What was recalled
If you recently purchased holiday decor from Target, specifically items from their house brand known as Spritz, it is important to pause and verify what is sitting on your shelf. On February 13, 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall involving a specific decorative item: the Spritz™ Taper Resin Hanukkah Dino Menorah. This is not a broad recall of all holiday lights or candles, but a precise notice regarding this particular resin figurine designed to hold Hanukkah candles.
The product in question is a stylized dinosaur figure crafted from polymer resin. Visually, these menorahs are painted in a distinct blue color and feature metal candle cups attached along the dinosaur’s back. The design allows the figurine to hold up to nine tapered candles simultaneously, making it a centerpiece for Hanukkah celebrations. However, the material composition is central to why this specific item has been pulled from shelves and homes. The model number for this exact product is printed on the hang tag attached to the dinosaur’s neck as "240-14-1380." When you examine your item, look for this code along with the physical dimensions: the figure stands 6 inches high and measures 13 inches long.
The scope of this recall is significant in terms of volume. While the provided records do not specify the exact total number of units sold nationwide, they confirm that Target has received 58 distinct reports related to these menorahs. These reports detail issues ranging from scorching and charring to melting and catching fire. The items were sold exclusively at Target stores and through their online channels. Because this was a seasonal holiday item, the sales window was limited to the period leading up to Hanukkah in early 2025. If you bought this dinosaur menorah during that time frame, either in a physical store or via digital purchase, it falls under this specific advisory.
It is crucial to distinguish this product from other Hanukkah menorahs you might own. This recall applies only to the Spritz brand resin dino design with the specified model number and dimensions. Other materials, such as glass, ceramic, or metal menorahs, are not part of this notice unless they share the exact same SKU. The focus here is on the interaction between the polymer resin body and the open flame of taper candles, which has proven unstable in real-world use cases documented by consumer reports.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, the Spritz™ Resin Hanukkah Dino Menorahs look like charming, festive decor. They are crafted from polymer resin, a type of plastic that is lightweight and durable for everyday items. However, when these specific menorahs are used for their intended purpose—holding lit candles—the material’s physical limitations become a serious safety concern. The core issue lies in how resin interacts with sustained heat. While the metal candle cups on the dinosaur’s back are designed to hold the candles, they do not fully insulate the surrounding plastic body from the radiant heat generated by the flames.
When you light the tapered candles, the flame produces heat that radiates outward. Over time, this thermal energy transfers into the resin structure surrounding the metal cups. Polymer resins generally have a relatively low melting point compared to materials like glass or ceramic. As the resin heats up beyond its tolerance threshold, it begins to soften and degrade. This is not an immediate reaction; it happens gradually as the menorah sits in use. The heat causes the material to lose its structural integrity, leading to the scorching, charring, and melting that have been reported.
The danger escalates because burning plastic behaves differently than a typical house fire starting from wood or fabric. As the resin melts, it can drip or pool, spreading flammable liquid across surfaces. More critically, the charred areas of the plastic can ignite more easily, leading to the menorah catching fire entirely. This is why Target has received 58 reports of these items catching fire or melting during use. The fire hazard is not just about the candle flame itself; it is about the decorative object becoming fuel for a larger blaze.
This type of failure is particularly insidious because it often goes unnoticed until it is too late. Unlike a glass menorah that might shatter loudly, resin can silently soften and warp. By the time visible damage appears, the material may already be compromised enough to ignite. The risk is not just to the item itself but to nearby flammable materials like tablecloths, curtains, or wooden furniture. Understanding this mechanism helps explain why stopping use immediately is critical, even if the menorah looks fine at first glance.
In general, any decorative item made of plastic or resin that holds an open flame should be scrutinized for heat resistance. Manufacturers often use materials that are safe for cold storage or display but not for direct thermal exposure. The Spritz dino menorahs, while visually appealing, fall into this category of products where aesthetic design outpaces safety engineering for their specific use case. Recognizing this physical reality is the first step in preventing a household fire.
Who is most at risk
While the immediate physical danger of a fire can affect anyone who owns or displays the recalled Spritz™ Resin Hanukkah Dino Menorahs, the nature of this specific hazard creates distinct layers of vulnerability. The primary group at risk includes households actively celebrating Hanukkah during the month of Kislev, particularly those who choose to display these menorahs in high-traffic areas such as living room windows, entryways, or kitchen counters where family members gather regularly. Because these items are designed to hold lit candles for several minutes each night over an eight-night holiday, the exposure to open flame is not a brief momentary event but a sustained interaction with heat. This prolonged exposure is what transforms a decorative object into a potential ignition source, making anyone in the immediate vicinity of the burning menorahs vulnerable to smoke inhalation or burns from splattering hot resin.
Children are among the most critical members of this at-risk demographic for several compounding reasons. First, the product itself is marketed with a playful aesthetic—a dinosaur shape—which may inadvertently lower adult vigilance regarding its flammability compared to traditional, more solemn menorah designs. Children are naturally curious and may be drawn to touch, adjust, or move the menorah while it is still hot from recent candle burning. Resin, when heated beyond its tolerance, can become soft or drip molten material. A child’s thinner skin is significantly more susceptible to severe thermal burns than adult skin, and a momentary lapse in supervision during the busy holiday season could lead to serious injury. Furthermore, if the resin ignites, the resulting flame can spread rapidly to nearby curtains, rugs, or other combustible materials that children might also be playing near.
Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility also face heightened risks, not just from the fire itself but from the urgency required to respond to it. If the menorah begins to scorch, char, or melt as reported in the 58 incidents, the situation can escalate quickly. For seniors who may have slower reaction times or difficulty moving swiftly away from a sudden flare-up, the window to escape safely is narrower. Additionally, if a fire starts while they are alone or less able to call for help immediately, the consequences are more severe. The stress of managing a household fire during a holiday celebration can also exacerbate existing health conditions. It is important to remember that this risk is not limited to the owner; guests, babysitters, and neighbors who enter the home during Hanukkah gatherings are also exposed to the same unknown variable: a decorative item that may silently degrade under heat until it fails catastrophically.
- Families with young children: Due to curiosity and lack of awareness regarding heat hazards, children may interact with the hot resin or candle cups.
- Elderly residents: Potential mobility issues can delay evacuation in the event of a sudden ignition.
- Homeowners in multi-unit buildings: A fire starting in one unit due to this defect poses a significant risk to neighboring apartments, especially if the menorah is near windows or shared walls.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you recently purchased a Hanukkah menorah from Target that features a dinosaur design, it is crucial to verify whether your specific item falls under this safety recall before using it during the holiday. The product in question is the Spritz™ Taper Resin Hanukkah Dino Menorah. Because these items are decorative and festive, they can easily blend into other holiday decor or sit on a shelf for months, making visual identification essential to ensure your family’s safety.
Start by examining the physical characteristics of the menorah. The recalled units are made of blue polymer resin and feature a dinosaur shape. Specifically, the design includes metal candle cups located along the back of the dinosaur, which are intended to hold up to nine tapered candles. The overall dimensions of the recalled item are approximately 6 inches high by 13 inches long. If your menorah matches this size, color, and material description, it may be part of the recall, but you must check the specific identification details to be certain.
The most definitive way to confirm if your item is affected is to locate the model number printed on the product’s hang tag. This tag is attached directly to the dinosaur's neck. Look closely at the hang tag for the model number "240-14-1380". If this exact number appears on the tag, your menorah is included in the recall. It is important to note that this identification method relies on the presence of the original retail tag. If you have already removed or discarded the hang tag, you may need to rely on other details or contact Target directly for assistance.
Additionally, consider where and when you purchased the item. This recall applies to products sold at Target stores. The recall was announced on February 13, 2025, but the affected items were available for purchase prior to this date. If you bought the menorah at a different retailer or online platform that is not explicitly listed as part of this specific voluntary recall by Target, it may not be included, though you should still exercise caution with any resin-based holiday decor near open flames.
If you are unsure whether your item matches these specifications, do not attempt to light candles in it. Instead, take a photo of the product and its hang tag (if available) and compare it to the description above or contact Target’s consumer relations team for confirmation. When in doubt, treat the item as recalled until you can verify otherwise. Your safety during the holiday season is the priority, and taking a few minutes to identify your menorah correctly is a simple step that prevents potential fire hazards.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Spritz™ Resin Hanukkah Dino Menorahs, your immediate priority is to ensure that no lit candles are ever placed in its holders again. The manufacturer and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have identified a serious fire hazard associated with these items. Specifically, the resin material can burn, scorch, or catch fire when holding lit candles. Therefore, the very first and most critical step is to stop using the product entirely. Do not attempt to repair it, modify it, or use it for decoration without candles, as the structural integrity of the resin under heat has been proven unsafe. Remove any recalled menorah from your home or display area right away.
Once you have safely set the item aside, your next step is to initiate a return process to receive your money back. You have two convenient options for getting a full refund: returning the item to a physical Target store or mailing it back using a prepaid label. If you prefer the in-person experience, simply bring the menorah, along with your receipt if you have it (though not strictly required for the refund), to any Target store location. You will receive a full refund in the form of a Target gift card or a refund to your original form of payment. This is often the quickest way to resolve the issue without waiting for shipping.
If you cannot visit a store, or if you purchased the item digitally and prefer not to travel, you can return the menorah by mail. To do this, you need to contact Target to request a prepaid return label. Depending on how you bought the item, you should use one of two specific toll-free numbers. For in-store purchases, call 800-440-0680 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT, Monday through Sunday. For digital purchases, call 800-591-3869 during the same hours. A customer service representative will guide you through the mailing process and provide the label so that you do not have to pay for shipping costs yourself.
Finally, once you have arranged for the return, keep the item secure and out of reach of children or pets until it is picked up or shipped. Do not leave it lying around where someone might accidentally try to light candles in it again. If you need further assistance or want to verify the status of your recall case, you can also visit Target’s dedicated recall page online at https://help.target.com/help/recalls or navigate to the "Recalls" section at the bottom of https://www.target.com/. Acting promptly ensures that you stay safe and get your money back without unnecessary hassle.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled Spritz™ Resin Hanukkah Dino Menorahs, the most important thing to know is that you do not need to keep a product that poses a fire risk. The remedy provided by Target is straightforward and designed to make things right for you without any hassle or cost. Specifically, Target has authorized a full refund for these items. This means you will get 100% of your money back. There are no partial refunds, no store credit penalties, and no requirements to purchase additional items to qualify. The goal here is simple: remove the hazard from your home and restore your financial position as if the purchase never happened.
You have two convenient ways to receive this refund, depending on how you prefer to handle returns. First, you can take the menorah directly to any Target store in the United States. When you go to the customer service desk, simply explain that you are returning a recalled item for a full refund. You will receive your money back either in the form of a Target gift card or in the original method you used to pay. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the refund should typically process back to that same card. If you prefer cash, you may opt for the gift card route, which can be useful if you plan to shop there again.
If you cannot visit a store in person, Target offers a mail-in option. You can contact their customer service teams to request a prepaid return label. This is a significant convenience because it means you do not have to pay for shipping or packaging materials yourself. Once you have the label, you can pack the menorah securely and drop it off at your nearest postal location. This ensures that even if you live far from a Target store, you are still fully covered by the recall remedy.
To initiate either of these processes, you will need to reach out to Target’s dedicated recall support lines. For items purchased in physical stores, call 800-440-0680 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT, Monday through Sunday. If your menorah was bought digitally or online, use the separate number at 800-591-3869 during the same hours. You can also visit https://help.target.com/help/recalls or go to Target’s website and click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page for detailed instructions and support. Remember, this remedy is available because the product failed safety standards by scorching and catching fire under normal use conditions.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a beautiful Hanukkah menorah that holds such sentimental value or fits perfectly into your holiday decor. You may be tempted to think that because the fire hazard hasn’t happened yet, or because the item looks sturdy, it is safe to keep using it for just one more night. However, ignoring this recall is not merely a matter of risking a ruined candle; it is accepting a known and active danger into your home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified that these specific Spritz™ Resin Hanukkah Dino Menorahs can burn or catch fire when holding lit candles. This is not a theoretical possibility but a documented physical reality of the product’s design.
The consequences of continuing to use the recalled menorah extend beyond the immediate damage to your holiday display. Polymer resin, while durable for everyday handling, has limitations when subjected to sustained direct heat from open flames. When you place lit candles in the metal cups on the dinosaur's back, the heat transfers into the surrounding resin material. If you ignore the recall, you are allowing this process to continue unchecked. The reported incidents confirm that these menorahs have already been scorching, charring, and melting. This means the structural integrity of the product is failing under normal use conditions. A charred or melted menorah is not just ugly; it becomes a source of toxic fumes and a potential ignition point for nearby curtains, tablecloths, or other combustible holiday decorations.
While Target has received 58 reports of scorching, charring, melting, or catching fire, the most alarming aspect of these incidents is that no injuries have been reported to date. Do not interpret this lack of injury as a sign of safety. In many cases, fires start small and are discovered quickly because they are in plain sight during Hanukkah celebrations. However, the risk of escalation is real. A melting resin menorah can drip burning material onto your table or floor, potentially starting a larger house fire. The heat generated can also cause the metal candle cups to become dangerously hot to touch, posing a burn risk to children or pets who might brush against the dinosaur figure.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall denies you the peace of mind that comes with proper safety measures. Hanukkah is about light and warmth, but it should never come at the cost of anxiety over whether your decorations are safe. By continuing to use a product known to fail under heat stress, you are gambling with your home’s safety for the sake of convenience or attachment to the item. The CPSC and Target have provided a clear remedy because they recognize that the risk is not worth keeping. Please do not wait for a spark to become a flame. The right thing to do is to return the item immediately and enjoy your holiday season without this hidden danger in your home.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in resin Hanukkah menorahs, the underlying principle applies to any holiday decoration that interacts with open flames or heat sources. The most immediate and effective way to prevent fire hazards is to create a clear "safety zone" around any lit candle or flameless light source. For traditional candles, ensure they are placed on stable, non-flammable surfaces like stone, metal, or ceramic, and keep them away from curtains, tablecloths, artificial greenery, or other combustible materials. A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least a one-foot radius of clearance around every flame. This prevents accidental knocks from spreading fire and reduces the risk of heat buildup in nearby fabrics that could smolder before igniting.
Another critical step often overlooked is the regular inspection of your decorative items, especially those made from polymers, resins, or plastics as mentioned in recent alerts. Over time, these materials can degrade, become brittle, or lose their flame-retardant properties due to exposure to heat cycles. Before lighting any new seasonal decor, check for signs of warping, discoloration, or softening. If a piece feels warm to the touch shortly after being lit, or if you notice scorch marks forming quickly, discontinue use immediately. For menorahs specifically, ensure that the candle holders are securely attached and designed to catch wax drippings rather than allowing them to run onto the base, which can fuel a fire.
Consider upgrading to UL-listed flameless LED alternatives for high-risk areas or items with known heat sensitivity. Modern LED candles offer realistic flickering effects without generating significant heat, eliminating the risk of melting or igniting surrounding materials. If you do use real candles, never leave them unattended while lit. Establish a household rule that all flames must be extinguished before anyone leaves the room or goes to sleep. Installing working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home provides an essential layer of defense, offering early warning if a small incident escalates.
Finally, stay informed about product safety through official channels. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and individual retailers regularly issue recalls for items that may pose unexpected risks. Subscribe to recall alerts from your favorite stores or check their websites periodically during holiday seasons. Being proactive about verifying the safety status of your decorations ensures that you can enjoy the warmth and tradition of the season without compromising your home’s safety.