2009 Holiday Safety: Toys to Avoid

According to W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc.), these are the “10 Worst Toys” of 2009:

1. Disney-Pixar WALL-E Foam Rocket Launcher
2. Moon Board Pogo Board
3. Curious Baby Curious George Counting – My First Book of Numbers
4. The Dark Knight Batman Figure
5. X-Men Origins Slashin’ Action Wolverine
6. Lots to Love Babies – “Mini Nursery”
7. Just Kidz Junior Musical Instruments
8. CAT “Rugged Mini”
9. Pucci Pups Maltese
10. Spy Gear Viper-Blaster

Another well-respected consumer group, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), released a “Trouble in Toyland” report that found the following toys failing in safety:

Noise Hazards

• Bright Lights Phone by VTech
• Laugh & Learn Learning Phones by Fisher Price
• Kato and Pals Stompers Triceratops by Playskool
• Secret Saturdays Cryptid Claw by Mattel

Choking Hazards

• Creative Wood Stacking Rings by Zaidy
• Real Wood Shape Sorter Barn by P&C Enterprise
• Unnamed play food tray by World Market
• My First Baby Learn Zapf Creation
• Pizza Planet Gift Pak/Toy Story by Mattel
• Fur Real Baby Bird by Hasbro

Contains Lead

• Touch & Feel Cloth Books by Priddy Books
• Alligator Cell Phone Charm by Claire’s
• Collector’s Series Painted Duck by Dollar Tree
• Knight’s Helmet by Dollar Tree

Phthalates in Excess of Ban

• Pretty Princess Puppy Purse by Claire’s
• Elmo Lunch Bag by Fast Forward New York

“I greatly appreciate groups like these looking out for our children’s safety,” said Trey Greene, CEO of noodleStream.com, creator of SafetySkills online safety training and father of two. “Most parents assume that since toys are out of the shelves, that they are safe for our children, but that is not always the case. Sometimes they need a second look and these groups are there to help us get that extra set of eyes to ensure that safety comes first.”

To learn more about SafetySkills, visit http://www.safetyskills.com.