W.A.T.C.H. OUT!   These brightly-colored orange and yellow boats were sold at retail stores nationwide from June 2007 through October 2007. Tens of thousands of these toys, identical in appearance to the one pictured, were recalled on October 25, 2007. According to the recall notice, it was discovered that the “[s]urface paints on the toys contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal standard prohibiting lead paint on children’s toys.” Millions of recalled toys still may be in homes and schools across the country. There is simply no excuse for the sale of toys containing known poisons such as lead. Research has shown that exposure to this neuro-toxin can have serious long-term effects, particularly for children.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!   This “powerful magnetized iron ore”, marketed and sold as a toy for children, has the potential to cause severe internal injuries. If more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attach inside the body, potentially causing intestinal perforation, infection or blockage which can be fatal. There have been recalls of toys that incorporate such magnets, due to the significant risk of injury. Incredibly, these magnetic stones are also displayed for sale by retail stores in bulk display boxes, which warn in-store consumers: “Swallowed magnets can stick together across intestines causing serious infections and death....” The pre-packaged stones available to internet shoppers provide no such warning.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!   This rigid plastic dagger, which is intended to strap to a child’s wrist, is associated with a character from Disney’s popular Pirates of the Caribbean series. The weapon spins at the push of a button with accompanying “electronic battle sounds”. The manufacturer fails to provide any warnings regarding the potential for serious eye and other impact injuries.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  This colorful lamp, based upon the popular Nickelodeon “Nick Jr.” character, is in the form of a smiling plastic figurine. The packaging encourages children to “light-up your room with Dora!” The character comes with warnings that state, in part: “THIS IS AN ELECTRIC LAMP – NOT A TOY! TO AVOID RISK OF FIRE, BURNS, PERSONAL INJURY AND ELECTRIC SHOCK, IT SHOULD NOT BE PLAYED WITH OR PLACED WHERE SMALL CHILDREN CAN REACH IT.” Incredibly, children are further instructed to “unplug the product when leaving the house, when retiring for the night, or if left unattended”. The manufacturer’s proclamation that the Dora cartoon character is not a toy has little meaning to small children, who may be attracted to the figurine and thus be exposed to the potential electric hazard.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!   These soft, plush horses are sold with their own “Pet Saks” that are intended to be used as carriers. Remarkably, a tag on the horse states that it is sold for newborn babies, whereas the carrier to which the horse is attached advises the toy is not intended for children younger than 18 months old. The toy presents a serious choking hazard in the form of a small, wooden bead as well as long, fiber-like hair that is not adequately rooted and is easily removable.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!   This toy is marketed to children as “one of the most awesome weapons ever wielded by human hands!” The manufacturer claims the rigid, plastic spring-action blade swiftly extends at the push of a button to a length of “over 3 feet long!” This sword has the potential to cause serious facial and other impact injuries.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!   “Hip Hoppa ‘Til You Droppa!” is the catch phrase for a toy consisting of a foot board atop an inflatable “high energy” ball. A hand grip with an adjustable strap attaches to the bouncy ball. Children are encouraged to stand on the base and, while holding the handle tight and keeping the strap taut, “immediately start hopping”. The instructions also caution that improper dismount will result in “loss of balance and possible injury.” The children depicted on the packaging are not wearing any safety equipment despite the manufacturer’s advisory: “For added safety protective equipment is recommended.” Only the package insert specifically recommends the use of helmet, knee and elbow pads. The toy itself has no such warnings, cautions or advisories.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!   Young children are encouraged to “CREATE FUN B’LOONIE SHAPES!” by squeezing out a ball of plastic from one of the enclosed squeeze-tubes, and to “stick [it] on the end of the blowpipe.” The gooey concoction contains chemicals such as “poly vinyl acetate”, “ethyl acetate”, and “plastic fortifiers”. Flammable chemicals and related chemical fumes should not be part of a child’s toy, much less one intended to be used in or near a child’s mouth and eyes.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  Toddlers are encouraged to “pamper” this “soft & cuddly” doll “just like a real Baby!” The small pink pacifier is attached to the baby’s pajamas with only a ribbon. Once detached, the plastic pacifier fails even the toy industry’s inadequate small parts “choke tube” standard.

W.A.T.C.H. OUT!  This “Shooter”, which fires colorful rubber bands, is a “new” toy which the manufacturer promotes as “Old Fashioned Fun”. Incredibly, at the same time the packaging promotes “Family Fun”, there is cautionary language stating: “FOR TARGET PRACTICE ONLY! DO NOT AIM AT PEOPLE....” Rubber bands should never be sold as toys, and have the potential to cause serious eye injuries.