‘Awkward’: Doctor reveals Christmas gift mistakes

A doctor has revealed the Christmas gifts we should never buy if we want to avoid embarrassment or injury – including one naughty item.

Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner reveals his ultimate Christmas gift guide.

QUESTION: Hi Doctor Zac – once again, I have been put in charge of the present buying for the whole family, as if cooking for 15 people on Christmas Day wasn’t enough. It’s been such a tough year for my family – it’s just my luck that I would give someone a present that would land them in the emergency room by 8am on December 25. What are the presents I should not be buying for my family members this Christmas? – Jenny, 58, Brisbane.

ANSWER: Hi Jenny – thank you for asking such an important question that will hopefully guide others around Australia.

A doctor’s guide to buying Christmas presents was not on my Bingo card this year – but here we are. Welcome to Dr Zac’s what NOT to buy this Christmas guide. From hidden hazards to gifts that scream “bad idea”, this list will ensure you’re the family favourite and not the one responsible for a Christmas catastrophe.

1. Tiny toys, huge problems: The choking hazard hall of shame

If you’re shopping for kids under five, consider this your first no-go zone. Toys with small, detachable parts – think doll accessories, beads or cheap building sets – are a choking hazard waiting to happen.

And don’t forget about pets. Your dog thinks those tiny pieces are snacks too.

• Avoid: Anything smaller than a 50 cent coin. If it can fit in a toddler’s mouth, it doesn’t belong under the tree.

• Safe alternative: Larger, age-appropriate building blocks, sturdy plush toys or non-toxic activity sets.

2. Toxic toys: Glitter isn’t always gold

Who doesn’t love sparkly, colourful gifts? The problem? Some cheap, unregulated toys are laced with toxic chemicals like lead or phthalates. While most big retailers are very mindful not to stock these toys, bargain markets or cheap thrift stores are where you have to be very careful. These sneaky toys can cause long-term health issues, especially if kids are putting them in their mouths (which they will).

An X-ray showing a button battery inside a child. Picture: Supplied

• Avoid: Toys with strong chemical smells or bargain bin items without proper safety labels.

• Safe alternative: Non-toxic art supplies, eco-friendly craft kits or toys labelled BPA-free and certified safe by Australian standards.

3. Batteries included = trouble ensues

Ah, button batteries – the tiny terror of Christmas. These small power sources are common in toys, remote controls and even singing Christmas cards, but if swallowed, they can cause severe burns or worse in as little as two hours.

• Avoid: Toys with unsecured battery compartments or spare batteries that aren’t stored safely.

• Safe alternative: Battery-operated toys with screw-secured compartments or manual toys that don’t need power to entertain.

A button battery rapidly eats through a piece of bacon.

4. Sharp edges and shattered dreams

Glass baubles, delicate drones or flimsy remote-control cars may look exciting, but they’re accidents waiting to happen. Kids and pets aren’t known for their gentle touch, and one drop could lead to a shard-filled disaster.

• Avoid: Fragile gifts that can shatter, sharp edges or cheaply made gadgets.

• Safe alternative: Durable toys that can survive a few festive tumbles or home decor items made from safer, softer materials.

5. Noise nightmares: Louder isn’t always better

Some toys are so loud, they make you question the meaning of Christmas joy. While your child might love the sound of a pretend fire engine at full blast, their ears – and your sanity – won’t.

According to the World Health Organisation, anything over 85 decibels is too loud for little ones.

•Avoid: Musical toys, alarms or sirens that scream louder than a car horn.

• Safe alternative: Toys with adjustable volume or quieter interactive features like light-up buttons or puzzles.

6. The scooter slip-up and other dangerous rides

Bikes, scooters and trampolines are timeless holiday favourites, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. A scooter for a six-year-old won’t suit a teenager, and anything without proper safety gear is asking for trouble.

Helmets are a must. Picture: iStock

• Avoid: Age-inappropriate sporting gear or anything that doesn’t come with helmets and pads.

• Safe alternative: Include the safety accessories with the gift – and make sure the recipient knows how to use them. No one wants to unwrap a wrist cast on Boxing Day.

7. Adult gifts gone awkward

Let’s just say this: Some gifts are meant to be enjoyed behind closed doors. Whether it’s a risqué gadget or a gag gift that isn’t quite PG-rated, make sure it’s unwrapped in the right company.

• Avoid: Leaving these gifts out for curious kids – or worse, Grandma – to find.

• Safe alternative: Keep them discreetly wrapped and hand them over in private. No one wants to answer awkward questions over Christmas dinner.

Avoid any X-rated surprises these holidays. Picture: iStock

Final thoughts: Keep it fun, festive and hazard-free

The holidays should be full of joy – not frantic trips to the ER. By thinking about the person you’re buying for (and what they’ll be doing with the gift), you’ll avoid festive mishaps and earn major points as the family’s top gift-giver.

Wishing you a Merry (and safe!) Christmas. – Dr Zac

Got a question? [e-mail]

Follow Dr Zac on Instagram

Dr Zac Turner is a medical practitioner specialising in preventive health and wellness. He has four health/medical degrees – Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney, Bachelor of Nursing at Central Queensland University, and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He is a registrar for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, and is completing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (UNSW). Dr Zac is the medical director for his own holistic wellness medical clinics throughout Australia, Concierge Doctors.