Consumer group releases list of 10 worst toys for the holidays (laughing through tears)

BOSTON (AP) — Cute plastic animals with tiny accessories that pose a choking hazard, Black Panther-inspired claws with the potential to cause facial or eye injuries, and green slime that could be harmful if swallowed: These are just some of the items on an annual list of potentially dangerous toys released Monday by a consumer advocacy group.

"Although intended for fun and entertainment, many toys contain hidden hazards unnecessarily putting children at risk of injury or death," Boston-based World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc. said in a statement announcing its "10 Worst Toys" of the year.

With parents looking for ways to keep children occupied during the coronavirus pandemic, and with the 2020 Christmas shopping season approaching, toy safety awareness is critical, the group said.

"Shockingly, classic toy dangers, such as small parts, strings, projectiles, toxic substances, rigid materials, and inaccurate warnings and labels, continue to reappear in new generations of toys putting children at risk," the organization said.

There are an estimated 240,000 toy-related injuries to children each year and a child is brought to the emergency room every three minutes for a toy-related injury, according to WATCH.
The Toy Association, which represents toy manufacturers, called the WATCH list needlessly alarmist.

"By law, all toys sold in the United States must meet 100+ rigorous safety tests and standards," the association said in a statement. "However, WATCH does not test the toys in its report to check their safety; their allegations appear to be based on their misrepresentation of the mandatory toy standards — and of the priority the toy industry puts on safe and fun play."

The Toy Association said parents and others should always choose age-appropriate toys, encourage safe play, and make sure they purchase toys from reputable manufacturers and sellers.

1. Calico Critters Nursery Friends. Potential choking hazards.

2. Missile Launcher. Potential for eye and facial injuries.

3. Marvel Avengers Vibranium Power FX Claw. Potential for eye and facial injuries.

4. Gloria Owl. Potential for ingestion.
5. WWE Jumbo Superstar Fists. Potential for blunt force and impact injuries.

6. Sci-Fi Slime. Potential for chemical-related injuries.

7. Boomerang Interactive Stunt UFO. Potential for propellor-related injury.

8. Boom City Racers. Potential for eye and facial injuries.
9. My Sweet Love Lots of Love Babies Minis. Potential choking hazard.

10. Star Wars Mandalorian Darksaber. Potential for blunt force and eye injuries.

This year's potentially deadly top 10?

Calico Critters Nursery Friends — This $14.95 collection of not-so-friendly critters is labeled for ages 3+, "however 'flocked animals,' regardless of labels, are appealing to oral-age children, as recognized by the industry small parts regulation. The Calico Critters collection includes small parts, such as a pacifier, with the potential for choking injuries," says W.A.T.C.H.
The Toysmith Missile Launcher — W.A.T.C.H. says, "5 year old children are advised to 'GO! Launch' this 'missile; with the provided slingshot-like launcher, and 'watch it soar…up to 75 ft!' The warnings and cautions make no mention of potential for eye or facial injuries. Moreover, the act of initiating launch occurs near a child’s face, as depicted on the packaging."
Marvel Avengers Vibranium Power FX Claw — This claw might look cool, but W.A.T.C.H. says watch out. "These rigid, plastic 'power FX' claws, 'inspired' by the famous comic book character, Black Panther, are sold for 5 year olds. The manufacturer includes a caution prohibiting 'hit[ting] or swing[ing] at people or animals.'"
Gloria Owl — She may seem sweet, but Gloria's a potential choking hazard. W.A.T.C.H. says, "This cuddly, plush owl is sold for babies as young as 12 months old. Nevertheless, even the manufacturer recognizes the toy’s long, fiber-like hair may not be adequately rooted, and is prone to 'shredding.' The hair, once separated, presents the potential for ingestion or aspiration injuries."
WWE Jumbo Superstar Fists — "These 'jumbo' size fists are sold to enable 3 year old children to emulate pro wrestling 'superstars.' No warnings or cautions are provided regarding the potential for blunt force or impact injuries," says W.A.T.C.H.
Scientific Explorer Sci-Fi Slime Kit — Not the slime! Apparently this kit is full of chemicals, so beware, tiny scientists. "There are numerous warnings and cautions on the box, package inserts, and the included chemicals and ingredients. For example, the zinc sulfide pouch warns that its contents '[m]ay cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Harmful if swallowed.'"
The Original Boomerang Interactive Stunt UFO — Keep your fingers intact: "Children are encouraged to 'PERFORM AMAZING STUNTS & TRICKS!' by 'tossing' it into the air. Despite warning about potential propeller 'damage,' the manufacturer urges users to play 'catch' by 'pass[ing] the UFO back and forth to friends.'"
Boom City Racers Starter Pack — This is an eyeball hazard. "The 'BOOM CITY' race cars are sold with a ripcord 'launcher' so children as young as 4 years old can use the 'stunt set' to 'RIP, RACE, [and] EXPLODE!' these miniature vehicles. The manufacturer provides numerous warnings and cautions, including not to aim at 'eyes or face.'"
My Sweet Love Lots to Love Babies Minis — This tiny baby may look innocent, but she isn't. "This 'mini' baby comes with a feeding set, sold for 2 year olds as'[a]ccessories for doll use only.' The slender, rigid plastic spoon is approximately 2¾” long with the potential to be mouthed and occlude a child’s airway."
Star Wars Mandalorian Darksaber — This is not the way. Baby Yoda would definitely get into trouble with this Darksaber. "Young children are encouraged to 'SWING FOR BATTLE….!' with this 'ancient, black bladed lightsaber' made of rigid plastic, with the potential for facial and other impact injuries." (However, this does seem like a cool toy for adults...)

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