Toys to Avoid for Christmas!

This picture may look familiar to some of you, but what you may not know is that this is listed on W.A.T.C.H's [World Against Toys Causing Harm] '10 Worst Toys'. The "Aqua Dots" have been found,when swallowed, the child can slip into a coma state. according the the W.A.T.C.H web site [http://www.toysafety.org/worstToyList_index.html] there have been two reports of kids slipping into this state after swallowing a few of the Aqua Dots.

Here is the complete list of the '10 worst toys':

1) Sticky Stones- can attach to inside of the body if swallowed. Causing intestinal perforation, infection of blockage which can be fatal.

2) Jack Sparrow's Spinning Dagger (Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean) -

This toy has spinning action at a push of a button, but the company has failed to label the warning of serious eye and other impact injuries.

3) Go Diego Go Animal Rescue Boat- The paint on the toy has excessive levels of lead. Exposure to this neurotoxin can have serious long-term effects, particularly for children.

4) Dora the Explorer Lamp- Although the lamp comes with a warning stating the usual "keep out of reach of children to avoid electrical shock and burn injuries," and also extra precaution telling children to UN-plug when the lamp is unattended or if the child is going to bed, there have still been reported injuries.

5) Lil "Giddy Up" Horse: Sassy Pet Sacks- This rocking horse has handles (like on a purse) that allows you to take it with you. The bag has small wooden beads that could cause a choking hazard for young kids. The hourse states that the toy is sold for newborns but the bag says not for children younger than eighteen months.

6) Spider Man 3 New Goblin Sword- This sword can extend 3 feet long in a matter of seconds. This may cause facial injuries and impact injuries.

7) Hip Hoppa- There is a platform on top of a ball that you use to jump on like a pogo stick. This toy can cause head or other impact injuries.

8) B'loonies Party Pack- You are to take a small ball of the plastic substance out of the tubes, put it on the end of the pipe and make all kids of bubble shapes. The plastic substance inside of the tubes have chemicals in them that are dangerous if swallowed. It can also cause burns on the person's skin.

9) My Little Baby Born- This is a soft baby doll for toddlers to enjoy and cuddle. There is a choking hazard for this doll, a pacifier that is attached to the baby's clothing.

10) Rubber Band Shooter- This toy's title explains just what it is: a rubber band shooter. This could be potential for eye injuries.

From all of the Legacy Oaks Journalism Staff we wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

--- Breana P. and Melissa L.