Safe Toy & Gift Month

Since December is the biggest gift-giving month of the year it is extremely important to keep safety in mind while shopping for the little ones in your life, and anyone else! Toy-related injuries are more common than you would think! In recent years, many measures have been done to ensure that toys are safer than ever for kids to play with. Even though toy safety has improved, it is still important for people to take extra precautions when gifting their loved ones. Buying gifts and toys are some of the most exciting parts of the holidays. I mean who doesn’t love watching their family and friends opening the gifts you picked out for them? In all the eagerness, it’s easy to forget about simple safety. So before making any purchases this year, keep safety in mind, so the holidays don’t turn from the happiest time of the year to the scariest!

Here are some simple ways you can be mindful of toy safety this year:

• Make sure to inspect the toys before you buy them. Try to avoid toys with sharp edges, lots of little parts, or parts that can be easily pulled off. (Especially if it’s for a baby or toddler)
• Make sure the age and skill level marked on the toy matches the age and skill level of the child you’re buying for.
• Label check! Toys should have a label for ATSM (American Society for Testing and Materials) that proves it’s up to standard. ATSM testing is more important than many people realize.
• Do not give toys with ropes, cords, or that can heat up, and avoid crayons and markers unless they are labeled nontoxic.

Follow this advice, and your whole family is sure to have a very merry (and safe) holiday season!