Guide
Holiday stress? Not with these presents
by Anna Sandner
Christmas presents without toxic alarms: how to buy non-toxic gifts
10.12.2025
Translation: machine translated
Glittery packaging, colourful toys, fragrant candles - it's just a shame that not everything that looks nice is safe. Many gifts contain endocrine disruptors, which can be particularly dangerous for children. How to recognise products that are free from harmful substances.
The gift countdown has begun: are you still looking for a present or two for Christmas - toys for children, cosmetics for teens, scented candles or cosy blankets for the whole family? Then read this guide to find out how you can avoid toxic substances when buying gifts. Many products can contain harmful substances that are absorbed through the skin, mouth or nose. This is particularly critical for products that are used a lot, have direct skin contact or are sometimes put in the mouth by children. The German Society for Endocrinology (DGE) therefore advises to be particularly careful when buying gifts and gives specific tips on what you can look out for.
Children constantly hold toys in their hands and mouths - and this significantly increases their exposure to endocrine disruptors.
Why harmful substances in gifts are a problem
Specifically, we are talking about endocrine disruptors (EDCs), which have been detected in many plastics, paints, coatings, textiles and children's toys.
«Even in very small quantities, these groups of substances can disrupt the body's own hormone signals. This particularly affects children whose skin and mucous membrane barriers are not yet fully developed», explains Prof Josef Köhrle from the Institute of Experimental Endocrinology at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Where dangerous substances are hidden
The variety of EDCs is huge: phthalates as plasticisers can be found in soft plastic toys and textiles. Brominated flame retardants are found in foam, blankets and furniture and accumulate as dust. PFAS and heavy metals can be found in cosmetics such as lipsticks. The Charité expert explains that exposure to these substances accumulates over the course of a lifetime: It starts in the womb, continues through breast milk, food and care products used at an early age and is further increased by contaminated toys.
The DGE recommends paying attention to high-quality and tested products when buying gifts, avoiding obtrusive-smelling goods and not passing on old plastic items if possible.
We see that particularly inexpensive products from the internet have repeatedly attracted attention due to their high levels of harmful substances.
Checklist for buying healthy gifts
The DGE has compiled recommendations specifically for buying gifts for children:
Solid, high-quality products - well-made toys from reputable manufacturers and retailers are usually less contaminated.
Beware of strong odours - if a plastic toy smells pungent or chemical, it is better to leave it lying around.
Aerate new toys - a few days in the fresh air will reduce possible residues from production.
Clean washable items in advance - wash stuffed animals, textiles and costumes once before giving them away.
Avoid old plastic items - second-hand plastics in old toys in particular may now contain banned substances.
Critically check cheap imports - no-name products from large online marketplaces are particularly often conspicuous.
Header image: Helen Alopes/Pexels
Anna Sandner
Senior Editor
Anna.Sandner@galaxus.deScience editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always the outdoors - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.
Health
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Christmas
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Guide
Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.
Show all
