During the Christmas holiday, parents often try to find gifts that their children will enjoy. Many toys and games end up under the tree and eventually into the arms of kids across the nation. But parents often do not think that a toy so carefully chosen for a loved one could actually cause serious harm.

A recent recall by Build-A-Bear Workshop could have parents checking their kids' stuffed animals. The recall affected nearly 300,000 defective teddy bears that were sold both in stores and online.

Currently there have been no reports of any injuries related to this particular teddy bear, also known as the "Colorful Hearts Teddy Bear". Even so, a spokesperson for the company explained that the recall was issued because of a potential choking hazard. Apparently the plastic eyes on the teddy bear can fall off more easily due to the fabric used.

Parents who have given Build-A-Bear stuffed animals to children in the past should also be aware of the previous two recalls the company issued this year. One involved an inflatable inner tube that was sold as part of a swimwear set that could cause strangulation. The company also recalled a lapel pin that posed a danger to children due to a high amount of lead in the paint.

While no injuries related to the most recent recall have been reported, this does not mean that the company escapes liability in the event of a future injury. When a consumer is injured by a defective product, the manufacturer may be held responsible for the injury.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "Build-A-Bear issues third toy recall this year," Kavita Kumar, Dec. 24, 2011