NBC News - With the holiday season upon us, consumer groups are asking parents and gift buyers to be especially diligent about selecting safe toys for children.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released its list of what to watch out for.

Sarah Wideman is among millions of moms preparing a holiday gift list, and toys are at the top.

"I’m looking for toys that are natural, maybe recycled toys," said Wideman.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has its own list, and is asking parents to check it twice.

The commission wants gift givers to be especially diligent after reports of 18 toy related deaths last year.

And more than 170,000 toy related injuries requiring emergency room treatment.

"What's sad is these accidents are preventable," said Nancy Nord of the CPSC.

The commission lists 5 groups of toys they say could be hazardous to children.

Riding toys like skateboards, in line skates and scooters.

"Helmets and safety gear should be part of the gift," said Nord.

Small balls and toys with small parts are not recommended for kids under age 3, and no balloons for children under age 8 because of concerns about choking and suffocation.

Magnets also make the list of potential hazards for children under age six.

And finally, toys with chargers and adapters should be supervised by adults.

"Chargers and adapters can impost thermal burns to children,” Nord said.

After several of product recalls last year from unsafe toys imported from Asia, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has increased safety inspections at ports of entry.

Within the last seven months, 664 toy shipments have been inspected.

"Of those 238 shipments were seized and denied entry into the United States for safety violations." said Mitch Stoller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Safe Kids Worldwide.
Most were violations of small parts that could cause choking.

The commission hopes to help parents and Santa make safe choices during what's supposed to be one of the happiest times of the year.