Buy Toys Safely This Christmas

16th November 2021

OPSS has produced safety guidance on how to buy toys safely this Christmas.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is partnering with Chartered Trading Standards Institute, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Child Accident Prevention Trust and Netmums to raise awareness of how to buy toys safely.

Know who you are buying from
Wherever you are shopping, remember reputation matters. Is the seller widely recognised for safe and reliable toys? Get as much information on the seller as you can, especially if you're buying from an online marketplace. Not everything sold on an online platform is supplied by them. If the actual supplier is not based in the UK, you may face heightened risks.

Always read the 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 kids
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's a fraction of the cost, it's 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 you’re buying has been recalled at productrecallcampaign.gov.uk

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.