH), about what to look out for when it comes to potential toy hazards. Siff said:

Some of the recurring classic hazards we see include small detachable parts that can be easily removed on toys sold to young children, toys with warnings that may be impossible to follow in the real world and don’t take into account how children play, and projectile or airborne toys that could lead to eye injuries.

WATCH also put together a “10 Worst Toys” list, so shoppers will know which toys present dangers. You can read the explanations why each toy made the list, but here were their recommendations of what not to buy:

1. Hallmark “Itty Bittys” Baby Stacking Toy
2. Pull Along Polly
3. Wonder Woman Battle Action Sword
4. Hand Fidgetz Spinners
5. Spider-Man Spider-Drone Official Movie Edition
6. Nerf Zombie Strike Deadbolt Crossbow
7. Slackers Slackline Classic Series Kit
8. Oval Xylophone
9. Jetts Heel Wheels
10. Brianna Baby Doll

Avoid children’s products that have been recalled

WATCH admits that its list is not comprehensive, but is a good place to start. Shoppers can also avoid dangerous toys by checking to see which have been recalled. Consumer Affairs lists the following five items that have been recalled for hazards:

• Plantoys baby gyms, for risk of strangulation.
• Wind-up musical plush toys from Carter’s, Child of Mine, Guess How Much I Love You, and Just One You, for potential choking hazards
• Toys “R” Us infant wiggle balls and Bruin Infant Wiggle Ball toys, for choking hazards
• Little Mass children’s sleepwear, for risk of burn injuries
• OshKosh baby B’gosh quilted jackets, for choking hazards

Other recalls include the Toys“R”Us clay craft kits, because of the potential risk of exposure to mold, and the Playtex children’s dining pieces we recently discussed.

Product defects can be minor inconveniences; they can also lead to life-threatening injuries and illnesses. That is why Consumer Affairs, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, are good places to start when you are considering a gift – for a child or for an adult.

We want you to have a safe, happy and healthy holiday season. But if you purchase a product that has a design or manufacturing defect, or was labeled improperly, we may be able to help. Plattner Verderame, P.C. is the law firm you can trust to keep your best interests in mind, and to advocate for your rights and your future. Please call 602-266-2002 or contact us to find out how our Phoenix lawyers can help.