The Barnes Firm

The “Worst Toys” Of 2019 Holidays

• December 10, 2019
• Sandy

LOS ANGELES — We’ve all seen a toy and had the thought, “wow, that’s a dangerous toy!” It’s even a scene in the famous holiday favorite, A Christmas Story. 

You may not ‘shoot your eye out’ with any of the top holiday gifts of 2019, but many of them can be just as dangerous as the famed Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. In fact, the World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc (W.A.T.C.H.) releases a list of the “10 Worst Toys” every year, explaining why some of the holidays’ top toys could be potentially hazardous in the hands of children.

The Most Dangerous Toys This Holiday Season

Here are the toys that made it to the ‘naughty list’ in 2019:

10. Nerf Ultra One – Despite being recommended for kids 8 years and old, W.A.T.C.H. says this toy actually could shoot your eye out. The darts provided with the toy can be fired with enough force to cause eye injuries. In many stores, W.A.T.C.H. notes, “Nerf Battle Googles” are sold separately.

9. Spike The Fine Motor Hedgehog – Recommended for children as young as 18 months old, this toy carries no warnings, and critics noted that the rigid plastic ‘quills’ can potentially be swallowed, blocking a young child’s airway.

8. Bunchems Bunch’n Build – These multi-colored activity balls stick together, allowing children to engage in building and artistic activities. However, the toy comes with a clear warning: “Keep away from hair. May become entangled. Keep away from pets.” Critics say the Bunchems Bunch’n Build set is also a choking hazard parents should be aware of.

7. YETI – This soft stuffed yeti is sold at many big retailers, but carries no warnings. Critics say the stuffed yeti is made with long fiber-like hair that can easily be pulled our and removed, which can then be ingested by young children, leading to injuries.

6. Nikelodeon Frozen Treats Slime – We’re all familiar with Nikelodeon’s slime. Now, they’re offering it to children as frozen treats, including “mint chocolate chip,” “berry smoothie,” and “soft serve.” The problem, W.A.T.C.H. says, is that it’s not real food. In fact, the product warns that the ‘slime’ contains chemicals that may be harmful if misused.

5. Anstoy Electronic Toy Gun – Another item reminiscent of the famed Red Ryder BB Gun, W.A.T.C.H. says there’s simply no excuse for marketing “toys” such as this realistic-looking “submachine gun.” Critics say detailed replicas like this have often been mistaken for their real (and deadly) counterparts and should never be sold as toys.

4. Diecast School Bus – Sold by the retailer, Magic Beans, these mini school buses contain a removable warning that the toy contains small parts, which can be choking hazards. Critics note that several small parts can easily be removed.

3. Pogo Trick Board – The product does warn parents that children playing with this ‘trick board’ with ‘high bounce ball’ should wear a helmet and other ‘protective gear.’ However, only two of the three children shown on the packaging are wearing helmets — and none of them are using other ‘protective gear.’

2.  Power Rangers Electronic Cheetah Claw – The manufacturer of this toy encourages children as young as five years old to use the “strength of the CHEETAH CLAW” to “take on… enemies!” At the same time, the packaging advises children not to “hit or swing at people”

1. Viga Pull Along Caterpillar – This innocent-looking pull toy is reminiscent of children’s toys from the mid-20th century. So what could possibly go wrong? As W.A.T.C.H. explains, the cord attached to the caterpillar is about 24 inches in length, despite industry standards requiring strings on playpen and crib toys to be less than 12 inches long.

View the entire press release and list of 2019’s worst toys according to W.A.T.C.H. here

What To Do If Your Child Is Harmed By A Dangerous Toy

Sadly, hidden hazards put millions of children at risk of injury or death every year. It’s crucial for parents to know what to do if their child is hurt by a dangerous toy this holiday season:

First, get immediate medical attention. The faster your child is seen by a doctor or other healthcare provider, the faster they can recover.

Next, you’ll want to document as much as possible. What happened? What went wrong? Did the packaging warn of this? Were the messages on the packaging clear and concise?

Lastly, you may want to speak with an experienced injury lawyer who’s familiar with defective product litigation. In most cases, this discussion can be informative and it’s of no cost to you. Even if you choose to file a personal injury claim on behalf of your child, there are many affordable options that may not cost you anything out-of-pocket.

If you choose to contact The Barnes Firm Injury Attorneys, our team of legal professionals can go over your options with you for free, and help you make the best possible decisions for you and your family.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000