If you grew up 30, 40, or even 50 years ago, you may be surprised to learn that many of the toys you once played with and enjoyed are now banned. From Aqua Dots to slap bracelets, this article explores 17 of these toys and why they’re now considered dangerous.
Lawn Darts
Just the name itself is enough to give the parents of today a heart attack, but lawn darts were originally marketed as a family-friendly garden game. Unfortunately, there were severe injuries and fatalities among children because of it, which led to a nationwide ban in 1988 after a high-profile campaign by a bereaved parent.
Clackers
Comprising two hard acrylic balls on a string, clackers were once a huge fad but became known for causing injuries like bruised hands or broken wrists when the balls collided. They were ultimately banned due to their potential to shatter and cause serious injuries.
Aqua Dots
Aqua Dots were a creative toy, allowing children to create colorful designs with beads. However, as shared by Reuters, they “were recalled in the United States because they may contain a chemical which, if swallowed, can lead to a coma or seizures.” The manufacturer also faced significant fines.
Easy-Bake Oven
You’re likely familiar with this once-popular toy—a miniature oven used for baking (questionable) treats. Unfortunately, it was recalled in 2007 after reports of burns and children getting their fingers caught. The oven was also said to reach dangerously high temperatures. Newer versions of the toy are still on the market, but not the classic.
Magnetix
Magnetix building sets allowed for the construction of various shapes and structures using plastic building pieces with magnets inside. They were recalled after incidents where children swallowed the small magnets, causing serious digestive injuries. The recall included millions of units that had been sold.
Snacktime Kid Cabbage Patch Doll
This doll was designed to eat plastic snacks, though it unfortunately led to hair and fingers getting caught. It lacked an on/off switch, which caused several injuries before its eventual recall. It was essentially pulled from the market due to the potential harm it could cause to children.
Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab
Could you imagine a science kit that actually contained real radioactive materials being sold today? As shared by Energy.gov, this was seen in the 1950s as “a fun toy to teach young people about nuclear and chemical reactions using radioactive material.” It was actually discontinued due to poor sales rather than a formal ban, despite its obvious hazards.
Furby
It’s impossible to forget this popular electronic toy that mimicked speech and movement. While they weren’t banned outright, they were banned from many intelligence facilities due to fears that they could record and leak sensitive information. This led to a national discussion on electronic privacy and security.
CSI Fingerprint Kit
A forensic science kit aimed at young detectives, this toy contained asbestos in the fingerprint powder. It was, of course, recalled after asbestos was detected in the kits, posing a serious risk of inhalation. This toy certainly had a quick removal from stores!
Roller Skate Barbie
Did you have the Barbie doll with built-in roller skates that sparked upon movement? Many who did may have noticed that the sparking mechanism posed fire hazards and potential burn injuries. It was quickly recalled after reports of safety concerns.
Belt Buckle Gun
This was a toy gun disguised as a belt buckle that fired caps when the wearer performed a hip thrust. It was banned due to the risk of injury from misfires and the inappropriate method of triggering the device. Naturally, it was considered too dangerous for children due to the proximity to sensitive areas and the explosive nature of the caps.
Kite Tube
A water sport toy designed to lift riders into the air when towed by a boat, this experience excited many but ultimately proved too dangerous. “By July 2006, the number of injuries had risen to 84 and three people were killed over a four-month period,” as per Unofficial Networks. It was voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer after these incidents.
Hannah Montana Pop Star Card Game
One of the newer toys on this list, the Hannah Montana card game was found to have excessive levels of lead in the card coatings. It was recalled after tests showed lead content far exceeded safe limits and was part of a larger series of recalls involving lead in children’s products.
Yo-Yo Water Ball
The Yo-Yo Water Ball was a liquid-filled ball attached to a stretchy cord, used like a yo-yo. It was banned in several states due to the strangulation hazard and the toxicity of the liquid. Some modifications were made to reduce the cord length, but concerns remained.
Slap Bracelets
A popular fashion accessory that could be slapped onto the wrist, these bracelets were banned in most schools when cheaper versions with exposed metal edges led to injuries. Recalls were issued after multiple reports of cuts and lacerations.
Water Wiggle
Popular in the 1970s, this toy was a water hose attachment that moved unpredictably and could cause injuries. Despite its playful design, the Water Wiggle could behave like a “semi-lethal weapon” due to its forceful and erratic movements, leading to various accidents, including bloody noses and chipped teeth.
Zero M Sonic Ear
The Sonic Ear Blaster was a toy that amplified sounds, ostensibly for eavesdropping or hearing distant sounds. It would fire compressed air and led to injuries such as ruptured eardrums when used inappropriately. In the words of Retro Thing, “It goes without saying that this kind of toy would have a hard time making it to market today.”