Before you wrap: Christmas toy safety checks

For parents and gift buyers. Checked 10 October 2026. These checks do not establish that a toy is safe or compliant.

• Read the age marking and warnings Follow the age restrictions and instructions on the toy and packaging. Check for clear warnings in English; do not ignore an under-three warning. [1] [2]
• Look for small or loose parts Check whether pieces can come away, including from soft toys. Keep toys with small parts away from young children. [1] [3]
• Check button-battery compartments Check for a secured compartment with a screw or similar fastener, and loose spare batteries in the box. Keep a toy with accessible batteries out of children's reach. [1] [4]
• Look for loose small magnets Check for accessible or loose magnets. Avoid small magnets where children under three live, including those from an older sibling's toy. [3] [5]
• Check cords, strings and ribbons Look for long cords and loose ribbons that could become tangled around a young child. [1] [3]
• Identify the actual online seller A marketplace may not supply the toy itself. Check who sells it, where they are based and their reputation before buying. [1]
• Inspect it before wrapping Recheck the age warning, battery cover, loose parts and magnets. Check official recall information. If anything looks unsafe, return it rather than giving it. [1] [3]

Free to print and share. Credit: Christmas toy safety checklist by TopTenToys, based on OPSS and CAPT guidance.
toptentoys.co.uk/top-10-toys/christmas/safety-checklist