Santa’s workshop isn’t the only place full of surprises—some toys come with risks even the elves wouldn’t approve of. As you hunt for the perfect present, Wicker & Wilde wanted to give you a heads up as for what to watch out for.
When it comes to toys, choking hazards and lead used to be the biggest dangers, and those can still be a problem, but a new generation of toys comes with a new list of potential threats to kids. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund’s 40th Trouble in Toyland report is out to warn parents about the risks in some of the stuff their kids may be asking Santa for this year.
Beyond button batteries and magnets, the report reveals new threats to kids include AI-powered robot companions, counterfeit toys, and those shipped from overseas that often contain toxic chemicals. While the group stresses that toys overall are much safer these days, these are some of the toys they’ve flagged as potentially dangerous this holiday season.
Miko 3 - PIRG tested four toys containing AI chatbots, including this one, which has wheels and a screen face and is supposed to build “feelings of companionship and social connection.” But these voice-activated toys can have open-ended, sometimes inappropriate conversations, as the report found they “can suggest where kids can find matches or knives, act sad when kids have to stop playing, and contain few or no parental controls.” These robots can also collect sensitive data, like recordings of kids’ voices.
Kumma, the Teddy Bear - This toy was found to talk about a range of sexually explicit topics, but it’s been taken off the Folo Toys website and is reportedly undergoing a safety audit. PIRG also named two other toys with chatbots as potentially dangerous: Grok, a talking rocket and the Little Learners’ Robot MINI.
Counterfeit Labubu dolls - The fake version of these trendy plush collectibles are a problem because they’re often made with materials that haven’t been tested for safety and can become choking hazards.
E-bikes - Kids love them because they’re a fun and efficient way to get around, but experts caution that children ages 13 and younger may not have the skills required to safely handle them. Bikes with electric motors are heavier, can be a little harder to maneuver, and they’re faster, going up to 28 miles per hour.
Cra-Z-Art Gemex Jewelry kits - These were recalled earlier this year because they contained dangerous chemicals, but the report found they were still available on e-Bay.⠀
Even as new toys flood the shelves each holiday season, some classics remain a safety concern. Tiny batteries and small beads are still very much on the naughty list, posing serious risks for little ones. So before you toss that gift under the tree, make sure it’s fun and safe.