I-TIP: Make sure there are no dangerous toys on your list

If you're one of those last minute shoppers with toys on your list, there's another list you should check twice and it's over at Health Canada.

Since January of 2015 Health Canada has received 22 reports of injuries, including one death, associated with toys. In the U.S., the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports toys were responsible for an estimated 185,500 emergency department-treated injuries and 11 deaths in 2015. In both Canada and the U.S., riding toys are at the top of the list. Non-motorized scooters were associated with the most injuries and 45 per cent of toy-related deaths in the U.S. last year.

In Canada, riding toys were linked with 10 per cent of reported toy injuries. The most common type of toy-related injuries are cuts, followed by irritation or allergic reactions.

When buying a riding toy, consider whether safety equipment is required, such as a helmet. Supervision is also key to preventing toy-related injuries.Certain toys and play sets may require a watchful eye particularly when there are small or motorized pieces. And finally, ask yourself before you buy whether the toy is age-appropriate.

From time to time defective or dangerous toys enter the market. The Canadian government website, healthycanadians.gc.ca, has a complete list of alerts and recalls which includes toys.

One of the most recent recalls in Canada is the Peg Perego 850 Polaris Sportsman Ride-On Toy Vehicle. There's a problem with its circuit board that can cause the motor to catch fire.

Another recall involved rubber ducks from Siu & Sons International Trading for its toy, The Color Fantastik Party Favors. Health Canada found that the squeaker inside the rubber ducks can be easily removed and pose a choking hazard. CTG Brands Inc. also has a duck set with a similar squeaker issue. Those ducks were recalled, too, because of a choking hazard.

Choking risks were also responsible for another recent recall involving P.K. Douglass'EVA Puzzle Mats which had small foam pieces that could be dangerous for young children.

The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada. If you have any of these toys contact the manufacturer, the retailer or Health Canada for more details.