So I’ve been seeing all these cute Easter eggs filled with candy and toys at the stores lately, right? Figured hey, let’s get some for the neighborhood kids this year. Grabbed a few colorful plastic ones that open up from Walmart. Didn’t think twice before tossing in some jelly beans and mini-chocolate eggs – looked awesome!
Then my sister calls and asks, “Aren’t those small toys choking hazards?” That hit me like a brick. Started inspecting these eggs myself. The tiny plastic bunny figures? Way smaller than a toilet paper roll tube. And man, these cheap eggs had sharp edges when I snapped ’em open. Cut my thumb good trying to pry one apart!
What Went Wrong
Tried testing with my toddler nephew later (with his mom’s permission, calm down). Gave him one of those filled eggs. Two seconds and he’s trying to cram the whole chocolate egg in his mouth – scared me half to death! Plus those cheaper plastic shells? Broke into jagged pieces after I dropped one on the floor.
So here’s what actually matters with these things:
- Size matters huge – if a toy fits inside a toilet paper tube, it’s no-go for little kids
- Plastic shells gotta be smooth without sharp seams
- Food-grade only stuff inside – anything else? Bacteria party
- Choking beats candy hype every time
Fixed My Mess Up
Took all my cheap eggs straight to the trash after testing. Then hit the craft store for thicker plastic eggs that don’t snap open violently. Stuffed ’em with bigger marshmallow chicks instead of choking-size candies. For the older kids, taped paper clues inside leading to actual chocolate bunny hunts. Tested everything with my nephew again – zero choking attempts this time. Just sticky fingers and huge grins!
Almost ruined Easter with stupid small hazards. Now I triple-check every egg like it’s my job. Better safe than explain an ER trip to some angry parent, y’know?
