Keepsake Kritters

CPSC Recall #96-145 — June 10, 1996

Recall Summary

Recall Number96-145
Recall DateJune 10, 1996
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 69,700

Where It Was Sold

The toys were sold nationwide at a price of approximately $15 each in grocery stores
card shops
and specialty retailers from March 15
1996 to April 22
1996.

Product

Keepsake Kritters

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Gibson Greetings Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 69,700 "Keepsake Kritters" stuffed bears and cats. The stuffed animals' eyes may separate from the toy, presenting a choking hazard to young children.Gibson Greetings and CPSC are not aware of any injuries involving this toy. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.The stuffed animals measure about eight inches high. The brown "Orson" bear, item 1599QR925-0010, with brown eyes and brown trim, wears a sweater patterned like an American flag. The white "Abby" cat, item 1599QR927-0010, with blue eyes and pink trim, wears a multi-colored, flecked sweater. Beige hang tags attached to the toys' ears read in part, "Gibson Keepsake Kritters ... 1996 Gibson Greetings Inc. ... Made in China."​The toys were sold nationwide at a price of approximately $15 each in grocery stores, card shops, and specialty retailers from March 15, 1996 to April 22, 1996.Consumers should take the bears and cats away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers can also mail thetoy to Gibson Greetings Inc., P.O. Box 371804, Cincinnati, OH 45222-1804, Attn: Jo Poppe/Recall. Gibson will send consumers a refund plus mailing expenses. For more information consumers may call Gibson Greetings toll free at (800) 345-6521.No other "Keepsake Kritters" are involved in this recall. Gibson Greetings brought the hazard to CPSC's attention after it was discovered by a Gibson sales associate.​The toys were sold nationwide at a price of approximately $15 each in grocery stores, card shops, and specialty retailers from March 15, 1996 to April 22, 1996.Consumers should take the bears and cats away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers can also mail thetoy to Gibson Greetings Inc., P.O. Box 371804, Cincinnati, OH 45222-1804, Attn: Jo Poppe/Recall. Gibson will send consumers a refund plus mailing expenses. For more information consumers may call Gibson Greetings toll free at (800) 345-6521.No other "Keepsake Kritters" are involved in this recall. Gibson Greetings brought the hazard to CPSC's attention after it was discovered by a Gibson sales associate.

Hazard

The stuffed animals' eyes may separate from the toy, presenting a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents & Injuries

Gibson Greetings and CPSC are not aware of any injuries involving this toy. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should take the bears and cats away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a full refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund) at no cost to you.

Federal law prohibits the sale of toys with small parts for children under age 3. CPSC uses a standardized small parts cylinder to test whether pieces from a toy can fit entirely inside — if they can, they are considered a choking hazard. Products marketed for children under 3 must not contain any small parts. Beyond the legal requirements, the CPSC and pediatricians recommend keeping all small objects away from children under 4, as the risk of choking extends beyond the formal legal age threshold.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.