National Safe Toys And Gift Month

December is recognized as National Safe Toys and Gift month by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). As you shop for gifts this holiday season, it’s essential to keep safety in mind.

According to a recent CPSC report, injuries have begun to decrease from prior years; however, it’s still important to be aware of some of the risks associated with gift buying and toys. 

• Choking on small parts and riding toy injuries: CPSC reports that in 2019, there were an estimated 162,700 toy-related, emergency department-treated injuries and 14 deaths to children younger than 15, with most of the deaths associated with choking on small parts, like small balls and small toy parts and riding toys.

• Toy recalls: To be sure that the toy or gift that you are purchasing is safe and has not been recalled, you can visit CPSC’s website at www.cpsc.gov to see a list of toys that have been recalled in 2021.  

Other toys to keep in mind that may not be found on the CPSC’s recall but may impose a hazard for children include: 

• Balloons account for 50% of all choking-related fatalities in children of all ages. Discard deflated and broken balloons ASAP, as children can easily suffocate on latex balloons. If you want to include balloons in your holiday festivities, consider Mylar over latex.

• Small Toy Parts, including balls: Avoid toys with small parts altogether if you have children aged three or younger. As a rule of thumb, parts should exceed the width of a toilet paper roll (1¾ inches). If a toy fits inside a toilet paper roll, DO NOT buy it!

• Riding toys, including scooters, skateboards, and in-line skates, are fast. Falls can be very dangerous, even deadly. Safety gear, including helmets, should be sized to fit and must be worn at all times.

• Magnets: Increasingly popular magnet sets are dangerous. They must be kept away from children of all ages, especially toddlers, should they carry small magnets, as they pose a serious choking hazard.

• Batteries: They are a leading choking and thermal hazard, specifically in the case of a small lithium cell, aka, button batteries and chargers, respectively. Follow instructions on chargers carefully. Charging should be supervised. All loose batteries should be packed and locked away well out of reach. Battery compartments should be taped over. Finally, discard used batteries safely.

Reduce Toy Safety Risks by Gifting a Non-Toy Gift

For this holiday season, consider skipping a purchase of toys and instead try some of the following non-toy gift-giving ideas. Be sure to share these ideas with family and friends!

Create a Memorable Experience

• Buy everyone matching family pajamas and cuddle up on the couch to watch one of your child’s favorite shows.

• Enroll you and your baby or toddler in baby swimming lessons or a music program.

Subscriptions and Memberships

• From Ranger Rick and National Geographic Kids to Ladybug, there are many magazine subscription options you can choose from to cultivate your child’s budding interests.

• A membership to a zoo, museum, aquarium is educational and truly a gift that keeps giving all year long.

Homemade Gifts from the Heart

• 2021 is one for the history books, so make a photo album or 2022 calendar of memories from the past year.

• Bring some magic into your yard with a homemade gnome home or fairy house.

• Don’t know how to sew? No problem. Fleece tie pillows or blankets are easy to assemble and are great for cuddling.

• Surprise each family member and pet with a custom salt dough ornament. Use this recipe with step-by-step instructions for successful results.

Don’t Forget the College Fund

Even though many people find giving a gift of money an impersonal holiday gift, it isn’t if they know you are saving for college tuition. If they balk at the idea, provide them with some of the following small gift ideas to go along with the check:

• Personalized piggy bank

•  Monogrammed wallet, coin purse, or handbag