National Safe Toys and Gifts Month is observed in December and sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

National Safe Toys and Gifts Month recognizes that, in recent years, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has created a robust toy safety system, by requiring testing by independent, third party testing laboratories around the world, enforcing stringent lead and phthalates limits for toys, imposing some of the most stringent toy standards in the world, and stopping violative and dangerous toys at the ports and in the marketplace before they reach children’s hands.

HOW TO OBSERVE #SafeToysAndGiftsMonth

Post on social media using #SafeToysAndGiftsMonth to spread the word and raise awareness this December.

Here are some ways to be sure you’re shopping safely this year.

Make sure to inspect the toys before you buy them. Try to avoid toys with sharp edges, lots of little parts, or parts that can be easily pulled off. (Especially if it’s for a baby or toddler)

Make sure the age and skill level marked on the toy matches the age and skill level of the child you’re buying for.

Label check! Toys should have a label for ATSM (American Society for Testing and Materials) that proves it’s up to standard. ATSM testing is more important than many people realize.

Do not give toys with ropes, cords, or that can heat up, and avoid crayons and markers unless they are labeled nontoxic.