1. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
Lawn darts were basically metal spikes with fins, thrown high in the air toward a plastic ring target. Kids played them barefoot in the backyard without a second thought. The darts could land anywhere, which sometimes meant right where you didn’t want them to.
Despite their obvious hazards, families loved the game for its simple fun. By the late ’80s, injuries finally forced regulators to pull them from store shelves. Today, they stand as one of the most infamous “what were we thinking?” toys of the era.
2. Creepy Crawlers Thingmaker
The Thingmaker let kids pour liquid plastic into metal molds, then bake them in a hotplate-style oven to create rubbery bugs. The liquid was full of chemicals and the molds got extremely hot. It was basically a science lab without safety goggles.
Kids adored the weird creatures they could make, even if they left behind burns or chemical smells. Parents rarely supervised because it was “just a toy.” Today, no store would dream of selling molten plastic to children.
3. Cap Guns
Toy revolvers and rifles that fired loud caps were wildly popular in the ’60s. The sound was startling, and the sulfur smell lingered in the air. Kids reenacted cowboy duels in the street, complete with clouds of smoke.
While thrilling for children, the noise, firecracker smell, and lack of supervision made them a clear hazard. Not to mention how realistic some of the guns looked. Modern safety standards would never allow them in their original form.
4. Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab
Yes, it was real—a toy science kit that included small amounts of uranium ore samples. The kit allowed kids to “experiment” with radiation using included equipment. At the time, atomic energy was seen as the future, not a danger.
Of course, giving radioactive material to children sounds unthinkable today. Back then, it was pitched as educational fun. In hindsight, it’s one of the most shocking examples of mid-century toy-making.
5. Clackers
Clackers were two acrylic balls attached by a string, meant to be swung up and down until they smacked together. They made a satisfying clacking sound but often chipped, cracked, or shattered into sharp pieces. The toy became a playground sensation.
Kids compared bruises like badges of honor, and broken clackers sent shards flying. Parents and teachers eventually caught on to the risks. Today, safety standards would put an end to such a hazard immediately.
6. Play-Doh with Real Metal Tools
Play-Doh was marketed as harmless fun, but the early sets often came with actual metal scissors, knives, and molds. Kids were expected to shape, cut, and sculpt with tools that could definitely cause a few nicks and cuts. Parents hardly blinked—it was just part of playing.
The dough itself was harmless enough, but those accessories told a different story. Kids loved the creativity, even if it occasionally ended in bandaged fingers. Today, everything is plastic and rounded off, making the old sets seem downright risky.
7. Water Rockets
Plastic rockets that launched skyward with water pressure were a backyard favorite. The problem was, they came down hard—on cars, rooftops, or unsuspecting heads. Kids sometimes experimented with extra pressure to see how high they could go.
They were thrilling to use but undeniably risky. Parents often had to fish rockets off the roof after a launch gone wrong. Modern toys stick with softer, safer foam versions.
8. Barbie’s Dream Car (with Sharp Plastic Edges)
Barbie was everywhere in the ’60s, and her accessories were just as popular. The early Barbie cars, campers, and furniture often had hard, sharp plastic parts. Kids could easily pinch fingers or step on a piece that hurt as much as a Lego.
Still, the chance to roll Barbie around in her convertible was worth every risk. The cars were a must-have for young fans, even if they weren’t exactly safe. Over time, toy makers softened designs, but the originals were anything but forgiving.
9. Battling Tops with Metal Spinners
The original battling top sets included heavy, sharp-edged metal spinners. They clashed in a plastic arena, often ricocheting out toward players. Bruised knuckles and dented furniture were a common side effect.
Kids loved the fast-paced chaos, even if it stung a little. Parents mostly shrugged it off as harmless play. Plastic replacements would later tone down the danger.
10. Slip ’N Slide (Original Version)
The first Slip ’N Slides were just long sheets of plastic with water running down them. Kids dove headfirst across the ground, often on hard surfaces. Rocks, uneven lawns, and sudden stops made injuries common.
Still, nothing felt more exciting than running and sliding through the summer sun. The thrill outweighed the bruises for most kids. Today’s versions include warnings and safer designs, but the original was truly wild.
11. Easy-Bake Oven (Original Version)
The Easy-Bake Oven, first introduced in the ’60s, was every child’s dream—it let kids bake real cakes and brownies at home. But the original versions used an actual lightbulb as the heat source, which got dangerously hot. Little hands often got burned reaching inside.
12. Chemistry Sets with Real Chemicals
Every budding scientist in the ’60s dreamed of owning a chemistry set. They came stocked with glass tubes, burners, and chemicals strong enough to stain carpets—or worse. The idea was to encourage discovery and learning.
What it often led to was minor explosions or singed eyebrows. Parents shrugged it off as part of childhood experimentation. Today’s “safe” chemistry kits pale in comparison, but at least they won’t blow up the garage.
