{"id":67959,"date":"2025-12-03T10:59:19","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T10:59:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=67959"},"modified":"2026-01-26T17:30:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T17:30:39","slug":"shoppers-urged-check-toys-they-buy-this-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/shoppers-urged-check-toys-they-buy-this-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"Shoppers urged to check toys before they buy this Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>As the countdown to Christmas begins, Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is reminding shoppers to stay vigilant when buying toys for children this festive season.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With rising costs and the lure of bargain deals online, parents and carers may be tempted to opt for cheaper options &#8211; but these could come with hidden dangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heart of the South West Trading Standards is warning that toys purchased from non-UK suppliers or unverified websites may not meet safety standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is,\u201d said&nbsp;Ben Newell, Trading Standards Team Manager. \u201cAlways check that toys carry a CE or UKCA mark, which shows they\u2019ve been tested against strict safety regulations. Avoid products without these marks and make sure you know who you\u2019re buying from.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The advice comes as part of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=87ZMsdcmHUk\" rel=\"noopener\">short film<\/a> produced by the service, highlighting key safety checks for parents. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Look for CE or UKCA marks\u00a0on toys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow age guidance\u00a0on packaging\u2014never give toys intended for older children to those under three.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspect toys before wrapping: check for loose stitching, small detachable parts, and secure battery compartments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep magnets and plastic packaging away\u00a0from small children.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The film also reminds shoppers that if they buy online and are unhappy with what arrives, they should usually be entitled to a full refund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Toy safety\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/87ZMsdcmHUk?feature=oembed&#038;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"block_acf-block-6930183c0f3d5\" class=\"councillor-quote align-right dcc grid-x\">\r\n\t<blockquote class=\"councillor-quote-blockquote medium-auto small-12 cell\">\r\n                    <div class=\"councillor-quote-title\"><p>Councillor Simon Clist, Devon County Council\u2019s Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards, added:<\/p><\/div>\r\n        \t\t<div class=\"councillor-quote-text\"><p>\u201cChristmas should be a time of joy, not worry. By taking a few simple precautions, families can ensure their gifts are safe and avoid unnecessary risks. We want everyone to have a happy and safe festive season. Keep safe, buy safe, and have a very merry Christmas.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\t<\/blockquote>\r\n        <div class=\"councillor-quote-aside medium-auto small-12 cell\">\r\n\t<figure class=\"councillor-quote-image grid-x\">\r\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"small-6 cell medium-12\" src=\"https:\/\/democracy.devon.gov.uk\/UserData\/3\/7\/5\/Info00011573\/bigpic.jpg\" alt=\"Councillor Simon Clist\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\r\n        <figcaption class=\"councillor-quote-description small-6 cell medium-12\" >\r\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/democracy.devon.gov.uk\/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=11573\" rel=\"noopener\">Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources<\/a><\/figcaption>\r\n            <\/figure>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    \r\n    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