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Toys you might want to avoid buying for Christmas

Posted at 12:36 PM, Nov 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-21 17:29:43-05

A New York group is warning parents this holiday seasons about potentially dangerous to keep out of the stocking and from under the Christmas Tree.

The New York Public Interest Research Group released its 32nd Annual “Trouble in Toyland” survey of dangerous toys on store shelves. 

The report exposes fidget spinners, inadequately-labeled toys and balloons, and data collecting toys that violates children’s privacy and other consumer protection laws. 

NYPRIG tested fidget spinners at Target. Results show the spinners contained dangerously high levels of lead. The federal legal limit for lead in children’s products is 100 parts per million. The brand Fidget Wild Premium Spinner Brass tested for 33,000 parts per million. The Fidget Wild Premium Spinner Metal tested for 1,300 parts per million. 

On November 10th, Target announced it will be removing both toys that are made by Bulls i Toy, L.L.C. from its store. 

NYPRIG leaders say they are also concerned about mislabeling on small toys and balloons. These toys could become a choking hazard for small children. Labelling sometimes can be tricky as to what age the toy is designed for. Many of these toys are found in dollar stores. Many of these small toys and games are labelled for ages 3 and up. NYPRIG’s rule of thumb, if a toy can fit inside a tissue roll then it is too small for young children. 

They say parents should also be mindful of dolls, video games, and other toys that have microphones. As toymakers produce more and more products that are connected to the internet, private information can be collected from devices and shared online without you being aware of it. 

An Example NYPRIG gives is the “My Friend Cayla Doll.” The toy has been banned in Germany for privacy violations. NYPRIG said the doll has an unsecured bluetooth capabilities. 

NYPRIG urges parents to go to toysafetytips.org and safer www.products.govto make sure you’re not purchasing a toy that could put your children at danger this holiday season. 

Over the years, NYPRIG Reports have led to more than 150 recalls and other enforcement actions by toy companies and stores. 

The Toy Association e-mailed 7 Eyewitness News a statement criticizing this report. saying the group is only listing toys that have already been recalled and it's trying to scare parents during what is supposed to be a joyful time of the year.

To view the full Trouble in Toyland report go to www.nyprig.org