Every parent, aunt, uncle and grandparent is looking for the perfect gift to give their little one this year that’ll make them beam with excitement. As you go about shopping, we invite you to participate in the giving of safe toys and gifts.

December is the perfect month to do this since it is national awareness month. While you are looking through each aisle trying to find the perfect gift that your child will love, keep in mind that some toys are dangerous. Look out for choking hazards, batteries, motorized toys, strangulation risks and toxic chemicals.

Choking hazards

A young child’s airway is pretty small. In fact, it is usually about the size of a straw. So you can imagine just how easy it would be for a child to be seriously injured by accidentally swallowing the wrong thing. Be cautious of buying things like the following:

• Legos.
• Barbie shoes.
• Bouncy balls.
• Toys with magnets.
• Marbles.

If you do find yourself buying a toy that could potentially be a hazard, try to remove any small pieces or keep an extra close eye on your child when they are playing with the toy.

Battery safety

Kids are curious creatures. That’s why our job as parents is to eliminate danger around them. As your child explores your house, make sure your batteries are stored out of reach. If there happens to be a toy that needs batteries, double-check that it is covered so your child can not take them out and they aren’t leaking any acid.

Keeping our children safe is our No. 1 priority, and it can be scary if something does happen. If your child does accidentally swallow a battery, here is what you should do:

• Take your child to the emergency room.
• Don’t allow them to drink or eat.
• Don’t try to get them to throw up.

Start practicing battery safety today by doing a thorough walk through your house to scope out any potential risks.

Motorized toys

Motorized toys are all the rage. Unfortunately, they can be a big hazard if not used properly. Most motorized toys have strict age limits to ensure their users are playing safe. As you go about shopping, keep age-appropriate gifts in mind. There should be an age limit stated on the box.

If you end up caving and getting your child a motorized toy, be certain to store them correctly. According to the CPSC, “All electrical toys should be put away immediately after use in a dry storage area out of the reach of younger children.” You should also do regular maintenance to keep them in good working condition.

Strangulation risks

Did you know that toys that have strings and straps on them can pose a strangulation risk? Like mentioned above, kids have small airways, and they can easily find themselves in danger if not watched carefully. If you do buy a toy with a rope, string or strap on it this holiday season, cut it off before gifting. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Toxic art supplies

Art projects are supposed to be fun and lighthearted. Let’s keep them that way for our children by reading and researching what is in the supplies before giving them to our little ones. Here are a few non-toxic brands to try:

• Eco Kids.
• Earth Hero.
• Earth Paints.

All of December, give the gift of safety by learning which toys are better left at the store. While you’re wandering the aisles and shopping for sales, check for choking hazards, unprotected batteries, strangulation risks, toxic chemicals and age restrictions. Don’t hesitate to go to the hospital if you are concerned your child has ingested anything or fallen.

Lindsey Certonio is a project manager at Stage Marketing, a full-service content marketing agency based in Provo.

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