⚠️ GiftTree Product Recall – Magnetic Chess Game Safety Alert

GiftTree is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and trust for all customers in New Zealand. To uphold that commitment, GiftTree is conducting a product recall of the Magnetic Chess Game supplied by us. This precautionary action follows safety concerns about the presence of small, high-powered magnets that can pose serious health risks if swallowed.

This recall applies to all Magnetic Chess Games purchased through GiftTree’s official website or authorised marketplace listings. As part of our product-safety responsibilities under the Fair Trading Act, GiftTree is acting promptly to protect consumers, especially children, from potential harm. If you purchased this product, please stop using it immediately and keep all pieces out of reach of children. The details below explain how to identify, return, and safely dispose of the affected item.

Why This Recall Is Happening

The Magnetic Chess Game contains small magnetic components that allow pieces to attach to the board. While this enhances gameplay, the magnets can cause severe injuries if swallowed or inhaled. Once inside the body, they can attract each other through the intestines, leading to blockages, perforations, and internal damage that may require emergency surgery.

GiftTree has been made aware that similar products overseas have caused serious injuries when magnets were swallowed by children. Although there have been no injury reports related to this specific product, GiftTree is taking precautionary action to eliminate any risk to our customers.

How to Identify the Recalled Product

Please check your product packaging and details carefully. The recalled item is sold as “Magnetic Chess Game” and may include the following identifiers:

Label: “MAGNETIC CHESS GAME” printed on the front of the box
Item number: 8888 (Made in China)
Warning label: “CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.”
Contents: Chessboard, magnetic pieces, and sponge insert
Symbols: CE and recycling logos on the packaging

If your product matches these features, it is included in this recall.

What You Need To Do

If you purchased the Magnetic Chess Game from GiftTree, please take the following steps immediately:

Stop using the product and ensure that all pieces are kept away from children.
Do not attempt to repair or modify the game.
Contact GiftTree by email at sales@gifttree.co.nz, including your order number and purchase date.
We will provide you with a prepaid return label for easy product return.
You may choose either a full refund or store credit once the item has been received.
GiftTree will safely dispose of the returned item at no cost to you.
If you believe a magnet has been swallowed, seek urgent medical attention or call 111 immediately.

If you purchased this item from a different retailer, please contact that seller directly for their recall procedure. This notice applies only to products purchased from GiftTree.

Health and Safety Warning

The magnets in this chess set are small but extremely strong. If more than one is swallowed, they can attract each other through body tissue, causing life-threatening injuries. Symptoms of magnet ingestion can include:

Stomach or abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Swelling or bloating
Fever or general illness

If you suspect a magnet has been swallowed, do not wait for symptoms to worsen — call 111 or go directly to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Our Commitment to Product Safety

GiftTree takes consumer safety seriously. Every item we supply is reviewed for quality, tested for compliance, and sourced only from approved manufacturers. Despite our rigorous processes, unforeseen risks can occasionally arise. When they do, our response is immediate and transparent.

This recall demonstrates GiftTree’s commitment to protecting customers and maintaining full compliance with New Zealand product-safety laws. We continue to work closely with safety authorities and our logistics partners to remove all affected stock from circulation.

GiftTree’s Product Compliance Measures

To maintain our standards, GiftTree implements the following safety practices:

Supplier verification: Partnering exclusively with manufacturers that meet international ISO certifications.
Quality testing: Conducting random safety and performance tests on products before sale.
Regulatory compliance: Ensuring all packaging carries correct age warnings, safety labels, and certification marks.
Post-sale monitoring: Reviewing consumer feedback and recall alerts to identify any issues early.

When potential hazards are identified, GiftTree acts swiftly to issue recalls and notify all customers affected.

Fair Trading Act and Legal Compliance

Under New Zealand’s Fair Trading Act (FTA), all suppliers must ensure that products are safe and comply with relevant standards before being sold. GiftTree’s recall aligns fully with these legal requirements and demonstrates our proactive approach to protecting public safety.

Customers can learn more about product-safety laws and consumer rights by visiting the Commerce Commission New Zealand website, which offers detailed information about recalls and reporting unsafe products.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is this item being recalled?
The Magnetic Chess Game contains small, high-powered magnets that can cause serious injuries if swallowed.

2. Have there been any injuries linked to this item?
No. GiftTree is recalling it as a precautionary measure to prevent possible harm.

3. Can I still use it if the pieces look fine?
No. Please stop using it immediately and return it as instructed.

4. Will I receive a refund?
Yes. You can choose between a full refund or store credit.

5. What if I bought it from a different shop?
If your chess set was purchased elsewhere, contact that retailer for their recall procedure.

6. How do I start the return process?
Email sales@gifttree.co.nz with your order information to receive a prepaid return label.

Protecting Children from Magnet Hazards

GiftTree encourages all parents and caregivers to remain alert when it comes to toys or household items that contain magnets. You can help prevent injuries by:

Regularly checking for loose or damaged magnetic parts.
Avoiding magnetic toys for children under 14 years old unless clearly certified safe.
Educating children about the dangers of swallowing non-food objects.
Ensuring all magnetic items are stored in a secure place.

These simple steps can make a significant difference in preventing injuries and raising awareness about toy safety.

Environmentally Responsible Disposal

GiftTree ensures that all returned products are disposed of safely and responsibly. Our recycling partners handle all recalled Magnetic Chess Games in compliance with environmental standards, ensuring no magnets or components enter landfill or general waste.

Please do not discard the product in household rubbish bins. Use the provided return process so GiftTree can dispose of it correctly at no cost to you.

Continuous Improvement in Product Safety

GiftTree is continuously improving our supplier monitoring, testing, and approval systems to ensure every item we offer is compliant and safe. We are also developing a dedicated Product Safety Information Hub on our website, where customers can access recall notices, safety tips, and information about responsible product use.

Our goal is to enhance transparency and maintain consumer confidence in every stage of our business.

Contact Information

For any inquiries or to arrange a product return, please contact:

GiftTree Customer Support
📧 Email: sales@gifttree.co.nz
🌐 Website: www.gifttree.co.nz
📌 Subject line: “Magnetic Chess Game Recall”

Please include your order number, purchase date, and contact details for quick processing.

Conclusion

GiftTree’s recall of the Magnetic Chess Game reflects our strong dedication to customer well-being, safety, and transparency. While we regret any inconvenience caused, we believe this recall is a necessary step to ensure the health and safety of families throughout New Zealand.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in returning affected products. Together, we can help prevent injuries, raise awareness about magnetic toy safety, and continue to build a culture of trust and responsibility.