December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month!

It's the day after Thanksgiving -- aka "Black Friday" -- where bargain hunters and shoppers wake up bright and early to brave the crowds, hunt for a good deal, and kick off the holiday shopping season. Before tackling the person in line in front of you because they are getting the very last one of this year's popular toy, follow these guidelines to be safe and smart this holiday season:

• Keep the child’s age in mind when buying a gift. Use the ages on the box as a guide.
• Avoid gifts with sharp edges.
• If possible, examine gifts for loose parts and durability before giving them. If parts can come off easily, they could be a choking hazard for young kids.
• Be sure that gifts for the youngest children have large enough pieces to prevent choking.
• Give 0- to 2-year-olds books made of cardboard so that they can’t rip out, chew on, and swallow thinner paper pages.
• Be sure that all gifts with art supplies (crayons, paint, chalk, etc.) are non-toxic.
• Avoid giving gifts with parts that fly off, such as slingshots, Nerf guns, etc.
• If giving sporting goods, also give protective gear. For example, give a new bike with a helmet, too!
• Before giving a gift, check toy recalls online at www.safekids.org.
• Teach kids how to use the toys they receive and observe playtime.

Would you like more information about safe toys and gifts? Ask a Youth Services Librarian!

“On the Path to Good Health” is supported by Kaiser Permanente and the Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends.

Posted by ws