CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The North Carolina Public Interest Research Group is alerting parents to be on the lookout for dangerous toys this holiday season.

With the global supply chain having an impact on local stores getting their product, many people are turning to online shopping, where counterfeit toys are a concern.  

Irene Kesselman is the owner of Ali Cat Toys in Carrboro and Chapel Hill. Kesselman began placing her orders at the start of summer to try and avoid shipping issues.

“We started receiving notices from CEO’s of company’s regarding price increases, and if we didn’t order by such and such date, there is a chance we might not get it,” Kesselman said.

Kesselman’s location in the Carr Mill Mall is overflowing with toys, puzzles and books from babies and toddlers to teens.

“This is the time of year we start putting items behind items, behind items, because every day, new boxes, new merchandise, we are getting pretty full right now,” Kesselman said.

With popular items flying off the shelves, a lot of shoppers have turned to online shopping. When shopping online, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says consumers are at risk of buying knock-off, counterfeit toys.

According to the U.S. PIRG, traditional retail stores like Ali Cat Toys are required to have a children’s product certificate, meaning all federal safety standards are met.

“We expect that all the vendors that we buy from have fully tested the toys and they are safe, especially for the little ones. It’s very important when you’re dealing with infants because they do put many things in their mouth,” Kesselman said.

What can you do?

Before purchasing a toy, make sure it has a children’s product certificate, which can be found on the packaging.

The US PIRG’s annual Trouble In Toyland Report Suggest to avoid buying knock-off, counterfeit toys. It also recommends to stay away from noisy toys, toys that are a choking hazard, and to check secondhand toys for previous recalls.

Kesselman took over Ali Cat Toys seven years ago and says she has seen more toys being made that are safe for younger children.

“Up until about 2 years ago it was really difficult for customers to find something between 18 months and 2 years, but more manufactures are making things that are safe for two years and above - everything from puzzles and games. And people are loving it,” Kesselman said.

Kesselman has already started placing orders for the next busiest toy season, Valentine’s Day and Easter.

Ali Cat Toys will be hosting an annual parent’s shopping night on Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.