Top 5 "Worst Toys" Of The Holiday Season

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(CBS11) Even with the best of intentions consumer advocates say parents often buy the worst of toys.

Since 1973 the organization, W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc.), has identified toys with the potential to cause injuries and even death.

"We're talking about small parts hazards, long cords, inconsistent warnings, realistic toy weapons, and on and on," said W.A.T.C.H. director James Swartz.

Swartz said just because an item is sold on a toy shelf or online, don't assume it's safe.

Here's five toys that made W.A.T.C.H.'s 2015 "Worst Toy" list.

1. SPLAT X SMACK SHOT
Price: $10.00
Manufacturer or Distributor: Imperial Toy LLC
Retailer(s): Walmart, Amazon.com, Kmart
Age Recommendation: "Ages 8+"

This sling-shot type toy is capable of shooting up to a hundred feet. The warning labels on the packaging read,"launcher should not be aimed at eyes, face, people, or animals."

2. JURASSIC WORLD VELOCIRAPTOR CLAWS
Price: $19.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Hasbro
Retailer(s): Target, Amazon.com, Toys R Us, Walmart, Kohl's
Age Recommendation: "Age 4+"

The packaging on these oversized claws has the text "claw like a raptor." W.A.T.C.H. says it's troubling that nowhere on the packaging will you find warnings for potential eye and facial injuries.
"Think about how it is going to be used in a home enviroment or at school," Swartz said. "If you feel like it can't be used safely, stay away from it."

3. STATS 38 QUICK FOLDING TRAMPOLINE
Price: $49.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Toys R Us, Inc.
Retailer(s): Toys R Us, Ebay
Age Recommendation: "6+"

Finding the warning on this toy is not easy. It's located inside the box mixed in with a lengthy instruction manual. The caution insert states, "landing on the head or neck can cause serious injury, paralysis, or death ...even when landing in the middle of the bed"
"So the message here is, number one, read everything real carefully," Swartz said. "Get inside the box, if you can. Number two, when there are that many warnings with those potentially life threatening issues, best to stay away from a product like that ... In our opinion trampolines should not be sold as toys for children."

4. LEONARDO'S ELECTRONIC STEALTH SWORD
Price: $24.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Playmates International Company Ltd.
Retailer(s): Toys R Us, Amazon.com, Ebay
Age Recommendation: "Ages 4 and up"

Consumer groups say the rigid plastic blade on this sword could potential cause injuries. A toy sword made with foam with a round tip may be more appropriate for young kids.

5. POO-DOUGH
Price: $4.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Skyrocket Toys LLC
Retailer(s): Kmart, Amazon.com, Walmart, Toys R Us
Age Recommendation: "3+"

While the bathroom humor may be off putting to some, W.A.T.C.H. said the real safety concern with the Poo-Dough is the "insufficient warning" that it contains wheat.
Allergic reactions to wheat can range from hives to difficultly breathing. They can even be life-threatening. The only warning about wheat is on the back of the throw-away packaging.

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