The Florida Retail Federation (FRF) offered some tips for Florida families to stay safe this holiday season, offering consumers advice on some steps can take to ensure the safety of gifts they purchase for family and friends, especially young children.
“Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge. We want to make sure shoppers find gifts that are both fun and safe for the children on their list this holiday season,” said Scott Shalley, the president and CEO of the FRF, on Friday. “Our Toy Safety Checklist is a simple way that parents, grandparents and other gift givers can select and give gifts that are safe and age-appropriate.”
The FRF’s Toy Safety Checklist includes:
- Buy toys from reputable retail stores or websites
- Check the age range to make sure the toy is suitable for the child in mind and avoid toys with small parts when shopping for children under age three
- Inspect toys for loose hair and small parts, sharp edges and points
- Carefully read instructions and warnings provided with toys
- Assemble and inspect toys before giving them to children
“In 2017, there were an estimated 251,700 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments,” the FRF noted. “Of the 251,700 estimated toy-related, emergency department-treated injuries, an estimated 184,000 occurred involving children younger than 15 years of age and an estimated 89,800 occurred involving children younger than five years of age.”
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