‘Tis the season to be jolly careful when buying children’s toys.
Buying Christmas gifts for children can be a lot of fun but it’s important to keep safety in mind when shopping.
When it comes to toys, the dangers are not always obvious. Even expensive or well-made toys may be unsafe.
So how do you know which toys are safety hazards? And what do you look for when buying safe presents for children this Christmas?
Here are some tips …
Hidden risks can include:
- small parts that could break off and choke a child
- battery compartments that are not secure, allowing a child to open it and possibly swallow the battery.
Only buy toys suitable for the age of your child. Keep in mind that toys for older children can be hazardous for smaller children, including toys that:
- expand
- have sharp edges, cords, or ties
- fire projectiles or can be used to do so.
While some children find the packaging more interesting than the toy itself, this can also pose a risk, so dispose of all plastic and foam packaging immediately.
Consumer protection agencies around Australia, including Consumer Affairs Victoria, visit shops and warehouses to help make sure that products are safe, but I urge you to choose toys wisely this festive season.
Enjoy shopping for gifts and remember our Christmas shopping tips:
- Make online purchases early to help avoid delivery delays, and check terms and conditions. Use secure payment methods and be alert to potential scams. Be suspicious of very cheap deals and sites that only allow you to pay by direct transfer.
- Check the returns policy before you buy, especially for ‘change of mind’.
- Photograph your receipts and keep the originals in a safe place.
- Set a reminder to use gift vouchers before the expiry date.
If you are concerned about a toy’s safety, please contact the Toy and Nursery Safety Line on 1300 364 894.
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Check out more fantastic Christmas ideas in our Christmas Hub!
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