Several popular Christmas presents, including children's toys and luxury candles, have been subject to urgent safety recalls by retailers and the UK's product safety watchdog. Shoppers are being warned to immediately stop using a range of items due to serious risks of choking, fire, and injury.
Major Retailers Issue Critical Warnings
The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) listed multiple recalled products, with warnings issued on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2025. This timing means many of the hazardous items may have been unknowingly gifted. Authorities are urging consumers not to use the products and to seek a full refund.
Recalled Toys Present Choking Dangers
John Lewis & Partners has told customers to immediately stop using its Wooden Roast Dinner Toy and keep it away from children. The colourful wooden playset, sold in stores from 3 September to 24 November 2025 under product code 75610228, poses a choking risk. The OPSS stated the Velcro fastening can detach, creating small parts that are a severe hazard for children under 36 months.
The product fails to meet the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. Owners should return it to John Lewis for a refund.
Two types of water beads have also been recalled. A4R Water Beads sold on Amazon and Mr Pen Water Beads sold via Desertcart present a significant risk of asphyxiation. If swallowed in their hydrated form, they can block a child's airway. Both online marketplaces have withdrawn the products.
Additionally, the Skillmatics Aqua Puffs 'Watch Your Art Grow' Toy was refused entry at the UK border. It produces small parts that expand by up to 1400% in water, posing a choking risk and potential internal blockages if ingested.
Amazon has also removed the Enjoy & Love Wooden Learning Walking Toy (model No. YL-TY2301) because small parts can easily detach, creating a serious choking hazard.
Fire Hazards and Chemical Risks Identified
Luxury Iittala Aalto and Kanto Candles have been recalled due to a fire risk. Testing revealed the wick may 'club', leading to higher-than-expected flaming, increased smoking, and wax dripping. The OPSS warned this could ignite nearby objects and spread fire.
In a separate chemical risk, Siesta Crafts Red Bead Earrings have been withdrawn. They contain excessive concentrations of cadmium, which can damage organs and cause cancer, and nickel, a skin sensitiser that can cause allergic reactions.
Other Products Posing Injury Risks
The Enjoy & Love Kids Trampoline with Safety Net 55, sold on Amazon, has been pulled from sale. It lacks essential safety warnings and has a black zip closure that blends into the netting, making it hard to see in an emergency. It also fails to meet the minimum specified height for the enclosure, increasing fall risks.
Consumers in possession of any of these items are advised to cease use immediately and contact the retailer or distributor from whom they made the purchase to arrange a refund.
