Hobby Lobby Recalls Giraffe and Llama Plush Toys with Clips Due to Choking Hazard

What was recalled

In a recent safety initiative issued on January 29, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that Hobby Lobby is voluntarily recalling two specific plush toy models: a Giraffe Plush Toy with a clip and a Llama Plush Toy with a clip. These items were marketed as adorable, functional accessories for young children, designed to attach to bags or cribs, but the company has determined that they do not meet safety standards due to structural flaws in their construction.

The recall targets two distinct products, each with unique visual characteristics that consumers can identify without needing specialized knowledge. The first item is the Giraffe Plush Toy. This toy features a bright yellow body paired with a matching yellow claw clip for attaching it to other items. Its legs are colored orange and blue, ending in various colored paws, while its ears display a black and white animal print pattern. The giraffe measures approximately nine inches in length. The second item is the Llama Plush Toy. This version has a white body with a green claw clip. It includes additional features such as a small mirror and an orange triangle teether attached to its body. The llama’s legs are orange and yellow with various colored paws, and it measures about twelve inches long.

To confirm whether you have one of these recalled items, you must look closely at the labels and tags, as visual inspection alone is not enough. For the Giraffe Plush Toy, check the white sewn-in label on the body; it will have either "HL699436" or "HL731481" printed on it. Additionally, look at the hang tag attached to the toy; the number "2553675" should be visible in the front left corner. For the Llama Plush Toy, the white sewn-in label will display "HL699436." The hang tag for this model will have "2553634" printed on its front left corner.

While the specific number of units sold is not detailed in the current recall notice, these toys were distributed through Hobby Lobby retail locations. Consumers who purchased these items should treat them as potentially unsafe until they have verified the model numbers and tags against the information provided above. If your toy matches these descriptions, it is part of this recall. The company has issued a full refund remedy for anyone who owns these specific plush toys with clips.

The hazard, explained

When we talk about a "choking hazard" in the context of plush toys, it is important to understand exactly what physical mechanism turns a soft, cuddly object into a danger. In this specific recall involving Hobby Lobby’s Giraffe and Llama plush toys, the core issue lies in the structural integrity of the toy's legs. These items are not merely stuffed fabric; they contain small, hard beads sewn into the legs to provide weight and structure. Under normal conditions, the stitching holding these beads inside is secure. However, the recall notice indicates that the legs can detach entirely from the main body of the toy. This is a critical failure point because it does not just damage the appearance of the toy; it compromises the containment system for the internal components.

Once the leg detaches from the body, the small beads that were previously trapped inside are released into the environment. These beads are tiny, hard, and smooth. To an adult, they might seem like harmless filler material, but to a young child, they present a significant risk. Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway (trachea). Because these beads are small enough to fit completely into a toddler’s mouth and are hard enough not to break apart if bitten or sucked on, they can easily slip past the tongue and lodge in the throat. This is particularly dangerous because young children have smaller airways, meaning even very small objects can cause a complete blockage.

The risk is compounded by the nature of plush toys themselves. Young children often explore their world through mouthing and sucking. A plush toy with a clip, such as these Giraffe and Llama models, is designed to be attached to strollers, car seats, or cribs—places where it is within easy reach of an infant’s hands and mouth. If the leg detaches while the toy is clipped to a crib rail, for example, the child can easily pick up the loose beads and put them in their mouth without immediate supervision. The fact that one incident has already been reported where the leg detached confirms that this is not just a theoretical risk but a tangible failure in the product's design or manufacturing.

It is also worth noting that while no injuries have been reported to date, choking incidents can happen suddenly and without warning. The beads are likely small enough to be aspirated (breathed into the lungs) if the child inhales sharply while holding them. This can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia or lung damage, even if the immediate choking is resolved. Therefore, understanding that the hazard is not just the toy itself, but the hidden contents released by a structural failure, is key to appreciating why this recall is necessary. The danger is silent and unexpected, which is why immediate removal from your home is the safest course of action.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk for injury from these recalled Hobby Lobby plush toys are young children, particularly those under the age of three. The specific hazard involves small beads located inside the legs of both the Giraffe and Llama plush toys. When the legs detach from the body, these beads can escape and become accessible to a child. For toddlers and infants, who frequently explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths, loose beads pose a severe choking hazard. The CPSC has noted one incident where a leg detached, allowing beads to release, though no injuries have been reported to date. However, the potential for harm is significant because small parts can obstruct a young child’s airway, leading to suffocation or serious respiratory distress.

• Children under three years old: This age group is most vulnerable because they lack the physical coordination to safely handle plush toys and have a natural tendency to mouth objects. Their airways are also smaller, making even tiny beads dangerous if inhaled.
• Children with developmental delays: Children who may not yet understand the concept of "not putting things in their mouths" or who have sensory-seeking behaviors might be more likely to chew on the plush toy's legs, increasing the chance of detachment and bead release.

While young children are the most at risk, anyone who shares a sleeping space with these toys should exercise caution. This includes parents who co-sleep or place the plush toys in cribs, bassinets, or strollers for comfort. The presence of small detachable parts in any sleep environment is generally discouraged by safety experts, as it introduces unnecessary risks beyond just choking, such as entanglement or suffocation if the toy shifts position during sleep.

It is important to note that while the recall focuses on young children, older siblings who might handle the toys roughly could also cause the legs to detach, inadvertently creating a hazard for younger household members. Therefore, any home with multiple children of different ages should be vigilant about keeping these specific plush toys out of reach of younger children entirely, even if they are intended as gifts for older kids.

Although no injuries have been reported so far, the risk is not theoretical. The design flaw in the attachment of the legs to the body means that normal play, pulling, or tugging can lead to detachment. Parents and caregivers should be especially attentive if their children enjoy hugging, squeezing, or pulling on plush toys, as these actions increase the likelihood of the legs separating from the body.

In summary, the most at-risk individuals are young children who might encounter the loose beads after the leg detaches. The combination of a common toy defect and the natural behavior of toddlers creates a situation where immediate action is necessary to prevent potential harm. If you have these toys in your home, it is crucial to remove them from areas accessible to young children right away.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before taking any action, it is essential to confirm that your plush toy matches the specific items involved in this recall. Because Hobby Lobby sold these products both in physical stores and potentially through other channels, visual inspection of the toy itself is the most reliable way to verify whether you are affected. The recall targets two distinct designs: a Giraffe Plush Toy with a clip and a Llama Plush Toy with a clip. If your item does not match one of these specific descriptions or lacks the required identifying marks, it is likely not part of this safety notice.

Start by examining the Giraffe Plush Toy. It is characterized by a yellow body paired with a yellow claw clip. The legs are designed in orange and blue tones with various colored paws, while the ears feature a black and white animal print pattern. The toy measures approximately nine inches in length. To confirm it is a recalled unit, you must look for specific printed codes. Check the white sewn-in label attached to the body; it should display either "HL699436" or "HL731481." Additionally, inspect the hang tag attached to the toy. On the front left corner of this tag, you will find the number "2553675." If your giraffe matches these physical traits and codes, it is part of the recall.

If you have the Llama Plush Toy with a clip, look for a white body equipped with a green claw clip. This design includes additional features: a mirror and an orange triangle teether attached to the body. Like the giraffe, the llama’s legs are orange and yellow with various colored paws, but this version measures approximately 12 inches long. To identify if your llama is included in this recall, check the white sewn-in label on its body for the code "HL699436." Then, look at the hang tag; the number "2553634" should be printed on the front left corner. Note that while both toys share the label code "HL699436," their distinct visual designs and unique hang tag numbers help differentiate them.

If you cannot find these labels or tags, check your purchase records or recall the store where you bought the item. Hobby Lobby confirmed these items were sold at their stores. If you have lost the tags and are unsure, it is safest to assume the toy might be affected if it visually matches the descriptions above. When in doubt, do not attempt to use the toy for its intended purpose while waiting for clarification.

Once you have identified the item, stop using it immediately. Do not allow children to play with the toy, as the legs can detach, releasing small beads that pose a choking hazard. Keep the toy away from young children until you can return it for a full refund.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you own one of the recalled Giraffe or Llama plush toys with clips from Hobby Lobby, the good news is that the remedy is straightforward and designed to put your mind at ease immediately. The company has issued a clear directive: they are not offering repairs or replacements for these specific items. Instead, the official remedy is a full refund. This approach makes sense given the nature of the hazard; because small beads can detach from the legs and pose a choking risk, attempting to fix the toy would leave you with a product that may never be entirely safe again. A complete removal of the item from your home via a refund is the only way to eliminate that risk entirely.

To initiate this process, you have a few convenient options, though visiting a physical store is often the fastest route for immediate resolution. You should take the recalled plush toy to the nearest Hobby Lobby store. There, you can return it for a full refund. This in-person option allows you to resolve the issue instantly without waiting for mail processing or phone support queues. If you cannot visit a store, or if you prefer to handle things remotely, Hobby Lobby has set up dedicated channels to assist you.

You can contact their customer service team directly by calling their toll-free number at 800-326-7931. It is helpful to know their operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to document your interaction, you can also send an email to customer.service@hobbylobby.com. For those who like to manage returns online, Hobby Lobby directs consumers to their official website at www.hobbylobby.com/customer-service/recalls. Alternatively, you can navigate to the main page of www.hobbylobby.com and look for the "Recall" tab located at the bottom of the page. This digital path will provide you with any additional instructions or forms you might need to complete before receiving your refund.

When you prepare to return the item, it is wise to have your proof of purchase ready if you have it, although the specific recall details provided do not explicitly state that a receipt is mandatory for the refund. However, having it can streamline the process at the store counter. Remember, the goal here is simply to get the hazardous toy out of your home and into their return system so they can dispose of it safely. There is no complex repair manual or warranty claim to file—just a simple return for your money back, ensuring you are not left with a product that could endanger young children.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might want to keep the Hobby Lobby Giraffe or Llama plush toy. These items are designed to be comforting companions for little ones, featuring bright colors, soft textures, and even functional elements like clips, mirrors, and teethers. When a product looks this appealing and seems harmless in its current state, the temptation to ignore a recall notice is strong. However, disregarding this specific safety alert carries significant risks that go far beyond a simple inconvenience. The core issue lies in the structural integrity of the toy’s legs, which are currently failing under normal use conditions. By continuing to play with these items, you are allowing a known mechanical failure to persist in your home.

The most immediate and dangerous consequence of ignoring this recall is the risk of choking for young children. The design flaw allows the legs of either the giraffe or the llama to detach completely from the main body. When this separation occurs, it releases small beads that are embedded within the leg structure. These beads are not part of the intended play experience; they are loose, small objects that can easily become lodged in a child’s airway. For infants and toddlers who explore the world by putting things in their mouths, these detached beads present a severe choking hazard. While the company has only received one report of a leg detaching so far, this single incident confirms that the failure mechanism is real and active. Ignoring the recall means you are gambling with your child’s safety based on the hope that the defect will not manifest in your specific toy.

Beyond the physical danger of choking, there is also the risk of injury from sharp components or small parts being swallowed. If a child manages to ingest one of these small beads, it could lead to intestinal blockage or other internal injuries requiring medical intervention. Furthermore, if the leg detaches abruptly during play, it might cause minor bruising or pinching if the clip mechanism is still attached to the body and snaps back. While no injuries have been reported to date, the absence of injury reports does not mean the risk is low; it simply means that a serious incident has not yet occurred in a way that was reported to the CPSC. Every day you keep the toy, you increase the window of opportunity for that single report to become a tragic reality.

Finally, ignoring the recall undermines the purpose of the safety system. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Hobby Lobby issued this recall precisely because they identified a pattern of failure that could harm many families. By continuing to use the product, you are not just risking your own family’s health; you are also potentially exposing other children if the toy is shared with friends or relatives who may not be aware of the defect. The safest and most responsible path is to remove the hazard from your home immediately. The ease of getting a full refund makes it unnecessary to keep a dangerous item around, even for sentimental reasons. Your peace of mind is worth far more than keeping a defective plush toy.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a defect in the stitching of certain plush toys, it serves as a timely reminder that safety often lies in the details we might otherwise overlook. Plush toys, particularly those designed with clips or attachments for strollers and car seats, are popular choices for parents and caregivers. However, the combination of soft materials, small detachable components, and attachment hardware creates a unique set of potential hazards. To keep your little ones safe beyond this specific recall, it is helpful to understand the broader principles of toy safety and regular maintenance.

First, always inspect toys before allowing a child to play with them. Look for loose eyes, noses, or limbs that could be pulled off easily. In the case of plush toys with clips, check the connection point between the clip and the body carefully. A weak seam or fraying fabric can indicate that the toy is nearing the end of its safe life. If you notice any damage, even minor tearing around a leg or attachment point, stop using the item immediately. Do not attempt to sew it back together yourself, as this may not restore the necessary strength and could create new sharp edges or loose threads.

Secondly, be mindful of age appropriateness. Many plush toys come with small parts, such as beads for eyes or buttons for decoration, that are not suitable for infants or toddlers who put everything in their mouths. The CPSC provides clear age guidelines on packaging; these are not just suggestions but critical safety boundaries. If a toy is labeled for ages three and up, it likely contains small components that pose a choking hazard to younger children. Always supervise young children during playtime, especially with new toys or items that have multiple parts.

Finally, stay informed about product recalls. Products can be recalled for various reasons, including design flaws, manufacturing errors, or newly discovered hazards. You can sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to receive immediate notifications about recent recalls. Regularly checking the CPSC website or subscribing to their newsletter ensures that you are aware of any issues with products in your home. This proactive approach allows you to address potential dangers before they result in harm, ensuring a safer environment for your family.

• Check all plush toys regularly for loose parts or damaged seams.
• Follow age recommendations on packaging strictly.
• Supervise children during play with any toy that has small attachments.
• Sign up for CPSC recall alerts to stay informed about product safety issues.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can help prevent accidents and ensure that your home remains a safe place for exploration and play. Remember, safety is a continuous process, not a one-time check. Regular inspections and awareness of product recalls are key components of responsible parenting and caregiving.