DENVER (CBS4) – Consumer watchdogs say toys are safer than ever before, but parents still need to do their homework.

There are still some dangerous toys on store shelves as a lot of parents are getting ready to shop for Christmas if they haven’t already. The Colorado Public Interest Research Group (CoPIRG) wants parents to know before they go, so they’ve just released their annual “Trouble in Toyland” report.

The report reveals testing for lead and other dangerous materials in toys — to toys that pose a choking hazard for children, specifically, small balls and small parts that should be the biggest concern to parents.

“The Consumer Product Safety Commission has banned the sale of any toys that fit into (a) choke test tube cylinder to any children under the age of three,” Danny Katz with CoPIRG said. “So if any toy, or part of toy, completely fits in here, it should not be sold, not be given to any child under the age of three.”

Unfortunately, toys which do fit into the cylinder and do not have the proper labeling are still on store shelves. Katz says it’s also important for there to be an appropriate warning label on any such toy.

Magnets should also be a concern for parents after 1,700 people have ingested magnets over the last two years and 70 percent were children. Surgery is required in order to remove them.

In the last 27 years, CoPIRG’s report has led to the recall of 150 toys and children’s products. Fore more information on dangerous toys this holiday season, visit toysafety.mobi.