Most Dangerous Toys 2014

This “light-up power” bow and arrow set is sold with three “screaming whistle” arrows which are marketed as being able to fly “up to 145 ft!” Remarkably, among the many warnings for children is an instruction that arrows not be pulled back “more than half strength”, and that the “fire glow” illuminated arrows and bow, designed for “night or day”, are “[n]ot for play in complete darkness.”

The seat of this small, four-wheeled cycle is approximately 8 inches off the ground. Young children are encouraged to “swerve & spin”, “try new tricks” and “race around the block….” Its low profile makes the toy potentially hazardous for outdoor use. Furthermore, despite a warning to “always wear” a helmet and other safety gear, the young rider pictured on the box is wearing no protection.

Children of all ages, while being advised to “play safe and enjoy”, are also encouraged to use a pencil-turned-catapult for “target practice for your desktop!” Sharpened pencils should not be marketed as playthings, much less a miniature slingshot-style launcher. There are no warnings or age recommendations.

In today’s world, there is no excuse for outfitting children with realistic toy weapons designed to produce potentially dangerous and unnecessary thrills. Existing regulations addressing the hazards associated with such “toys” are inadequate. Detailed replicas have resulted in a number of deaths through the years and should never be sold as toys.

This multi-colored instrument set is sold for babies as young as twelve-months-old. The manufacturer provides no warnings regarding the slender, rigid approximately 4½” long drumstick, which has the potential to be mouthed and occlude a child’s airway.

8-year-old children, or “rocketeers”, are advised by the manufacturer of this “party kit” that “shooting off bottle rockets is a major event.” The package comes with yellow caution tape, however required “safety goggles” are not supplied.

These dolls, marketed for oral-age children as young as 2-years-old, are touted as the “perfect friend for your little one.” Many of these toys, however, are sold with a decorative bow made of ribbon which can detach from the head of the baby doll, posing the potential for choking if ingested.

3-year-old children are encouraged to play the part of a “Savage Orc” by wielding a hard plastic “Battle Hammer” measuring almost 2 feet in length. There are no accompanying cautions or warnings.

This soft, colorful hedgehog is sold for infants. The toy has long, fiber-like hair that is not adequately rooted and is easily removable, presenting the potential for ingestion or aspiration injuries. This hazard is not referenced anywhere on the product or product tag.