Don’t Let a Dangerous Gift Ruin the Holidays: How to Buy Safely This Season

Why the CPSC’s holiday reminder matters now and who should pay attention

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has put out a seasonal safety note aimed at holiday shoppers. The message is simple: as gift buying ramps up, so do the chances of encountering unsafe toys, cheap chargers and other items that can hurt people or cause fires. This advisory matters because many people are buying more items online, from unfamiliar sellers, and rushing purchases close to the holidays. That mix raises the odds that a present will be poorly made, mislabelled or missing safety warnings.

Anyone buying gifts—parents, grandparents, friends, coworkers—should pay attention. The biggest risks fall to children and older adults, who are more likely to be harmed by choking parts, button batteries or products that overheat. Even if you aren’t buying for those groups, a faulty electrical product can start a house fire, so cautious shopping helps everyone enjoy the season safely.

Products that tend to be risky and the clear warning signs to avoid

CPSC reminders often single out a handful of product types that show up in recalls year after year. Watch the following categories closely when you shop:

• Toys for young children: Small parts, loose paint, high-powered magnets and button batteries can all be dangerous. Red flags: items marketed for toddlers that have detachable pieces, missing age labels, or a wow-price that seems too good to be true.
• Chargers and power accessories: Fake or cheap chargers can overheat, short circuit, or lack built-in protections. Red flags: no safety certification listed, vague brand name, odd smells during first use, or listings that say “works with” instead of naming a maker.
• Children’s devices and gear: Strollers, carriers, infant seats and play equipment can fail in ways that cause falls or suffocation. Red flags: incomplete assembly instructions, missing warning labels, or replacement parts that don’t match the model.
• Items with small detachable parts: Jewelry, bath toys, and novelty items sometimes break off tiny pieces. Red flags: loose seams, small screws visible from the outside, or complaints about pieces coming off in reviews.
• Electrical and household products: Space heaters, decorative lights and kitchen gadgets are common sources of fires when they lack safety testing. Red flags: no recognized safety mark, exposed wiring, or very flimsy construction.

How to buy from trustworthy sources: a clear checklist for safer shopping

Use these practical steps every time you buy a gift, in store or online. They take a few minutes and can prevent a lot of trouble.

1. Start with known sellers. Prefer manufacturer websites, major retailers, or established local shops. If a marketplace listing looks attractive, check whether the item is sold and shipped by the marketplace or by a third-party seller.
2. Look for safety labels and clear product information. Listings and packaging should show age ratings, hazard warnings and testing marks. For electrical items, check for recognized testing marks and the maker’s contact information.
3. Read reviews carefully. Sort reviews by the lowest ratings and look for repeated complaints about burns, smoke, broken parts or product differences from the photo.
4. Check seller history and ratings. New sellers with few ratings are riskier. If a deal is from an unfamiliar seller, search for their name elsewhere online to confirm legitimacy.
5. Prefer authorized dealers for big brands. Many brands list authorized sellers on their sites. Buying through an authorized dealer reduces the chance of getting a counterfeit or a product without proper safety checks.
6. Confirm return and warranty terms before buying. Know how long you have to return an item and whether the seller covers shipping on returns. Keep receipts and order confirmations.
7. Be cautious with huge discounts on branded items. Deep discounts can mean counterfeits or used products sold as new—especially on marketplaces where third parties sell through the platform.

Found an unsafe gift? Steps for returns, refunds and reporting

If you think a product is unsafe, stop using it and keep it away from children and pets. Take photos of the product, its packaging and any damage. Contact the seller or retailer first to request a return, refund or replacement. Keep records of all messages and your proof of purchase.

If the seller won’t help, report the issue to the CPSC through their public reporting portal and check the CPSC recall list to see if the item is already under recall. You can also contact your state attorney general or local consumer protection office. In urgent cases involving injury, seek medical help right away and preserve the item for investigation.

Recall remedies vary: manufacturers may offer a refund, repair, or replacement depending on the defect. Keep tracking info and receipts—these are often required for any recall remedy.

Where this fits in broader trends: recalls, enforcement and seasonal patterns

The CPSC’s reminder does not always include a single number for recalls, but safety officials say recalls and safety alerts grow around the holidays as buying spikes. Regulators and safety groups have flagged rising problems with counterfeit chargers, button batteries in toys, and poorly made imported products in recent seasons. At the same time, online marketplaces and manufacturers face more public scrutiny and tighter enforcement, which has led to more products being pulled from the market.

In short: the busiest shopping weeks also create the most chances to buy unsafe items. Take a little time to check sellers and look for the common red flags. That small effort lowers the odds that a well-intentioned gift will cause harm or disappointment.

Sources

• prnewswire.com