TOP 6 LIST
In keeping with the holiday spirit of giving, we’re giving you our recommendations on the top six hazardous toys to avoid this holiday season.
6. Curious George Plush Dolls by Marvel Toys
This loveable monkey has a face full of smiles – and full of lead. Be sure to avoid all five versions of the 12-inch plush doll as they all were recalled due to risk of lead exposure.
5. Vintage Duck and Robot Collectables
If you’re looking to get your kids something with a vintage flair to show them what they’re missing by playing with all those video games, try to avoid the duck family wind-up toy and “Robot 2000” collectables found at many toy stores and specialty shops throughout the nation. Just like when they were popular in the 40s, these toys still contain excessive levels of lead. Ahh … the good ole days.
4. Disney Winnie-the-Pooh play set from J.C. Penney
Even the great Pooh Bear has been affected by the surplus of lead violations this year. The Winnie-the-Pooh play set, sold at J.C. Penny, has had all items recalled due to violation of lead-paint standards.
3. Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys
If Winnie’s going down, he’s bringing Thomas and Friends with him. In addition to the other 1.5 million Thomas & Friends railway toys recalled earlier this year, an additional 200,000 units have been recalled due to lead-paint violations.
2. Northern Tool & Equipment “Big Red” Wagon
A big red wagon underneath the Christmas tree would delight any child. Just be careful you’re not giving two gifts – the wagon and a case of lead poisoning. Several units of the “Big Red” wagon have been recalled due to excessive levels of lead.
1. AquaDots by Spin Master
One of the most famous recalls this year had nothing to do with lead levels at all! No, AquaDots actually contained some of the same chemicals as a lethal drug, GHB (the so-called “date rape drug”). These chemicals were activated when swallowed and, in one harrowing case, caused a 20-month-old child to vomit several times before slipping into a comatose state and requiring hospitalization. There are still reports of this item appearing on store shelves throughout the country.