The National Retail Federation reports that this year’s holiday shoppers plan to spend nearly $1050 on gifts.

Despite the fact that Black Friday remains the busiest shopping day of the year, only about a third of gift-givers begin purchasing holiday presents in November. Roughly two out of three Americans complete their holiday shopping during the busy week leading up to Christmas.

With last-minute shopping about to kick into high gear, merrymakers can expect busier streets, stores and parking lots. And anywhere there’s a crowd, there are increased risks of theft, auto accidents, slip and fall injuries and more.

Here are 5 shopping tips to help you stay safe this holiday season.

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People love the holidays for a number of varying reasons. Some love to volunteer with charitable organizations to help those in need; others love the seasonal music and the merry spirits it often evokes. A central component for many are the gifts. Whether receiving or giving, gifts are how many individuals express their appreciation for friends and family. But for young children, certain gifts come boxed with risks galore.

World Against Toys Causing Harm Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) has revealed its nominees for the “10 worst toys of 2018.” Classic toy dangers, such as small parts, strings, projectiles, toxic substances, rigid materials and inaccurate warnings and labels, continue to put children at risk. 

This holiday season, avoid gifting a child a hazardous toy by knowing which ones to avoid. With this in mind, here are W.A.T.C.H.’s “10 worst toys of 2018.”

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