Target Recalls a Popping Toy After a Child Choked: What to Check

If you bought a Target 'Gigglescape' popping toy for a young child in the past year, federal safety regulators say to take it away and return it. The retailer is recalling its 'Under the Sea' popping toy after reports that a plastic dome can detach and expose small balls a child can choke on.

Omar Haddad July 2, 2026 at 4:38 PM

A popular-looking children's toy sold at Target is being pulled from homes and shelves after regulators warned it can pose a choking risk.

What's being recalled

The recall covers Target's "Gigglescape Under the Sea Popping Toy," a dome-shaped toy with a whale base and small plastic balls inside, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced. Gigglescape is one of Target's in-house brands, so the toy was sold only through the retailer — in stores nationwide and online — from August 2025 through January 2026, for about $10.

The hazard

According to the CPSC, the toy's clear dome can separate from the base, giving a child access to the small balls inside. The commission says Target has received nine reports of the dome detaching, including one in which a child began to choke. Small parts like these are a well-known choking danger for young children, which is why regulators urge parents not to wait.

What to do

Stop letting your child play with the toy right away and put it out of reach. You can return it to any Target store for a full refund — no receipt required — or contact Target for a prepaid mailing label to send it back. Target's recall line is 800-591-3869, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central time daily, and full details are posted on the CPSC recall page.

A seasonal reminder

Recalls of small-parts toys are common, and they tend to surface faster than the toys leave people's homes. With a holiday weekend and summer birthdays around the corner, it is a good moment to check toy bins for this item — and a reminder that the CPSC keeps a running, searchable list of recalls at cpsc.gov for anyone wanting to double-check a gift before handing it to a small child.