Broken bones and close calls with suffocation are probably not the things you’d like your kids to remember about the holidays this year. Buying holiday gifts can seem like a never-ending activity, but it’s important to take the time to follow safety guidelines when you’re picking out toys and games. Here are a few things to look for when buying children’s gifts this holiday season.

Stuffed Toys. Stuffed toys, such as teddy bears and fabric dolls, should be constructed from washable, hygienic materials and should be flame retardant or resistant. Tug on eyes, noses, ears and any small parts do they feel loose? Could the intended recipient pull off any parts? If so, the child runs the risk of swallowing a part or choking on it. Does the stuffed toy have a long string or cord attached? That cord may get wrapped around a child’s neck and strangle him.

Puzzles and Games. Babies love to chew on everything. They are likely to put puzzle pieces and game parts in their mouths and could choke. Children under six should not be given building sets with any magnets as a holiday gift, since swallowed magnets can cause serious injuries or even death. Even if you think your young child is smart enough to enjoy a game intended for older kids, never ignore the age guidelines on packaging. The age guidelines are there for your child’s protection.

Projectile Toys. If you have younger children in your home, you might want to avoid buying projectile toys even for your older kids during the holidays. Even a careful sibling can accidentally cause a serious eye injury to a toddler who dashes in front of a missile. When buying holiday gifts such as air rockets, darts, sling shots or BB guns, confine their use to outdoors and make sure your kids understand and follow safety guidelines. Projectile toys are among the most dangerous type of toy on the market.

Movement Toys. Children love the thrill of speed, and should be encouraged to move their bodies in healthy ways. However, many toys with a movement element are not safe for all ages. Riding toys can be especially risky, and are connected with more injuries than any other type of toy. Skateboards and in-line skates get a child moving faster than he or she might be able to control. Trampolines are a fun holiday gift, but are not intended for unsupervised use by children under the age of 16.

Before buying a holiday gift that has any type of movement associated with it, check the age guidelines. When making your purchase, it’s best to include properly fitted helmets and other safety gear as part of the gift. Even after you’ve picked out toys and games for the children on your holiday gift list, your job isn’t done. Once the gifts are unwrapped, gather up the wrapping paper and any plastic packaging to avoid suffocation hazards.

The use of a charger or adapter needs to be supervised; these can cause thermal bums. Finally, keep an eye on your little ones as they play to make sure children are not “borrowing” unsuitable toys from older siblings. You don’t need to become paranoid, but it’s important to understand the risks inherent in some holiday toys before approving them. This way, you’ll enjoy a relaxed and worry-free holiday season.