Practice Tip of the Week | National Safe Toys and Gifts Month: The Nurse's Role as an Educator

By Laura Kincheloe, Ed.D., MSN, RN, NE-BC 

In December, many gifts and presents are given to children across the world. While most nurses not directly working in pediatrics may not immediately recognize their role in public health during this season, this practice tip serves as a reminder for all nurses to provide education on essential safety considerations during holiday gift-giving. December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, giving us an ideal opportunity for nurses to use available resources to educate the public. 

Be Aware of Recalled Products 

On average, there are 226,300 toy-related injuries every year in the United States, according to the 2023 United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) Toy Report. The USCPSC website offers a searchable recall database that families can use to make informed decisions. This matters because although new products are not typically on this list, resold or regifted items may be recalled without the giver’s knowledge. Nurses can empower families by demonstrating how to check for recalls and encouraging them to review items before purchasing or accepting toys secondhand. 

Age-Appropriate Toy Selection 

Nurses can also remind families that age labeling is not a suggestion—it is a safety standard. Toys designed for older children may contain small parts that pose choking hazards or require more advanced motor skills than younger children possess. By reinforcing the importance of selecting age-appropriate toys, nurses can help prevent some of the most common holiday injuries. Consider encouraging caregivers to examine packaging closely, especially when purchasing toys online where age guidance may be less visible. 

Safe Materials and Quality 

Another key point is the importance of choosing toys made from non-toxic and durable materials. Imported toys purchased from online marketplaces may not always meet U.S. safety standards. Families should look for labels indicating compliance with ASTM safety requirements and be cautious of toys with strong chemical odors, peeling paint, or fragile construction. 

Button Batteries Are Still a Problem 

Although some parents communicate to their families that “button battery gifts” are off-limits, the public may be surprised at how commonly these batteries are still used in toys and small electronic items. Not only do button batteries pose a choking hazard, but if swallowed, they can cause severe internal injury within hours and may be fatal. Nurses can raise awareness about ensuring battery compartments are secured with screws and checking household items, such as remote controls, key fobs, and musical greeting cards for unsecured batteries. 

Supporting Safe Toy Selection 

Everyone who purchases gifts for children should feel prepared to choose safe options. Healey et al. (2019) offers excellent considerations for nurses when educating recipients of care about toy selection: 

1. Offer advice around toy selection focused on social-emotional development, imaginative play, and limiting electronic media exposure. 
2. Provide education on developmental stages while keeping family literacy in mind. 
3. Share examples of safe toy options and demonstrate how to identify unsafe features. 
4. Provide information or handouts with trusted resources. 
5. Educate on common hazardous toy elements (button batteries, loud noises, toxic paints or chemicals, loose strings or ropes, etc.). 
6. Discuss toy cleaning and hand hygiene. 

Holiday-Specific Toy Concerns 

Nurses can also provide guidance on holiday-specific items such as science kits, craft sets, scooters, bicycles, and hoverboards. These gifts may require protective gear, adult supervision, or additional safety steps that families may overlook in the excitement of the season. 

Your Impact as a Nurse 

No matter what the care setting, nurses have opportunities to discuss toy safety with patients, families, and their broader communities. Even a brief conversation whether during a well-child visit, discharge education, or a casual interaction can help prevent injury and keep children safe throughout the holidays and beyond.