If you bought a Gigglescape "Under the Sea" popping toy at Target for a small child, stop using it now and return it — the clear dome can come off and expose small plastic balls a child could choke on.
What Is Being Recalled?
Target has recalled about 49,000 Gigglescape Under the Sea Popping Toys because they can pose a choking hazard to young children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall, number 26-598, on July 2, 2026. The toy — a whale-shaped popping toy sold under Target's Gigglescape brand — was sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide from about August 2025 through January 2026 for around $10.According to the recall, the clear plastic dome on the toy can detach from the base, exposing small plastic balls inside that a young child could put in their mouth. Target has received 9 reports of the dome separating, including one report of a child who began to choke. The remedy is a full refund.
The Hazard
Popping toys are designed for small hands, which is exactly why the defect matters. On the recalled Gigglescape Under the Sea toy, the transparent dome that covers the popping mechanism can separate from the body of the toy. When it does, the small plastic balls held inside become loose and accessible — and small parts like these are a classic choking risk for babies and toddlers, the age group most drawn to a colorful popping toy.No injuries have been reported, but the single report of a child starting to choke is the kind of near-miss that drives a recall before something worse happens. If the toy is in a home with young children, the safe move is to take it out of the toy rotation right away.
What to Do — and How to Get Your Refund
Stop using the toy immediately and keep it away from children. To get your money back, return the toy to any Target store for a full refund. If you would rather not go in person, you can contact Target and request a prepaid mailing label to send the toy back. Either way, you do not need a receipt — recalled products can be returned for a refund without proof of purchase.There is no online claim form and no separate settlement to file for; this is a standard retailer recall handled directly through Target. For the official details, including product photos to help you confirm whether your toy is affected, see the CPSC recall notice linked below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Gigglescape toy did Target recall?
Target recalled about 49,000 Gigglescape Under the Sea Popping Toys — a whale-shaped popping toy sold exclusively at Target. The recall is CPSC number 26-598, announced July 2, 2026.
Why is the popping toy dangerous?
The clear plastic dome can detach from the base, exposing small plastic balls inside. Those small balls are a choking hazard for young children. Target received 9 reports of the dome separating, including one report of a child beginning to choke.
How do I get a refund?
Stop using the toy immediately, keep it away from children, and return it to any Target store for a full refund. You can also contact Target to request a prepaid mailing label to send it back. No receipt is required to return a recalled product.
Do I need a receipt to return it?
No. Recalled products can be returned for a refund without a receipt. Bring the toy to any Target store, or contact Target for a prepaid return label.
When and where was it sold?
The toy was sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide from about August 2025 through January 2026 for around $10.
Sources
- CPSC — Target Recalls Gigglescape Under the Sea Popping Toy Due to Choking Hazard (Recall 26-598)
- Target — Product Recalls
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