| The Main Types of Toys | | | | reliability of all toys. The main safety symbols are |
| In the past, children owned a limited number of | | | | EN71, the Kite Mark, the Lion Mark and the CE Mark. |
| Traditional Toys such as a dolls house or wooden | | | | As long as the toy purchased bears one of these |
| train set. Nowadays, children can choose from a | | | | symbols, it is a reasonable guarantee that it is safe |
| seemingly infinite set of options, some of which are | | | | for play, assuming of course that the age labelling |
| detailed below:- | | | | indicates that it is likely to be appropriate for the child |
| Imagination Toys such as pirate ships and toy | | | | in question. However, always heed any warnings |
| kitchens | | | | written on the label such as small parts which may be |
| Educational Toys such as globes and puzzles | | | | a choking hazard to young children. |
| Electronic Toys such as computer games and | | | | Secure Purchase |
| consoles | | | | To ensure the online purchase is safe, consider the |
| Outdoor Toys such as scooters and tricycles | | | | following: |
| Baby Toys Character Toys such as action figures | | | | - Reduce the risks of problematic online transactions |
| from TV and film | | | | by paying via a credit card - many card providers will |
| Ethical Toys are also fast gaining in popularity as | | | | go some, if not all of the way to covering any losses |
| parents feel they can treat their children as well as | | | | through fraudulent use. Pay using a secure online |
| helping poorer toymakers in the developing world to | | | | system which encrypts the consumer's details. Use |
| support their families. Some parents choose toys for | | | | websites with shopping cart, checkout and payment |
| specific reasons such as ethnic dolls to represent a | | | | page addresses beginning with ' not just the usual ' |
| specific ethnic background or toys designed for | | | | The added 's' indicates a secure page. |
| disabled children. | | | | - All reputable retailers should allow refunds and/or |
| Key Points when Choosing a Toy as a Gift | | | | exchanges within 30 days of purchase. Also be |
| - Determine the child's age and developmental level. | | | | aware of your statutory rights. Some are specifically |
| Some able younger children are ready for more | | | | designed to safeguard online consumers such as The |
| challenging toys. | | | | Distance Selling Directive. But also remember that all |
| - Learn the child's preferences - is he or she a sporty | | | | the usual high street rights apply. |
| or creative child? | | | | - A retailer who is a member of a relevant trade |
| - If buying for a boy, are you limited to boys' toys or | | | | association can generally be trusted. Conclusion |
| is the child ready to play with anything? | | | | Buying safe toys which are well-designed and |
| - Most importantly, the chosen toy must be sturdy | | | | appropriate to the recipient's gender and age can |
| and carry a safety symbol. The younger the | | | | contribute greatly to a child's growth and |
| recipient, the more important this is. | | | | development. Buying online makes choosing a safe |
| Choosing Safe Toys | | | | and high quality toy simple, as the internet offers a |
| Children in the UK are fortunate as they enjoy some | | | | wealth of options and valuable advice. However, be |
| level of statutory protection from dangerous toys. | | | | sure to verify the online retailer is reputable and |
| The UK toy industry has to comply with strict safety | | | | follow the precautions given regarding making secure |
| laws and regulations to ensure the quality and | | | | purchases online. |