Do you have a child — or perhaps you’re just a child inside? Either way, take note.
Consumer group World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) has released their annual top 10 list of the worst, most dangerous toys you can buy this season. (FYI: That’s not an endorsement.)
W.A.T.C.H. says: “Although intended for fun and entertainment, many toys contain hidden hazards unnecessarily putting children at risk of injury or death.”
This year’s potentially deadly top 10?
- Calico Critters Nursery Friends — This $14.95 collection of not-so-friendly critters is labeled for ages 3+, “however ‘flocked animals,’ regardless of labels, are appealing to oral-age children, as recognized by the industry small parts regulation. The Calico Critters collection includes small parts, such as a pacifier, with the potential for choking injuries,” says W.A.T.C.H.
- The Toysmith Missile Launcher — W.A.T.C.H. says, “5 year old children are advised to ‘GO! Launch’ this ‘missile; with the provided slingshot-like launcher, and ‘watch it soar…up to 75 ft!’ The warnings and cautions make no mention of potential for eye or facial injuries. Moreover, the act of initiating launch occurs near a child’s face, as depicted on the packaging.”
- Marvel Avengers Vibranium Power FX Claw — This claw might look cool, but W.A.T.C.H. says watch out. “These rigid, plastic ‘power FX’ claws, ‘inspired’ by the famous comic book character, Black Panther, are sold for 5 year olds. The manufacturer includes a caution prohibiting ‘hit[ting] or swing[ing] at people or animals.'”
- Gloria Owl — She may seem sweet, but Gloria’s a potential choking hazard. W.A.T.C.H. says, “This cuddly, plush owl is sold for babies as young as 12 months old. Nevertheless, even the manufacturer recognizes the toy’s long, fiber-like hair may not be adequately rooted, and is prone to ‘shredding.’ The hair, once separated, presents the potential for ingestion or aspiration injuries.”
- WWE Jumbo Superstar Fists — “These ‘jumbo’ size fists are sold to enable 3 year old children to emulate pro wrestling ‘superstars.’ No warnings or cautions are provided regarding the potential for blunt force or impact injuries,” says W.A.T.C.H.
- Scientific Explorer Sci-Fi Slime Kit — Not the slime! Apparently this kit is full of chemicals, so beware, tiny scientists. “There are numerous warnings and cautions on the box, package inserts, and the included chemicals and ingredients. For example, the zinc sulfide pouch warns that its contents ‘[m]ay cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Harmful if swallowed.'”
- The Original Boomerang Interactive Stunt UFO — Keep your fingers intact: “Children are encouraged to ‘PERFORM AMAZING STUNTS & TRICKS!’ by ‘tossing’ it into the air. Despite warning about potential propeller ‘damage,’ the manufacturer urges users to play ‘catch’ by ‘pass[ing] the UFO back and forth to friends.'”
- Boom City Racers Starter Pack — This is an eyeball hazard. “The ‘BOOM CITY’ race cars are sold with a ripcord ‘launcher’ so children as young as 4 years old can use the ‘stunt set’ to ‘RIP, RACE, [and] EXPLODE!’ these miniature vehicles. The manufacturer provides numerous warnings and cautions, including not to aim at ‘eyes or face.'”
- My Sweet Love Lots to Love Babies Minis — This tiny baby may look innocent, but she isn’t. “This ‘mini’ baby comes with a feeding set, sold for 2 year olds as'[a]ccessories for doll use only.’ The slender, rigid plastic spoon is approximately 2¾” long with the potential to be mouthed and occlude a child’s airway.”
- Star Wars Mandalorian Darksaber — This is not the way. Baby Yoda would definitely get into trouble with this Darksaber. “Young children are encouraged to ‘SWING FOR BATTLE….!’ with this ‘ancient, black bladed lightsaber’ made of rigid plastic, with the potential for facial and other impact injuries.” (However, this does seem like a cool toy for adults…)
This article appears in The Gift Guide.