The 1970s were a magical time for toys, with inventive and adventurous creations that fueled kids’ imaginations. But let’s face it—safety wasn’t exactly a top priority. Many toys from this era would never pass today’s stricter safety regulations or modern parents’ scrutiny. From real-life hazards to changing cultural concerns, here’s a look back at 12 toys from the ’70s that just wouldn’t fly today.
1. Clackers
These acrylic balls on a string were mesmerizing—and dangerous. Kids would swing them up and down, trying to make them hit in midair. The problem? Clackers had a tendency to shatter into sharp shards when hit too hard, turning a fun toy into a safety hazard.
2. Jarts (Lawn Darts)
Imagine giant darts with weighted metal tips designed to be thrown across a yard. Now imagine those same darts landing in someone’s foot—or worse. Jarts were a backyard favorite until countless injuries (and a few tragic deaths) led to their ban in the late 1980s.
3. Easy-Bake Oven (First Edition)
The idea of baking your own mini treats was irresistible to kids, but the original Easy-Bake Oven had a design flaw: it got really hot. The heating element could reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to burned fingers and even house fires.
4. Slip ’n Slide
A staple of summer fun, the Slip ’n Slide seemed innocent enough—but only for kids. Adults or teens using it could suffer severe neck and spine injuries due to the lack of proper cushioning on the ground. Its modern versions come with clear warnings and design tweaks.
5. Shrinky Dinks (Original Kits)
Shrinky Dinks were a hit, but early versions came with risks. Kids would bake these plastic sheets in home ovens, sometimes releasing toxic fumes. The potential for burns and respiratory issues led to a redesign using safer materials.
6. Water Wiggle
This sprinkler toy attached to a garden hose and unpredictably whipped around, spraying water everywhere. It was all fun and games until the nozzle hit someone’s face—or got stuck in clothing, causing serious injuries.
7. Creepy Crawlers Thingmaker
The original Thingmaker let kids pour liquid plastic into molds and bake them into rubbery creations. It also came with a dangerously hot heating element that could cause burns, and the fumes from melting plastic weren’t exactly healthy.
8. Johnny Reb Cannon
This toy cannon, styled after Civil War artillery, actually fired hard plastic cannonballs. Kids loved the realistic action, but the risk of injury from flying projectiles turned it into a serious hazard.
9. SSP Racers
These pull-string cars were fast and fun, but the hard plastic design turned them into mini missiles when they inevitably collided with walls, furniture, or unsuspecting legs. Kids would also sometimes whip the ripcord around, creating a risk of injury to anyone nearby.
10. Sky Dancers (Predecessors)
While Sky Dancers were officially a ’90s toy, earlier flying toys with spinning mechanisms existed in the ’70s—and they had no safety precautions. Sharp propellers could hit kids in the face, causing eye injuries or cuts.
11. Atomic Energy Lab
This one sounds like a joke, but it’s real: a science kit that included actual radioactive materials. Sold under the guise of education, it was discontinued after concerns about radiation exposure—though remarkably, some sets still exist in collectors’ hands.
12. Battlestar Galactica Missile Launcher Toys
Inspired by the popular TV show, these spaceship toys launched plastic missiles—straight into kids’ throats. Several choking incidents prompted recalls and led to stricter regulations for projectile toys.
The 1970s may have been a wilder time for toys, but they also sparked creativity and a sense of adventure. Today’s safety standards ensure that kids stay safe while having fun, but there’s something nostalgic about remembering a time when toys came with a side of danger. Do you have any fond—or nerve-wracking—memories of these toys?
