November is Toy Safety Awareness Month. The Toy Association and the toy community have joined forces to promote safety tips for shoppers, parents, and caregivers, emphasizing counterfeit toys and a safe toy checklist. 

“Genuine toys sold by reputable brands comply with tough federal safety standards that protect children at play, while counterfeits often fail to meet safety standards, posing a serious risk to kids,” said Joan Lawrence, The Toy Association’s “Toy Safety Mom” and SVP of Standards and Regulatory Affairs.

But toylike items are a concern: accessories with high-powered magnets, balloons, and button cell batteries pose a danger. Toy safety is a year-round issue, so The Toy Association produced “Toy Safety 365 Days a Year,” a video with footage from a toy testing lab and advice from Lawrence and a pediatric emergency medicine physician about safety at home.

Shoppers and caregivers are asked to be mindful of counterfeit toys and toys from untrustworthy sites online. Gift buyers should also be mindful of following age labels on toys and safety guidelines after receiving a gift. Small parts are a hazard for children and kids who chew on toys, and packaging is also hazardous.  

“Particularly when shopping second-hand, buying from an unauthorized third-party seller, or accepting a hand-me-down from a well-meaning family member or friend, be sure to check that the toy has not previously been recalled,” said Lawrence.

For more information on toy recalls caregivers and adults can learn more at CPSC.gov/recalls. For more about The Toy Association Toy Safety Awareness Month, visit playsafe.org.