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Safe for the Holidays: Safe Gift Giving

  • Pearson Koutcher Law
  • 12/20/2017

It is always better to give (safely) than to receive!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As the holiday season reaches its peak, so do the amount of activities. Holiday luncheons, cookie exchanges, family gatherings and the list goes on.Though this year can be the happiest time of the year, it is also the busiest time of the year. Before we know it, we find ourselves shopping for last minute gifts. However, giving gifts is gratifying and gives a sense of satisfaction hence it is always better to give than to receive. Taking the extra care while buying gifts gives peace of mind and makes the giving all the better. Whether you are donating toys, giving to family and friends or participating in a staff gift exchange, there are several things to consider when purchasing a gift to keep this year’s holidays merry and bright!

Age

  • Knowing the age for whom you are purchasing a gift can be a great help.
  • When choosing a gift for a child, consider a toy purposed for a specific age group. Most toys have a targeted age group listed on the packaging. A child will enjoy a toy more if it is on his or her age, skill and development level.
  • Toys with small parts or could break into little pieces are a choking hazard for young children.
  • Button batteries and small magnets can pose a fatal threat if ingested.
  • If considering a vintage or antique toy, be sure it does not contain any traces of lead especially in paint.
  • Before giving a child a gift, always inspect it for possible broken pieces or malfunctions.
  • Check the US Consumer Product Safety Commission for any products that have been recalled at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls

Keep It Real

  • Whether it’s the hottest new toy, designer handbag or name brand clothing, there is a constant battle with counterfeits.
  • When searching for items via the internet, avoid websites that overuses words like “authentic” and “genuine.” Most counterfeit retailers uses these words to convince customers.
  • Shopping though trusted, licensed retailers will ensure that items are real.
  • Most items found for significantly lower prices than usual are most likely to be fake. Know the general amount a real item sells for.
  • Never buy a counterfeit product for the sake of a good deal. Most times you will get what you pay for in quality.
  • Purchasing fake items also raises the risk of stolen identity and financial information.
  • One of the best ways to protect yourself from purchasing a counterfeit item is knowing what the real thing looks like. Defects like crooked stitching, cheap hardware, and misspelled names are a giveaway.
  • Most brands display the differences between authentic and fake products on their websites.

Allergies

  • When buying a gift for someone consider any allergies that person may have.
  • Allergies are not exclusive to food items only.
  • Common allergens like peanuts and gluten can be found in lotions, makeup and some makeup tools.
  • Try avoiding topical items for people who are prone to allergic reactions.
  • If purchasing a food item as a gift, buy brands that emphasize allergy safety.
  • Be careful with items that commonly are allergen free throughout the year. Some manufacturers use extra production facilities for the holiday giving products a higher risk of being cross-contaminated.

Though the holiday season is not all about gifts, it is still fulfilling to make others happy with kind gestures. By following these guidelines, we can all make happy holiday memories this season.

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