Health Canada issued nine recall notices on Wednesday for children's products sold by TheKiddoSpace, a Delaware-based toy company. The recalls affect a range of items including holiday play sets, wooden peg figurines, finger painting and handwriting kits, and a sensory swing, due to concerns over lead content, choking hazards, and chemical risks.
Lead and Chemical Hazards
Some of the recalled toys were found to contain lead, which can cause anemia and damage to the brain and nervous system, especially in children. There is no known safe level of lead exposure. Additionally, finger painting and handwriting kits were found to contain hazardous substances such as methanol, ethylene glycol, and phthalates, which can cause skin irritation, swelling, and toxic effects if ingested.
Choking and Ingestion Risks
Several products pose choking or ingestion hazards. For instance, the peg dolls in cups toy, intended for children under three, can block a child's airway if inserted in the mouth. The children's story books have felt parts that can detach, and the Christmas tree toy play sets have a battery compartment that can become accessible, posing an ingestion hazard.
Products and Sales Information
All affected products were made in China and mostly sold between 2023 and 2025. Health Canada was unable to confirm how many items were sold in British Columbia or whether they were sold through the company's website or other online retailers. As of May 14, 2026, no incidents or injuries had been reported in Canada, but there were 18 worldwide reports of strong paint odour, skin irritation, and swollen lymph nodes related to the finger painting and handwriting kits.
List of Recalled Items
- TheKiddoSpace Children's Christmas Tree Toy Play Sets: Lead in zipper pull and battery ingestion hazard; 71 units sold in Canada.
- TheKiddoSpace Children's Story Books: Choking hazard from detachable felt parts; 22 units sold.
- TheKiddoSpace Peg Dolls in Cups Toy: Choking hazard for children under three; 4 units sold.
- TheKiddoSpace Finger Painting Kits: Chemical hazard from methanol, ethylene glycol, and phthalates; 2,090 units sold.
- TheKiddoSpace Handwriting Practice Kits: Chemical hazard similar to finger painting kits; 2,141 units sold.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own any of the recalled items, stop using them immediately and contact TheKiddoSpace for a refund. Health Canada advises consumers to follow the recall instructions to ensure safety.
