Would-be Ralphie Parkers, watch out. Just in time for holiday shopping season, a toy safety group has released its annual “Worst Toy List” of playthings that may “poke your eye out” or cause other injuries.

“Due to poor design, manufacturing and marketing practices, there are toys available for purchase today with the potential to lead to serious injury and even death,” said WATCH in a press release. The group said it “urges parents and caregivers to take precautions when buying toys” during holiday shopping, which accounts for 65 percent of all annual toy sales.

Despite the name “Worst,” the toys on the list are not necessarily the most dangerous ones on the market, the group said. Instead they’re chosen to illustrative various safety regulatory concerns like inconsistent warnings or omissions.

Here’s the list:

Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddles Family: Some packages say 3+ and others say 2+ for the same toy, without warning about choking hazards for two-year-olds.

Kids Time Baby Children’s Elephant Pillow: Advertising image shows infant snuggling with pillow, despite pillows for children under one being banned by a federal safety act. Package has no age warnings.

Slimeball Slinger: “Slimeball” projectiles that can be fired “over 30 feet” can cause eye injuries.

Banzai Bump N’ Bounce Body Bumpers: Children shown on package bumping into each other without wearing any of the protective equipment recommended by the manufacturer in small print on the package.

Nerf Rival Apollo Xv-700 Blaster: Potential for eye injuries. Kids shown children wearing masks covering face and eyes, but are sold separately.

The Good Dinosaur Galloping Butch: Rigid tail may puncture children’s faces.

Peppy Pups: Strangulation. “Despite the industry’s standard requiring strings on playpen and crib toys to be less than 12 inches in length, manufacturers are permitted to market pull toys like the “Peppy Pup,” with a cord measuring approximately 31 inches,” W.A.T.C.H. wrote.

Flying Heroes Superman Launcher: Spinning flying superman may fly into child’s eye or face.

Baby Magic Feed and Play Baby: With an a 2+ age recommendation, the included spoon is small enough that it could block a child’s airway.

Warcraft Doomhammer: “6-year-old children are encouraged to “[f]eel the power of the horde!” with the “legendary Doomhammer,” based on weaponry in the “Warcraft” movie. The manufacturer offers no warnings regarding potential impact injuries associated with foreseeable use of the heavy, rigid plastic battle hammer.

Toymakers pushed back on the list, saying safety is a top priority. They noted the toys on the list haven’t been recalled and aren’t subject to any safety testing.

“The toy community remains steadfast in its year-round commitment to creating safe toys and games that bring joy and learning to children all over the world,” said Steve Pasierb, CEO of the Toy Industry Association in a statement. “All toys sold in the U.S. are highly regulated 365 days a year by the federal government and must meet more than 100 safety requirements.”

Source:
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/watch-safety-group-calls-out-10-worst-toys-2016-n684276