1. Lawn Darts
Ah, lawn darts. The beloved backyard game that involved throwing giant, weighted spears into the air, hoping they’d land in a small target—and not on someone’s head. These sharp-tipped projectiles could easily pierce skin and cause serious injury. Tragically, lawn darts were linked to several deaths, particularly among children, which led to an eventual ban in the late ’80s. While some people still reminisce about the good ol’ days of risky summer fun, most parents today breathe a sigh of relief that they’re off the market. Still, it’s a wild reminder of how lax toy safety standards used to be.
2. Creepy Crawlers Oven
Creepy Crawlers ovens were a science experiment and a safety hazard rolled into one. The idea? Kids would pour liquid plastic—known as “Plasti-Goop”—into metal molds, stick them into an oven, and cook up their own rubbery critters. Fun? Absolutely. Safe? Not even close. The ovens could reach dangerously high temperatures, and the hot molds were just waiting to burn tiny fingers. Plus, inhaling fumes from melting plastic is, let’s say, not the healthiest pastime. It’s no surprise this toy saw numerous redesigns before safety standards tightened up.
3. Clackers
If you grew up in the ’70s, you probably remember clackers—those glass-like acrylic balls connected by a string. The goal was to swing them up and down, making them smack together in a rhythmic clacking sound. It seems harmless until you realize how often these balls exploded. Yes, they had a tendency to shatter, sending sharp shards flying everywhere. Kids were left with eye injuries and cuts, turning a simple toy into a hazardous projectile weapon. Eventually, manufacturers swapped out glass for safer materials, but the legend of clackers lives on.
4. Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab
This one’s almost too wild to believe—a children’s toy that included actual uranium. Released in the ’50s, the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab was designed to teach kids about science and nuclear energy. The kit came with a Geiger counter, a cloud chamber, and samples of uranium ore. While it was marketed as an educational tool, the presence of radioactive materials made this toy a glowing red flag (pun intended). Thankfully, it didn’t last long on shelves, but it remains a jaw-dropping example of how far things could go back in the day.
5. Slip ‘N Slide
Ah, the Slip ‘N Slide—a summertime staple and a chiropractor’s dream. The concept is simple: lay down a long sheet of slick plastic, turn on the hose, and go sliding. For kids, it was a blast. For adults? A disaster. The slides weren’t designed for anyone over a certain weight, leading to severe back and neck injuries when teens or adults attempted the same moves as their younger counterparts. Despite the risks, the Slip ‘N Slide remains a nostalgic symbol of summer fun…just don’t let dad try it.
6. Sky Dancers
These colorful, fairy-like dolls were meant to be magical: pull the string, and they’d spin into the air like graceful ballerinas. Except they weren’t always so graceful. Sky Dancers had a habit of flying directly into children’s faces, causing eye injuries, bruises, and even a few broken teeth. The unpredictable flight path turned playtime into a full-contact sport, and parents quickly learned to duck for cover. While the dolls were eventually recalled, anyone who owned one will remember the mix of awe and terror these toys brought to the playroom.
7. Buckyballs
Buckyballs seemed like the ultimate desk toy for adults, but they inevitably found their way into the hands of kids. These tiny, magnetic balls were fun to stack, shape, and squish together. The problem? If swallowed, they could wreak absolute havoc on the digestive system, clumping together and tearing through internal organs. Doctors reported horrifying injuries, prompting a ban in many countries. Despite their sleek and mesmerizing appeal, Buckyballs serve as a stark warning about mixing small, powerful magnets with curious kids.
8. Water Wiggle
The Water Wiggle was like a garden hose that went rogue. Attached to a sprinkler, this wacky contraption would whip and wiggle unpredictably, soaking kids in chaotic fun. But its unpredictability also made it dangerous. The Water Wiggle’s nozzle could hit kids with surprising force, leading to bruises or more serious injuries. Even worse, there were tragic cases where children got tangled or accidentally put the nozzle in their mouths, leading to fatal accidents. It didn’t take long for the Water Wiggle to disappear from backyards for good.
9. Pogo Ball
The Pogo Ball was a toy that combined balance, bouncing, and broken ankles all in one package. Kids would stand on a circular platform surrounding a rubber ball and attempt to bounce around without falling off. Spoiler alert: falling off was inevitable. While it looked simple, the Pogo Ball required superhuman balance and coordination. For those who failed (which was most of us), the result was skinned knees, sprained wrists, and bruised pride. It’s no wonder the Pogo Ball became more of a nostalgic joke than a lasting trend.
10. Jarts
Similar to lawn darts but somehow worse, Jarts were heavyweight, metal-tipped projectiles thrown toward circular targets on the ground. The margin for error was nonexistent—miss the target, and you were sending a sharp dart hurling at someone’s feet, legs, or head. The injuries caused by Jarts were so severe that the toy was banned entirely in the ’80s. For those who played with them, it’s hard to forget the mix of excitement and genuine danger that came with every toss.
11. Easy-Bake Oven (Original Version)
The Easy-Bake Oven has been a beloved childhood toy for decades, but the original version wasn’t nearly as safe as today’s models. Early versions used real light bulbs to heat up the oven, which could reach scalding temperatures. Kids frequently burned their hands while pulling out their baked creations, and the design didn’t do much to protect curious fingers from the hot interior. While it taught some kids a love for baking, it also taught others a painful lesson about heat and caution.
12. Toy Crossbows
Yes, toy crossbows were a real thing, and they were just as dangerous as they sound. These miniature weapons could fire projectiles like suction-cup darts or even small rocks with surprising force. Unsurprisingly, kids used them to shoot at targets (and occasionally each other), leading to a laundry list of eye injuries and bruises. Parents quickly realized that handing a child a spring-loaded weapon might not be the best idea. While toy crossbows still exist in safer versions today, the originals were basically just weapons disguised as toys.
