Everyone wants their gifts to be well-received. For those giving presents to children, they want to see kids’ faces light up with excitement when they find a spectacular present underneath all that wrapping paper. In order to elicit that joy, some people may sacrifice safety in order to buy the “coolest” or the “hottest” gifts around. But that could be a recipe for injury. It is essential to consider safety anytime one is buying gifts for children.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says an estimated 200,000 toyrelated injuries were treated in United States hospital emergency departments in 2020, with most patients four or younger. The Public Health Agency of Canada notes that, between April 1, 2011 and Nov. 9, 2022, there were 29,268 cases of toy-related injuries, and children between the ages of one and four were the most affected.
When buying gifts for children, shoppers can consider these safety strategies.
1. Check the recommendations. Toys and games come with age recommendations for a reason. Note ages listed on boxes, never choosing above the child’s age even if the youngster seems mature for his or her age.
2. Be mindful of small parts. Small toys can present a choking hazard. Also, check to see if parts are secure or can break off.
3. Check breakability. Avoid gifts that seem flimsy or delicate. Stay away from toys made from glass or thin plastic, as they could shatter if dropped or thrown.
4. Be mindful of antiques. Although older or antique toys and games can be interesting and readily found at garage sales and flea markets, some older toys could be unsafe. They may contain lead or toxic paints. Others may not have been made in adherence to modern toy safety standards.
5. Look for the ASTM label. ASTM International is a standards organization that publishes technical international standards for a range of materials. Games and toys that meet ASTM safety standards are better choices.
6. Check battery sizes. Selecting powered gifts that utilize larger batteries could be safer for children. Size D, C, and even double A are better than items that use very small, buttonlike batteries, which can be easily swallowed, potentially causing injuries to the digestive tract. Also, confirm that batteries are hard to access.
7. Include protective gear with the gift. If you purchase a gift like a skateboard or bicycle, include helmets and additional safety gear to ensure they are safer to use.
8. Learn how gifts work. Read the instructions and familiarize yourself with the operation of the gift so you can help the child use it correctly.
When buying gifts for children, well-meaning individuals must take the safety of an item into consideration.
