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Trading Standards toy shopping tips
26/11/2021
The advice comes on Black Friday and as Christmas shopping ramps up
Today is Black Friday and a timely reminder has been issued by Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team that parents should take extra care when buying toys today – and in the lead up to Christmas.
As well as highlighting some top shopping tips, the specific dangers posed by small, high-powered magnets as found in toys, puzzles, and some craft items is also being highlighted. There’s also a warning that some craft items are also being used as fake tongue and body piercings and jewellery, popularised on social media.
The top tips from trading standards include
- Know who you are buying from: Wherever shopping, remember reputation matters. Is the seller widely recognised for safe and reliable toys?
- Always read warnings and instructions: Toys must be clearly marked with age restrictions, which are based on risks such as choking hazards. Always follow the age recommendations.
- Consider special needs: Children with special needs might be more vulnerable, so keep this in mind when shopping.
- Avoid toys with small parts: They can be a choking hazard.
- Look out for strangulation hazards: Loose ribbons on toys and costumes can pose risks to young children.
- Check the toys are for children: Magnets can look like toys. Keep them away from children.
- Compare the sellers: Bargains may be too good to be true. Compare the toy’s price with other sellers. If it is a fraction of the cost, it is likely to be counterfeit.
- Check for button batteries: Ensure that any button batteries in a toy are safely behind a screwed down flap.
- Check for product recalls: See if the toy has been recalled by checking the product recall campaign website.
- Check before you wrap: Toys must be clearly marked with age restrictions, which are based on risks such as choking hazards. Always follow the age recommendations.
- Small, high-powered magnets – As well as posing a potential choking hazard, such magnets can cause serious injury if swallowed.
Jody Kerman, Oxfordshire County Council’s Head of Trading Standards, said: “Black Friday and the Christmas shopping period can be very busy times. Our advice is to take time to stop and think – check that the toy is everything it seems and that it is appropriate for the person receiving it.
“In the case of small magnets, these can be very attractive to children. Most magnets are not toys. Keep your home free of such magnets and if you think your child has swallowed a magnet, take them straight to the nearest A&E or call 999 for an ambulance.”
Anyone with concerns about the safety or labelling of toys can contact Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam