December is Safe Toys and Gifts month, which goes hand in hand with the holidays. That’s why we’re sharing a few tips to make sure your holiday gifts pass the safety test, especially when it comes to the little ones in your life. Whether you are a new parent, the cool uncle, or are in any way planning to gift a new toy to a child this holiday season, take a look at the below safety tips to steer you in the right direction!

Inspect your online purchases.

With the ease and convenience of online shopping, you may find yourself scrolling to the absolute perfect toy for the kiddo in your life. Once it arrives, make sure to do a little inspection of the item to ensure it matches the description you were expecting. Feel around for any broken parts or sharp, pointy edges. If the toy can easily be pulled apart or seems fragile enough to break with ease, reconsider gifting it.

Consider any special needs the recipient may have.

When it comes to special needs, pay attention to sensory details such as sounds, movements, and textures. 

Be diligent as a parent.

Although your loved ones have the best of intentions when gifting your child with a new toy, nobody knows your child’s personality or stage of development as intimately as you do. That is why you are the most qualified to perform a final inspection of the gifts your little one receives.

Lean on safety labels.

You don’t have to be an expert to shop safely, thanks to the safety inspections that are commonly performed on toys for young children. The packaging may display an age range that is most appropriate for the item, and it may also display the letters “ATSM,” which stands for American Society for Testing and Materials. This will ensure the item has met those standards and is deemed safe.

Complete your sporting goods gift with the proper safety gear.

There is nothing quite like that feeling of being a child and waking up Christmas morning to a brand new bike! If you plan to gift the child in your life with that joyous moment, don’t make them wait around for stores to open to buy the helmet and knee pads that make it safe to ride. 

Be cautious of second-hand and vintage gifts.

Lead exposure from toys can lead to poisoning, so be diligent when gifting second-hand or vintage toys that contain lead paint. 

Avoid small parts, batteries, and magnets.

When it comes to the young children in your life, ensure that small (easily swallowable) parts are not included in your gift of choice. This could be as obvious as a jigsaw puzzle, but it could also be as seemingly-innocuous as a large gift that includes small batteries or easily removable magnetic pieces. These are particularly dangerous when swallowed, which is why it is always best to stick to large, soft toys for little ones.