| Being a good parent entails a lot of things. One of | | | | don't. If the type of plastic isn't listed, a good |
| the most important is the childs safety. Do you know | | | | guideline is to avoid "soft" plastic gifts for children, as |
| if your childrens gifts are safe? | | | | these are most likely to contain vinyl. Also, pay |
| With all the scary stories in the news, it's natural to | | | | special attention to food-storage or serving items. If |
| be concerned about safety when you're buying gifts | | | | they don't say "dishwasher/microwave safe," avoid |
| for children. Although some consumer products may | | | | exposing them to excess heat, as this may speed |
| contain potentially harmful substances, children are | | | | the release of harmful chemicals. |
| especially at risk because they often put toys in their | | | | Rethink children's gifts with small parts. Small |
| mouths. Here are some of the most common safety | | | | parts—such as beads, pegs and |
| concerns, and how to avoid them. | | | | magnets—can pose a choking hazard for very |
| Beware of lead paint when choosing childrens gifts. | | | | young children. If you're buying gifts for children in a |
| Lead is a soft metal that occurs naturally in the earth. | | | | household of several siblings, consider the age of the |
| It is sometimes used as a binding agent in paint, and | | | | youngest child as you think of gift ideas. The |
| then accidentally ends up in children's toys. Lead is a | | | | majority of toys have secured warning labels that |
| toxic substance that can cause terrible behavior | | | | can tell consumers of small parts. If in doubt, check |
| developments which can sometimes be permanent. | | | | the packaging carefully. |
| Some lead toys can be spotted right off the bat | | | | The hazards may seem scary, but fortunately |
| with a simple glance. The best way to research toys | | | | they're relatively easy to avoid. Wood toys serve as |
| that have been recently recalled is to visit before | | | | fantastic options that have been around for ages. If |
| you go shopping for childrens gifts. | | | | a wooden toy is sealed with a clear, water-based |
| Plastic gifts for children have also come under recent | | | | coating, it is more than likely that it does not contain |
| scrutiny. There is some scientific evidence suggesting | | | | PVCs or lead. Wood gifts for children are also usually |
| that chemicals in plastics—especially a type of | | | | larger, so they tend to pose less of a choking risk. |
| plastic called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC—may | | | | Kids personalized clothing is another great safe option |
| have damaging health effects, particularly among | | | | if you are shopping for gifts for children. Options |
| young children. | | | | range from baseball caps to backpacks, but |
| Some plastic toys list the material content, but many | | | | personalized tshirts are among the most popular. |