Revealed: The 'dangerous' toys to avoid this Christmas
A knockoff Peppa Pig chainsaw is just one of the items that consumer watchdog groups have identified as potentially dangerous toys to give the kids this Christmas.
More than 20 different toys have been named and shamed as ones to avoid when shopping for Santa’s stocking-fillers.
They have found at least 24 products to add to the “naughty list” after trawling through almost 600 stores across New South Wales alone.
Experts say many of the “cheap and nasty” items on the list should never get into the hands of children and will be destroyed.
NSW Fair Trading Minister Matt Kean said many of the toys identified have been imported from overseas and are usually sold at pop-up stores and “two dollar shops.”
The list includes a knockoff Peppa Pig chainsaw with a loose battery compartment, an archery set without safety warnings, and an already banned Mr Squishy that could strangle a child.
If these toys are already wrapped and under the tree, consumers are entitled to a full refund under consumer law.
Retailers selling these unsafe products could face hefty fines of up to $10 million.
Mr Kean urged parents to contact Fair Trading if they come across these banned toys so that the watchdogs know where to find them.
“If it is dangerous, throw it out immediately to make sure kids can’t get access to dodgy products,” he said.
If Santa’s yet to visit the workshop, send him this list of what not to bring:
Banned and failed toy list 2018
Melodica sunflower trumpet
Light up squeaky ball
Pink musical keyboard
Yellow Pikachu Light Up Wand
Pink Peppa Pig chainsaw
Green Guitar
Green Frog Rattle
Poke Monster Dog
Thomas the Tank Engine
Princess Electric Organ
Train Go Go Transformer Robot
Pink light up Swan Wand
YoYo Ball
Super Weapon
Military style shoot game
Soft Play Gun
XW Sport Super Archery
Super archery toxophily Series
Top Speed Shoot gun
Yellow Barrel Gun with pellets
Pool Noodle
The warning comes just weeks after a Christmas wreath-shaped candle holder was recalled over fears it poses a fire hazard, and a Big W wreath candle holder was also recalled with fears the product could spark a fire.
Anyone who has purchased a non-compliant or dangerous toy is urged to either return the product for a refund or safely dispose of the toy immediately.
Visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au for more information.