2024 "10 Worst Toys"

Price: $9.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Pinovk
Retailer(s): Amazon.com
Age Recommendation: “6-16 years” (online only)
Warnings: “Safety Information…for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.” (online only).

HAZARD: REALISTIC TOY WEAPONRY!

W.A.T.C.H. OUT! Given the numerous reported tragedies resulting from outfitting children with realistic toy weapons, there is simply no excuse for marketing “toys” such as this “Colt 45 pistol.” Incredibly, the seller boasts online that the “fun of this toy is the realism of it’s mechanics….” and as a “scale replica”, it’s the “perfect choice for [H]alloween or cosplay where realism matters.” Further, given the ease of use, “[e]ven a five-year-old can use it.” Existing regulations addressing the hazards are inadequate. Detailed replicas mistaken for lethal weaponry have resulted in numerous deaths over the years and should never be sold as toys.

Price: $39.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Douglas Co., Inc.
Retailer(s): Henry Bear’s Park
Age Recommendation: “FOR 24 MONTHS & UP”
Warnings: “WARNING! Packaging is not a toy. Remove all packaging before playing.” (tag only).

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR INGESTION INJURIES!

W.A.T.C.H. OUT! This cuddly, plush hedgehog is sold as a “cuddly toy” for babies as young as 24 months old. The toy’s long, fiber-like hair may not be adequately rooted, and is prone to “shedding”. The hair, once separated, presents the potential for ingestion or aspiration injuries.

Price: $14.86
Manufacturer or Distributor: Hasbro, Inc.
Retailer(s): Walmart; Kohls.com; Amazon.com
Age Recommendation: “6+”
Warnings: “TO AVOID EYE INJURY: WARNING: Do not aim at eyes or face. Use of eyewear recommended for players and people within range…”, and other cautions/warnings.

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE INJURIES!

W.A.T.C.H. OUT! The “Cyber-Sleeve Battle Blaster”, inspired by the popular Transformers franchise, is sold for six-year-olds. The manufacturer cautions that use of eyewear (not included) is “recommended”, and that children must not “aim at eyes or face.” Although the warnings and cautions appear to mainly address the potential hazards associated with projectiles, the rigid, plastic sleeve extension also presents the potential for eye and other blunt force injuries.

Price: $14.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Spin Master Ltd.; Spin Master Inc.
Retailer(s): Target; Walmart.com; Amazon.com
Age Recommendation: “3+”
Warnings: “WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD. Small parts”, and other cautions/warnings.

HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR INGESTION INJURIES!

W.A.T.C.H. OUT! The “Kinetic Sands Scents” kit consists of sand-based “ice cream treats” of various flavors such as strawberry, chocolate and vanilla, complete with tools to “scoop & serve”. At the same time, the manufacturer issues numerous warnings and cautions, including: “IMPORTANT: DO NOT EAT” and “WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD”.

Price: $8.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: NSI International, Inc.
Retailer(s): Amazon.com; Walmart.com; Ocean State Job Lot
Age Recommendation: “6+”
Warnings: “This product contains small parts which are not suitable for children under 3 years old”, and other cautions.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT! After inflation, children are intended to place their hands into the opening of each “Furious Fist” and “BATTLE!” The manufacturer cautions that adult supervision is “required” while children use the “Rumblers” as an “ultimate accessory for play battle!” No warnings or cautions are provided regarding the potential for blunt force or impact injuries.

Price: $10.00
Manufacturer or Distributor: EZ Trading LLC.
Retailer(s): Walmart.com; Amazon.com; Ocean State Job Lot
Age Recommendation: “Not for children under 1 years”
Warnings: “WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 1 years.”

W.A.T.C.H. OUT! This toy remote set includes “interactive kid gadgets” consisting of rigid plastic keys, mobile phone, and remote control, all using AA size batteries. Remarkably, the manufacturer warns of a small parts choking hazard “for children under 1 years”, while ignoring the decades-long industry standard recognizing small-parts hazards for children up to 3 years of age. A “WARNING” on the box inexplicably instructs that the “toy is not intended to be “mouthed” by the baby and should be positioned clearly out of reach of the baby’s face and mouth.”

Price: $19.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Zuru, Inc.
Retailer(s): Target; Amazon.com; Kohls.com; Walmart.com
Age Recommendation: “0+” (tag only)
Warnings: “Warning: Remove all packaging before giving this product to a child.”

W.A.T.C.H. OUT! This plush, pillow-like toy is sold with an age recommendation of “0+” on the tag. The potential suffocation hazards associated with pillows and certain plush toys used by infants are well documented. Infant pillows and similar items have been banned by the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (16 CFR 1500.18).

Price: $5.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Zuru, Inc.
Retailer(s): Target; Walmart.com; Toywiz.com
Age Recommendation: “8+”
Warnings: “WARNING Do not aim at eyes or face…”, and other cautions/warnings (on packaging).

W.A.T.C.H. OUT! This “X-Shot Skins” dart shooter launches projectiles “UP TO 90 FT PI” as a “Poppy Playtime”- branded “blaster”. The darts provided can shoot with enough force to potentially cause eye injuries.

Price: $49.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: b4 Adventure
Retailer(s): Amazon.com; Henry Bear’s Park
Age Recommendation: “Ages 3+”
Warnings: “WARNING! ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED! Always exercise extreme caution…SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY RESULT”, and other cautions/warnings.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT! 3-year-old children are encouraged to “sit, kneel or lay” on the triangular base of the “Tri-Flyer” low-profile, wheeled riding toy. In addition to warnings that adult supervision is “required”, the manufacturer states on a box-insert that children should “NEVER” be allowed to stand while using the product, as “SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH MAY RESULT”. There are no recommendations for use of helmets or other safety equipment.

Price: $17.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Vtech Electronics North America, L.L.C.
Retailer(s): Target; Walmart.com; Kohls.com; Macys.com
Age Recommendation: “1 ½ – 4 Years”
Warnings: “Warning: This toy produces flashes that may trigger epilepsy in sensitized individuals”, and other warnings on package insert.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT! This multi-colored, dog-themed instrument with “sing-along songs” is sold for babies as young as 1 ½ years old. The manufacturer provides no warnings regarding the slender, rigid, approximately 8-inch-long drumstick handle, which can potentially be mouthed and occlude a child’s airway.