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Consumer group releases list of 10 worst toys for the holidays (laughing through tears)
Patch ^
| November 23, 2020
| AP
Posted on 11/24/2020 12:18:31 PM PST by DoodleBob
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.
The full "10 Worst Toys of 2020" list and their potential dangers from World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc.:
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.
TOPICS: Business/Economy; Chit/Chat; Hobbies
KEYWORDS: nanny; toys
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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...)
1
posted on
11/24/2020 12:18:31 PM PST
by
DoodleBob
To: DoodleBob
Once again, they failed to list Bag o' Glass.
2
posted on
11/24/2020 12:19:22 PM PST
by
DoodleBob
(Gravity's waiting period is about 9.8 m/s^2)
To: DoodleBob
Ahh yes, and Johnny the Human Torch
3
posted on
11/24/2020 12:20:26 PM PST
by
raynman33
To: DoodleBob
How the heck did we survive childhood?
4
posted on
11/24/2020 12:22:03 PM PST
by
Hulka
( )
To: Hulka
What? Lawn darts and cap pistols aren’t on the list?
5
posted on
11/24/2020 12:24:47 PM PST
by
noexcuses
To: Hulka
My thoughts exactly. Given this mentality I shoulda died at least 5 times on the monkey bars and playing dodge ball....not to mention bb gun and bottlerocket/Roman candle fights.
This country is being turned into a bunch of sissies.
6
posted on
11/24/2020 12:25:58 PM PST
by
V_TWIN
(Where's Hunter???)
To: noexcuses
Lawn darts as we remember them were outlawed way back.
7
posted on
11/24/2020 12:26:37 PM PST
by
V_TWIN
(Where's Hunter???)
To: Hulka
Hey kids, please don't ingest the cyanide, uranium, or ammonium nitrate.
8
posted on
11/24/2020 12:26:54 PM PST
by
Flick Lives
(My work's illegal, but at least it's honest. - Capt. Malcolm Reynolds)
To: DoodleBob
I want a missile launcher! What could go wrong with that?
To: DoodleBob
10
posted on
11/24/2020 12:29:12 PM PST
by
blueunicorn6
("A crack shot and a good dancer”)
To: V_TWIN
Yes I know.... just being facetious.
Happy Thanksgiving!
To: DoodleBob
12
posted on
11/24/2020 12:30:30 PM PST
by
rfp1234
(Caveat Emperor)
To: DoodleBob
What pitiful people those consumer pukes are.
Personally, I like the missile launcher and the interactive UFO stunt toy.
13
posted on
11/24/2020 12:31:43 PM PST
by
Little Ray
(The Left and Right no longer have anything in common. A House divided against itself cannot stand.)
To: DoodleBob
How did we ever survive childhood in the 50’s and 60’s?....................
14
posted on
11/24/2020 12:34:41 PM PST
by
Red Badger
(Democrats cheat. ... It's what they do. ... GUARANTEED! ... Even if it's not necessary!....)
To: noexcuses
I am 99% sure you can no longer buy lawn darts, and probably not cap pistols, either.
15
posted on
11/24/2020 12:35:29 PM PST
by
NEMDF
To: DoodleBob
To: V_TWIN
17
posted on
11/24/2020 12:36:26 PM PST
by
PROCON
(Molon Labe)
To: Hulka
With fire crackers knives and pointy sticks
18
posted on
11/24/2020 12:37:25 PM PST
by
mylife
(The Roar Of The Masses Could Be Farts)
To: DoodleBob
Frankly, I am shocked that Chia Barry isn’t on the list. Everyone knows that he is not green! Heck, he ain’t even black!
19
posted on
11/24/2020 12:37:52 PM PST
by
Pilgrim's Progress
(http://www.baptistbiblebelievers.com/BYTOPICS/tabid/335/Default.aspx D)
To: Flick Lives
I had one of those kits ... mix and match see what explodes
20
posted on
11/24/2020 12:38:28 PM PST
by
PIF
(They came for me and mine ... now its your turn)
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