WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released new data on toy-related injuries and deaths on November 19, 2024. The majority of toy-related deaths were linked to choking on small balls or crayons, drownings associated with floatation toys, entrapment inside a toy chest, and ingestion of water beads. Non-motorized scooters accounted for the largest share of injuries across all groups and were involved in more than 20 percent of toy-related injuries. CPSC also highlighted its collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and revealed that nearly 1.6 million dangerous or illegal toys were seized in fiscal year 2024 alone. Of these toy seizures, nearly 101,900 toys were specifically flagged for containing excessive lead levels, a known toxic substance that poses serious health risks to children.

The CPSC’s collaboration with CBP aims to prevent dangerous products from entering the U.S. market, and the number of toys seized in 2024 highlights the ongoing challenge of keeping unsafe products out of American homes. While the internet has made holiday shopping more convenient, it has also created a more complex marketplace where dangerous products, including toys, can easily slip through the cracks. Online platforms can connect buyers directly with sellers, making it harder for regulators to track and prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers.

“The CPSC’s report on toy-related deaths and injuries underscores CPSC’s vital role to protect Americans from hazardous products,” said Courtney Griffin, Director of Consumer Product Safety at Consumer Federation of America. “However, as e-commerce expands, the agency faces increasing challenges to ensure products sold online meet U.S. safety standards and do not pose a risk to our families. While the CPSC is committed to protecting us from dangerous products, significant budgetary constraints and staff shortages make the task even more difficult.”

What You Can Do to Protect Your Family

This holiday season, Consumer Federation of America encourages you to shop safely and stay informed about potential risks. The CPSC and CBP’s efforts to stop dangerous toys from entering the market are crucial, but your vigilance when shopping online can help keep your family safe from harmful products.

Here are some tips to help you shop smart this holiday season:

1. Be critical. A deal that seems too good to be true may be just that, too good to be true. Toys sold for a fraction of the price, especially from unknown sellers, may indicate a substandard product.
2. Check for recalls. Before purchasing, verify if a toy has been subject to a recall or product safety warning.
3. Buy from trusted sellers. Even on well-known online platforms, you may not know who you are buying from. Stick to well-known, reputable sellers. If you’re unfamiliar with a seller, be cautious and do your research.
4. Check for safety information. Look for safety labels indicating that the toy meets the U.S. safety standards for materials, design, and testing.
5. Read reviews and ratings. While reviews can be helpful, remember that some online sellers may post fake reviews. Look for independent review sites or forums to get an honest picture of a toy’s quality and safety.
6. Inspect the toy upon arrival. Once you receive a toy, inspect it carefully for any obvious defects. Be particularly aware of small parts that could present a choking hazard, loose components, or toys that don’t seem age appropriate.