December 1-31

Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Make sure your holiday gifts are safe and fun for all ages - shop during Safe Toys and Gifts Month to find toys that meet safety standards!

Yearly Date

December 1

Observed in

United States

Introduction

December 1 marks the beginning of Safe Toys and Gifts Month – a joyous occasion to educate ourselves on the importance of finding safe toys and gifts for our loved ones. Since its beginnings in 2003, this month has been dedicated to raising awareness of potential toy safety hazards so parents, caregivers and gift-givers can make informed decisions when shopping for children. This year, let's join together in celebrating Safe Toys and Gifts Month by making sure all our presents are age-appropriate and free from any potential harm.

Safe Toys and Gifts Month Timeline

1955

First Formal Safety Standards

The first formal safety standards for toys are established, dramatically improving the safety of toys and children's products on the market.

1973

Consumer Product Safety Act Enacted

The U.S. Congress enacts the Consumer Product Safety Act, establishing the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to regulate and oversee toy safety.

1994

Child Safety Protection Act

The Child Safety Protection Act is signed into law, requiring warning labels on toys that pose choking hazards to young children.

2003

Launch of Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Safe Toys and Gifts Month is established, beginning in December, to increase awareness about the importance of toy safety during the gift-giving season.

2008

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act is signed into law, providing CPSC with greater authority to regulate the safety of toys and other children's products.

Present Day

Ongoing Awareness and Education Efforts

Every December, Safe Toys and Gifts Month continues to educate consumers about the importance of choosing safe, age-appropriate toys for children.

How to Celebrate Safe Toys and Gifts Month

1 Research safe toys

Research the safety of toys before buying them. Check for any recalls, age recommendations, toxicity levels, and other safety factors.

2 Shop smart

Be aware of the toys you are buying. Read labels carefully and look for any warning signs. Avoid buying toys with small parts that children can easily choke on.

3 Donate to charity

Donate gently used toys to charity or a local toy drive. This will ensure that the toys are going to children in need.

4 Buy safe gifts

Think about buying gifts that focus on educational, creative, or physical activities rather than toys with lights and sounds. This will help keep children safe and healthy.

5 Educate others

Spread awareness about the importance of choosing safe toys and gifts. Talk to family and friends about the dangers associated with certain types of toys and encourage them to choose safer alternatives.

Why Safe Toys and Gifts Month is Important

It promotes safe playtime for children

Safe Toys and Gifts Month is an important reminder to parents, caregivers, and gift givers of the importance of considering safety when choosing toys or gifts for children. It is essential to choose safe items that meet safety standards and don’t pose any risk of injury or choking hazards.

It raises awareness about unsafe toy choices

By highlighting the dangers of certain toys, Safe Toys and Gifts Month serves as an important reminder to double check labels and avoid buying items that contain toxic materials like lead or are otherwise potentially dangerous. It also helps ensure that children’s gift boxes only include age appropriate toys that suit their abilities and interests.

It encourages healthy play habits

With so many digital devices vying for our attention these days, it is increasingly important to nurture child development from a young age by encouraging healthy play habits such as imaginative role playing, interacting with others, problem solving, fine motor skills, and more. Safe Toys and Gifts Month helps promote these activities in a safe setting.