With just 14 shopping days until Christmas, chances are you’re already clipping coupons, comparing prices, and watching sales for all those toys on your shopping list. It’s just as important to be a smart buyer as it is a savvy shopper—and make sure the toys you buy are safe for the kids who will unwrap them.

First, make sure a toy is suited to the child’s developmental level. Use the toy’s recommended age guideline as a start, then consider ability and maturity level. For example, that toy might be recommended for the average 6-year-old, but is your 6-year-old responsible enough to handle it? Or, if your 3-year-old nephew still puts everything in his mouth, you’ll still want to avoid toys with small parts.

What’s the right size toy to prevent choking risks? It should be bigger than the child’s mouth. An at-home test is to put a toy through a toilet paper roll – if it fits, it’s too small. Consider accessories too. A stuffed animal might be quite large, but its buttons or eyes might choke a small child if they came off.

Second, buy the size that’s right for the child. Many times, parents try to buy up a size so kids can grow into a toy—like a bicycle. This tactic saves money in the long run, but it can pose serious safety hazards in the short run if the child doesn’t fit properly on the bike.

Third, when buying used toys—whether online or at yard sales or resale shops—inspect the toy to be sure it’s in good condition before you give it to a child. Check for things like loose pieces or fasteners, sharp edges where something may have been broken, and even battery compartments to ensure there’s no damage.

Keep these tips in mind and you’ll give the gift of safety this holiday.