1. Clackers
Clackers were two acrylic balls attached to a string that kids swung up and down until they smacked together. They were noisy, flashy, and if you were good, you could keep them going for a long time. The satisfying “clack-clack-clack” sound made kids feel like they had mastered a real skill, and playgrounds were full of them.
Parents, on the other hand, despised them. They were loud, could shatter and send shards flying, and left kids with bruised wrists when the balls inevitably slipped out of rhythm. Some schools even banned them because teachers couldn’t stand the constant racket.
2. Big Wheels
The Big Wheel was the king of the driveway, giving kids a low-riding, fast, and dramatic way to skid around corners. It made them feel unstoppable, and every neighborhood had at least a few kids racing each other down sidewalks. It was cheaper than a bike and gave kids that extra sense of speed and freedom.
Parents weren’t so thrilled. They worried about scraped knees, crashes into parked cars, and the fact that the wheels wore down quickly. Many moms also complained about the loud rumbling sound they made across pavement. Despite the concerns, Big Wheels became a classic of ’70s childhood.
3. Easy-Bake Oven
Kids loved the idea of baking their very own cakes and brownies in a toy oven powered by a light bulb. The thrill of mixing batter, waiting for the tiny cakes, and then proudly serving them made the Easy-Bake Oven wildly popular. It was one of the few toys that promised real food at the end.
Parents, though, weren’t as excited. The portions were tiny, the mixes expensive, and the little ovens sometimes got hot enough to burn fingers. Many moms also weren’t thrilled with having to supervise “play cooking” after already making meals for the family.
4. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
If you grew up in the ’70s, you probably remember Jarts, those oversized darts you tossed onto the lawn. For kids, it felt like the perfect mix of sport and danger, and they loved the thrill of trying to land one inside the plastic ring target. But parents quickly realized these were essentially sharp metal projectiles flying through the air in suburban backyards.
Many accidents were reported, and hospitals saw more than their share of Jart-related injuries. Parents hated the constant fear of someone getting impaled, but kids just thought it made the game more exciting. Eventually, Jarts were banned in the U.S., but by then they’d already earned their reputation as one of the most dangerous “toys” of the decade.
5. Super Elastic Bubble Plastic
This strange toy let kids squeeze out colorful plastic goop through a straw and blow it into big, flexible bubbles. It was mesmerizing to watch and felt like something magical compared to ordinary soap bubbles. Kids loved seeing how big they could get one before it popped.
But the catch? The stuff was made with toxic chemicals that gave off strong fumes. Parents hated the smell, worried about kids inhaling it, and didn’t trust that it was safe. Many quickly banned it from the house, but for kids, that just made it more appealing.
6. Creepy Crawlers
The Creepy Crawlers set let kids “cook” rubbery bugs using a hot plate and liquid plastic. For kids, it felt like playing mad scientist, making colorful worms, spiders, and lizards they could gross out their siblings with. The little oven became a fixture in many homes, and the smell of melted “Plasti-Goop” is something ’70s kids will never forget.
Parents hated that this so-called toy involved high heat and chemicals that sometimes caused burns or fumes. Safety wasn’t exactly the selling point back then, and plenty of moms found themselves regretting ever saying yes to one. Still, kids thought it was worth it for the creepy creations.
7. Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots
Two robots battling in a plastic ring was about as cool as it got in the ’70s. The satisfying “pop” of a head springing up when one got knocked out was endlessly entertaining. Kids spent hours staging matches and talking smack about their robot’s skills.
Parents, however, grew tired of the noise and the inevitable fights that broke out between siblings. The clunky plastic parts also broke easily, leading to even more frustration when kids demanded a new set. Still, the toy lived on as a staple of childhood rivalries.
8. Slime
When Slime hit toy store shelves in its neon green glory, kids couldn’t get enough of it. It was gooey, weird, and endlessly entertaining to squish, stretch, and prank siblings with. It was the ultimate gross-out toy of its time.
Parents were horrified by the mess it left behind. Slime stuck to carpets, furniture, and even hair, and it was almost impossible to clean up completely. While kids delighted in its icky fun, moms usually banished it from the living room after one too many disasters.
9. Skateboards
Skateboarding exploded in popularity in the ’70s, and kids loved the freedom of cruising sidewalks and experimenting with tricks. It became more than just a toy—it was part of a whole culture. Many spent hours practicing and idolizing the pros they saw in magazines.
Parents weren’t so enthusiastic. Falls, scrapes, and broken bones were all too common, and not every kid wore protective gear back then. For many moms and dads, the skateboard represented a constant worry about injury and trips to the ER.
10. Stretch Armstrong
Stretch Armstrong was a muscle-bound action figure that kids could pull, twist, and stretch in every direction. It felt indestructible, and testing its limits became part of the fun. Kids loved showing off to friends by stretching it across the room or tying it in knots.
Parents were less impressed. Once Stretch inevitably sprang a leak, the sticky corn syrup-like goo inside made a huge mess. Many moms hated cleaning up after a “ruptured” Stretch, and the toy wasn’t cheap to replace. Still, kids adored him enough to make him a true ’70s icon.
11. Water Wiggle
This was a toy that attached to a garden hose and sent water whipping around in unpredictable directions. Kids shrieked with laughter as they tried to chase and dodge the wild spray, making summer afternoons unforgettable. It was chaotic fun, pure and simple.
Parents, however, were not amused. The toy’s hard plastic nozzle could whip around and cause injuries if it hit someone. It also soaked the yard, wasted water, and usually ended with kids tracking mud into the house. For parents, Water Wiggle was more headache than joy.
12. BB Guns
For kids in the ’70s, getting a BB gun felt like the ultimate rite of passage. Inspired by TV cowboys and movies, they spent hours setting up makeshift targets in the backyard. It gave them a sense of independence and adventure.
Parents, on the other hand, dreaded the thought of broken windows or worse, accidents involving other kids. “You’ll shoot your eye out” wasn’t just a line from a movie, it was a real fear. Many parents tried to hold off on letting their kids have one, but peer pressure often won out.
13. Pet Rock
The Pet Rock craze of the ’70s was short-lived but unforgettable. Kids loved the novelty of having a “pet” that came in its own little box with air holes and a manual. It was quirky, easy to take care of, and sparked endless imagination.
Parents, though, saw it as the ultimate waste of money. Paying for a rock in a box seemed ridiculous, and many were baffled that kids wanted them at all. While it didn’t cause injuries like other toys on this list, it did leave plenty of parents rolling their eyes.
