W.A.T.C.H. Reveals Nominees for “10 Worst Toys” For 2017 Holiday Season
45th Annual Report Cautions Parents:
A press release was distributed earlier this month with the following information:
World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) revealed its nominees for the “10 Worst Toys of 2017” and demonstrated why the “Wonder Woman Battle Sword,” “Spiderman Spider-Drone,” and other potentially hazardous toys should not be in the hands of children. This year’s toy report addressed the types of toy hazards available online, as well as in retail stores, so parents know what traps to avoid when buying toys.
Here is the list of toys to watch out for, published in U.S. Today:
1. Itty bittys baby plush stacking toy by Hallmark.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall on the product on Aug. 31 because of the small fabric hats and bows that were detachable and posed a choking hazard. But WATCH said they purchased the toy online after the recall was announced.
2. Pull Along Pony by Tolo Toys Limited.
WATCH said the product violates a federal law that requires that strings on playpen and crib toys be less than 12 inches long. The Tolo toy’s cord is 19 inches long. But the Toy Associaton said pull-along toys are an exception to this rule because the purpose is to teach motor skills.
3. Wonder Woman Battle-Action Sword by Mattel.
The nonprofit warns consumers that the stiff plastic sword can cause facial damage or other injuries to children.
4. Hand Fidgetz Spinners by Kipp Brothers.
Fidget spinners are meant for antsy kids, but WATCH said many come with small parts that can easily become loose or pulled off.
5. Spider-Man Spider-Drone Official Movie Edition by Marvel and Skyrocket Toys
The drone comes with rapidly moving blades to help propel it into the air. The toy comes with a warning to keep moving parts away from fingers, hair, eyes and other body parts. WATCH said this is dangerous for children, which the drone is marketed toward.
6. Nerf Zombie Strike Dreadbolt Crossbow by Hasbro and Nerf.com.
The crossbow toy can cause eye and facial injuries. WATCH said the crossbow is inappropriate for small children.
7. Slackers Slackline Classic Kit by Brand 44.
This outdoor tightrope is marketed as an activity for all ages but comes with a warning of “severe injury,” including a chance for “strangulation hazard, especially with children.”
8. The Oval Xylophone by Plan Toys Inc. and Plan Creations
The wooden instrument can be found online and is marketed to children as young as 12 months old. WATCH said that the toy does not come with a warning regarding the 9-and-a-half-inch-long stick, which could be placed in the child’s mouth and obstruct the child’s airway.
9. Jetts Heel Wheels by Razor USA
The mini-roller skate-like devices are meant to be attached to the back of a child’s shoes to create the effect of a rear-wheel roller skate. The product comes with sparklers on the back that spark while moving. The manufacturer warns users to “keep sparks away from eyes, hair, exposed skin and clothing. Sparks can burn.”
10. Brianna Babydoll by Melissa & Doug.
The dolls are marketed to children as young as 18 months, but have removable clothes and ponytail holders, which WATCH said could be a choking hazard.
