Various government consumer protection groups point out some surprising facts about toy safety. For example, balloons may seem like a festive addition to family gatherings yet according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), nearly half of all the toy-related children's deaths in 2010 involved balloons or balls!

Keep these seven points in mind:

                        Before Shopping

1) Find out if a toy has been recalled.

Some thrift and consignment shops are unaware of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 that made selling a recalled item illegal. The law also applies to yard sales.

To find out if a toy or game has been recalled go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/ and search either by a specific name or by a category. The most recently recalled items are listed on the home page. As of this week, children's animal slippers were recalled due to choking hazards. The warning names the stores where the slippers were sold.

The CPSC site also lists the Top Ten Recalled Children's Items and for each (along side a very clear picture) it notes the name of the manufacturer, explains precisely why the item was recalled, spells out any related deaths and tells where the item was (or is still being) sold. As we go to press among the ten items listed are play yards, cribs, bassinets, bake ovens and magnetic building sets.

2) Sign up to get recall updates. The CPSC will send them to you via e-mail, along with press releases. Share them with your friends.

3) Read reports from other shoppers. At http://www.safeproducts.gov/ you'll find comments made people who have encountered problems with specific toys, games and child-related items.

                                In The Store

4) Shop only at reliable stores. Understand the return policy before making a purchase.

5) Buy toys and games with age-related information on the product or label. Frequently manufacturers warn that a toy is not for children under three - because it may have a small part or seveal parts that a baby or toddler could easily choke on.

6) Read the how-to-assemble directions before picking out a toy. If you are good at putting together toys and furniture, fine. If not, find someone who is. The CPSC warns that toys incorrectly assembled could result in loose parts, wobbliness and sharp edges.

7) Finally, keep receipts in an envelope on your desk. Most stores insist upon them for returns.