Dr. Ameer Khan, of Trinity’s internal medicine department

STEUBENVILLE — December is recognized as Safe Toys and Gifts Month, and Trinity Health System, a member of CommonSpirit Health, is encouraging the community to prioritize injury prevention when shopping for loved ones.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2023, emergency rooms treated more than 150,000 children 12 and younger for toy-related injuries.

Dr. Ameer Khan, of Trinity’s internal medicine department, offered guidance on safe gift-giving, emphasizing that safety starts with knowing the recipient, no matter their age.

“Preventing an injury is just as important as treating a sickness,” Khan said. “When choosing gifts, always think about the person receiving the gift.”

Khan’s key tips for safe gift selection focus on understanding the individual needs and environment of the recipient, whether they’re a child or an adult:

• Know the recipient: “Is the gift truly appropriate for their age and development? Check for any allergies or skin sensitivities,” Khan advised. He also suggests being mindful of sensory needs, noting to “be cautious of gifts or toys with loud noises or flashing lights.” Finally, consider their abilities — making sure they are physically and mentally able to use the gift safely — and their environment. “If it’s an outdoor toy (like a scooter), do they have enough safe space to use it?”

• Key safety warnings: Khan highlighted two primary concerns. Choking hazard is a major concern, “especially for children age 3 and younger.” Furthermore, non-motorized scooters are the single biggest source of toy-related injuries, accounting for more than 20 percent of cases. Khan said, “Always include and insist on a helmet and protective gear for sports equipment.” He also advised, “Only buy art supplies, like crayons and markers, that are clearly labeled ‘nontoxic.'”

In addition, Khan urged adults to be cautious with using unboxing tools such as utility knives, box cutters or other similar tools.

“No one wants a traumatic injury such as a laceration while opening a gift,” he said.

Khan also warned that prolonged non-ergonomic use of electronic devices not only hurts one’s posture but can also lead to chronic issues such as back pain.

Finally, be aware of gifts purchased for elderly family members.

“We urge caution regarding unsafe mobility devices, especially for the elderly,” he said. “Always ensure proper use to prevent falls or other serious health injuries such as battery ingestion.”

Beyond Khan’s advice, Trinity and CommonSpirit Health have compiled a checklist to help shoppers confidently select safe toys and gifts:

• Check for the seal: Ensure the product has the American Society for Testing and Materials approval seal.

• Inspect components: Avoid presents with sharp edges, points or spikes. Steer clear of toys or gifts that could shatter or break into small debris upon impact, or products a child can pull apart easily.

• Mind small parts: For children young enough to put things in their mouths, avoid anything with magnets or buttons. Remember, any item with removable parts that can fit inside a toilet paper roll poses a choking hazard.

• Avoid hazards: Do not purchase toys or gifts with shooting parts that can choke or cause injury, especially for children younger than three years old. Also, avoid toys or gifts with heating elements, ropes, or cords.

• Verify materials: Ensure the toy or gift doesn’t have lead paint or any lead-based substances.

• Do your homework: Check for recalls before purchasing. Verify if a toy or gift has been subject to a recall or product safety warning. Also, read reviews and ratings from independent sites to get an honest assessment of a toy or gift’s quality and safety.

“As we enter the holiday season, the joy of giving is at its peak, and choosing the perfect, safe gift is a wonderful part of the tradition,” Khan said.