Each holiday season, W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm) releases its annual list of the “worst” toys sold in stores and online. The 2025 report warns that several popular products contain hazards that can lead to serious childhood injuries. For Pennsylvania families — and for attorneys handling product liability claims — the list is an important reminder that toy makers and retailers must design, manufacture, and label products with safety in mind.
What Hazards Did W.A.T.C.H. Identify in 2025?
The toys highlighted this year include choking hazards from small detachable parts, projectiles capable of causing eye or facial injuries, and toys made with brittle components that can snap during ordinary play. Some products encourage forceful or contact play without offering adequate padding or design safeguards. W.A.T.C.H. also noted that several toys lacked clear warnings or accurate age recommendations, increasing the risk of misuse.
Even toys marketed to older children may end up in the hands of younger siblings, making proper design and labeling essential.
Why Are These Toys a Concern for Pennsylvania Families?
Children often play energetically and unpredictably. A toy that appears safe at first glance may become hazardous if a small part breaks loose or a projectile is used at close range. Injuries commonly associated with dangerous toys include eye damage, choking, bruising, and cuts from sharp edges created when a toy breaks.
Because many families purchase multiple toys during the holidays, keeping track of hazard warnings and age labels becomes more challenging. A moment of inattention can lead to a serious accident.
How Does Pennsylvania Law Apply to Unsafe Toys?
Pennsylvania product liability law allows families to pursue claims when a toy is defective in its design, manufacturing, or warnings. Plaintiffs do not need to prove negligence. Instead, they must show that the toy was unreasonably dangerous when sold and that the defect caused the child’s injury.
A design defect may exist when the toy’s fundamental structure creates danger. A manufacturing defect arises when a particular unit fails as a result of poor materials or construction. Failure-to-warn claims occur when labels or instructions do not properly communicate risks or age limits. Retailers and distributors may also be held liable if they sell unsafe toys or alter packaging in ways that reduce safety information.
What Should Families Do After a Toy-Related Injury?
If a child is injured, parents should preserve the toy exactly as it is, including broken pieces. Keep all packaging, inserts, and receipts. Photograph the toy and the injury and seek immediate medical care. These early steps help establish a clear record of what happened and prevent defendants from blaming the injury on misuse.
Why Does the W.A.T.C.H. Report Matter in Injury Cases?
Although W.A.T.C.H.’s list does not establish legal liability, it often highlights foreseeable risks that manufacturers should have addressed. Courts and juries may consider such reports when evaluating whether a product’s dangers were obvious, preventable, or known within the industry. The report also educates parents, helping them remove unsafe toys before injuries occur.
What Should Pennsylvania Parents Keep in Mind When Shopping?
Parents should review warnings carefully, check for detachable parts, and assess whether the toy can withstand normal play. When shopping for families with children of different ages, it is safest to avoid toys containing small pieces or impact mechanisms altogether. If a toy appears fragile or capable of breaking easily, it may be better left on the shelf.
Chester County Product Liability Lawyer at Samuel Anyan Attorney At Law Protects Families From Unsafe Toys
Toys are meant to create joy, not cause preventable harm. When a defective or poorly designed toy injures a child, families deserve answers and accountability. The Chester County product liability lawyer at Samuel Anyan Attorney At Law helps injured families pursue claims against manufacturers, retailers, and distributors whose products cause harm. You can schedule a free initial consultation with a birth injury attorney by messaging us online or by calling us today at 833-372-6946. Our office is in Philadelphia, and we serve clients in the surrounding areas.