1. Clackers
If you grew up in the ’70s, you probably remember the sound of Clackers echoing through the neighborhood. These were two acrylic balls attached to a string that kids would swing up and down until they smacked together with a loud crack. The goal was to get a rhythm going, but more often than not, they’d fly out of control. They were colorful, noisy, and felt like the ultimate status symbol when you had a pair.
Parents, on the other hand, hated them with a passion. Not only were they incredibly loud, but the balls had a tendency to shatter and send sharp shards flying. There were even reports of kids getting hurt, which didn’t exactly put parents at ease. It wasn’t long before schools banned them and parents quietly “misplaced” them when kids weren’t looking. Still, for a brief moment, Clackers ruled the toy box.
2. Lawn Darts
Lawn Darts, or “Jarts” as they were branded, were a backyard craze that seemed harmless enough at first. These oversized darts were meant to be tossed into plastic rings laid out on the grass, almost like horseshoes. Kids loved the thrill of seeing them stick into the ground with a satisfying thud. It was competitive, easy to play, and perfect for summer gatherings.
But the problem was obvious—these things were basically weighted spikes. Parents quickly realized just how dangerous they were when kids started aiming them at each other instead of the ground. Injuries piled up, and eventually the government stepped in to recall them. Parents couldn’t believe they’d ever been marketed as toys in the first place. Today, they’re remembered as one of the most infamous toys of the decade.
3. Creepy Crawlers
Creepy Crawlers gave kids the chance to feel like little mad scientists. The set came with metal molds and bottles of “Plasti-Goop” that you’d pour in to make wiggly insects. You’d slide the mold into a small oven and wait for your creations to harden. The results were colorful, squishy bugs you could use to prank your siblings.
For parents, it was a nightmare in a box. The ovens got dangerously hot, and burns were all too common. Add in the mess of melted plastic and the chemical smell that filled the kitchen, and it wasn’t exactly a parent’s dream toy. Some kids loved it so much they begged for refill kits, but parents were often eager to pack it away after one too many accidents. Still, there was something magical about creating your own creepy critters.
4. Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots
The blue and red robots squaring off in the ring were irresistible to kids. With a couple of joysticks, you could control the fighters and try to knock your opponent’s block off—literally. Matches were fast, noisy, and usually ended with a lot of laughter. It was a toy that could keep friends entertained for hours.
Parents weren’t as entertained by the constant clatter of plastic fists. The game was loud and competitive, often leading to arguments and sore feelings between siblings. Some parents hated how cheaply made it was, with broken parts becoming a common complaint. Others just thought it encouraged too much roughhousing. Still, for many kids, few things felt as satisfying as seeing that robot’s head pop up in victory.
5. Stretch Armstrong
Stretch Armstrong was the squishy, blonde-haired action figure that could be stretched to ridiculous lengths. You could pull his arms and legs in opposite directions and watch him snap back into place. Kids loved testing just how far he could go, twisting him into knots and daring friends to do worse. He was unlike any toy they had seen before.
Parents hated what usually came next—the toy springing a leak. Once that thick, sticky syrup-like goo inside started oozing out, it was nearly impossible to clean up. Stretch was also expensive compared to other toys, so parents groaned when he didn’t last long. Still, kids couldn’t get enough of the novelty. He wasn’t just a toy, he was practically a playground legend.
6. The Incredible Edibles
The Incredible Edibles were a spinoff of Creepy Crawlers, but this time the creations were meant to be eaten. Using a similar setup with molds and a heating device, kids could pour in a sugary “Gobble-De-Goop” to make candy bugs and shapes. For kids, it was like running their own candy factory at home. The fun was in both the making and the eating.
Parents, though, were not thrilled. The same safety issues plagued this toy as Creepy Crawlers—burns from the hot plates and sticky messes everywhere. On top of that, the candy itself tasted artificial and overly sweet, leaving parents unimpressed. Many moms and dads felt it was more trouble than it was worth. But to kids, the chance to create their own edible treats was irresistible, even if it didn’t taste great.
7. Battling Tops
Battling Tops was one of those games that brought kids together in a whirl of excitement. Players would wind up their spinning tops and release them into the arena, watching them crash and spin until only one remained. The unpredictable battles were short but thrilling, making kids want to play round after round. It was fast-paced fun and easy for anyone to join in.
Parents didn’t always share in the joy. The tops were noisy as they clattered around the plastic ring, and pieces often went missing. Arguments over who launched theirs “wrong” or who had the stronger top were frequent. Some parents also complained that the toy didn’t hold kids’ attention for long, despite the racket it made. Still, for a few minutes of chaos, Battling Tops felt like the most exciting game in the house.
8. Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle
Evel Knievel was a real-life daredevil who became a toy hero in the ’70s. His stunt cycle let kids wind him up and send him flying off ramps and over obstacles. Watching him soar across the living room felt like magic, even if he crashed more often than not. For kids who loved action, it was the ultimate thrill.
Parents, however, weren’t big fans. The wind-up launcher was loud, and the bike often careened into furniture, lamps, or the family dog. Pieces broke easily, and kids demanded replacements. Plus, there was the constant worry of kids trying to copy Knievel’s stunts in real life. Parents sighed at the noise and the mess, while kids just lined up to see how far their daredevil could go.
9. Weebles
Weebles wobbled but didn’t fall down, and that simple gimmick made them endlessly fascinating. These egg-shaped little figures came in all kinds of themes—families, animals, even playsets. Kids loved knocking them around, watching them spring back upright every time. They were cute, colorful, and sturdy enough to survive rough play.
Parents, though, often found them annoying. The sets took up a lot of space, and pieces of the accessories seemed to multiply all over the house. Weebles were also deceptively heavy, and stepping on one in the middle of the night was no joke. They may not have been dangerous like other toys, but they still earned their fair share of parental groans. For kids, though, their wobbling charm was unbeatable.
10. Big Wheel
The Big Wheel trike was one of the most coveted rides of the ’70s. Its low-to-the-ground design made kids feel fast and daring as they zipped around the neighborhood. The oversized front wheel gave it a distinct look, and the handbrake made for some thrilling spins. For many kids, it felt like the closest thing to a motorcycle.
Parents, though, weren’t always on board. The plastic wheels wore down quickly and made a horrible scraping sound on pavement. Kids often rode them recklessly, zooming down driveways and into the street. They also took up garage space, which parents hated. Still, for kids who had one, the Big Wheel meant freedom and adventure in a way no other toy could match.
11. Shrinky Dinks
Shrinky Dinks gave kids the chance to turn flimsy sheets of plastic into hardened charms and decorations. You’d color in designs, cut them out, and then bake them in the oven. Watching them shrink and harden before your eyes felt like magic. Kids used them for jewelry, keychains, and endless crafts.
Parents weren’t thrilled about letting kids near a hot oven for a toy project. There was also the lingering smell of heated plastic that filled the kitchen. Some parents thought the end result was a waste of time, especially when the creations ended up scattered around the house. Still, Shrinky Dinks sparked creativity and left kids with something tangible they had made themselves. That sense of pride made them unforgettable.
12. Super Elastic Bubble Plastic
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic came in a tube of colorful goo that kids would squeeze onto a straw. With a little puff of air, the goo expanded into shiny, rubbery bubbles. They weren’t ordinary soap bubbles—they were sturdier, bigger, and could even be batted around for a while. The smell alone made the experience unforgettable, for better or worse.
Parents hated this toy for obvious reasons. The goo was sticky, smelly, and prone to ending up on carpets, furniture, and clothing. The bubbles popped with a mess, and the chemical fumes weren’t exactly healthy. Still, kids were fascinated by the weird, stretchy creations. It was the kind of toy that felt like a science experiment, even if parents wished it stayed on the store shelf.
