What was recalled
In the bustling holiday season of December 2016, Figi's Companies issued a critical recall affecting a specific line of decorative holiday merchandise known as the "Christmas Wishes" tins. This alert, published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 15, 2016, was not about the treats inside the container, but rather the mechanical components built into the lid itself. The product in question is a metal storage tin designed to evoke nostalgia and winter warmth, featuring a distinct aesthetic that made it popular for gift-giving and home decoration during the holidays.
To help you identify whether your holiday decor falls under this specific alert, it is important to look at the precise physical characteristics of the item. The recalled tins are circular in shape with a diameter of exactly 9 inches. Visually, they are divided into two primary color zones: the lid is painted a vibrant red, while the base of the tin is white. Both the lid and the base are decorated with a printed Christmas tree and winter snow scene, creating a cohesive holiday image when viewed from above or below. The tins were sold with Figi's labels affixed to the products contained within them, though the exterior metal casing itself bears the "Christmas Wishes" branding.
The critical detail for identification lies in the underside of the red lid. These tins are not merely decorative boxes; they are designed to play music. Mounted on the bottom interior surface of the lid is a music sound chip mechanism. This electronic component is housed within a small envelope attached to the metal. Inside this envelope, you will find three button batteries that power the musical function. It is this specific configuration—the integration of accessible battery compartments within the decorative lid—that triggered the recall. The company advised consumers to check for these physical markers: the 9-inch diameter, the red-and-white color scheme with snow scenes, and most importantly, the presence of the music chip and envelope on the underside of the lid.
While the provided record does not specify the exact retail locations or the total number of units sold nationwide, it is worth noting that Figi's Companies distributes its products through various channels, including their own online platforms. At the time of this recall, consumers were directed to look for the product on websites such as www.figis.com and www.birchlandmarket.com. If you purchased a holiday tin with these exact specifications between the general availability period leading up to December 15, 2016, and the date of the announcement, it is essential to verify its identity immediately. The recall was issued due to the potential for the sound chip mechanism to separate from the lid, which could expose the batteries inside. If your tin matches this description, it is part of the affected batch.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, the Figi's "Christmas Wishes" tin is designed to delight, not to endanger. It is a decorative metal container featuring a red lid and a white base adorned with a festive Christmas tree and winter snow scene. The charm of this product lies in its interactive element: a music sound chip located in an envelope on the underside of the lid. This mechanism allows the tin to play holiday tunes, adding a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your seasonal decor. However, it is precisely this mechanical feature that creates a serious safety risk when the structural integrity of the unit fails.
The core issue is that the sound chip mechanism can separate from its housing. When this separation occurs, the protective casing that normally contains the power source is compromised. Inside this envelope are three button batteries. These small, disc-shaped cells provide the energy needed to play music, but they are not merely inert objects. If they become exposed due to the failure of the tin’s construction, they pose a dual threat: choking and ingestion.
The danger of button battery ingestion is particularly acute for young children. Unlike other small objects that might pass through the digestive system harmlessly, button batteries can cause severe internal injury very quickly. If a child swallows or places one in their nose or ear, the battery can come into contact with bodily fluids. This triggers a chemical reaction that generates an electrical current, leading to rapid tissue damage and burns within just two hours. The resulting injuries can be life-threatening and often require emergency surgical intervention.
Additionally, because these batteries are small enough to fit entirely into a young child’s mouth, they present an immediate choking hazard. Even if the battery is not swallowed, it could block the airway, leading to suffocation. The combination of these risks means that a seemingly harmless decorative item can become a dangerous trap for toddlers and infants who explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths.
While there have been no reported incidents at the time of this recall, the potential for harm is significant. The separation of the sound chip is not always obvious to the naked eye. A tin might appear intact on the outside while the internal mechanism has loosened or detached. This makes it difficult for consumers to identify the hazard without inspecting the underside of the lid closely. Understanding this hidden risk is crucial because it underscores why immediate removal from areas with children is necessary, rather than waiting for a visible sign of failure.
It is also important to note that the risk is not limited to the battery itself. The physical act of the mechanism separating may involve small metal or plastic components breaking off. These fragments could also pose choking hazards if they become loose within the tin. Therefore, the entire unit must be considered unsafe once the potential for mechanical separation exists.
In summary, the hazard is not about the decoration or the music, but about the failure of a critical safety component. The design allows for accessible power sources that are dangerous when exposed. By understanding how the mechanism works and where it can fail, you can appreciate the seriousness of this recall and take appropriate action to protect your family.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about the risks associated with the Figi’s Companies “Christmas Wishes” tin recall, it is important to be specific about who is most vulnerable. While any household member could potentially interact with this item, the primary group at significant risk consists of young children, particularly those under the age of three. This demographic is uniquely susceptible to the specific hazards posed by this product due to their natural developmental curiosity and lack of awareness regarding danger. During the holiday season, these decorative tins are often placed in high-traffic areas such as entryways, living rooms, or even on the floor near Christmas trees where children play. The bright red lid and festive winter scene are visually appealing to toddlers, who may view the tin not as a piece of decor, but as an interesting object to explore.
The danger here is twofold, and both components are particularly lethal to young children. First, there is the risk of choking. Small parts that detach from the music sound chip mechanism can become loose within the tin or around its base. For a child who still puts objects in their mouth as a way of learning about the world, even a small screw or plastic fragment can block an airway. Second, and perhaps more critically, is the hazard of button battery ingestion. The recall notice specifies that the sound chip contains three button batteries. If the mechanism separating from the tin exposes these batteries, they become accessible. A child who swallows a button battery faces a severe medical emergency. Unlike other swallowed objects, which may pass through the digestive system harmlessly, button batteries can cause rapid and severe internal burns to the esophagus and surrounding tissues within just two hours of ingestion. This is because the battery creates an electrical current that generates hydroxide, a caustic substance, leading to tissue damage.
While children are the most immediate concern, it is also worth noting that households with infants who are beginning to crawl or pull themselves up should be extra cautious. At this stage, mobility increases dramatically, but judgment does not. An infant may reach into the tin while playing, potentially pulling out the sound chip envelope or disturbing the batteries inside. Furthermore, any child with cognitive delays or developmental conditions that might impair their ability to understand warnings or recognize dangerous objects is at heightened risk. They may not comprehend that the battery is hot or harmful if they touch it, increasing the likelihood of prolonged contact and injury. Therefore, the combination of accessibility, curiosity, and physical vulnerability makes young children the primary demographic for whom this recall is critical.
In summary, the risk is not just about who owns the tin, but who has access to it. If your home includes any child under the age of five, especially those who still mouth objects or are mobile, this item poses a serious threat. The festive appearance should never distract from the potential for catastrophic injury if the internal components are exposed. Immediate removal from these environments is not just a recommendation; it is a necessary step to protect the most vulnerable members of your household.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether a decorative tin in your home belongs to this specific recall requires careful attention to physical details rather than just the brand name. Because Figi's Companies produces a wide variety of holiday gift tins, simply seeing the "Figi's" label on the contents is not enough to confirm the hazard. You must inspect the container itself against the precise specifications outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The primary object to look for is a metal tin designed for the "Christmas Wishes" product line. The visual design of the tin is quite distinct and serves as your first clue. The lid should be a solid red color, while the base of the tin is white. This white base is not plain; it is painted with a festive scene featuring a Christmas tree and winter snow. If your tin has a different color scheme, such as green and gold or blue and silver, it likely does not match this specific recall lot.
Size is another critical factor in confirming the product's identity. The recalled tins measure exactly 9 inches in diameter. This is a relatively large size for a decorative tin, so if your item appears significantly smaller or larger than a standard dinner plate, it is probably not part of this recall. However, do not rely on size alone, as visual estimation can be tricky. You should also check the underside of the lid, which is where the internal mechanism resides. The recalled tins contain a music sound chip located in an envelope attached to the bottom of the lid. This envelope holds three button batteries. If you are able to safely view the underside without damaging the tin, look for this specific component arrangement. It is important to note that while the hazard involves these batteries, you should not attempt to open or remove them yourself at home.
If your tin matches the description of a red-lidded, white-based 9-inch metal tin with a Christmas tree and snow scene, and it contains Figi's branded products inside, you should treat it as recalled. Since there have been no reported incidents involving injuries to date, do not panic, but do act promptly. To be absolutely certain, you can contact Figi's Companies directly at 800-437-3817 between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Saturday. Alternatively, visit www.figis.com or www.birchlandmarket.com and look for the recall banner in the middle of the homepage. These resources can provide you with lot numbers or additional verification steps if the physical description is ambiguous. Remember, when dealing with button batteries, it is always safer to assume uncertainty and seek official confirmation before proceeding.
What to do — step by step
If you have a Figi’s "Christmas Wishes" tin in your home, please take action immediately. This is not a situation where you can wait until the holidays are over or put it on a shelf for later. The hazard involves exposed button batteries that can be easily accessed by curious children, and time is of the essence when it comes to preventing serious injury. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your family’s safety and to process your remedy correctly. First, stop using the product right away. Do not let anyone open the tin or listen to the music feature, as doing so risks triggering the mechanism that allows the sound chip—and the batteries inside—to separate from the lid. Instead of playing with the item, gently remove the tin from any area where children, infants, or pets might have access. Ideally, place it in a secure location that is out of sight and reach, such as a locked closet or a high shelf that only adults can access. The goal here is to physically eliminate the hazard from your daily environment so that no one can accidentally come into contact with the loose batteries while you arrange for the next steps. Second, do not attempt to fix the tin yourself. The recall notice does not offer a repair option or a replacement part kit because the structural integrity of the sound chip housing is compromised. Attempting to open the lid to remove the batteries yourself could cause further damage or leave small components behind that are still dangerous. Leave the product exactly as it is, with the lid closed, until you have completed the refund process. Third, contact Figi’s Companies to initiate your full refund. You have three convenient ways to reach them. You can call their dedicated recall hotline at 800-437-3817. The customer service team is available from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Saturday. If you prefer to handle this online, visit either www.figis.com or www.birchlandmarket.com. On these websites, look for the recall banner located in the middle of the homepage. Clicking this banner will guide you through the specific instructions for returning the item and receiving your money back. Finally, keep the product until you have confirmed your refund details with the company. Do not throw it in the regular trash or recycle bin yet, as the company may need to verify the item or provide specific disposal instructions due to the battery hazard. Once you have spoken with a representative and received confirmation that your refund is being processed, follow their guidance on how to safely dispose of the tin. If they require you to return it, use the provided shipping label if one is offered. By following these steps, you are not only protecting your family but also helping the company track the scope of this safety issue.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled Figi's Companies "Christmas Wishes" tins in your home, the good news is that the company has established a straightforward and consumer-friendly remedy to resolve the issue. Because the defect involves internal components—specifically the music sound chip mechanism—that are not user-serviceable without risking further exposure to hazardous materials, repair is not an option offered by the manufacturer. Instead, Figi's Companies has opted for a full refund as the sole resolution method. This approach prioritizes your immediate safety and convenience, ensuring that you do not have to spend time or effort attempting to fix a product that poses a serious choking and ingestion hazard. The decision to provide a full refund rather than a partial credit or store credit is significant; it means you are being made whole financially for the item you purchased, regardless of when or where you acquired it.
To initiate this process, you will need to contact Figi's Companies directly. They have set up specific channels to handle these inquiries efficiently. You can reach their customer support team by calling 800-437-3817. It is helpful to know their hours of operation so you can plan accordingly: they are available from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Saturday. If you prefer to handle this via the internet, which may be more convenient for many people, you can visit either www.figis.com or www.birchlandmarket.com. On these websites, look specifically for a recall banner located in the middle of the homepage. Clicking this banner will guide you through the necessary steps to claim your refund.
While the recall notice does not explicitly list what documentation you must provide (such as a receipt or proof of purchase), it is generally wise to have your original payment information ready when you contact them. However, given that this is an official CPSC recall for a safety hazard, companies often waive strict receipt requirements to ensure all affected consumers are covered. The primary goal here is to remove the dangerous item from your home and restore your funds. Once you have contacted Figi's through one of the methods described above, follow their instructions carefully. They will likely provide details on how the refund will be issued—typically back to the original payment method if purchased online, or via check or store credit if purchased in a physical location, though the specific mechanics are determined by their customer service team at the time of your call.
It is important to act promptly. While there is no strict deadline mentioned in the recall alert for claiming the refund, the urgency lies in the safety aspect. The longer the tin remains in your home, the greater the potential risk to children who might access the exposed button batteries. Do not wait for a letter or additional notification; if you have the product described, reach out to Figi's Companies today. Their customer service representatives are there to help you navigate this process smoothly, ensuring that you can put your mind at ease knowing the hazardous item is being removed and your money is being returned.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to part with a decorative item, especially during the holidays. Figi’s Christmas Wishes tins are visually appealing, featuring a festive red lid and a white base painted with a winter snow scene. They serve as beautiful storage containers for treats or small gifts, and they have been a staple in many homes for years. However, ignoring this recall is not merely about keeping a nice decoration; it is about leaving a significant safety risk unaddressed in your home. The core issue lies within the tin’s mechanism: a music sound chip located in an envelope on the underside of the lid contains three button batteries. Over time, or due to the natural wear and tear of opening and closing the tin, this mechanism can separate from its housing. When it separates, the protective cover is lost, and the batteries become exposed. The consequences of continuing to use a tin with exposed button batteries are severe and immediate for any household with young children. Button batteries are not like standard alkaline batteries found in remotes or flashlights. They are small, shiny, and often look like candy or coins to a curious toddler. If a child manages to access these exposed batteries, the primary danger is ingestion. When a button battery enters the esophagus, it can cause life-threatening internal burns in as little as two hours. The electrical current generated by the battery reacts with bodily fluids to create a chemical reaction that produces hydroxide ions, which effectively liquefy tissue. This is not a slow process; it is a rapid medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent damage or death. Beyond ingestion, there is a serious choking hazard. Even if the child does not swallow the battery, the small size of these components makes them easy to inhale into the airway. A choking incident can lead to oxygen deprivation and brain damage within minutes. While the CPSC has reported no incidents for this specific recall as of December 15, 2016, the absence of reported cases does not mean the risk is low. It simply means that, so far, no one has been harmed. However, relying on luck is never a safe strategy when dealing with power sources accessible to children. The potential outcome of ignoring this recall ranges from a frightening medical emergency requiring hospitalization to the worst-case scenario of fatal injury. There is no benefit to keeping the tin, as the manufacturer offers a full refund, making it easy and financially neutral to remove the hazard entirely.Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a unique design flaw in holiday-themed music tins, the underlying safety principle applies to thousands of consumer products sold every year. The most effective way to protect your family is to shift from reactive measures to proactive prevention. One of the simplest yet most powerful habits you can adopt is subscribing to official government alerts. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) send out regular updates, but waiting for them to find your inbox is not enough. You should actively sign up for email notifications on their respective websites. This ensures that when a new hazard emerges—whether it involves cribs, electronics, or toys—you are among the first to know, allowing you to act before an incident occurs.
Beyond staying informed, regular home safety audits are essential. Many hazards, like exposed button batteries in small decorative items, are often overlooked because they are hidden inside mechanisms or packaging. Make it a routine to inspect any electronic gift, toy, or decorative item the moment you bring it into your home. Check for screw holes that might be loose, battery compartments that do not click shut securely, and parts that can be pulled off with significant force. If a product feels flimsy or if small components detach easily, treat it as unsafe immediately. Do not assume that because an item is new or comes from a reputable brand that it meets all current safety standards. Physical inspection is your first line of defense.
When it comes to products containing button batteries, which are found in everything from remote controls and key fobs to greeting cards and musical toys, extra caution is warranted. Button batteries can cause severe internal burns in a matter of hours if ingested. Always ensure that battery compartments on any device are secured with screws that require a tool to open, rather than simple slide-latches that children can manipulate. If you are purchasing gifts for homes with young children, consider choosing items that do not use replaceable button batteries at all, or opt for models where the battery compartment is permanently sealed and inaccessible without specialized tools.
Finally, never underestimate the power of environmental controls. For items that cannot be easily inspected or replaced, such as certain wall decorations or stationary displays, placing them out of reach or in rooms that are not accessible to children is a critical step. Regularly check that these areas remain secure and that no new pathways have been created for curious hands. By combining vigilance with smart purchasing habits and reliable information sources, you create a safer home environment that protects your family from both known recalls and unexpected hazards.