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December

Safe Toys and Gifts Month – December 2023

It’s the holiday season, and that means toy-sharing and gift-giving are in full swing. But before you give that special child a new toy, it’s important to stop and consider: Is this toy safe and age-appropriate? Unfortunately, thousands of children are hurt or even killed each year due to an interaction with an unsafe or developmentally inappropriate toy. December is known as Safe Toys and Gifts Month in order to create a happy, healthy, and safe gift-giving experience for all involved.

Safe Toys and Gifts Month timeline

2012
Minnesota took a stand

Minnesota law states that all toy manufacturers provide a report of children’s products that contain chemicals like lead, formaldehyde, and cadmium.

2010
ER visits jumped

Hospital emergency rooms treated more than a quarter of a million people due to unsafe toys (72 percent were less than 15 years old).

2008
CPSIA was passed

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act imposed what are arguably the toughest toy-making standards in the world.

2007
Massive toy recall

Manufacturers recalled more than 19 million toys due to safety concerns like small magnets and lead paint.

1988
Lawn darts were banned

The Consumer Product Safety Commission took action after three children died while playing with them.

FAQs

What toys are good for 6 year olds?

Typically toys that can’t be choked on are most appropriate. These include stuffed toys, ride-on toys, musical instruments, and toys that are props for make-believe play.

Why are toys important in childhood?

Toys are highly important during childhood as they contribute to the development of cognitive, motor, psychosocial, emotional, and linguistic skills.

What do 6 year olds need to learn?

By the age of 6, kids should be learning how to read (within their age range), sound out unfamiliar words and numbers, and be able to tell time. 

What activities do 6 year olds like?

6 year olds enjoy board games, card games, outdoor games, storytime, and dance parties. These all encourage family time and socialization skills.

How much play time does a 6 year old need?

Typically children from the ages of six and upwards need at least 60 minutes daily.

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