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Holiday Toy Safety Guide: Top 10 Dangerous Toys

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The holidays are a time for joy and happiness. But sometimes, toys bought by family members and parents to bring happiness and smiles can instead cause tears and an unexpected trip to the hospital.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200,000 children are treated in hospital emergency departments for toy-related injuries each year.

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Many times, toys designed for older children have multiple small pieces that pose a choking hazard for children under the age of 3 who still tend to put things in their mouths. That’s why parents should pay attention to the recommended ages on the outside of the box as well as the child’s wish list. E-scooters, e-bikes and hoverboards are also responsible for an increase in trips to the emergency center.

Parents should always keep an eye out for product safety recalls and consider throwing out broken toys that could cause falls or lacerations.

Below is a list of the top 10 dangers parents and family members should keep in mind when choosing toys to gift this holiday season:

Holiday Toy Safety Guide

  • Choking hazards from small parts: This includes small balls or marbles. If a toy part can fit through a standard toilet paper roll, it is a potential choking hazard for children age 3 and younger. As uninflated balloons may accidentally be swallowed and block the airway, balloons and small balls should also not be given to children younger than 6.
  • E-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards: Fires are a significant hazard with micromobility devices. These devices are also quick and silent, which can make it hard for others to see a rider. Helmets should always be worn when using these as well as manual bikes, scooters or roller blades or skates.
  • Magnets: Magnets are becoming smaller and more powerful. When two or more are ingested, they can bind together and cause serious intestinal damage. Keep magnetic items intended for adults, as well as toys with magnets that could come loose, away from children.
  • Batteries: If swallowed, batteries can leak acid causing severe injury. Button batteries are in many toys and are easy for young children to swallow. Additionally, some toys have rechargeable batteries that require USB charging cables, which can cause burns if overheated.
  • High levels of chemicals: Phthalates (often found in certain plastics) and lead (commonly in paint and jewelry items) can adversely affect development. Some slime toys may contain high levels of boron or borax, which is toxic if ingested.
  • Excessive noise: Young children have delicate eardrums, and toys that are too loud can damage hearing. If it sounds too loud, it probably is.
  • Foam Toys: Injuries are seen from foam projectiles every year. Although they are soft to the touch, they can cause significant damage to the eye. If the children are using any sort of gun that shoots, it is important that they wear protective eye wear. Many foam guns come with protective glasses; the key is enforcing that children wear them.
  • Toys with long strings and straps: Strings and straps that are part of the toy could strangle small children.
  • Stuffed toys: Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant. Stuffed toys should be washable.
  • Crayons and paints: Crayons and paints should say “nontoxic” and “ASTM D-4236” on the package, which means that they’ve been evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

If a toy does not look safe or age appropriate for your child, then don’t buy it. Make sure to check online product reviews. If purchasing from an online marketplace, check CPSC.gov/recalls.

For more pediatric topics and safety tips, visit HopkinsAllChildrens.org/stories.

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Originally published in the December 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.