Based on the 40th Annual “Trouble in Toyland” Report by U.S. PIRG Education Fund
As families prepare for holiday gifting, it’s important to remember that not all toys on store shelves—or online marketplaces—are safe. According to the newly released 40th annual Trouble in Toyland report from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, several emerging hazards are putting children at risk, alongside long-standing dangers such as choking hazards and toxic materials.
Each year, more than 150,000 toy-related injuries are treated in U.S. emergency rooms among children aged 14 and under, and thousands more are treated in doctors’ offices or go unreported. While toys are overall safer than decades ago, injury numbers have remained largely unchanged since 2016.
Below is a breakdown of the most concerning toy safety issues highlighted in this year’s report—and what parents should keep in mind when shopping this holiday season.
1. AI-Powered Toys Are Introducing New, Alarming Risks
This year, the report spotlighted four toys containing artificial intelligence chatbots. The findings were troubling:
- Some toys generated sexually explicit conversations or suggested dangerous items like knives or matches.
- Certain AI toys showed emotionally manipulative behaviors, acting upset when a child tried to stop playing.
- Many lacked adequate parental controls.
- Several toys relied on continuous listening, collecting children’s voices or even using facial recognition without clear safeguards.
AI-integrated toys are becoming more common, especially with new industry partnerships. But these systems often run on the same types of large language models used for adult chatbots—technology that is not designed for children and can behave unpredictably.
2. Toxic Materials Still Found in Toys Sold in the U.S.
Despite strict U.S. safety standards, the report found toys containing dangerous materials such as:
- Lead
- Phthalates
- Other harmful chemicals
Many of these toys are imported, often purchased through online marketplaces where safety oversight is limited. In 2025 alone, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued 498 Notices of Violation for toys, with 89% originating from China. Over 100 of those shipments were flagged for toxic materials.
3. Counterfeit and Unregulated Toys Are Flooding Online Markets
The rise of e-commerce has made counterfeit toys easier than ever to purchase—often unknowingly. These toys may:
- Evade required safety testing
- Use banned materials
- Present choking or other mechanical hazards
This year alone, thousands of counterfeit toys—such as imitation Labubu dolls—were seized.
4. Water Beads Continue to Injure Children
Water beads remain a serious hazard for young children. When swallowed, they can expand inside the body, causing blockages or internal injuries. Even with new restrictions coming, injuries continue to rise.
5. Recalled Toys Are Still Being Sold
The report found multiple examples of toys that had been officially recalled but were still available for purchase online—an illegal but persistent problem.
6. Small Magnets and Button Batteries Create Life-Threatening Emergencies
Toys containing these components can be fatal if swallowed. Ingestion can cause:
- Internal burns
- Tissue damage
- Intestinal perforation
- Severe infection
Despite increased warnings, incidents remain frequent.
Why This Matters for Families
Even with modern safety standards, the toy landscape continues to evolve—and not always in safe directions. Parents and gift-givers must be especially cautious when purchasing toys online, where regulatory oversight is limited, and overseas sellers may not follow U.S. laws.
Tips for Safer Toy Shopping
Based on Trouble in Toyland’s recommendations:
- Buy from reputable retailers and brands you know.
- Avoid toys with loose parts, detachable magnets, or button batteries for children under 6.
- Be extremely cautious with AI-enabled toys. Review privacy settings, parental controls, and data collection policies.
- Inspect toys for small pieces or broken parts before giving them to young children.
- Register toys so you receive recall notices.
- Check the CPSC recall database before purchasing.
If Your Child Is Injured by a Dangerous Toy
Unsafe toys can cause serious injuries—from choking and chemical exposure to long-term medical issues. If your child has been hurt by a defective, counterfeit, or unreasonably dangerous toy, our personal injury team can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Source
This blog summarizes findings from the 2025 Trouble in Toyland report by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund.
Please reach out to Cooper Levenson’s Personal Injury Practice today if you need assistance. Kathleen F. Beers, Esq. handles personal injury law and can be reached at kbeers@cooperlevenson.com or (609) 572-7570.
The content of this post should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult a lawyer concerning your particular situation and any specific legal question you may have.
I