Toys were a lot simpler—and riskier—back in the day. While today’s playthings are designed with safety and political correctness in mind, many of the toys we grew up with had a knack for sparking outrage, raising eyebrows, or causing harm. Here’s a trip down memory lane to some of the most shockingly controversial toys that somehow made it onto store shelves.
1. Cabbage Patch Kids Snacktime Doll
This adorable doll had a mechanical mouth that would “chew” pretend snacks. The problem? It didn’t distinguish between plastic food and children’s fingers or hair. Cue the lawsuits and a swift recall!
2. Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab
Yes, another radioactive toy! This kit allowed kids to explore the wonders of nuclear science. While it was briefly hailed as a genius educational tool, parents eventually realized that handing uranium to kids might not be the best idea.
3. Creepy Crawlers
Who didn’t love making slimy, rubbery bugs with a hot metal mold? The “Thingmaker” toy was basically an oven marketed to kids, with molten plastic that could easily cause burns. It was messy, smelly, and oh-so-dangerous—but so much fun.
4. Atomic Energy Lab
In the 1950s, this “educational” kit allowed kids to experiment with real radioactive materials. While it was marketed as a way to inspire young scientists, the risks of exposure made it a short-lived, jaw-dropping idea.
5. Sky Dancers
These whimsical flying dolls were a ’90s favorite, but their launch mechanism had a darker side. The toys flew unpredictably, often smacking kids in the face or causing eye injuries. They were eventually pulled from shelves, but not before becoming a viral sensation.
6. Clackers
Two acrylic balls attached to a string that kids smashed together to make a satisfying clack-clack-clack. The problem? Those balls could easily shatter and send shards flying. Yet, they were wildly popular before the dangers became too obvious to ignore.
7. Easy-Bake Oven (Original Model)
The Easy-Bake Oven was a dream for aspiring chefs, but the early versions weren’t exactly foolproof. Kids burned themselves on the heating element or got their fingers caught in the tiny metal pans. Despite its hazards, it remains an iconic toy.
8. Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper
This toy spaceship from the late ’70s included tiny plastic missiles that kids could shoot—and sometimes accidentally swallow. After reports of choking incidents, the toy was recalled and became an infamous example of poorly thought-out design.
9. Barbie Baby-Sits Playset
This 1960s Barbie accessory kit included a diet book with advice to “Don’t eat!” Critics slammed it for promoting unhealthy body standards to impressionable kids. It’s shocking in hindsight, but at the time, it was just another toy.
10. Slap Bracelets
These colorful, addictive bracelets were all the rage in the ’90s—until it was discovered that the metal inside could snap through the fabric and cause cuts. Schools across the country banned them, but not before they became a playground phenomenon.
11. Lawn Darts
Nothing screams “childhood danger” like a set of weighted, spear-like darts meant to be thrown across the yard. Lawn darts caused countless injuries, including some tragic ones, before being banned in the late ’80s. Still, they were a staple at backyard barbecues for years.
12. Baby Laugh-a-Lot
This creepy doll from the ’70s had a laugh that sounded more like a maniacal cackle. Its eerie, unsettling voice left kids terrified rather than delighted. Commercials for the toy only added to its infamy.
13. Water Wigglers
These slippery, tube-shaped toys filled with water and glitter were meant to be fun fidget items, but they often ended up being a hazard. Kids would bite or puncture them, causing the liquid inside—sometimes containing harmful chemicals—to leak out. Worse yet, the shape made them a choking hazard for younger kids. Despite their mesmerizing appeal, these toys sparked enough safety concerns to become yet another relic of the past.
14. Aqua Dots
This colorful craft toy allowed kids to create bead designs that fused with water. The controversy? The beads were coated with a chemical that metabolized into GHB (a date-rape drug) if swallowed. After reports of kids getting sick, the toy was swiftly pulled from shelves.
Looking back, it’s a wonder some of these toys ever made it to market. While they may have sparked joy (and the occasional lawsuit), they remind us of a time when playtime felt a little more wild and unpredictable. For better or worse, these controversial toys are etched into the memories of those who grew up with them—and they’ll always be a part of our childhood nostalgia.
