One of the perks of toy shopping for kids is anticipating the pure joy on their faces when they unwrap their gifts. Whether you opt for the latest tech toys or more analog treasures, putting toy safety front and center helps ensure that joy lasts longer. December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, and these days, gift safety extends beyond checking age guidelines or examining for small parts.

Basic Safety

Regardless of the type of toy, you should check the recommended age range and safety warnings. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises keeping small balls and toys with small parts away from children under age 3 and balloons away from children under 8 years.

Think about younger siblings, too; older children’s playthings rarely go unnoticed by an excited little sister or brother and may easily contain pieces that are dangerous for them. And if your gift selection has wheels, make sure you include properly fitting safety gear, including a helmet.

Pay particular attention to button or coin batteries. If swallowed, these small batteries can cause severe internal injuries in as little as two hours. Make sure battery compartments are securely closed and require a tool to open, keep loose or used batteries out of children’s reach, and discard used batteries at a battery collection center.

Connected Gifts

A new phone, tablet, gaming console or smartwatch can be your child’s new window to the world, but that view can work both ways. It’s a good idea to set up the digital device before wrapping and gifting it. This allows you (or another adult) to turn on available parental controls, create a child account rather than an unrestricted adult account, review privacy and location-sharing settings, and require approval or a password for purchases.

Parental controls are helpful, but they’re no substitute for conversations about online safety. Talk to your kids about what information should stay private, interacting with strangers online, cyberbullying, scams and what to do if something online makes them uncomfortable.

For video games, it’s a good idea to put in some research before giving the green light to any game. Look at online ratings and reviews, and see if the game appears under a “kid friendly” search. If possible, search for a video of people playing the game to get a better view of its appropriateness for your child.

Finally, don’t shy away from setting screen-time boundaries. Decide when devices need to be put away, such as during meals or before bedtime, and make expectations clear from the beginning. Inserting screen-free playthings into children’s activity choices can reduce stress related to constant connectivity, improve sleep, and increase healthy, personal interactions among family and friends.

Safe Charging Protocols

Lithium-ion batteries power everything from tablets and laptops to hoverboards, e-bikes and scooters. While generally safe when used properly, damaged, defective or improperly charged batteries can overheat and cause fires.

Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions and use only the charger supplied with or specifically approved for the device. The CPSC recommenders never leaving e-bikes, e-scooters and similar products unattended while charging, and be sure to unplug it when charging is complete. Don’t charge any device while you’re asleep or away from home, and never use a battery that is swollen, damaged, or showing signs of overheating.

The Gift of Safety

Smart toy shopping requires a little bit of extra effort, but you’ll get more out of your gift-giving budget with toys that they can safely enjoy. Preparedness and a bit of research can help ensure that the biggest holiday surprise is the one inside the wrapping paper – not an unexpected trip to the emergency room.