Cheap kids’ accessories are easy to say yes to. A little coin purse with a favorite cartoon on it costs less than a fast food lunch, fits in a small hand, and makes a child feel very grown up. But when a low price comes with a chemical concern, it is worth stopping to take a look at what is in your child’s backpack.
On October 15, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Primark is recalling about 2,100 101 Dalmatians faux leather children’s coin purses. According to the CPSC recall notice, the purses contain higher levels of phthalates, and the notice lists ingestion as the risk.
What was recalled and where it was sold
The recalled item is the Primark 101 Dalmatians faux leather children’s coin purse. The notice says about 2,100 were sold at Primark stores in the Northeast, Florida, Maryland and Illinois between March and June 2026, for about $9. The CPSC reports no injuries.
That is a fairly narrow window and a limited number of stores, so many families will never come across one. But if you live in one of those areas, shop at Primark, or have a relative who does, it is worth a look. Kids’ accessories get bought as small treats, stuffed into Easter baskets, tucked into goody bags and given as little surprises. A coin purse is exactly the sort of thing that ends up in a drawer and gets forgotten.
What are phthalates, and why do they matter?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are commonly used to make plastics soft and flexible. Faux leather, vinyl and some flexible plastics can contain them. Because they are used in many everyday products, they are something safety regulators pay close attention to in items made for children, who often chew, suck and mouth the things they carry.
That is where the ingestion risk comes from. A coin purse is small, it is often in a child’s hands, and little ones are known to put things in their mouths. The recall flags the higher phthalate levels in these purses and the risk that comes with a child mouthing or swallowing the material.
It is not necessary to panic, and the notice does not say anyone has been hurt. This is a precaution. But it is a good reminder that cheap does not always mean tested, and that a cute character does not tell you anything about what the material is made of.
How to get your money back
The remedy is easy. According to the notice, you can return the coin purse to Primark for a full refund. That is the simplest kind of recall to deal with, since there are no forms to mail, no parts to destroy and no claim number to wait for.
Here is a short plan:
- Look through your child’s bag, your own purse, the junk drawer and any gift bags from this past spring and summer for a 101 Dalmatians faux leather coin purse.
- If you find one, take it away from your child and keep it somewhere out of reach.
- Take it to a Primark store for your refund. Bring the receipt too if you still have it.
- If you gave one as a gift, let the family know. A quick text can save a lot of confusion.
If you do not live near a Primark, the recall page is still worth reading for the full details on how to proceed.
Smart habits when buying low-cost kids’ items
Bargain shopping is a smart skill, and nobody should feel guilty about wanting to save money on things kids will lose or outgrow in a month. A few easy habits can help you stay safe while you save:
- Know the materials. If a product is a soft, rubbery or plastic-like material that a young child might chew, take an extra look at the label and the age recommendation.
- Be aware of strong chemical smells. A very strong plastic odor out of the package is something to notice, and it is a fair reason to skip the purchase.
- Check recall lists. The CPSC website at cpsc.gov lets you search recalls by product or brand. It is also a good idea to sign up for the free email alerts.
- Keep gift receipts and packaging. Many families toss the tags right away. Holding on to a receipt for a few weeks makes returns and refunds much simpler.
- Remember it is not only toys. Recalls apply to lunch boxes, bags, jewelry, accessories and costume items too.
The takeaway
A $9 coin purse should not turn into a safety concern, but this one did, and the fix is refreshingly simple. If you bought a Primark 101 Dalmatians faux leather coin purse in the Northeast, Florida, Maryland or Illinois this spring or early summer, bring it back for your money. And if your child has been carrying one around, now is a perfect time to swap it for something else. A quick check today means one less worry tomorrow, and that is a trade any parent or grandparent will take.
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