What was recalled
If you recently purchased holiday decorations from a Sam’s Club warehouse or their online store, it is important to pause and check your recent receipts. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for a specific seasonal item that may look festive but poses a hidden danger. The product in question is the Members Mark 7-foot Pre-Lit Twinkling Buck. This decorative piece features warm white LED lights designed to twinkle, along with a control box that manages the lighting effects. While the visual appeal of these glowing deer figures is undeniable, the specific unit affected by this safety notice requires immediate attention.
To determine if your item is part of this recall, you need to look closely at the physical product and its original packaging. The brand name printed on the tag is Members Mark. More importantly, you must locate the model number, which is 990404199. This number is not always easy to spot because it is printed directly on the cord tag near where the adapter plugs into the wall outlet, as well as on the original product packaging. If you do not have the box anymore, check the small tag attached to the power cord itself. The presence of this specific model number confirms that your twinkling buck is one of the units subject to this recall.
This recall was announced on April 9, 2026, but the products were sold much earlier in the year. Consumers purchased these items at Sam’s Club stores across the United States and through their website, samsclub.com. The timing suggests that many of these decorations may have been stored away after the holiday season ended, tucked into closets or attics for next year. However, storage does not eliminate the risk. Because the defect is related to the internal wiring configuration, the product remains hazardous even when it has not been used recently. If you bought this specific Members Mark decoration between the time it was released and now, and it bears model number 990404199, it is part of the recalled lot.
The scope of this recall focuses on a single type of product: the 7-foot Pre-Lit Twinkling Buck. It does not apply to other sizes of deer decorations, nor does it cover other brands of holiday lights. The focus is strictly on this 7-foot version sold under the Members Mark label. By identifying the brand and the exact model number, you can confidently rule out other products that may look similar but are safe to use. If your item matches the description above—Members Mark brand, 7-foot height, twinkling warm white LEDs, and model number 990404199—you have a recalled product that needs to be addressed.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, the Members Mark 7' Pre-Lit Twinkling Buck appears to be a harmless piece of seasonal decor. It is designed to look like a gentle, glowing deer, adorned with warm white LEDs that twinkle to create a festive atmosphere. However, beneath this charming exterior lies a specific electrical vulnerability that transforms the product from a decorative item into a potential burn hazard. The core issue does not stem from the lights themselves failing or shorting out in a way that causes sparks or fire. Instead, it originates from a small but critical component known as a current-limiting resistor.
To understand how this happens, it helps to look at what that resistor is supposed to do. In any electrical circuit involving LEDs, the current-limiting resistor acts like a gatekeeper. Its job is to restrict the flow of electricity to a safe level, ensuring that too much power does not surge through the delicate light bulbs and burn them out instantly. When the wires are connected correctly, the resistor functions as intended, regulating the current and staying cool during normal operation. However, if the internal wiring is assembled incorrectly—a manufacturing error or a confusion in setup—the electrical path is altered. This misconnection causes the current to bypass the normal regulation limits for that specific component.
When the current-limiting resistor is subjected to this excessive, unregulated flow of electricity, it begins to overheat. Resistors are designed to dissipate heat under normal conditions, but they have a thermal limit. When they exceed this limit due to incorrect wiring, their temperature can rise rapidly and significantly beyond what the plastic housing or surrounding materials can safely withstand. This is not an explosion hazard; rather, it is a sustained heat buildup. The component essentially becomes a hot spot within the product.
The danger arises when you interact with the buck while this overheating is occurring. Because the resistor is located within the control box or along the wire path near the lights, touching these areas can transfer that intense heat directly to your skin. Since consumers often handle these decorations frequently—hanging them up, adjusting their position, or simply admiring them—the risk of accidental contact is high. A burn from this type of sustained heat can range from a mild redness to a more serious blistering injury, depending on how long the skin remains in contact with the overheated part. It is a quiet hazard because there are no warning signs like flickering lights or smoke; the product simply looks and functions normally until it becomes hot enough to cause harm upon touch.
This type of failure is particularly insidious because it relies on user perception. You might assume that a plastic-covered electronic device should not get hot to the touch during normal use. If the control box or the nearby wire insulation begins to feel warm or hot, it is a clear signal that something is wrong with the electrical regulation. Ignoring this temperature change can lead to injury, as the heat will continue to build as long as the product remains plugged in and connected incorrectly.
Who is most at risk
While the burn hazard associated with the Members Mark 7' Pre-Lit Twinkling Buck presents a genuine safety concern for anyone who owns or handles the product, certain groups of people are inherently more vulnerable to injury due to how they interact with these decorations and their physical resilience. The primary group at risk consists of individuals who install, adjust, or come into close contact with the twinkling deer figures during the holiday season. Because the defect involves a current-limiting resistor that can overheat when wires are connected incorrectly, the danger is not limited to electrical shock but specifically centers on thermal burns. This means anyone who touches the control box, the wire junctions, or the body of the deer while it is powered on is potentially at risk.
Children, particularly those under the age of ten, are among the most vulnerable users of this product. Holiday decorations like pre-lit twinkling bucks are often placed in living rooms, entryways, or near staircases to create a festive atmosphere, placing them within easy reach of curious toddlers and young children. Young children have thinner skin than adults, which means that even moderate heat from an overheated component can cause a severe burn much faster than it would on adult skin. Furthermore, their natural curiosity may lead them to pull, tug, or manipulate the wires and control boxes, increasing the likelihood of triggering the malfunction or exposing themselves directly to the hot surface before they realize something is wrong. They also lack the impulse control to immediately withdraw their hand from a source of heat once contact is made.
Elderly individuals and those with reduced sensory perception also face heightened risks. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making it less resistant to thermal injury. More critically, many older adults experience neuropathy or other conditions that reduce their ability to feel pain or heat accurately. An elderly person might inadvertently touch the control box or a wire near the adaptor wall plug without feeling the warning signs of overheating until significant tissue damage has already occurred. This delayed reaction time can turn a minor discomfort into a serious third-degree burn.
Additionally, anyone who attempts to "fix" or modify the wiring themselves is at extreme risk. The recall notes that the issue stems from incorrect wire connections. If a user tries to bypass the manufacturer's instructions or rewire the control box without proper knowledge, they may inadvertently create a short circuit that generates intense heat instantly. This group includes not just the primary purchaser but also family members or friends who help set up decorations, assuming the product is safe because it was purchased from a reputable retailer like Walmart under the Members Mark brand. The illusion of safety can lead to complacency, making proper awareness and immediate cessation of use critical for everyone involved.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action or reach out for a remedy, the most critical step is confirming that your specific decoration is part of this recall. Because seasonal decor can look very similar across different brands and years, it is easy to assume a product is safe simply because it looks like another one you own. However, this recall is very specific to a single manufacturer and model, so you must verify the details rather than relying on visual resemblance alone.
The primary identifier for this recall is the brand name printed on the product. You are looking specifically for items sold under the Member’s Mark brand. If your buck does not have this label, it is not part of this specific safety notice. Along with the brand, you need to check the exact model number. The recalled item is the 7-foot Pre-Lit Twinkling Buck. It features warm white colored LED lights and comes with a control box for those lights. The crucial piece of information is the model number 990404199. You must find this exact number to confirm your product is included.
To find this model number, you need to look in two specific places on your decoration. First, check the cord tag that is attached near the adaptor wall plug. This small tag usually contains manufacturing details and safety warnings. The model number 990404199 will be printed clearly on this tag. Second, if you still have the original packaging box, look for the same model number printed there. If your cord tag is missing or the numbers are faded beyond readability, you may not be able to confirm the product's status safely.
It is also important to note that this recall applies to units sold by Seasonal Specialties. While the brand is Member’s Mark, the distribution through Seasonal Specialties is part of the context for this specific batch. If you purchased your item from a different retailer or cannot locate the model number 990404199 on either the product tag or the box, it is likely not the recalled item. Do not guess. If you cannot positively identify the model number 990404199 on the cord tag near the plug or on the packaging, your product is not covered by this recall. Taking a moment to physically inspect these labels ensures you only proceed with the correct next steps for the affected units.
What to do — step by step
If you own the Members Mark 7' Pre-Lit Twinkling Buck, your immediate safety depends on taking deliberate, calm action. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identifies a specific electrical flaw that can cause the current limiting resistor to overheat. While this might sound technical, the practical result is straightforward: the unit can become hot enough to cause burns. Therefore, your first and most critical step is to stop using the decoration immediately. Do not wait for the next holiday season or try to "test" it out in a safe area. The risk exists whenever the unit is plugged in and powered on. Unplug the lights from the wall outlet right now if they are currently connected. It is important to handle the control box and wires with care, as they may be warm even if you just recently turned them off. Treat this item as potentially hazardous until you have successfully completed the remedy process outlined by Seasonal Specialties.
Once the product is safely disconnected and cooled down, your next step is to contact Seasonal Specialties, the manufacturer responsible for this recall. You should reach out to them directly to initiate the remedy process. When you contact them, be prepared to provide the specific model number, which is 990404199, as this helps them verify that your item is indeed part of this specific batch of recalled goods. The company has offered two distinct paths for resolution: a full refund or a repair kit. You do not need to choose immediately if you are unsure, but you should be aware that both options are available to you. If you prefer to keep the decoration and fix the issue, they will send you a repair kit. This kit is designed specifically to address the wiring error that causes the overheating. It includes new, clear instructions on how to correctly connect the wires, color-coded wire labels to prevent future confusion, and a cord tag warning sticker to alert anyone else who might use the item.
If you decide that repairing the item is not worth the effort or if you simply no longer want it, you can opt for the full refund instead. To do this, follow the specific return instructions provided by Seasonal Specialties when you make contact. Ensure you keep any tracking numbers or confirmation emails from your communication with them until the process is fully complete. Whether you choose the repair kit or the refund, act promptly. The recall was announced on April 9, 2026, and delaying action only leaves a potential burn hazard in your home for longer than necessary. Do not attempt to fix the electrical issue yourself using generic parts or guesswork; only use the official components provided by the manufacturer, as they are engineered to resolve the specific resistor overheating problem safely.
Finally, after you have contacted Seasonal Specialties and received your remedy (either the kit or confirmation of your refund), follow through completely. If you receive the repair kit, take the time to carefully read the new instructions before plugging the lights back in. Ensure all connections are secure and that the color-coded labels match correctly. If you chose the refund, confirm once more that the money has been processed to your original payment method. By following these steps precisely, you eliminate the burn risk and ensure that you are not left with a defective product. This is a manageable situation as long as you follow the official guidance without deviation.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you find that your Members Mark 7' Pre-Lit Twinkling Buck matches the details of this recall, you have two clear and straightforward paths to resolve the issue. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has worked with Seasonal Specialties, the company responsible for this product, to ensure that consumers are not left holding a potentially dangerous item without support. Your primary options are to request a full refund or to accept a repair kit. Both choices are designed to eliminate the burn hazard completely, so you can choose the path that best fits your needs and your level of comfort with handling electrical components.
The first option is to contact Seasonal Specialties directly to request a full refund. This is often the most popular choice for consumers who do not wish to deal with any further maintenance or installation of new parts. By requesting a refund, you are essentially returning the product to its original financial state before the purchase was made. This means you get your money back, and in exchange, you stop using the recalled buck entirely. This is an excellent option if you are unsure about your ability to correctly identify or connect wires, or if you simply prefer to replace the item with a different brand that does not have these known issues. It removes all risk associated with the product from your home immediately.
The second option is to request a repair kit from Seasonal Specialties. This remedy is designed for consumers who wish to keep using their decorative buck but need the technical support to make it safe. The repair kit is not just a simple fix; it is a comprehensive solution that includes several critical components. First, it provides new instructions that clearly explain how to connect the wires correctly, preventing the current limiting resistor from overheating. Second, it includes color-coded wire labels. These labels are essential because they provide a visual guide that reduces the chance of human error during reconnection. Finally, the kit comes with a cord tag warning sticker. This serves as a lasting reminder to anyone handling the plug in the future about the specific nature of the recall and the steps taken to correct it.
To proceed with either option, you must contact Seasonal Specialties. While this section focuses on what you will receive, it is important to note that you should initiate this contact as soon as possible after confirming your model number (990404199) matches the recall details. The process is straightforward: you inform them of your decision to either refund or repair, and they will guide you through the next steps. Do not attempt to fix the wiring issue yourself using generic instructions or by guessing how the wires should be connected. The specific color-coding and new instructions provided in the official repair kit are tailored to this exact model to ensure safety. By using the official remedy, you ensure that the burn hazard is fully mitigated according to the standards set by the CPSC.