Are we in danger of giving away dangerous toys? Here's what to check and what risks may lurk

As Christmas and Epiphany approach, the purchase of toys increases, both in traditional shops and online. This makes it particularly important to pay attention to the risks hidden in gifts for the young (and not so young) ones. Playing safely, without fearing for one's health and learning with fun, is part of the rights of children. Toys, however, are among the most reported products in the European warning systems: in 2024 they rank second just after cosmetics. The risk of giving dangerous toys as presents exists, but can be greatly reduced by knowing the safety rules.

The health risks are manifold, and in general can be divided into two categories: physical and mechanical: choking due to ingestion of small parts, strangulation with cables and ropes, injuries due to breakage, electrical and flammability risks; chemical and microbiological: exposure over time to toxic and allergenic substances. Children between 0 and 3 years of age should be given the most attention: they are more likely to put objects in their mouths and encounter dangerous obstacles when crawling. But can toys be made with banned substances? Yes, they often do. Among the banned substances are endocrine disruptors: they alter the hormonal balance with negative effects on development, reproduction, growth, metabolism. These consequences are proven, but the manner and timing of hazardous exposure remains to be clarified. Therefore, the production and sale of toys containing the following are banned: chemical compounds used for waterproofing (PFAS), which can impair the response to vaccines and cause developmental disorders and chronic diseases; bisphenols (such as BPA) and phthalates, found in coatings, prints and plastics, which can cause skin allergies, irritation and eye damage. Perfumed substances are also banned if the product is intended for children under 3 years of age. Exposure to hazardous chemicals may be more harmful to children than to adults: they are more vulnerable and explore the world around them with their mouths. Toys for toddlers must also be 'break-proof', i.e. not breakable into small pieces or easily perishable. In any case, no excessive alarmism: only a very small proportion of the toys placed on the market are 'outlawed'. Controls are constant and effective.

As with other products, from foodstuffs to cosmetics, the label must be observed and must mandatorily contain: CE mark, age group for which the toy is intended; registered trademark; production batch; name and address of the manufacturer and importer. Each toy must have an explanatory leaflet in Italian. If even one of these requirements is missing, the product is not compliant and could be dangerous to health and safety. From the beginning of 2026, the Digital Product Passport (DPP) will also be compulsory for all goods, including those that are digital and only available online. This tool, by means of a QR code, makes controls more accessible and transparent and allows information to be found quickly in case of damage.

Paediatricians have drawn up a list of fundamental precautions: in the first years of life, prefer natural materials such as wood, cotton and wool to plastic; do not use old and damaged toys; do not leave them in the sun or in the heat, in the car for example; wash them after use; avoid counterfeit products. These useful recommendations are complemented by those of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità: do not give your child toys that are not suitable for his or her age; eliminate packaging immediately, to avoid the risk of suffocation; avoid toys containing soap bubbles or other liquids; check that the battery compartment is difficult to access; make sure the child has understood how the toy works.

In addition to the focus on health and safety, as we have seen, other more personal mechanisms come into play. First of all, we would like the gift for the youngest to be not only fun, but also educational. That is why it is important to assess that it is suitable for the child's age and preferences. Several studies have investigated the psychology behind Christmas presents. According to one of them, givers tend to choose 'tailor-made' gifts, while receivers prefer more versatile presents, such as vouchers that can be spent anywhere. In the case of children, one should not underestimate the joy of unwrapping a parcel and finding a gift to start playing with immediately. A topic that continues to provoke debate concerns gender: is it right to give different toys for boys and girls? Although advertising continues to influence differences, listening to children it is clear that preferences are not so rigid: their choice is not affected by adult prejudices.