National Safe Toys and Gifts Month

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. National Safe Toys and Gifts Month is observed to promote safe gift giving to children (especially children under 3). Below are some of the general suggestions for choosing safe gifts for children. We have also included resources for safe gift giving. Ensuring you are giving safe gifts can help prevent toy related injuries and deaths for children. If you are needing support related to child/infant injury or death, please search for additional support groups and resources near you here.

 

Suggestions:

Consider the child: Think about the child’s age, abilities, and skills. For example, consider if they have sensory issues that might make some toys unsuitable.

Read the instructions: Check the box for warnings and instructions.

Avoid sharp objects: Avoid toys with sharp edges, spikes, rods, or points.

Check for choking hazards: Avoid toys that could be a choking hazard, especially for children under three.

Consider the space: If the toy is for outdoors, make sure the recipient has enough space to use it.

Check warning labels: Respect warning labels, which may indicate safety hazards. For example, a toy that isn’t meant to be used around pets might not be a good gift for a family with pets.

Resources: