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