The 1980s were a golden age for toys—bright colors, bold designs, and endless commercials made every kid’s wish list feel like a treasure trove of excitement. But let’s be honest: some of those toys were downright dangerous. Back then, safety standards were more about trial and error, and sometimes the errors were big enough to make headlines. For baby boomers raising kids in the ’80s—or even playing with these toys themselves—it’s incredible to think about the risks we all took for a little fun. From sharp edges to choking hazards and even literal explosions, here are 12 toys that somehow made it to store shelves, proving that the ’80s were as wild as they were memorable.
1. Lawn Darts
Lawn darts, or “jarts,” were a backyard staple in the ’80s, but they were more like mini-missiles than toys. With sharp, weighted metal tips, they were designed to be tossed into a target ring on the ground. The problem? Kids didn’t always aim carefully, and a stray dart could—and did—cause serious injuries. Reports of skull fractures and other accidents led to a U.S. ban in 1988, but not before thousands of sets were sold and used at family barbecues. It’s hard to believe something so dangerous was marketed as family-friendly fun.
For those who grew up with lawn darts, the memory of those heavy projectiles flying through the air is a mix of nostalgia and horror. They were the kind of toy you’d find at every cookout, with kids daring each other to get closer to the target. While they’re long gone from store shelves, lawn darts remain a reminder of a time when safety concerns often came second to excitement. It’s no wonder they’ve become a symbol of dangerous ’80s toys.
2. Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kid
The Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kid was an innovative twist on the beloved Cabbage Patch dolls, featuring a motorized mouth that could “chew” plastic snacks. Unfortunately, the doll didn’t distinguish between its plastic food and real hair or fingers. Once something got caught in its mechanical jaws, it was almost impossible to get it back out, leading to some terrifying experiences for children and their parents. The toy was pulled from shelves in 1997 after numerous complaints, but not before it traumatized plenty of kids who thought their doll was trying to eat them.
For many, the Snacktime Kid is a bizarre chapter in the otherwise heartwarming legacy of Cabbage Patch dolls. Parents loved the idea of an interactive toy, but the execution left much to be desired. It’s a classic example of how even the most well-meaning toys can go horribly wrong. For baby boomers who bought these dolls for their children, it’s a reminder of how quickly a beloved brand can take a misstep.
3. Sky Dancers
Sky Dancers were flying dolls that kids launched into the air by pulling a ripcord, sending them spinning skyward in a whirlwind of plastic wings. While they looked magical in commercials, the reality was much less enchanting. The dolls often veered off course, striking kids and parents alike in the face, eyes, or any exposed body part. Reports of injuries, including scratches, bruises, and even a broken tooth, led to a recall in 2000 after millions had been sold.
Despite their dangers, Sky Dancers were wildly popular, and kids couldn’t resist the thrill of watching them take flight. They’re a perfect example of how the ’80s were full of toys that prioritized excitement over safety. For baby boomers, they’re a nostalgic reminder of how much fun—and how risky—toy design could be during that decade.
4. Slip ’N Slide
The Slip ’N Slide promised endless summer fun, letting kids slide across a sheet of wet plastic at lightning speed. But the toy didn’t account for the laws of physics—or the dangers of mixing water, hard ground, and overly enthusiastic kids. Collisions, belly flops, and awkward landings led to numerous injuries, including broken bones and even spinal cord damage. Adults who attempted to join in the fun were at even greater risk, with their heavier bodies increasing the chance of serious injury.
Despite its hazards, the Slip ’N Slide became a summer icon, gracing lawns across America. It’s a testament to the carefree attitude of the ’80s, when a little risk was just part of the fun. For boomers, it’s a vivid memory of a time when summer was about bruises, laughs, and chasing the next thrill.
5. Powdered Wig Makeup Kits
Powdered wig makeup kits let kids recreate the look of historical figures like George Washington or Marie Antoinette, complete with a dusting of talcum powder. Unfortunately, the kits didn’t consider the dangers of inhaling talc, which is now linked to serious health risks, including respiratory issues and potential carcinogenic effects. While the risks weren’t widely known at the time, the idea of encouraging kids to coat their faces in potentially harmful substances is shocking today.
For parents in the ’80s, these kits seemed like harmless fun, perfect for school plays or costume parties. But looking back, it’s a reminder of how little we understood about the long-term effects of everyday products. For baby boomers, it’s one of those “What were we thinking?” moments that highlight how much things have changed.
6. Clackers
Clackers were a pair of acrylic balls attached to a string that kids would swing up and down until they clashed together, creating a satisfying “clack” sound. The problem? Those acrylic balls had a habit of shattering under pressure, sending shards of hard plastic flying at high speeds. Eye injuries, bruises, and cuts were common, and parents quickly learned that this noisy toy wasn’t just annoying—it was dangerous. Despite these risks, clackers were wildly popular and could be found in nearly every schoolyard in the ’80s.
For baby boomers, clackers are a quintessential example of how carefree toy designs were back then. They were simple, noisy, and just dangerous enough to feel exciting. While they’ve been reimagined in safer materials over the years, nothing compares to the thrill of using the original version—if you managed to escape injury. Clackers may have been a short-lived fad, but they left a lasting impression, especially for those who took a direct hit.
7. Atomic Energy Lab
The Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab was designed to teach kids about nuclear science, complete with real radioactive materials. Yes, you read that right—actual radioactive elements in a toy. While the lab was first introduced in the 1950s, similar kits remained on shelves into the early ’80s, horrifying parents who learned about the potential risks. Although it was marketed as an educational tool, the dangers of radiation exposure far outweighed the benefits of tinkering with science.
For those who grew up with these kits, they were a fascinating (if slightly terrifying) peek into the world of atoms and particles. Today, it’s hard to imagine a toy company even considering such an idea, let alone getting it onto store shelves. Baby boomers who remember these labs might shake their heads at how risky they were, but there’s no denying they made science feel like an adventure—albeit a dangerous one.
8. Shrinky Dinks (with Dangerous Ovens)
Shrinky Dinks were a crafty kid’s dream: you’d color on thin sheets of plastic, then pop them in the oven to shrink and harden into miniature versions of your creations. The concept was innocent enough, but the execution often came with risks. Kids using conventional ovens—or later, standalone Shrinky Dinks ovens—could easily burn themselves on the hot trays. In some cases, the fumes from overheated plastic created health hazards, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
Despite the risks, Shrinky Dinks were a beloved pastime for kids in the ’80s, offering a mix of creativity and science. Parents may have winced at the thought of their children near a hot oven, but the results were worth the occasional mishap. For baby boomers, it’s a reminder of a time when hands-on fun came with a few singed fingers and melted plastic.
9. Creepy Crawlers
The Creepy Crawlers set let kids make rubbery insects by pouring liquid plastic into molds and heating them in a small oven. While the concept was fun, the safety standards were questionable at best. The heating element could easily cause burns, and the liquid plastic emitted fumes that weren’t exactly child-friendly. Kids who weren’t careful could end up with burns, spills, or even toxic exposure if they used the kit improperly.
For many boomers, Creepy Crawlers were a highlight of their childhood despite the risks. Making colorful bugs felt like a small science experiment, even if it sometimes ended in disaster. Today, toy safety standards would never allow such a hazardous setup for kids, but for those who remember it, the Creepy Crawlers set remains a symbol of the creative—and slightly reckless—spirit of the ’80s.
10. Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper
This spaceship toy, based on the popular Battlestar Galactica series, featured spring-loaded missiles that kids could shoot during intergalactic battles. Unfortunately, those small missiles posed a significant choking hazard. In one tragic case, a child’s death prompted widespread concern, leading Mattel to modify the toy’s design. The incident also spurred changes to toy safety regulations, including requirements for larger, less swallowable parts.
For fans of the show, the Colonial Viper was a must-have item despite its flaws. It represented the thrill of space exploration and the magic of sci-fi storytelling. For baby boomers, it’s a bittersweet reminder of how toys can be both exciting and hazardous. While we’ve come a long way in toy safety, the Colonial Viper stands as a cautionary tale about the importance of putting safety first.
11. Voltron Lion Force Figures
The Voltron Lion Force figures allowed kids to combine five robotic lions into a single massive robot, just like in the beloved cartoon series. While the toy was undeniably cool, it featured sharp edges and small parts that easily broke off, posing risks of cuts and choking. The metal components of the early versions also made the toy surprisingly heavy, increasing the chance of injuries during play. Despite these issues, Voltron was a must-have for fans of the show.
For baby boomers, the Voltron figures are a nostalgic symbol of Saturday mornings spent glued to the TV. The thrill of combining the lions into one epic robot was worth the occasional mishap. While modern versions of Voltron toys are safer, they don’t quite capture the charm—or the danger—of the originals. It’s a reminder of how toys in the ’80s often sacrificed safety for the sake of pure, unbridled fun.
12. Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven promised to turn every child into a pastry chef, but it also turned kitchens into potential danger zones. The toy used a high-wattage light bulb to heat its mini cakes, which could easily burn tiny fingers if kids weren’t careful. Later models with exposed heating elements caused even more injuries, leading to recalls and redesigns. Despite these risks, the allure of baking your own treats was irresistible to kids—and the burns were just part of the experience.
For parents in the ’80s, the Easy-Bake Oven was both a blessing and a curse. It kept kids entertained, but it also required constant supervision to prevent accidents. For baby boomers, it’s a nostalgic reminder of the joys of childhood, complete with the occasional blister or burnt brownie. While today’s versions are much safer, they’ll never match the excitement—and danger—of the original.
The toys of the ’80s were exciting, inventive, and sometimes incredibly dangerous. They reflect a time when fun often came with a side of risk, and safety standards were still catching up to creativity. For baby boomers, these toys are a nostalgic trip down memory lane, full of stories about daring adventures and close calls. While we’re glad many of these dangerous designs are a thing of the past, they’ll always hold a special place in our memories as symbols of a wilder, less cautious era of childhood.
