How we check second-hand toys

Our second-hand toy safety checklist

At Eco Kids Collective we believe preloved toys are a wonderful, sustainable choice for tamariki. Before any second hand toy reaches you, we work through the checks below. Where a check is marked "inspect on arrival", we haven't carried it out, please take a few moments to do it yourself when your order arrives.

1. Recall check ✅

We search the New Zealand product safety recalls database to confirm the item has not been recalled. If we find a recall notice, the toy is removed from sale and not sent to you.

2. Batteries 🔋 inspect on arrival

We do not open battery compartments during our checks. When your order arrives, please:

• Check for any batteries left inside and remove them if the toy will be used by young children.
• Look for signs of corrosion, leaking, or swelling inside the battery compartment.
• Replace any batteries before use, or dispose of old batteries safely.

Button cell batteries are a serious risk for children under three. If the toy contains a small coin-style battery compartment, ensure the cover is secure and cannot be opened by a child.

3. Magnetic parts 🧲 inspect on arrival

Small, high-powered magnets can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. We do not individually test every toy for internal magnets. When your order arrives, please:

• Check for any loose or detachable magnetic pieces, especially on building sets, puzzles, and novelty toys.
• Ensure magnetic closures (e.g. on cases) are secure and cannot be pulled off by a child.
• If you are unsure, keep the toy away from children under three until you have inspected it.

4. Loose parts and physical condition

We check each toy for:

• Broken or cracked plastic with sharp edges.
• Loose parts that could detach and become a choking hazard.
• Missing pieces that affect safety (e.g. a puzzle board with holes that could trap fingers).

Any toy with unsafe damage is removed from sale. Minor cosmetic wear consistent with pre-loved condition is noted in the product description.

5. Age suitability 

We display the manufacturer's age guidance on every listing. Please check this against your child's age and development. Age labels are a guide, you know your child best.

6. Cleaning 

We wipe down hard-surface toys with a child-safe cleaner before dispatch. Soft toys and fabric items are spot-cleaned where needed. We recommend you give any second-hand toy a wipe or wash before your child plays with it.

A note on second hand toy safety

New Zealand's Radio New Zealand has highlighted the importance of checking that second hand toys are free from magnetic parts and batteries before giving them to children. We share that view. Our checks are a practical first step, they are not a guarantee of compliance with product safety standards. 

Last updated: October 2026