Gibbons Law Firm: National Safe Toys & Gifts Month

December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. With the gift-giving season upon us, it's important to purchase gifts that are safe for your recipient. This mainly applies to children, but some adult gifts can pose dangers, as well. If you receive a gift and are injured, you may have a personal injury case at the Lake of the Ozarks. Our personal injury attorney in Lake Ozark, MO may be able to assist if you find yourself in this situation. While you're selecting toys and gifts this Christmas, consider the below tips for finding safe items to give!

About National Safe Toy & Gift Month:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has reported about 251,000 toy-related injuries annually. The majority of people with these injuries (72%) are 15 years of age or younger. This epidemic of unsafe toys is very dangerous for kids. Toymakers are working diligently to make toys safer for all. Stricter regulations have been put into place in recent years. Over 19 million toy recalls have been made due to safety concerns. National Safe Toy & Gift Month is all about promoting safe toys and gifts you give this holiday season.

Tips for Selecting a Safe Toy or Gift:

Consider Choking Hazards
When gifting for a child, consider choking hazards. Small toys and small pieces that can break off can be very dangerous for a kid. Many young children will put anything they find in their mouth. If an item is large enough, it can block their airways, causing them to choke.

Pay Attention to Ages

Age suggestions are on almost every toy. Be sure you are looking at these age guidelines when picking out a gift for a child. The toymakers have a reason behind these suggestions and it's safest for everyone involved if they have accurate toys for their specific age. Especially if you aren't familiar with children toys, pay close attention to the ages on toy packages.

Consider Other Threats
While a toy may seem adventurous and fun, consider other treats that may go along with the item. A skateboard or rollerskates are popular gift items, but many children fall and get injured using this type of toy. If you are giving a gift like this, consider giving a safety item along with it. For example, a helmet and knee pads may compliment a bike well.

Now that you know what to look for when shopping for toys and gifts this holiday season, you're ready to start selecting the perfect gifts for everyone on your list! Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we know how important it is to give a gift that someone can truly enjoy, but it's also vital to ensure it's a safe gift for them to use. Think about safety as you make your gift selections this Christmas shopping season, especially when picking out items for the kids in your life. Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.