Did you know that the UK’s toy industry is the largest market in Europe and the fourth largest market in the world? In 2018, the toy market in the UK was worth £3.3 billion in sales, with over 370 million toys sold in the UK.
The toy industry is such a hive of creativity and ingenuity, that thousands of new toys are released onto the market each year. All these new releases prompt parents to buy and sell their children’s old toys.
The secondhand toy market is booming, especially as toy sales have risen significantly during the last two years due to Covid lockdowns. Places like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and even local garage sales are inundated with toys that are in need of new homes – so what should you look out for when purchasing secondhand toys for your children?
Keep reading to find out how to keep your children safe when purchasing secondhand toys.
Make sure the toy has been tested.
Purchasing battery-operated toys secondhand is a brilliant way to save money, however, it’s vital that you ask the seller to test the toy before purchasing. Online sellers such as eBay users should clearly state that the product has been tested with new batteries and is all in working order.
If this isn’t mentioned in the seller’s description, feel free to send them a message and ask that they check the toy’s quality. If you find yourself purchasing a toy via a garage sale or charity shop, it’s unlikely that the battery-operated toys will have been tested before being put up for sale.
How old is the plastic toy you’re interested in purchasing?
Back in 2018, the headlines warned us that purchasing some older secondhand toys could pose a safety-risks to children due to the presence of hazardous chemicals such as chromium, selenium, and lead.
A study conducted by the Environmental Science & Technology Journal showed that out of 200 secondhand plastic toys that were taken from UK homes, charity shops, and playschools, 20 of the toys contained all 9 chemicals that they were tested for.
The worry is that if these plastic toys were to be chewed on consistently over a period of time, children could suffer “chronically toxic” effects.
Look out for older, ‘vintage’ toys – if they look like they might be significantly old, it’s best to leave them on the shelf. This applies to all sorts of plastic toys, from dolls to LEGO bricks from the ’70s and ’80s.
Has the toy been painted?
Another safety worry among some of the older secondhand toys is lead paint. We all know the dangers of lead paint, so if you have concerns that the toy may be finished with lead-based paint, it’s best to leave it. Toys should be finished with non-toxic paint to ensure they’re safe for children and have no flaking or peeling paintwork anywhere on the toy.
Does the box contain all the pieces?
If you’re parting with your money to purchase a set, you want to make sure that all the pieces are there first. Charity shops sometimes tape jigsaw puzzles down with a note to say that all the pieces are contained, and other toys, such as Barbie or LOL Dolls, should come with their accessories unless specifically stated otherwise.
Look out for safety logos.
Toys that meet the safety and quality standards set by the British Toy and Hobby Association will be marked with The Lion Mark. You should also lookout for the CE Mark, along with the name and address of the supplier on all toys that were sold in the EU.
The CE Mark means that the supplier has stated that the toy meets the European Toy Safety Directive and can be moved and sold throughout the EU. The CE Mark is a Trading Standard mark, and therefore it’s not a claim of safety, so ensure you look for The Lion Mark as well.
Everything you need to look out for when buying secondhand toys.
Buying secondhand toys is a great way to save money, save our landfills, and gift your child with something you know they’ll love. Generally, the toys that are found in NCT Sales, on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and other selling sites are modern and safe for children to play with.
When buying older toys, ensure you stay vigilant and look for safety standard markings on the toys. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions about the toy and remember to clean all toys before giving them to your children to play with.
