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Be Careful Which Toys You Buy This Holiday Season

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- This week will signal the start of holiday shopping for many people. But be careful before you buy any children's gifts.

Monique Griego has more on which toys could be dangerous.

For these parents, Thanksgiving signals one thing: the start of holiday shopping and all the toy trouble that can come with it.

"It's a huge concern of mine. I always want to make sure there hasn't been a recall on toys before I purchase them," said Melani Hoehing.

Hoehing tries to keep her kids safe, but she and other moms know toxic toys can still end up in the wrong place.

"She's nine months old. She puts everything in her mouth," said Jenn Brock-Cancellieri.

That's why Maryland PIRG is once again putting out their "Trouble in Toyland" list of dangerous items.

"The top violations we found were lead violations," said Jenny Levin, Maryland PIRG.

PIRG also looks for unsafe plastic additives, things that can choke a child and even noise violations.

"People should be prepared to go and look at toys, look at recalls, look at safety standards," said Levin.

Maryland PIRG says a whirly wheel toy and Little Hands Love book are both over the legal lead limit but are still on store shelves.

"It is so scary that I can walk into a store and buy her or her cousin a gift for the holiday season that could damage her health and development," said Brock-Cancellieri.

Hoehing also plans to put PIRG's list to use.

"It's always good to have fun but you also need to watch your children and make sure they don't have anything that's harmful to them," said Hoehing.

PIRG has also created a new mobile phone app so parents can check toys for safety while shopping at the store.

To learn more about which toys to avoid, click here.

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