Don't leave bottles of toiletries or perfumes where young children can reach them. Never give children alcohol. Recent design trends feature bowls filled with lamp oil. When swallowed, coughing causes the oil to be aspirated into the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia and in some cases cause death. Even lamp oil that is spilled can be aspirated.
Lamp oils come in a variety of soft-drink colors and look tasty to children.
Holly, mistletoe, balsam, juniper, cedar, pines and fir may be harmful if swallowed. Mistletoe and holly are especially toxic, and the berries can look very appetizing. With young children in the home, parents may want to avoid using greens and berries, or at least place them out of children's reach. Poinsettias have an undeserved reputation for being poisonous. Artificial snow, evergreen scent sprays, shellacked ornaments, glitter, angel hair and an array of manufactured decorations can be dangerous if ingested.