The holiday season presents numerous opportunities to spread cheer and bring happiness to others. That’s particularly true for parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles of young children. Few things are more delightful during the holidays than seeing a child’s eyes light up when they receive a much-wanted gift.

Well-meaning adults and even older kids eager to give a younger sibling or cousin a coveted gift should remember to prioritize safety when shopping for very young children. Certain toys may pose a danger to children under 5. As holiday shoppers start looking for gifts for children in that age group, they might want to avoid the following types of toys.

  • Toys with many small pieces
    Toys with small, detachable parts can be hazardous for children under five because they may put the tiny pieces in their mouths, increasing their risk of choking. Legos are a very popular gift during the holiday season, but shoppers need to read the package and purchase a Lego set suitable for the child’s age. According to a recent report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 9% of toy-related injuries among kids four and younger occurred while playing with building sets. While building sets offer many benefits, including the fun children get from playing with them, it is crucial to buy sets that are appropriate for the child’s age.
  • Toys with electronic components
    Toys containing electronic parts can pose several dangers to children under 5. Such products can become extremely hot, potentially causing burns. Wire coverings can fray over time, exposing children to electrical currents. When shopping for children under 5, skip toys with electrical components.
  • Motorized gifts
    Motorized gifts, such as scooters, cars, and non-traditional bicycles, also pose a risk to children under five. These toys can reach speeds that children cannot safely handle, as their motor skills are not fully developed by age five.
  • Toys with sharp points
    Sharp points also pose a risk to children under five. Kids can easily suffer cuts, eye injuries, or other injuries that threaten their safety when playing with toys with sharp edges or points. Toys with soft, rounded edges and no points are best for children aged five and under.
  • Projectile toys
    Toys that shoot projectiles pose a danger to children and anyone in the room when younger children are playing with them. Eye injuries and bruises are two injuries that can occur when children five and under play with projectiles.

The chance to light up a child’s eyes with the perfect gift is part of what makes the holiday season so special. But shoppers must find age-appropriate toys for children.