The Latest on Toy-Related Injuries and Holiday Safety Tips
During the holiday season, many people purchase toys for their children or young loved ones. But let’s not forget to play it safe with those toys and to keep the little ones happy and out of harm’s way.
A recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) emphasizes the importance of safety in purchasing and using children’s toys, even for older kids. According to the CPSC’s Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries report, there were 11 fatalities and approximately 145,500 emergency department-treated injuries in 2022 linked to toys designed for children aged 12 and under.
The majority of the reported 11 deaths were linked to choking or asphyxiation resulting from small parts, balls, or balloons. Non-motorized scooters accounted for the largest share of emergency department-treated injuries, totaling 35,400 across all age groups. They represented one in every five toy-related injuries among children aged 14 and under.
When it comes to child safety, @lovee.miss.lauren, a TikToker known as “Lauren the Mortician,” has gained popularity for highlighting potential hazards associated with certain toys. In one of her videos, she lists items that are off-limits in her own home due to risks she has observed during her time as a funeral director. Some of these items include water beads, items with strings, teething necklaces, fidget spinners, and toys with magnets.
“Home Safe Home for the holidays.”
If you’re looking for toys, don’t just go for what’s cool. It’s also best to think about safety, especially when you’re browsing online shops. For online product purchases, the CPSC provides valuable recommendations to ensure a safe shopping experience.
Firstly, be mindful of the source from which you are buying, whether directly from a manufacturer, through a retailer, or a third-party seller. Check the “sold by” information on online marketplaces to make informed decisions.
Thoroughly read product descriptions, especially when shopping for children. Additionally, look for safety information in drop-down menus or at the bottom of the listing. Customer reviews can provide insights into other consumers’ experiences with the product.
When purchasing toys, look for a certification mark from independent testing organizations on the manufacturer’s label. This provides an additional layer of assurance regarding the safety of the product.
If considering second-hand products from an online marketplace, check for recalls before finalizing the purchase. The CPSC’s website, CPSC.gov/recalls, is a convenient resource for this purpose.
Exercise caution if a deal appears too good to be true, as exceptionally low prices may signal potential safety risks or a lack of authenticity.
Take a look at the full report here.
10 Unforgettable Christmas Experience Gifts
Memberships
Gifting an annual membership to a zoo, museum, aquarium, or perhaps, for those aged 21 and above, a wine club or mug club membership can make for a wonderful holiday gift. It’s a simple and thoughtful gesture that can benefit almost everyone this season. Offering your friends or family several months or a full year at a location they cherish is an excellent method to provide them with extra savings and a valuable present they can enjoy throughout the year.
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Outdoor Experiences
Offer the gift of a year-long adventure with the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. This pass grants free entry to all 115 National Parks with entrance fees, along with over 3,000 other federal lands. The pass includes the pass holder and up to three accompanying adults (aged 16 and above), with free admission for children under 15. Similar passes are available at various state parks, city and county parks, as well as botanical gardens nationwide, either for online purchase or directly on-site. It’s a thoughtful present for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
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Personalized Celebrity Videos
Imagine the excitement of receiving a personalized video message from your beloved celebrity, something you can hold onto for a lifetime. Cameo provides a platform where you can hire celebrities and athletes to create personalized videos, making them memorable gifts. The pricing for Cameo videos is set individually by thousands of actors, artists, and influencers and can range from as low as $1 to as high as $15,000 for personal videos, depending on the celebrity’s status and demand.
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Movie Gift Card
It’s reassuring to know that you’re offering your loved ones something they can personally choose and appreciate. Movie gift cards are a great option as they usually have no expiration date and can be used to buy movie tickets and concessions at the specific theater or theaters from which they are purchased. The recipient can use it for any movie they desire, without having to dip into their own funds.
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Amusement Park Passes
Consider giving tickets to a theme park amusement park as one of the most enjoyable experiential gifts. When presenting tickets as a gift, there’s room for creativity in how you package the gift, whether in a sizable wrapped box or as part of a unique scavenger hunt.
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Indoor Attraction Passes
There are plenty of enjoyable indoor activities to explore, including options like indoor rock climbing, trampoline centers, indoor skydiving, game centers, arcades, and escape rooms. A gift of this kind can be especially convenient for those times when you’re looking for indoor entertainment, especially during bad weather.
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Concert or Show Tickets
Concert or show tickets are a great gift choice. They provide a one-of-a-kind experience and make for a thoughtful way to celebrate your best friend and their interests. Even if they’ve seen the band before, each performance is unique and memorable.
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Sporting Event Tickets
If you have a sports enthusiast in your circle, giving them tickets to a baseball game is a thoughtful gesture to express your care. It’s also an excellent means of enjoying quality time together while rooting for your favorite team. To make the experience even better, you can go the extra mile by including a food voucher along with the tickets.
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Self Care Experience
Offer the perfect gift of relaxation and beauty, whether it’s a spa day, a massage, a facial, or a visit to the salon for hair styling, a wash, or a manicure and pedicure. Depending on the recipient, this could be something you can enjoy together. It’s an opportunity to unwind and connect, spending quality time together, catching up on life, sharing some laughter, and reminiscing about the past.
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Classes or Lessons
Lessons in various experiences, such as cooking classes, dance lessons, or sewing lessons, can be beneficial to many. This kind of gift is well-suited for people who enjoy learning and trying out new experiences. By gifting classes or lessons, you provide someone with an additional means of self-expression.
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