If you own magnetic building blocks, particularly Crayola-branded PIP cubes, you need to act right away. A serious magnetic blocks recall has been issued because high-powered internal magnets can break loose and create life-threatening risks if swallowed. These tiny but powerful magnets attract each other through intestinal walls, potentially causing perforations, blockages, sepsis, or death, especially in young children. No injuries have been reported yet, but the danger is severe enough to demand immediate attention from any household with these toys.
This recall covers Crayola PIP Building Cubes imported by CreateOn, plus a separate batch of generic magnetic construction toys sold online. Both products fail critical safety standards due to excessive magnetic strength and the risk of small parts detaching during play. Below you’ll find the exact model numbers, retail details, return instructions, and medical warnings you need to respond quickly and keep your family safe.
Crayola PIP Cube Recall Details
Model 111609: 24-Piece Sets at Michaels
Two versions of the 24-piece Crayola PIP Building Cubes fall under the magnetic blocks recall. The “Bold Colors” set contains red, green, blue, and yellow cubes, while the “Glitter” set features purple, pink, blue, and green cubes with a shimmer finish. Each cube displays the “Crayola” brand name on its left side, and the model number 111609 along with the UPC appears on the bottom of the packaging. These sets sold exclusively at Michaels stores and Michaels.com from October 2023 through June 2024, priced around $20. If you bought one during this window, stop using it immediately and confirm the model number.
Model 111610: 27-Piece Sets on Amazon
The larger 27-piece set carries model number 111610 and comes in the same “Bold Colors” and “Glitter” variations. This version sold only on Amazon.com during the same October 2023 to June 2024 timeframe at roughly $35 per set. Like the smaller set, each cube shows the “Crayola” imprint, and the model number sits on the bottom of the box. Despite age recommendations of 3 and up, these toys create a serious ingestion hazard if magnets break free during play.
No Injuries Reported, But Risk Remains High
As of the recall announcement, no injuries have been linked to the Crayola PIP cubes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and CreateOn issued this recall as a precautionary measure after testing showed the magnets could detach under normal use. Given the documented dangers of ingesting high-powered magnets, even a single incident could prove fatal. Removing these toys from any home with children is essential.
Generic Magnetic Blocks Also Recalled
50-Piece and 100-Piece Sets Sold on eBay
A second magnetic blocks recall targets unbranded magnetic construction toys sold through eBay in 50-piece and 100-piece configurations. These colorful sets violated UK safety regulations under PSD case 2108-0414 and failed to comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. The barcode 363184751133 identifies the recalled units. While specific injury reports aren’t documented for this product, the magnetic force level presents a clear and present danger.
Excessive Magnetic Flux Measurements
Testing revealed the magnets in these generic blocks produce a magnetic flux index of 139.67 kG²mm², which far exceeds the legal limit of 50 kG²mm². This means the magnets run nearly 180% stronger than regulations allow, making them extremely hazardous if swallowed. When multiple magnets or a magnet paired with a metal piece get ingested, they can clamp together across intestinal walls, causing tissue death, perforation, and life-threatening complications.
Listings Removed, But Products Still in Homes
eBay has pulled all listings for this product, yet many units likely remain in circulation. If you purchased magnetic building blocks from a third-party eBay seller, especially without a recognizable brand name, check your inventory now. Even if no recall notice reached you directly, these toys should come out of play areas immediately and get disposed of safely.
Why the Hazard Is Life-Threatening
How Ingested Magnets Cause Internal Damage
When a child swallows one magnet, it may pass through the digestive system naturally. The real danger starts if two or more magnets, or a magnet and a metal object, get ingested. The powerful magnetic attraction pulls them together through different loops of the intestine, pinching tissue between them. This cuts off blood flow and can lead to:
- Intestinal perforation (holes in the bowel)
- Twisting of the intestines (volvulus)
- Dangerous blockages
- Infection and sepsis
- Emergency surgery or death
Unlike ordinary small parts, magnets can trigger internal damage within hours, often before any symptoms appear.
High-Powered Magnets Amplify the Risk
The CPSC classifies the magnets in Crayola PIP cubes as high-powered, meaning they generate enough force to cause internal injuries even at small sizes. Though exact flux data wasn’t released for the Crayola sets, their design and failure mode match the dangerous profile of the generic blocks. Any magnetic toy with loose or poorly sealed magnets presents an unacceptable risk for young children.
How to Check Your Magnetic Blocks
Verify Branding and Model Numbers
To determine if your set falls under the magnetic blocks recall, follow these steps:
1. Look at each cube and check for the “Crayola” imprint on the side
2. Check the bottom of the box for model number 111609 (24-piece) or 111610 (27-piece)
3. Confirm your color variant matches “Bold Colors” or “Glitter”
If all three checks match, stop using the toy immediately. Even if the cubes appear intact now, seams can fail over time with regular play.
Inspect for Cracks or Loose Magnets
Run a quick visual and physical inspection on your set:
– Run your fingers along the edges to feel for separated seams
– Shake each cube gently and listen for a rattle that signals a loose magnet
– Look for discoloration or warping, which indicates stress or prior damage
Any of these warning signs mean the magnet could escape during play. Do not wait; remove the toy from use right away.
Immediate Actions to Take Now
Stop Use and Isolate the Toy
If you own a recalled set, take these steps without delay:
– Stop using it immediately
– Take it away from children
– Place it in a sealed bag or high cabinet out of reach
Even if no one has swallowed a magnet yet, the risk remains active every time someone handles the toy.
Contact CreateOn for Refund or Replacement
For Crayola PIP cubes, reach out to CreateOn, the importer managing the recall:
– Phone: 1-800-333-0549 (Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time)
– Email: pipcuberecall@CreateOn.com
– Website: createon.com/recall
You’ll receive a prepaid shipping label to return the cubes. After they arrive at the facility, you can choose a full refund or a replacement set. Returning the product helps track the recall’s success and prevents resale to unsuspecting buyers.
Crayola Customer Service Option
You can also contact Crayola directly for support:
– Phone: 1-800-227-9916 (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
– Online: www.crayola.com/recall
While CreateOn manages the recall logistics, Crayola offers verification assistance and customer support.
What to Do With Generic Recalled Blocks
Discard Safely or Use Buyer Protection
For the eBay-sold generic magnetic blocks with barcode 363184751133, no formal return process exists. Since the seller has been removed from the platform, your best options include:
– Dispose of the toy safely by placing it in a sealed container and trashing it
– Check eBay buyer protection policies, which may offer a refund through dispute resolution if purchased recently
Never donate or resell recalled magnetic toys, even if they appear undamaged.
Prevention Tips for Magnetic Toy Safety
Supervise Playtime Closely
Always watch children when they play with magnetic toys. Even older kids can accidentally drop or chew on pieces during play. Active supervision lets you catch damaged blocks before they become a hazard.
Regular Toy Inspections
Make weekly inspections a habit for magnetic sets:
– Check for cracked casings
– Ensure magnets don’t rattle inside the cubes
– Look for loose parts or weak connections
Retire any set showing signs of wear and tear.
Keep Away From Young Children
Even when labeled for ages 3 and up, keep magnetic building blocks away from toddlers. Children under 6 are more likely to mouth toys, which increases ingestion risk. Store these sets in locked cabinets or on high shelves.
Know the Signs of Ingestion
If you suspect a child has swallowed a magnet:
– Seek emergency medical care immediately
– Do not wait for symptoms to develop
– Tell doctors about the suspected magnet ingestion
Early X-rays can detect magnets and prevent the need for surgery. Delaying treatment raises the risk of permanent injury.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Magnetic Blocks Recall
Which magnetic blocks are being recalled?
The recall covers Crayola PIP Building Cubes in 24-piece (model 111609) and 27-piece (model 111610) sets, plus generic magnetic construction toys sold on eBay with barcode 363184751133. The Crayola sets sold at Michaels and on Amazon from October 2023 through June 2024.
Why are magnetic blocks being recalled?
The magnetic blocks recall was issued because internal magnets can detach during normal play. These high-powered magnets pose a severe ingestion hazard, as swallowing two or more can cause them to attract through intestinal walls, leading to perforations, blockages, sepsis, or death.
How do I get a refund for recalled Crayola PIP cubes?
Contact CreateOn at 1-800-333-0549 or pipcuberecall@CreateOn.com to receive a prepaid shipping label. After returning the cubes, you can choose a full refund or a replacement set. You can also reach Crayola customer service at 1-800-227-9916 for assistance.
What should I do with the generic magnetic blocks from eBay?
Since no formal return process exists for the generic blocks with barcode 363184751133, dispose of them safely in a sealed container. If you bought them recently, check whether eBay’s buyer protection program allows you to file a dispute for a refund.
How dangerous are high-powered magnets if swallowed?
High-powered magnets can attract each other through intestinal walls, pinching tissue and cutting off blood flow. This can cause intestinal perforation, twisting, blockages, infection, and death within hours, often before symptoms appear. Emergency surgery may be required.
How can I tell if my child’s magnetic toy is safe?
Check the bottom of the packaging for model numbers 111609 or 111610 and look for the “Crayola” imprint on each cube. Inspect cubes regularly for cracks, separated seams, or rattling sounds that indicate loose magnets. Stop use immediately if any warning signs appear.
Key Takeaways for the Magnetic Blocks Recall
The magnetic blocks recall affects thousands of Crayola PIP cubes and generic magnetic sets that pose a silent but deadly threat. With no injuries reported yet, this is a rare opportunity to act before tragedy occurs. If you have model 111609 or 111610 Crayola cubes, or any unbranded magnetic blocks purchased from eBay, stop using them now.
Contact CreateOn for a free return and refund, or safely discard generic versions. Stay vigilant by inspecting magnetic toys regularly and storing them out of reach of young children. Your quick action today could prevent a life-threatening emergency tomorrow.
