12/06/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 12/05/2021 18:08
By Martha Michael
Whether you take your holiday gift list to "city sidewalks dressed in holiday style" or just shop from the couch while listening to carols, you want to be sure the presents you give don't injure anyone. December is "Safe Toys and Gifts Month," an appropriate time to pay attention to the potential hazards of products you purchase.
It's possible to choose safer gifts for all ages and the hardware store is a good bet for adults who may want a product that's specifically designed to add to their safety and protection. The experts in preparedness and disaster at Adjusters International have a list of gifts on their website that promote safety:
If you have tech-lovers on your list, there are digital gifts to make them happy and decrease online threats such as identity theft.
An article by TechCrunch.com suggests the following products for friends and family:
Toy manufacturers are governed by the standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, according to The Gentle Nursery, a site that reviews products and offers recommendations. Though toy recalls have dropped in the last 10 years, there are still concerns that many toys contain toxic materials. Products made with PVC, BPA, phthalates, and flame retardants have a high risk of contamination. Limit the time your children play with mainstream plastic toys and don't let babies put pieces in their mouths.
The website offers a list of non-toxic products for babies, including:
An article on HealthyChildren.org talks about how to shop for toys that are less likely to cause harm to the user.
Read warning labels - It's the simplest way to find out the materials the toys contain before you make your purchase.
Buy toys with large pieces - Kids are less likely to choke when pieces are too big for their mouths.
Choose sturdy toys - When products fall apart, they sometimes create sharp edges that can injure a child.
Don't buy loud toys - High-decibel sounds may amuse the adults but can harm a child's hearing.
Avoid hobby kits with chemicals - Gifts such as chemistry sets should be reserved for kids older than 12.
Follow age recommendations - Buy within the guidelines to reduce the threat of injury and maximize the child's ability to play with the toy.
Consider making safety the theme of this year's gifting for the adults on your list. If some of your holiday packages are for babies or young children, practice extreme vigilance when picking out toys to reduce the threats to their health and safety. At the end of the day, you want your holiday toy land to become a joy land that lasts year-round.
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