Several popular Christmas gifts, including children's toys and luxury candles, have been subject to urgent safety recalls in the UK. The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) issued warnings on Christmas Eve, alerting consumers to potentially dangerous items that may have been unwrapped over the festive period.
Recalled Toys Present Choking and Asphyxiation Dangers
John Lewis & Partners has told customers to immediately stop using its Wooden Roast Dinner Toy. The playset, which features colourful wooden food items, a tray and a knife, was sold in stores between September 3 and November 24, 2025, under product code 75610228. The safety regulator stated that the hook and loop fastening (Velcro) can detach during use, creating small parts that pose a serious choking hazard, particularly for children under 36 months.
The product has been found not to meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. John Lewis is urging anyone who owns the toy to return it for a full refund.
Separately, two types of water beads have 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, the beads can block a child's airway. The OPSS warns that the beads can expand by up to 1400% once ingested, potentially causing a dangerous blockage in the digestive tract.
Luxury Candles and Other Items Withdrawn Over Fire and Injury Risks
Luxury brand Iittala has recalled its Aalto and Kanto candles in various colours and sizes. Testing revealed the wick may 'club', leading to higher-than-expected flaming. This defect increases the risk of smoking, wax dripping, and could ignite nearby objects, potentially causing a serious fire.
Other recalled items include the Enjoy & Love Kids Trampoline with Safety Net 55 sold on Amazon. It was withdrawn due to a high injury risk, partly because a black zip closure is difficult to see against the netting, making safe access hard in an emergency. The enclosure also fails to meet the minimum specified height.
Further recalls include Siesta Crafts Red Bead Earrings, which contain excessive levels of cadmium and nickel, posing a chemical health risk, and the Skillmatics Aqua Puffs 'Watch Your Art Grow' Toy, which was turned away at the UK border. The latter produces small parts that expand dangerously in water.
What Consumers Should Do Now
The OPSS and retailers are urging the public to check their homes for any of the affected products. Consumers must stop using these items immediately and keep them away from children. The next step is to contact the relevant retailer or point of purchase to arrange a full refund.
These recalls, announced so close to Christmas, highlight the critical importance of product safety checks, especially for items intended for young children. Shoppers are advised to always register products with manufacturers and stay informed about the latest safety notices from the OPSS.
