A majority of Canadians say they will avoid buying toys made in China this holiday season because of recent recalls and concerns about product safety, according to a new poll.

The Harris-Decima poll for The Canadian Press finds 55 per cent of shoppers will steer clear of products assembled in China.

Almost three-quarters of respondents said they will make sure the toys they are purchasing have not been subject to recalls or warnings.

The survey also found 94 per cent of those polled would buy another present if the gift their child wanted had been the subject of a recall.

But shoppers might have difficulties avoiding Chinese-made toys because 85 per cent of toys made there now come into North America, according to the Canadian Toy Testing Council.

Millions of toy products have been recalled in recent months due to potential health hazards, such as high levels of lead paint or tiny magnets that can be harmful if swallowed.

Shoppers at a Toronto mall on Wednesday said they were concerned about the recent recalls, but were mixed on whether they were going to change their spending habits.

"(I'm) probably not (going to buy) toys," said the father of a four-year-old girl who wants a princess doll for Christmas. "We may get her a dress or something."

One grandmother said she was cautious while shopping for her five-year-old grandson

"I'm not really sure what I'm looking for right now, but I have to be careful," she said.

One father said he would "definitely" be buying toys for his children.

"I have three kids -- they want toys, that's what it's all about," he said.

For a list of recent recalls, visit this government website.

Here are tips for buying children's toys, as suggested by the Canadian Toy Testing Council:

  • Buy age-appropriate toys, especially for children aged three and under
  • Test products by using the "try me" feature on the package, if they have them.
  • Always look for volume control and an automatic shut-off if a toy has sound or voice
  • Ensure any battery compartments are properly secured
  • Toys should be well rounded with no sharp edges or protruding items, especially if there is an inner mechanism
  • No wires should be exposed

After purchase:

  • Keep the packaging for up to three months so you have the product information and toll-free numbers handy
  • Keep the receipt so you can return the toy or speak to the retail outlet where you purchased it
  • If the item has excessive paint peeling, contact the manufacturer and store where the item was bought

The poll surveyed more than 1,000 Canadians and carries a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

With a report from CTV's Matet Nebres and files from The Canadian Press