safety

By Connie Hogue, Vice President of Human Resources and Safety unwrapping

Picking out gifts for friends, family and children is supposed to be a fun and enjoyable part of the holiday season, however, many people overlook safety when giving. A few factors to consider when thinking about what to give this season are the age of the recipient, instructions and warnings on packages and the possibility of recalls.

Keep these safety tips in mind to help you make informed decisions when purchasing gifts for everyone on your shopping list this season:

Pick an age-appropriate toy for children

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 2020, there were nearly 150,000 toy-related, emergency department-treated injuries and nine deaths among children ages 14 and younger, with most of these deaths associated with choking on small parts of toys.

Toys are age-rated for safety, not for children’s intellect or physical ability. Labels indicate the minimum age a child should be to play safely. Be sure to choose toys in the correct age range. For children under 3, choose toys that do not have small parts which could be choking hazards. For children under 10, avoid toys that must be plugged into an electrical outlet.

Consider Who’s Receiving the Gift

It is important to think about who you are giving to – what their preferences are, what abilities you may need to work around and if they have any health conditions. Consider food allergies if you plan to give a savory or sweet treat this season. Do not buy a candle for someone who is starting to have memory loss issues. For children with sensory sensitivities, it is best to avoid noisy toys.

Include safety gear with the gift

According to the CPSC, riding gifts —specifically nonmotorized scooters — were associated with the most injuries and contributed to almost half of toy-related deaths. If you are planning on giving a gift that someone can ride, like a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or rollerblades, include a helmet and elbow and knee pads. If the recipient will be using the riding gift in the dark, such as a cyclist riding in the early mornings, purchase a light reflector for the bike or reflective clothing.

Read the instructions & warnings on packaging

Before making a purchase, check the instructions to make sure the gift is something that can be safely used based on skill set, age, weight, coordination, etc. Carefully read the warnings for any major issues or risks associated with the gift.

Check for recalls

All too frequently, recalled toys, tools, food, etc. can remain in circulation (especially if purchased at second-hand stores, garage sales, etc.). Verify through different resources that you are not buying a recalled toy. You can find recalled toys using the CPSC’s recall search tool.

Examine and set up gifts ahead of time

If giving the gift of an electronic device, charge them ahead of time prior to use. Examine any cords for fraying or damage that may cause a fire hazard. Setting up larger gifts ahead of time, such as bikes, playhouses, swing sets, work benches, etc. will help alert you to any cracks, defects or problems the gift may have.

This year, we challenge you to give the gift of safety, so you can continue to enjoy the holiday season for years to come. You never know when a gift could change or save someone’s life.

Check out some of our favorite ways to gift safety this holiday season.

For the Workplace

Blue light glasses

Desk chair for proper posture

Water bottle to stay hydrated

For the Road

Jumper cables

Mini first aid kit & Tool Kit

Emergency blanket

For the Home

Plug-in carbon monoxide detector

Video doorbell/security camera

Generator

For Anywhere

First aid training classes

Reflective gear

Pepper spray/personal alarm