The future of the holiday shopping season looks bleak for retailers.

Statistics show Americans have already slammed their wallets shut in the current financial meltdown.

And that means many parents are looking for deals on toys.

But you want to do your research before you bargain shop, or the results could be dangerous.

Government safety officials are worried the economic downturn will lead to parents buying unsafe toys to save cash.

They're especially concerned that parents will get children's holiday gifts from secondhand or online sellers, who may not be aware of ongoing safety issues.

Those concerns include toys tainted with lead or that feature dangerous designs.

But there is good news: The Consumer Product Safety Commission say they are finding few safety violations this holiday season.

Plus, fewer lead-tainted toys and children's products were recalled this year, after a record number last year.

The consumer group "Kids in Danger" says last year's record number of 112 recalls dropped sharply to 64 this year.

Last summer Congress passed new rules aimed at ensuring toys and children's products are lead free.

Officials say your best bet for a safe holiday is do your homework.

You should research any products purchased secondhand for prior recalls.

Both the CPSC website and the website for "Kids in Danger" make it easy.

We have links to both of them, just head over to the Big Red Bar.