10 Toys That Were Banned After Becoming Too Popular
Several toys that once became hugely popular were later banned due to safety risks and serious injuries.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 3 min read
Some toys became so popular that they spread quickly, but their design led to accidents and safety concerns. As injury reports increased, many were removed from stores or banned by safety groups. These toys are now remembered more for their danger than for their fun.
1. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
/dave/null on Wikimedia Commons
Lawn darts were metal-tipped projectiles used for outdoor games. They caused several serious head injuries and even a few deaths. After public pressure and multiple hospital reports, they were banned in the United States in 1988. Safer, plastic versions were later released but never became as popular.
2. Aqua Dots
Nick_Connolly on Wikimedia Commons
These colorful beads stuck together when sprayed with water and were marketed as a creative craft toy. However, the coating on some beads contained a chemical that turned toxic when swallowed. Multiple children were hospitalized after ingesting them and passing out. The toy was recalled in 2007 and banned in many countries.
3. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kids
Appalachian Artworks, Inc on Wikimedia Commons
This version of the Cabbage Patch doll had a motorized mouth that “ate” plastic food. The mouth did not have an off switch and sometimes caught children’s fingers or hair. Several kids were hurt before the toy was pulled from the shelves in 1997. It was never sold again in its original form.
4. Magnetix Building Sets
Dideedooo on Wikimedia Commons
These toys used small, strong magnets for building 3D shapes. If the magnets came loose and were swallowed, they could stick together inside the body, causing serious internal damage. Dozens of injury reports led to a recall in 2006. Newer versions have stronger casing to prevent magnet exposure.
5. Hoverboards (early versions)
Soar Boards on Wikimedia Commons
The first wave of hoverboards became extremely popular in 2015. Reports of the devices catching fire while charging or riding quickly grew. Investigations revealed poor battery quality in many models. Major retailers stopped selling them, and new safety standards were introduced.
6. Sky Dancers
Ethan Doyle White on Wikimedia Commons
These flying dolls launched into the air with a pull-string base. They often flew unpredictably and hit children in the face or eyes. Over 100 injuries were reported, including broken teeth and eye damage. They were removed from the market in 2000.
7. Clackers
Santishek on Wikimedia Commons
Clackers were two hard plastic balls attached by a string that kids swung until they knocked together. The toys could shatter during use, sending sharp plastic pieces flying. Eye injuries and chipped teeth became common. The U.S. banned them in the early 1970s due to safety concerns.
8. Easy-Bake Oven (2007 model)
Bradross63 on Wikimedia Commons
This version of the classic toy used a heating element that sometimes trapped children’s fingers. Some kids suffered burns, and a few required surgery. After nearly 250 reports of injury, the toy was recalled in 2007. A redesigned model using a safer heating method was released later.
9. CSI: Fingerprint Examination Kit
Benutzer:Dany3000 on Wikimedia Commons
This science-themed toy was linked to health concerns because its fingerprint powder contained asbestos. Asbestos is known to cause cancer if inhaled over time. The toy was quickly pulled from the market after lab tests confirmed the risk. It became one of the most dangerous toy recalls of its time.
10. Fidget Spinners (certain models)
Habib M’henni on Wikimedia Commons
Fidget spinners became a global trend in 2017, but some versions were made with poor materials. Reports included choking hazards, swallowing small parts, and injury from sharp edges. Several schools banned them due to distractions and safety concerns. Some countries also restricted sales of unsafe models.