With holiday shopping lists foremost in people's mind's it's important to be careful and not pick up a holiday toy which can be dangerous for children. As millions of toys made in China are being recalled from stores over safety concerns this worry becomes even more tangible.

Many parents are worried that some of the recalled toys might still be on the store shelves and these could be unwittingly bought by a parent who does not know it is unsafe. Many stores are carrying lists of the recalled toys and these can also be seen online. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has tightened their standards since 1995 and every toy manufactured or imported into the country must comply with CPSC safety codes.

There are some guidelines that every holiday shopper who is buying gifts for children should keep in mind this season. Firstly if you are buying a stuffed toy make sure it is washable and the fabric should be labeled as flame resistant. Any paint used on a toy should be lead free and all art supplies nontoxic. Paint, crayons and colors should carry the approval stamp of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D-4236) somewhere on the box.

All toys carry a label specifying ages the toy is appropriate for. This takes many safety angles in mind and it is best to adhere to these recommendations. Very noisy toys are not a good gift as children's ears are more sensitive than grown ups are and these could harm their hearing.

Sporty gifts are more in favor but make sure that the appropriate safety gear is also included. The safety gear should have a Snell or CPSC certification. For older children when buying electronics ensure that they are marked with UL, the safety standard for appliances.

Many parents forget to throw away the packaging and this can be dangerous if there are very small children in the house as they pose a choking hazard.

With a little care it can be a safe and happy holiday.