Toys

Nov. 20 (UPI) — Toys that use AI to interact with children might seem like a fun idea, but one organization is warning against them.

The nonprofit Fairplay released an advisory Thursday warning parents to avoid artificial intelligence-based children’s toys this holiday season.

AI toys are chatbots embedded in children’s toys — such as plushies, dolls, action figures, or kids’ robots — and use AI technology designed to communicate like a friend.

Examples include Miko, Curio Interactive’s Grok and Gabbo, Smart Teddy, FoloToy’s Kumma bear, Roybi and Keyi Technology’s Loona Robot Dog. Some of the toys are marketed to children as young as infants, Fairplay said in a statement.

“It’s ridiculous to expect young children to avoid potential harm here,” said Rachel Franz, a Fairplay program director, in a statement to NPR.

“Young children are especially susceptible to the potential harms of these toys, such as invading their privacy, collecting data, engendering false trust and friendship, and displacing what they need to thrive, like human-to-human interactions and time to play with all their senses. These can have long and short-term impacts on development,” she said

Singapore-based FoloToy suspended sales of its Kumma bear after it was found to give inappropriate advice to children, CNN reported Wednesday. The bear’s chatbot talked about sexual fetishes, how to find knives in the home and how to light a match.

FoloToy CEO Larry Wang told CNN that the company had withdrawn Kumma and its other AI toys and is now “conducting an internal safety audit.”

The Toy Association, which represents toy manufacturers, told NPR that toys sold by responsible manufacturers and retailers must follow more than 100 strict federal safety standards and tests, including the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which governs children’s privacy and data security online.

“The Toy Association urges parents and caregivers to shop only from reputable toymakers, brands, and retailers who prioritize children’s safety above all else,” the statement said. The organization added that it offers safety tips for AI and other connected products.

Fairplay offered more reasons that AI toys are not safe for children.

AI toys are usually powered by the same AI that has already harmed children, and young children who use them are less equipped to protect themselves than older children and teens, Fairplay said.

AI chatbots have caused children to use them obsessively, engaged in explicit sexual conversations, and encouraged unsafe behaviors, violence against others, and self-harm.

AI toys may sabotage children’s trust by pretending to be trustworthy companions or “friends.” Young children are likely to treat connected toys and devices as if they were people and develop an emotional attachment to them.

These “relationships” can disrupt children’s real relationships and resilience by offering “genuine friendship,” which isn’t possible from a machine.

Probably most concerning is that AI toys can invade family privacy by collecting sensitive data using audio and video recording, speech-to-text technology, and even voice, gesture, and facial recognition software, Fairplay said.

A child might talk to the toy and tell it their personal thoughts, emotions, fears, and desires, which will be delivered to a third party. They could also record private family conversations or record other children in the room.

Some toys even have facial recognition and video recording, which could take video of children in the bath or getting dressed.

A grotto visit can offer so much more than just meeting the man in red. Many Santa’s grottos now include a range of activities and experiences in the ticket price, giving you a full day of festive family fun

Meeting Father Christmas is essential in the lead-up to the festive period. However, many families want a grotto visit that offers far more than simply handing over their Christmas list.

Many Santa experiences now feature a variety of activities included in the admission cost, providing families with an entire day of seasonal entertainment.

Countless grottos and Christmas attractions have emerged in recent years, offering distinctive and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a summary of some of the most exciting ways to meet Santa, whether aboard a festive train or within a grotto in a historic castle.

The Polar Express Train Ride

Millennial mums and dads who remember watching the 2004 film The Polar Express will undoubtedly love this immersive seasonal experience as much as their kids. Don your Christmas pyjamas and climb aboard the themed train where you’ll be welcomed by staff dressed as characters from the film, such as the Conductor.

As the train, adorned with Christmas decorations, departs the platform, there will be interactive performances, festive treats, and more to savour onboard. And just like in the picture, Santa will stop by each youngster on the train to present them with a silver bell, showing that they still believe.

The Polar Express proved enormously successful in 2024, with one reviewer who experienced the London Euston service commenting: “We had the best experience from start to finish last year, the show was so interactive and there was never a dull moment”.

Locations: London Euston, South Devon Railway, Spa Valley Railway, Kent and Wensleydale Railway, Yorkshire

Prices: From £59.95 per person

Lapland UK

Lapland UK is a ‘fully-immersive’ Christmas experience that takes families on a magical four-hour journey through an enchanted forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous elves and partake in activities ranging from a visit to the Lapland Toy Factory to Little Rudi’s Stables, where you can meet the reindeer.

A white Christmas is always guaranteed at Lapland UK, courtesy of its snow machines, offering an experience as close as possible to a trip to the North Pole without boarding a flight. There’s ice skating, festive shows, and much more to explore, and naturally, your adventure concludes with a visit to Father Christmas and a cherished keepsake photo.

Since 2007, Lapland UK has been based in Ascot, and this year it’s also launching in Manchester, spreading the festive cheer to even more people.

Locations: Whitmoor Forest, Ascot, and Capesthorne Hall, Manchester

Prices: From £75 per person

Hamleys

Hamleys, self-described as the world’s largest and oldest toy shop, is the ideal place to meet Santa and gather some inspiration for your Christmas shopping. The Regent Street store is adorned with Christmas lights for the festive season, going all out with glittering decorations, and features six floors of toys to peruse.

Once your children have compiled their Christmas list, they can visit Santa in his Hamleys grotto and will receive a special gift bag to take home.

Location: Hamleys, Regent Street, London

Prices: Starting from £65 for a group of three (one adult and two children, or two adults and one child)

Christmas at Warwick Castle

The historic Warwick Castle is set to host Christmas at the Castle. Here, youngsters will not only get to meet Santa but also enjoy a cosy storytime session with him.

The castle will be adorned with festive decorations and lights. Besides meeting Santa, families can enjoy an ice rink, a festive food and drink village, and a brand-new Christmas light trail within the grounds.

There are also Santa Sleepover packages on offer where you can stay at the castle and enjoy an elf wake-up call, evening entertainment, and more.

Location: Warwick Castle, Warwickshire

Prices: Daytime entry plus stories with Santa starting from £29 per person, ice skating from £8pp, light trail from £17pp

Eden Project

The Eden Project’s Biomes will be illuminated for the festive season, with Father Christmas making a visit to the Cornwall-based attraction. Visitors to the unique botanical gardens will be treated to an immersive experience, culminating in a visit to Santa and a special keepsake to take home.

On selected dates, the park will extend its opening hours, allowing visitors to witness its transformation into a twinkling winter wonderland. Each Biome will offer its own festive experience; for instance, the Mediterranean Biome will feature a light show and festive music.

Additionally, there will be a Christmassy undercover ice rink, and festive food available for purchase in the cafes.

Location: Par, Cornwall

Prices: Visits to Father Christmas start from £16 per person, light trail from £5.50pp, ice skating from £11 per adult. Entry to the Eden Project for adults starts from £38, children from £12, under-fives go free

Father Christmas at London Zoo

Why not mix a trip to Santa’s grotto with a day at the zoo for the ultimate Christmas-themed family day out?

London Zoo offers a variety of packages for those wanting to meet Santa. Little ones can simply enjoy some Christmas crafts before their meet, or you can upgrade to a deluxe package which includes an immersive quest in the attraction’s new ZooTown play area.

You can also opt for the Meet Santa VIP Breakfast, which allows you to enter the zoo at 8am before normal opening, with a special tour before the crowds arrive.

Location: London Zoo, Regent’s Park, London

Prices: Starting from £18.50 per child

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