The 10 Most Dangerous Toys of 2017 Have Been Revealed

Make sure you’re not wrapping these up this holiday season.

When it comes to toy shopping, safety should come first — followed closely by fun, of course. If toys aren’t correctly labeled, they may be dangerous for your children to play with. Because of this, consumer safety group World Against Toys Causing Harm issues an annual list calling out what they’ve determined to be the most dangerous toys of the year. Here are the ones they say to avoid this year:

Hallmark “Itty Bittys” Baby Stacking Toy

This toy with four rattling rings is on the market without age recommendations or warnings — a big red flag in W.A.T.C.H.’s book. Plus, the toy was still available for purchase online, despite being recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in August 2017 after they found that the fabric hats and bows can detach posing a choking hazard.

Pull Along Poly

This pull toy gets bad marks for having a 19-inch long cord. The industry’s standard for safety requires strings on playpen and crib toys to be less than 12-inches in length. Anything longer can present a strangulation hazard.

Wonder Woman Battle-Action Sword

W.A.T.C.H. wasn’t a fan of the fact that this toy encouraged young children to engage in “fighting alongside men in a war to end all wars.” Plus, the rigid plastic sword blade may cause facial or other injuries.

Hand Fidgetz Spinners

 

Despite a warning that it is a “novelty gift item” that is “not intended to be used as a toy,” W.A.T.C.H. found that the spinner is still sold in retail toy aisles and remains popular among children of all ages. They also warn about hazards (like choking) associated with small parts.

Spider-Man Spider-Drone Official Movie Edition

This performance drone is designed to launch into the air powered by rotating rotor blades. Even with the manufacturers warnings, W.A.T.C.H. say the risk of injury is concerning.

Nerf Zombie Strike Deadbolt Crossbow

Along with encouraging violence, W.A.T.C.H. warns parents that the force of the arrows launched from the crossbow presents the risk of eye or facial injuries.

Slackers Slackline Classic Series Kit

Despite being marketed for “all ages,” this tightrope-like device warns of the potential for “severe injury or even death” with use.

Oval Xylophone

This musical instrument is sold for babies as young as 12-months, but W.A.T.C.H. worries about the 9.5-inch long narrow drumstick handle, which they say has the potential to block a child’s airway.

Jetts Heel Wheels

The organization was concerned about the “real sparking” action of these rear-wheel roller skate shoes, which the manufacturer says can burn. The toy also includes a warning that “using heel wheels can be a dangerous activity that may result in injury or death.” 

Brianna Babydoll

This huggable and soft toy is marketed for ages 18 months and older, but W.A.T.C.H. warns that the removable clothing and pink ponytail holders are a choking hazard.


Looking for some toys you can feel good about? Our engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute vet toys each year, and make sure that each one meets safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They set up toys to evaluate assembly, construction and durability; check for pinch points and drop-test toys to ensure they won’t shatter into small pieces with sharp edges or pose a choking hazard. “We do additional usability and durability testing because we know kids can be extremely inventive in their use of products beyond that which is intended,” explains Rachel Rothman, chief technologist in the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Any toy that meets their standards, gets put to the kid-testers, who decide which ones are the most fun to play with.