HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania regulators approved 1,052 stuffed toy samples for sale in 2026 following safety inspections, including 100 made with recycled materials newly permitted under state law, the departments of Labor & Industry and Human Services reported Monday, Nov. 9.
The approvals reflect Pennsylvania’s updated manufacturing requirements, which allow recycled materials in stuffed toys while retaining mandatory inspections for flammability, materials and potential design hazards.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry donated the approved samples to the Department of Human Services’ Holiday Wish program, which will distribute them to families and individuals receiving assistance during the holiday season.
This year’s donation is slightly below the record 1,085 toys donated in 2025. The number of approved toys containing recycled materials increased from more than 50 last year to 100 this year.
The change follows the enactment of Act 30 of 2024, signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro, which amended Pennsylvania’s Stuffed Toy Manufacturing Act to remove a longstanding prohibition on recycled materials.
Manufacturers can now use new materials, recycled materials or a combination of both, provided their products satisfy the state’s safety and labeling requirements.
The revised law requires stuffed toys to carry labels identifying the materials used and the Pennsylvania registration number of the manufacturer or importer.
Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety oversees the inspection process, examining samples submitted by manufacturers before the products can be sold or distributed in the commonwealth.
Manufacturers must register with the Department of Labor & Industry and submit toys for evaluation of their contents, flammability and construction.
According to the bureau, approximately 10 to 15 stuffed toy samples fail inspection annually. Manufacturers are notified of deficiencies and must correct them before receiving approval to sell the products.
“Our team works year-round to make sure the toys children play with meet Pennsylvania’s safety standards,” Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker stated.
Walker also noted the increase in approved toys containing recycled materials, reflecting the effect of the 2024 legislative change on products entering the Pennsylvania market.
The annual donation program allows the state to distribute inspected samples to families rather than retain them after the regulatory review process.
Since 2016, more than 7,000 stuffed toys have been distributed through the partnership between Labor & Industry and Human Services, including this year’s contribution.
The Holiday Wish program, established by Department of Human Services employees in 1989, coordinates gifts for Pennsylvania residents experiencing financial hardship.
Caseworkers identify potential recipients through county assistance offices, where residents seek services including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medical Assistance.
Participating families and older adults select gifts they need or would like to receive, while state employees sponsor recipients and help fulfill their requests.
Commonwealth agencies and the Pennsylvania National Guard coordinate the distribution of gifts in December.
“Throughout the year, PA DHS caseworkers see thousands of people who just need some extra help to put food on their tables, fill their prescriptions, or heat their homes,” Human Services Executive Deputy Secretary Andrew Barnes stated.
The program draws participation from hundreds of employees across state agencies and provides holiday assistance to families throughout Pennsylvania.
Residents seeking public assistance can apply through Pennsylvania’s COMPASS online system or visit a county assistance office.
For application assistance, residents outside Philadelphia can call 1-877-395-8930. Philadelphia residents can call 215-560-7226.
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