Tips for Buying Toys Safely Amid Potential Holiday Shortages

As parents and caregivers nationwide prepare for the holidays, they will have more to consider than just their kids’ wish lists. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to supply chain shortages in a number of areas, and the toy industry is no exception. This lack of supply, however, has not lessened the necessity of toy safety—both for shoppers and children.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently released safety tips for holiday shoppers, in light of potential shortages. The CPSC and experts can help parents understand what to look for with toy purchases to keep their children safe.

Toy Safety

According to the CPSC, last year, children ages 14 and under experienced almost 150,000 toy-related, ER-treated injuries. The main cause of injury and death was choking on small toy parts. Other hazards include tumbling off of scooters, swallowing magnets that can cause internal damage, and splinters from wooden items. Even small batteries can pose a threat, if swallowed. With younger children, those hazards can be intensified because of the way they play with toys.

Kristine Cieslak, MD, the section chief for the pediatric emergency department at Lurie Children’s at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, explains that even if a toy does not appear hazardous, young children should be supervised as such anyways.

“I think parents can assume their kids under 3 years of age will put everything in their mouths," says Dr. Cieslak. "They’re going to explore. They’re going to find that little weakness in the toy. I can guarantee it. We may not be able to find it, but kids can.

Dr. Cieslak advises gift-givers to rub their hand over toy surfaces and even interact with the toy a bit before giving it to a little child.

Nikki Fleming, the spokesperson for CPSC, notes that reading labels on toys is critical. “Follow the age guidance and other safety information on the toy packaging," Fleming says. "Choose toys that match your child’s abilities. Some toys may be appealing to children, but the toy may not be appropriate developmentally."

Safely Shopping Amidst Shortages

Once you’ve done your research to find a safe, age-appropriate toy, getting your hands on one may be challenging, though. Almost every aspect of the supply chain disruption has been upended—companies don't have the containers they need on ships, personnel aren't available to drive or unload trucks, and more.

“Across the board, we are seeing unprecedented breaks in the supply chain," states Adrienne Appell, the senior vice president of Marketing Communications at The Toy Association. "What this means for families is, we’re just really advising everybody to shop early this holiday season."

Presently store shelves have inventory in place. However, they may not receive shipments to replenish the supply mid-season, as they have in years past. Items may be available, but selection may be limited.

Shoppers accustomed to waiting until the last minute to bargain hunt and find a deal may find themselves out of luck. “Because of inventory issues, you’re not likely to see any type of markdowns or very, very limited sales," Appell notes. "So those who are kind of waiting to get the better deals, those deals are probably not coming this year."

Parents and caregivers need to exercise patience, while kids may learn a lesson in flexibility.

Getting the Real Deal

Shopping early is experts’ rallying cry for this year’s gift-buying season. They also advise shopping online as a way to avoid store crowds and perhaps find a greater selection of available items. Just make sure you take the appropriate precautions.

“You just need to make sure when you’re on a website, you know who you’re buying from," Appell advises. "If a deal seems too good to be true, chances are it probably is, and that potentially could be a counterfeit product."

The CPSC recommends closely examining the product and its packaging. Look for the manufacturer’s label and a certification mark showing the item has been tested and independently verified.

Despite the risk of not getting the top item on a child’s wish list, experts note it’s more important to get an item that is safe, age-appropriate, and authentic. “I would definitely advise them to choose quality over quantity,” Dr. Cieslak concludes.