It is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Along with being the holiday season, December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month.  Fitting, wouldn’t you say?

Children across the nation anxiously await this time of year when they receive long anticipated gifts and the toys they have been dreaming of since last year.  But as consumers and parents gear up for the joy of holiday gift giving, this national month of safe toys and gifts serves to remind well-meaning persons to be cautious and mindful as they consider what toys and gifts to give to their little ones.

The importance of safety awareness when purchasing toys and gifts for the holiday season comes into focus when one knows that over 200,000 injuries to children due to gifts were reported in 2005.  While this has been the highest year in the past decade, every year tens of thousands of children incur injury from toys and gifts.

To mitigate the risk level invited upon the children in your life due to the gifts you will lovingly give them this year, consider a few safety tips and guidelines when deciding which gifts to purchase.

• Most important to remember when buying a gift is to keep in mind the child’s age.  All toys and most other gifts will include written instructions on the box that will clearly state the intended age range for the toy.  Do not purchase toys that are designed for older children as this can be extremely dangerous.
• Avoid buying toys with sharp edges or parts that fly off as these account for most of the injuries sustained.
• And don’t forget to teach the child how to properly and safely use the toys you give to them.

By remembering to consider the appropriate age and potential hazards of each toy you purchase this year you can make the holiday season safer and more enjoyable for everyone.