The five-minute toy check.

A cheerful box is only the beginning. Here are the details to look at before a toy joins the play shelf.

Reviewed 24 October 2026 · General buying guidance · About 3 minutes

Online toy shopping puts plenty of choice in front of you. Before choosing a colour, character or bargain, pause to check the actual product. Our age categories organise ideas; they do not approve a particular toy for your child.

1. Read the manufacturer’s age label

Look for the minimum age and warnings on the product and its packaging, not just a retailer’s search title. A child’s enthusiasm for a toy does not change the risks from small parts or other features. If the listing does not clearly show an age label, ask the seller or choose an option with clearer information.

Health Canada advises choosing age-appropriate toys and keeping small toys and detachable small parts away from children under three. Consider younger siblings and visiting children too: a toy that suits one child may need a separate play space and storage.

2. Check the relevant BIS marking

For toys covered by India’s Toys (Quality Control) Order, look for the BIS Standard Mark, commonly called the ISI mark, and the licence details. There are exemptions under the rules, so this is not a claim that every item in a broad retailer “toys” category has the same certification requirement.

The BIS Care app has a facility to verify licence details. Use the information on the actual product or packaging; do not treat a seller’s general “safe” or “certified” wording as proof for a specific toy. A licence check also does not replace the age label, instructions or supervision.

3. Think beyond the main toy

Inspect the parts that come with it. Check wheels, knobs, eyes, decorations, seams and accessories for damage or loose pieces. Keep small parts away from under-threes. If a toy is already broken or a part has detached, put it aside until it can be dealt with according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Look closely at batteries and magnets

If a toy uses button batteries, check that the battery compartment closes securely and cannot be easily opened by a child. Keep loose and used batteries out of children’s reach. Follow the instructions when changing batteries; do not continue using a toy with a damaged compartment.

Loose, powerful magnets and toys with exposed or missing magnets need particular caution. Swallowed magnets can cause serious injury. Follow the product’s age and supervision guidance and remove a damaged magnetic toy from use. Health Canada’s separate battery and magnet pages explain these risks in more detail.

5. Finish the check after unboxing

Remove packaging, ties, plastic film and other packing materials before play. Read the assembly, cleaning and storage instructions. Keep the instructions somewhere you can find them, and inspect the toy again as it is used. A quick routine check is more useful than assuming a toy stays in the same condition forever.