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Tips for a Safe and Happy Christmas

With only a few shopping days left now until Christmas, we offer some helpful advice on how to ensure your shopping goes as smoothly as possible

• Take time to shop around and compare prices. These days goods can be bought from a variety of sources - the high street, mail order, telephone and over the internet. Consider all the options before committing yourself \n
• If buying goods as presents ascertain the shop's policy on returns before you buy because if the item does not fit or is the wrong colour, you will need to rely on the shop's goodwill if you want to return the item, unless you have agreed a refund with the shop in advance \n
• Generally only the person who buys the present has any legal rights and not the recipient but, in some circumstances, a third party can have rights too. The best way of ensuring this is by making it expressly known to the shop, preferably in writing \n
• Remember to keep receipts for items bought as you may need them as proof of purchase if the goods are faulty or misdescribed \n
• Did you know you get extra protection if you pay for your purchases by credit card or where the trader arranges the credit for you, provided the cash price of the goods is more than £100. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act makes the credit card or finance company equally liable for goods that are faulty or misdescribed, even if you have already made all the payments or have only paid in part using your credit card e.g. the deposit. This means you can claim against the trader, the credit company, or both. This protection does not apply, however, when using a debit card such as Switch, as the money will come straight out of your account and so there is no credit involved. It also does not apply using an American Express card, or where you have obtained a personal loan and used this money to buy goods \n
• Remember, if you have a problem with goods you have bought on credit, you should not stop your credit payments as you will be breaking your side of the agreement. This means you could be sued and may find it difficult to get credit in the future. Instead, write to the credit card company, quoting your account number. This will be on your statement. Keep a copy of this letter and preferably send it by recorded delivery. If the company requires more information, be helpful as this will speed up the process but only send copies of any receipts etc and not the originals \n
• Finally - a word of warning - using your credit card can be expensive unless you pay the balance off at the end of each month, so don't buy on credit unless you can pay it back. It's not worth having a great Christmas if you are in debt for the following year.

Toys are likely to figure on many present lists this Christmas. Do you know what to look for to ensure toys you buy meet safety standards? All new toys should have a CE mark on the label or packaging. This mark means that the producer or importer of the toy is satisfied that it meets European safety requirements. Other safety marks to look out for are the CE mark, The Lion Mark and the Kite Mark.

These symbols mean that the toy has been tested to British Standard 5665, or The European Standard for toys EN71.

Suppliers of second hand toys, including charities, do not need to ensure that the toy bears the CE mark, but many toys will. Make sure you check second hand toys for damage or completeness, and to ensure the appropriate instructions and warnings are available.

An unsuitable toy may seriously injure a young child so, before you buy, check toys carefully. Make sure you check age guidance instructions on the packaging, and pay particular attention to age warnings such as 'not suitable for children under 36 months', as these toys are likely to have small parts or loose fur pile which can cause a choking hazard. The packaging or label should show if the toy is safe for the age group you have in mind.

• Check the packaging and remove any plastic bags which can cause suffocation \n
• Check the toy for sharp points or rough edges \n
• Check soft toys to ensure any eyes and noses are securely fastened and fur does not pull out \n
• Keep the receipt and packaging in case you need to go back to the seller for any reason \n
• Check toys regularly and discard any that are old and broken as these may harm your child \n
• Always follow the instructions given with the toy and do not allow young children to play with toys intended for older brothers and sisters \n
• Keep toys tidy by putting them away in a toy box. Statistics show that more accidents occur as a result of falling over toys that have been left out than as a result of playing with them \n
• Check battery toys regularly. Take batteries out of a toy if not being used to avoid corrosion and do not mix old and new batteries together as they can get dangerously hot.

• Sharp spikes and edges that can harm a child \n
• Flammability of the fur pile on soft toys \n
• Parts such as eyes and noses to ensure they are securely attached and don't represent a choking hazard \n
• Toxic substances in paint such as a high lead content which can cause brain damage \n
• Safety in electrical toys to ensure they have the correct voltage \n
• Labelling to ensure they are suitable for the age group specified

If you have concerns about a toy you have bought then our Trading Standards Officers will be happy to advise you.

Vicky Gunther