• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Corporate America has been draining the world's water. Matt Damon's new campaign calls on Gap, Starbucks, and Amazon to help give it back

2

When SpaceX starts trading, some 'shareholders' will discover they own nothing at all

3

Analysts expected oil to surge above $200 but China has quietly kept prices half of that—and can’t for much longer

1

Corporate America has been draining the world's water. Matt Damon's new campaign calls on Gap, Starbucks, and Amazon to help give it back

2

When SpaceX starts trading, some 'shareholders' will discover they own nothing at all

3

Analysts expected oil to surge above $200 but China has quietly kept prices half of that—and can’t for much longer

These Are the 10 ‘Worst Toys’ This Holiday Season

By
Laura Lorenzetti
Laura Lorenzetti
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Laura Lorenzetti
Laura Lorenzetti
Down Arrow Button Icon
November 19, 2015, 3:19 PM ET
FRA-CHRISTMAS-BUSINESS
People make their Christmas shopping in a toys shop on December 15, 2012 in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps, near Tours. AFP PHOTO/ALAIN JOCARD (Photo credit should read ALAIN JOCARD/AFP/Getty Images)Photograph by Alain Jocard — AFP/Getty Images

Toy safety watchdog World Against Toys Causing Harm, or W.A.T.C.H., released its annual list of the 10 “worst toys” of 2015 ahead of the holiday shopping season, calling out products that it says don’t properly address the necessary safety hurdles to keep children out of harm’s way.

Nearly 46% of purchases are expected to be made online this year, meaning parents won’t have the ability to see the product in person to review the safety level of each toy. Such parental reviews are necessary, says W.A.T.C.H. Childhood injuries from toys are not uncommon. Last year, an estimated 251,800 children were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for toy-related injuries, and there were reports of 11 toy-related deaths—all among children under the age of 12, according to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

This year’s toy report, put together by consumer advocates and lawyers Joan Siff and James Swartz, demonstrates the types of hazards they say parents should be on the lookout for both online and in stores. Here are W.A.T.C.H.’s top 10 “worst toys” of 2015.

Skipit’s Wheely Cute Pull Along

WATCH - Toys 2015 - Budpulltoy2
Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.
The fluffy pull toy is marketed for infants as a “friend” who’s “ready to roll.” However, its wheels may not get very far, according to W.A.T.C.H. Certain lots of these toys were recalled in June because the hubcaps can break off and pose a potential choking issue. W.A.T.C.H. ordered a similar version and found that it showed the same potential danger.

Foam Dart Gun

WATCH - Toys 2015 - DartGun
Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.
The picture says it all. This children’s dart gun looks eerily similar to a real gun. Last December, Cleveland cops fatally shot a 12-year-old boy after mistaking his toy gun as a real threat. W.A.T.C.H. says regulations preventing realistic toy gun designs are “inadequate.”

Small Trampoline

WATCH - Toys 2015 - Trampoline1
Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.
This toy trampoline, which sells on eBay and at Toys “R” Us, warns in its packaging that “landing on the head or neck can cause serious injury, paralysis, or death, even when landing in the middle of the bed.” W.A.T.C.H. says that such toys are dangerous and shouldn’t “be sold as a playtime activity for young children.”

Poo-Dough

WATCH - Toys 2015 - PooDough2
Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.
While it may seem clear from the toy itself why it’s on the list of worst toys, that’s not the real reason. The Poo-Dough actually contains an allergy notice on the throwaway packaging, W.A.T.C.H. notes—it contains wheat, which could be a potentially harmful allergen for some children.

Smack Shot

WATCH - Toys 2015 - SmackShot1
Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.
W.A.T.C.H. says this high-powered slingshot toy has the potential for eye injuries given its capability of firing rubber ammunition “up to 100ft!” The warnings on the box include alerting “anyone within close distance … prior to firing.”

Kick Flipper

WATCH - Toys 2015 - Kick1
Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.
The Kick Flipper, which is touted as a skateboard without the wheels, made the list for its potential for head and impact injuries, according to W.A.T.C.H. The toy warns children not to use it on stairs, hills, or inclines, though it doesn’t advise children to wear protective gear like a helmet while they “Kick it! Flip it! Pop it!”

Leonardo’s Electronic Stealth Sword

WATCH - Toys 2015 - LeonardoSword1
Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.
This Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sword has the potential to cause blunt force injuries, W.A.T.C.H. says, as young children are encouraged to play “Ninja Battle” with the rigid, plastic toy. It’s recommended for kids ages 4 and up.

Doctor Play Set

WATCH - Toys 2015 - Doctor1
Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.
The doctor play set looks innocent enough, but W.A.T.C.H. warns that the small toys within have the potential for ingestion and choking injuries. The toy is recommended for ages 2 and up and includes medical devices like a thin plastic tongue depressor that’s only 4 and 3/4 inches in length that children are encouraged to put in their mouths.

Pull Along Zebra

WATCH - Toys 2015 - Zebra1
Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.
Another pull toy makes the list. Rather than fear of losing its wheels, W.A.T.C.H. notes that it poses the risk of strangulation and entanglement injuries due to a cord thats nearly 21 inches long. The industry standard requires any strings on playpen and crib toys to be less than 12-inches in length, according to W.A.T.C.H., though manufacturers are still allowed to market toys that avoid that requirement. The toy is recommended for toddlers ages 1 year to 36 months.

Jurassic World Velociraptor Claws

WATCH - Toys 2015 - Raptor2
Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.
These oversized dinosaur claws are intended for children ages 4 and up and encourage young kids to “claw like a raptor!” W.A.T.C.H. warns that these claws have the potential for eye and facial injuries, which isn’t called out on the packaging.

About the Author
By Laura Lorenzetti
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Retail

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Retail

Warehouse workers with robot
SuccessJobs
Walmart has a message for its 2.1 million workers: AI is going to improve your job, not take it: ‘Technology will power our future’
By Emma BurleighJune 12, 2026
4 hours ago
Agility Robotics Chief Executive Peggy Johnson speaks on stage at Brainstorm Tech 2026 in Aspen, Colorado.
AIBrainstorm Tech
Tech leaders argue AI’s real future Is task augmentation, not mass layoffs
By Sebastian HerreraJune 11, 2026
1 day ago
visa
AIVisa
Visa thinks it’s a great idea for AI agents to shop and pay for things without human approval
By Barbara Ortutay, Ken Sweet and The Associated PressJune 11, 2026
1 day ago
South Korea fines Coupang record $409 million for data breach
AsiaCoupang
South Korea fines Coupang record $409 million for data breach
By Jaehyun Eom, Shinhye Kang and BloombergJune 11, 2026
1 day ago
Honda recalls nearly 900,000 cars thanks to rear suspension problems
RetailHonda
Honda recalls nearly 900,000 cars thanks to rear suspension problems
By The Associated PressJune 10, 2026
2 days ago
Jamie Laing thinks tomorrow’s Fortune 500 will be built by creators. He might be right 
C-Suitecreator economy
Jamie Laing thinks tomorrow’s Fortune 500 will be built by creators. He might be right 
By Sam BirchallJune 10, 2026
2 days ago

Most Popular

Corporate America has been draining the world's water. Matt Damon's new campaign calls on Gap, Starbucks, and Amazon to help give it back
Environment
Corporate America has been draining the world's water. Matt Damon's new campaign calls on Gap, Starbucks, and Amazon to help give it back
By Catherina GioinoJune 9, 2026
3 days ago
When SpaceX starts trading, some 'shareholders' will discover they own nothing at all
Investing
When SpaceX starts trading, some 'shareholders' will discover they own nothing at all
By Jim EdwardsJune 12, 2026
9 hours ago
Analysts expected oil to surge above $200 but China has quietly kept prices half of that—and can’t for much longer
Energy
Analysts expected oil to surge above $200 but China has quietly kept prices half of that—and can’t for much longer
By Sasha RogelbergJune 10, 2026
2 days ago
Current price of oil as of June 11, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of June 11, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 11, 2026
1 day ago
American taxpayers have spent $33 billion on sports stadiums. They got fewer seats—and higher prices
Success
American taxpayers have spent $33 billion on sports stadiums. They got fewer seats—and higher prices
By Catherina GioinoJune 11, 2026
1 day ago
Meet the SpaceX employees who are set to become multimillionaires thanks to its IPO: from execs to even welders
Success
Meet the SpaceX employees who are set to become multimillionaires thanks to its IPO: from execs to even welders
By Preston ForeJune 11, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.