The 1970s were a time of creative, exciting, and sometimes downright dangerous toys. Back then, safety regulations were far looser, and toy manufacturers prioritized fun and novelty over child safety. As a result, kids from the era often played with toys that would never make it past today’s rigorous safety standards. Let’s take a nostalgic look at 12 wildly popular toys from the ’70s that wouldn’t stand a chance in today’s market.
1. Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone
The Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone was a beloved pull-toy with a rotary dial and a smiling face. While it seems harmless, early versions included small parts that posed choking hazards and a string long enough to pose a strangulation risk.
Modern versions of the Chatter Telephone have addressed these issues, but the original design wouldn’t meet today’s stringent safety standards. It’s a classic example of how even seemingly innocent toys can have hidden dangers, especially in an era with less oversight.
2. Creepy Crawlers
Creepy Crawlers let kids create their own rubbery insects using metal molds and liquid plastic called Plasti-Goop. The molds were heated in a small electric oven, allowing the goop to harden into squishy bugs that kids could play with or use for pranks. While the concept was thrilling, the execution was less so—burns from the hot molds were a common hazard, and the fumes from melting plastic weren’t exactly kid-friendly.
Despite the risks, Creepy Crawlers were immensely popular, as they tapped into kids’ love of hands-on creativity and gross-out fun. Modern versions of the toy are much safer, using lower temperatures and non-toxic materials. However, the original set, with its combination of heat and chemicals, would be unthinkable by today’s safety standards.
3. Clackers
Clackers were simple yet addictive: two acrylic balls attached to a string that kids swung up and down to make them collide with a satisfying “clack.” The goal was to keep the momentum going for as long as possible without losing control. Unfortunately, losing control was a frequent occurrence, and the hard, fast-moving balls often smashed into hands, faces, or even shattered, sending shards flying.
Though they were marketed as harmless fun, clackers became notorious for their potential to cause injuries. Complaints about broken bones, bruises, and flying debris eventually led to stricter regulations on the toy. Today, clackers exist in softer, safer forms, but the original versions would be a lawsuit waiting to happen in modern times.
4. Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven was a dream come true for kids who wanted to bake their own miniature treats. Using a light bulb as a heat source, the oven allowed children to make cakes and cookies with pre-packaged mixes. However, the combination of heat and a lack of proper insulation made burns an all-too-common occurrence. The trays used to insert and remove food were also a hazard, as kids could easily touch the hot metal.
While the toy has been revamped over the years with better safety features, the original design posed significant risks. Parents loved the creativity it inspired, but today’s stricter standards for heat sources and child-safe design would likely prevent the original model from hitting the shelves.
5. Pogo Ball
The Pogo Ball was a combination of a pogo stick and a bouncing ball, consisting of a rubber ball sandwiched between two plastic discs. Kids would stand on the disc, gripping it with their feet, and bounce around like kangaroos. It was a thrilling way to burn energy, but the design was far from stable. A misstep often resulted in falls, sprained ankles, or even broken bones.
While kids loved the challenge and adrenaline of mastering the Pogo Ball, the lack of proper grip and the hard plastic surface made it hazardous. Without padding or safety straps, the toy offered little protection for overzealous bouncers. Today, similar toys come with added safety features, but the original Pogo Ball, with its high potential for accidents, wouldn’t pass modern safety inspections. It’s fondly remembered by ’70s kids who lived for the thrill but serves as a prime example of the era’s “learn the hard way” approach to toy design.
6. Super Elastic Bubble Plastic
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was a hit with kids who loved blowing colorful, stretchy bubbles. The toy consisted of a tube of goo that, when placed on a straw, could be inflated into balloons. The downside? The goo contained polyvinyl acetate dissolved in acetone, making it flammable and highly toxic. Prolonged exposure to the fumes could cause dizziness or headaches, and ingestion posed serious health risks.
Despite these dangers, kids loved the vibrant, bouncy balloons they could create. Modern balloon-making kits have eliminated harmful chemicals, but Super Elastic Bubble Plastic serves as a reminder of how different safety priorities were in the past. Its colorful allure masked the very real dangers lurking inside the tube.
7. Shrinky Dinks
Shrinky Dinks allowed kids to create miniature designs by coloring on sheets of plastic that were then baked in the oven. The plastic shrank and hardened, turning the drawings into tiny charms or ornaments. The problem was that the baking process often produced fumes that weren’t safe to inhale, especially in poorly ventilated kitchens.
While Shrinky Dinks are still around today, the materials and instructions have been updated for better safety. The original sets, however, posed a risk not just from the fumes but also from the potential for burns while handling the hot, shrunken creations. It was fun, but it wasn’t exactly safe.
8. Sky Dancers
Sky Dancers were fairy-like dolls that launched into the air using a pull-string base. The concept was magical—kids loved watching the dolls spin and soar—but the reality was often painful. The spinning wings could cause scratches, bruises, or even eye injuries if they flew in the wrong direction.
Despite their popularity, Sky Dancers were eventually recalled in the ’90s due to numerous reports of injuries. They were a prime example of a toy that prioritized visual appeal over safety. While kids adored the flying fairies, the risk of harm would likely prevent their original design from being sold today.
9. Battlestar Galactica Missile Launchers
Tied to the hit TV series, Battlestar Galactica toys featured small ships that could fire plastic missiles. The problem? The missiles were small enough to be a choking hazard, and the spring-loaded mechanism was strong enough to cause injuries if misused.
One tragic incident involving a child choking on a missile led to a massive recall and stricter regulations on projectile toys. Today, toys with similar features are designed with larger, softer projectiles to prevent such accidents. The original Battlestar Galactica toys, though beloved, are a stark reminder of the dangers of poorly designed safety features.
10. Chemistry Sets
Chemistry sets in the ’70s were surprisingly sophisticated, often including real chemicals that could be combined to create dramatic reactions. While they sparked curiosity and a love of science, they also posed significant risks, from burns and spills to toxic fumes and explosions.
Modern chemistry sets are far more controlled, using non-toxic ingredients and focusing on safe experiments. The original sets, however, were like miniature laboratories with very little oversight, making them as dangerous as they were educational. It’s hard to imagine parents today allowing their kids to experiment with such volatile materials.
11. Water Wiggle
The Water Wiggle was a sprinkler toy that attached to a garden hose, spraying water as it flailed unpredictably. Kids loved chasing the chaotic stream, but the toy’s unpredictability also made it dangerous. The heavy nozzle could whip around at high speeds, causing injuries if it hit a child.
The Water Wiggle was eventually discontinued after reports of severe injuries, including one fatality. While similar sprinkler toys exist today, they’re designed with safety in mind, ensuring the fun doesn’t come at the cost of potential harm.
12. Slip ’N Slide
The Slip ’N Slide turned backyards into water parks, offering endless summer fun for kids. The concept was simple: roll out a long plastic sheet, attach a hose, and slide away. While it was thrilling, the risks became apparent as soon as kids (or unwitting adults) hit the ground. Poor cushioning often led to scrapes, bruises, or worse, as collisions and awkward landings were inevitable.
The toy’s risks were even greater for older users, as heavier bodies could hit the ground with dangerous force. Despite its popularity, injuries prompted warnings and redesigns over the years. While Slip ’N Slides are still around today, they now include better padding and guidelines to minimize accidents—far from the free-for-all of the ’70s.
These toys, while beloved, serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come in prioritizing child safety. They reflect a time when fun often came with risks—and plenty of scraped knees to prove it. Which of these toys do you remember playing with, and which ones left you with some battle scars? Let’s celebrate the creativity of the ’70s while appreciating the progress we’ve made.
