Safety First! Celebrating National Safe Toys & Gifts Month
December 8th, 2024
With the holidays right around the corner, December is an opportunity to pause and consider the types of toys and gifts we plan to give to our loved ones. Over 200,000 children every year are treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries each year. That’s why age and ability appropriate toys and gifts are so important.
Consider these factors when buying toys and gifts for your loved ones:
- Check for Age Appropriateness: Always verify the age recommendation for a toy. Toys designed for older children may not be safe for younger ones, as they can contain small parts that pose a choking risk or sharp edges that could cause injury.
- Avoid Small Parts: Young children tend to put things in their mouths, and small parts can easily become a choking hazard. To ensure safety, choose toys with pieces larger than a golf ball.
- Look for Durable Toys: Always select toys made from durable materials, as children can be tough on their belongings. Toys that break easily may have sharp edges, posing a risk of injury or leading to the swallowing of small parts.
- Check for Recalls: Before buying a gift, check that it’s not on the recall list. Recalled toys may have safety concerns. You can check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website by visiting www.cpsc.gov/Recalls to see if a toy you’re interested in has been recalled.
National Safe Toys & Gifts Month
Below is a list of recommended affordable toys that are safe for young children.
Infants Ages 1-3:
- Montessori Farm Animal Toys Counting on Amazon
- Montessori Shape Sorter Wooden Toys for Toddlers on Amazon
- Montessori Magnectic Wooden Animals Train Set on Amazon
- Montessori Color Sorting Stacking Toys for Fine Motor Skills on Amazon
Toddlers Ages 3-5:
- Montessori Sensory Board for Learning Fine Motor Skills on Amazon
- Writing Tablet Doodle Board on Amazon
- Magnet Stacking Robot Toy on Amazon
- Whack a Frog Game on Amazon
Youth Ages 6+
