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Every Christmas, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) removes unsafe toys from sale in Ireland, many of them cheap copies sold online or at markets. Most toys from reputable shops are perfectly safe, but a few quick checks before you buy make a real difference, especially for babies and toddlers. Here’s what to look for.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. We’ve linked the official sources so you can check the details for your situation.
Quick checklist
- Look for the CE mark on the toy or its packaging. No CE mark? Don’t buy it.
- Check the age warning, and take the “not suitable for children under 3” symbol seriously.
- Check for small parts that could come loose and cause choking.
- Make sure battery compartments are closed with a screw or a child-proof catch.
- Look for the manufacturer’s or importer’s name and address, and instructions in English.
- Buy from reputable shops, and be wary of big-brand toys at suspiciously low prices.
1. The CE mark
The CE mark shows the manufacturer says the toy meets EU safety rules. The CCPC’s advice is simple: always look for it, and if there’s no CE mark, don’t buy the toy. Fake toys may have no CE mark or a fake one, so the mark alone isn’t a guarantee. Combine it with the other checks below, especially when buying online.
2. Age warnings and small parts
Toys for babies and toddlers must be designed so that no part is small enough to swallow. Toys that aren’t safe for under-3s carry a warning symbol: a circle with a child’s face, a line through it and “0–3”. It usually means the toy has small parts that are a choking hazard.
- Follow the age label even if your child is “advanced” for their age. Age labels are about safety, not ability.
- In houses with children of different ages, keep older children’s toys with small parts (LEGO, marbles, craft kits) away from toddlers.
- Check soft toys for securely attached eyes, noses and buttons, and for seams that don’t open easily.
- Watch out for long cords or strings on toys for small children.
3. Batteries
Battery-powered toys are fine as long as children can’t get at the batteries. The CCPC advises that battery compartments should not be openable by children, usually secured with a screw. Children can choke on batteries.
Small, round button batteries deserve special care: if a child swallows one, it can cause serious internal injuries very quickly. Keep spare button batteries locked away, check remote controls, greeting cards and small gadgets as well as toys, and get medical help immediately if you think a child has swallowed one.
- Don’t mix old and new batteries or different types: it can cause leaks or overheating.
- Remove batteries from toys that won’t be used for a while.
- Use the charger that came with rechargeable toys, and don’t leave them charging unattended overnight.
4. Magnets
Small, powerful magnets can be very dangerous if swallowed, because two or more can attract each other through the intestines. Magnetic building sets from reputable brands are designed so the magnets are sealed inside. Avoid cheap magnetic toys where magnets could come loose, and keep “desk toy” magnet sets for adults well away from children.
5. Buying toys online
Online marketplaces can be convenient, but they’re where many fake and unsafe toys are sold. The CCPC advises buying from reputable retailers, who are more likely to follow safety laws.
- Check who the actual seller is, not just the website. On marketplaces, look at the seller’s name, address and reviews.
- Be suspicious of branded toys at much lower prices than in Irish shops: they may be counterfeit.
- Check where the toy ships from. Toys from outside the EU can attract extra charges and may not meet EU rules.
- Look for photos of the CE mark, age warning and manufacturer details in the listing.
- When it arrives, check the packaging and the toy itself before wrapping it.
All the toy deals we list on DealDepot come from well-known Irish or EU retailers, and mostly from big brands like LEGO, Mattel, Hasbro and Hot Wheels. See our toy gifts by age guide for ideas.
6. Second-hand toys
Second-hand toys can be great value, but older toys may not meet today’s safety standards. Check them as you would a new toy, and then some:
- Look for sharp edges, cracks, loose parts and worn-out seams.
- Check battery compartments still close securely.
- Avoid old painted toys if you don’t know where they came from.
- Look up the product name to check it hasn’t been recalled.
- Lots of branded toys at very low prices may be fakes.
7. Other Christmas gifts to check
- Slime and craft kits: follow the age guidance and supervise younger children.
- Ride-ons, scooters and bikes: include a helmet, and check the maximum user weight.
- Chargers: use the original or a good-quality charger. Cheap unbranded chargers are a common product safety issue.
- Costumes and dress-up: look for flame-resistance information and keep children away from candles and fires.
- Smart and connected toys: check privacy settings, change default passwords and see what data the toy collects.
Recalls and reporting an unsafe toy
The CCPC publishes product recalls and safety notices on its website, and the EU’s Safety Gate system lists dangerous products found across Europe. If you see a toy that looks unsafe, has no CE mark or seems fake, the CCPC asks you to report it online or call its consumer helpline on 01 402 5555, with details of the toy and where it was on sale.
If a toy you bought turns out to be faulty or unsafe, you have rights against the shop that sold it. See our guide to Christmas shopping rights in Ireland.
Safe, well-known toys on offer
These are popular toys from big brands, sold by well-known retailers. Always check the age guidance on each one.
- 18.4
LEGO Creator 3in1 Wild Animals: Panda Family (31165)
Best for: Animal-loving kids 8+
A brilliant-value Creator set: three well-designed animal families in one box, with lots of posability. A great Christmas gift for animal-loving kids.
What we like
- Three excellent builds in one box
- Posable animals
- Good display pieces
- Great rebuild value
Watch out for
- Only one model at a time
- Minor niggles like locked panda elbows
See today’s price - 28.3
LEGO City Fire Station with Fire Engine (60414)
Best for: Kids 6+
A big, play-packed fire station that’s a classic Christmas present for LEGO City fans. Lots of minifigures and features make it great value at this discount.
What we like
- Fire station plus fire engine
- 5 firefighter minifigures and a fire dog
- Helipad and drone
- Control room, kitchenette and fire pole
Watch out for
- Pricey at full RRP
See today’s price - 38
UNO Show ’em No Mercy Card Game
Best for: Family game nights
A chaotic, hilarious twist on classic UNO with tougher action cards like Wild Draw 10 and stacking penalties. Great for family game nights and teenagers who find normal UNO too easy.
What we like
- More action cards and wild rules
- Stacking makes every round dramatic
- Cheap stocking filler
Watch out for
- Games can run long
- Can get very competitive
See today’s price - 47.8
Hot Wheels City Ultra Shark Car Wash (Let’s Race)
Best for: Kids 4+
A fun, interactive Hot Wheels playset with colour-changing water play. Great for younger Hot Wheels fans and it connects with other City sets.
What we like
- Colour-changing car included
- Shark-themed car wash play
- Connects with other Hot Wheels City sets
- From the Netflix series
Watch out for
- Water play can be messy
See today’s price - 57.8
Hasbro Jenga Game with More Ways to Play
Best for: All ages
The classic tower game that everyone knows, now with optional challenges from a free web app. Simple, quick to learn and fun for all ages, it’s an easy Christmas present.
What we like
- Simple and quick to learn
- Fun for all ages
- Optional extra challenges
- Cheap
Watch out for
- The web app needs a phone or tablet
- Noisy when the tower falls
See today’s price
More ideas: LEGO gifts on offer, stocking fillers and budget Christmas gifts.
Frequently asked questions
What does the CE mark on a toy mean?
It shows the manufacturer says the toy meets EU safety rules. The CCPC advises not buying a toy without one, but be aware that fake toys can carry fake CE marks.
What does the 0–3 symbol mean?
The crossed-out child’s face with “0–3” means the toy isn’t suitable for children under three, usually because of small parts that could cause choking.
Are toys from online marketplaces safe?
Many are, but marketplaces are where many fake and unsafe toys are found. Buy from reputable sellers, check the CE mark and manufacturer details, and be wary of very low prices on branded toys.
How do I report an unsafe toy in Ireland?
Report it to the CCPC online or call 01 402 5555 with details of the toy and where it was being sold.
Sources: CCPC: Toy safety, CCPC: Product recalls, EU Safety Gate.