The CPSC has just announced a recall of the Knight Hawk helicopter, sold by Radio Shack and manufactured by Danbar, because the battery housing can overheat while the toy charges. Parents can return the toys to Radio Shack for a full refund.
Coincidentally, I tested this toy before Christmas and chose to not include it in my holiday toy recommendations. I accidentally crashed mine after playing with it for 20 minutes and it broke beyond repair. When I spoke with Radio Shack's representative (who sent me a sample of the helicopter) I did take full responsibility for breaking the toy, though I had read and followed the instructions. I just didn't think it was much fun if it only lasted a little while in the hands of an adult.
Also recalled today were 15,000 Nature Wonder Pinto horse toy figures by Blip Toys. The figures, manufactured in China, were found to have excessive levels of lead in the paint. The toys were sold by Walmart. Take this toy away from children immediately and contact Blip Toys for more information on receiving a replacement toy.
For more information on these recalls visit the CPSC website.
I recommend that all parents and caregivers subscribe to the CPSC's free alert system, which notifies consumers of toy recalls by email.