As you purchase gifts now and throughout the year, give gifts that improve the health and safety of the people you care about.  There are many gift ideas that do not cost a lot and encourage safe behaviors. Below are some ideas to get you thinking.

Children

  • Select toys that are appropriate for the child’s age and do not have small removable parts or small batteries, like button batteries. See “Healthy Indoor Environments” for more tips on selecting safe toys.
  • Bicycle helmets are always a good idea for riders of bicycles, motorized toys, skateboards, and scooters.
  • Non-slip ducks or tub tattoos for the bathtub. They are fun and promote safety for people of all ages!

Home safety

  • Talking carbon monoxide (CO) detector and smoke alarm. (Always look for the UL mark.)
  • Fire extinguisher for the kitchen. About half of all home fires start in the kitchen.
  • Radon test kit. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, accounting for nearly 21,000 deaths each year. You can order a kit from UGAradon.org.
  • Flashlight with a bright LED light or a Kinetic flashlight, powered by shaking.
  • First aid kit for the home. Look for one in a bright color so it is easier to find in an emergency.
  • Weather alert radio or a crank radio for those times you lose power.
  • Second floor escape ladder.
  • Silicon potholders and an oven glove are great gifts for people of all ages.
  • Slippers with traction, especially for older adults.
  • Solar lighting to place around exterior doors and walkways.
  • Motion activated LED lights for stairs, hallways, and walkways
  • Flameless or LED candles to help reduce fire risks.
  • Smart doorbell so you can see who is at the front door even when you are not at home.
  • Doormat and shoe caddy to encourage people to reduce tracking dirt and debris indoors by leaving their shoes at the door.

Services

Give a service coupon for things like cleaning, home safety inspection, home maintenance, cleaning, yardwork, fix-it projects, cooking, etc. Add to it a small gift. For example:

Remember, it is okay to buy yourself a gift, especially something that helps keep you and your family safe and healthy. Just don’t go into debt!  To save on paper use Furoshiki, a cool Japanese fabric wrapping technique.

 

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