12 Popular Toys from the Past That Were Actually Dangerous

Not every toy from the past was built with safety in mind, even if it was sold as child-friendly. As toy regulations improved, many once-popular items were pulled from shelves due to accidents or health concerns. Some toys looked innocent but ended up causing serious injuries or worse. Here are 12 famous toys that became known not just for their popularity but also for the dangers they carried.

1. Lawn Darts (Jarts)

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These heavy darts were thrown toward ground targets, but they had sharp metal tips that could pierce skin or bone. Several injuries and even deaths were linked to their use. They were eventually banned in many countries due to how dangerous they were.

2. Easy-Bake Oven (Original Models)

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Using a real light bulb as a heat source, early Easy-Bake Ovens could get hot enough to cause burns. Small fingers often got caught in the oven slot during play. While it taught kids to bake, it also led to more than a few doctor visits.

3. Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab

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This “educational” toy came with real uranium ore and tools for nuclear experiments. Though it aimed to teach science, it exposed children to radiation risks. It was quickly pulled from stores due to safety concerns.

4. Sky Dancers

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These dolls launched into the air with a pull-string, spinning wildly and often flying unpredictably. Kids were hit in the face, eyes, and even suffered broken teeth. The toy looked magical but had a dangerous design flaw.

5. Clackers

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Made of two hard plastic balls on strings, kids swung them up and down until they clacked together. If done too hard, they could shatter or hit the user’s face or hands painfully. Over time, the risk of injury became too great to ignore.

6. Aqua Dots (also known as Bindeez)

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These colorful beads stuck together with water, creating cute designs. The problem was the coating, which turned into a toxic chemical if swallowed. Several children fell ill, prompting a massive recall.

7. Battlestar Galactica Missile-Firing Toys

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Action figures from this space-themed series came with spring-loaded missiles that launched from their bodies. One child tragically choked on a piece, leading to a new safety law about small parts in toys. It changed how action figures were made forever.

8. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Doll

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This doll could “eat” plastic snacks by pulling them into its mouth with motorized jaws. The issue? It couldn’t distinguish between a toy and a child’s hair or fingers, leading to painful injuries.

9. Buckyballs Magnetic Desk Toy

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Though marketed for older kids and teens, the small magnetic balls were often swallowed by mistake. If more than one was swallowed, they could stick together inside the body, damaging internal organs. Many hospitals reported serious cases, pushing for a full ban.

10. Moon Shoes

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These trampoline-like shoes were worn on your feet, letting kids bounce around like astronauts. They often led to twisted ankles, falls, and tumbles from uneven jumps. Fun in theory, but not so friendly to bones.

11. Creepy Crawlers Thingmaker (1960s version)

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This toy let kids create rubbery bugs using a mold and a heating unit that got extremely hot. Burns were common, especially when excited kids touched the metal too soon. Later versions were made safer, but the original was a fire hazard.

12. Pogo Balls

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Pogo Balls were half rubber ball, half plastic platform, and kids bounced by standing on them. It was tricky to balance, and falls were frequent. Many sprained wrists and bruised knees came from this wobbly trend.

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• old toys
• dangerous
• banned toys
• vintage
• safety history