Safe Toys and Gifts Month: Protecting Our Kids’ Joy
December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, or Toy Safety and Gifts Awareness Month, which reminds us to prioritize safety when selecting things we give to children. In the season of giving, let us be mindful of potential hazards in toys while understanding how toys can influence children's mental and emotional health.
Key Info: Safe Toys and Gifts Month
- When is Safe Toys and Gifts Month?
Occurs annually throughout December - This Year (2026):
Tuesday 1st - Thursday 31st December 2026 - Official Website: Prevent Blindness America
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Future Dates
- Wednesday 1st - Friday 31st December 2027
- Friday 1st - Sunday 31st December 2028
- Saturday 1st - Monday 31st December 2029
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Additional Details
- Observed By: Parents, caregivers, educators, retailers, and healthcare providers focused on child safety
- Where Is It Observed: United States
- Primary Theme: Child Safety and Consumer Awareness
- Hashtags: #SafeToysMonth #ToySafety #ChildSafety #SafeGifts #PreventBlindness
Quick links: Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Why Safe Toys and Gifts Month Matters
Toys aid a child’s motor skills development, encourage creativity, and teach social skills such as sharing and cooperation. When children play, they have fun while learning.
Unfortunately, numerous children are treated in emergency rooms due to toy-related injuries. Harmful substances such as lead and phthalates also exist in some toys, particularly those from regions with less stringent safety regulations.
As such, the Safe Toys and Gifts Month campaign addresses the challenges parents and caregivers face in ensuring toy safety, especially for those from low-income backgrounds.
It also stresses clear labeling and safety guidelines to prevent people from buying unsafe toys, particularly during the busy holiday shopping season.
Data and Statistics
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported there are approximately 209,500 toy-related injuries among children in U.S. hospitals in 2022. Almost half of the injuries were made to the head or face area.
In 2022, Campaign for Healthier Solutions found out that a handful of products targeted toward children in U.S. discount stores have at least one chemical of concern, such as lead and phthalates.
Another study found 419 chemicals in hard, soft, and foam plastic materials in toys. It recommended phasing out 219 of the chemicals that are harmful to children's health.
In Europe, toys were the most notified product category in 2020, according to the European Commission's Rapid Alert System, accounting for 29% of total notifications against dangerous products.
Things To Look Out In Toys
- Toys should have an age range recommendation on the packaging care of the manufacturer. For example, toys for younger children should not have small parts that could be a choking hazard. If you’re unsure, try this test: if a toy can fit through an empty toilet paper roll, it’s unsafe.
- They should be free from toxic materials, including toys with lead-based paints or plastic made from harmful chemicals like phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA).
- Safe toys should not have sharp edges or points. Moreover, they should be robust enough to withstand rough play without breaking into dangerous pieces.
- In many countries, toys must meet specific safety standards. For example, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets these standards in the United States. Look for a label that indicates the toy meets these requirements.
- Safe toys don't promote violent or aggressive behavior. Otherwise, they can influence the child to commit real-world violence. So, choose toys that encourage positive social interaction or fit your child’s age.
Brief Timeline of Safe Toys and Gifts Month
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was established, regulating the sale and manufacture of consumer products, including toys.
The CPSC issued the first set of regulations for toy safety, known as the Federal Toy Safety Standard. These regulations focused on eliminating potential toy hazards, such as small parts that could cause choking.
The European Union introduced the European Toy Safety Directive, which set safety standards for toys sold in E.U. countries.
The CPSC and the National SAFE KIDS Campaign jointly launched December as Safe Toys and Gifts Month to raise awareness about toy safety during the holiday season.
The U.S. passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which imposed stricter standards for toy safety, including a ban on lead and certain toy phthalates.
The CPSC launched a database where consumers could report and search for safety issues with consumer products, including toys.
The CPSC released a new set of guidelines for toy safety, focusing on emerging trends and potential hazards, such as battery-operated toys.
Celebrate Online With Hashtags
Spread awareness during Safe Toys and Gifts Month using the following hashtags:
- #SafeToysAndGiftsMonth.
- #ChildSafety
- #GiftsThatGiveBack
- #EcoFriendlyGifts
- #ToySafety
Conclusion
Toys should be manufactured with the children’s safety in mind. Celebrating this observance means patronizing manufacturers and stores that align with this cause. As you enter into a holiday mood, remember the message of Safe Toys and Gifts Month as you buy your gifts.
Resources:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Safe Toys and Gifts Month aims to raise awareness among adults about choosing safe toys and gifts for children during the month of gift-giving every December.
It helps prevent accidents and injuries among children like chocking and exposure to harmful chemicals.
Look for age-appropriate labels, check for small parts that could be choking hazards, and avoid toys with sharp edges or potential toxins. Double-check if a toy has been recalled or if it is from a reputable store.
These hazards include small parts, sharp edges, loose batteries, and toxic materials like lead or phthalates.
If you have kids, teach them to store toys properly after playing. Avoid purchasing toys with sharp or rigid points or dangerous edges. Check the frames and lenses of your children’s sunglasses because they can cause injuries if they break. Avoid giving your children toys with ropes, cords, or heating elements.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
