12 Retro Toys That Had Strange Smells
These 12 retro toys were known not just for how they looked or worked, but also for the unusual smells they gave off.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Many older toys had strong or strange smells due to the materials used during their production. Some scents came from plastics, rubbers, or added fragrances, while others were side effects of manufacturing processes. These 12 toys stood out because their scents were memorable, whether good or bad.
1. Strawberry Shortcake Dolls
The Library of Congress on Wikimedia Commons
These dolls were first released in 1979 and were designed with fruit-scented plastic. Each doll had a unique scent like strawberry, lemon, or blueberry. The smell was added to enhance the toy’s appeal and became a major part of the brand’s identity. Over time, the scent would fade but often remained noticeable for years.
2. He-Man Action Figures
Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
Some He-Man toys, especially the character Stinkor, were designed with a strong smell on purpose. Stinkor smelled like patchouli oil, which was added directly to the figure’s plastic. The scent was part of the character’s theme as a “smelly villain.” Many kids found the odor powerful and hard to ignore.
3. My Little Pony (Original Series)
JayPasta on Wikimedia Commons
Several of the original My Little Pony toys were lightly scented to match their names. Ponies like “Strawberry Surprise” had a fruity smell built into the vinyl. The scent was subtle but gave the toys a distinct identity. Some older figures still carry traces of the original fragrance.
4. Creepy Crawlers (Thingmaker)
Berry Prince on Wikimedia Commons
This toy let children make rubbery bug-shaped figures by heating liquid plastic in metal molds. The material, called Plasti-Goop, released a strong chemical smell when heated. The scent was often described as sharp, synthetic, and hard to forget. Safety concerns eventually led to changes in the toy’s design.
5. Madballs
Frank Schwichtenberg on Wikimedia Commons
Madballs were rubbery foam toys with gross-out designs released in the 1980s. The foam had a strange, plasticky smell that many kids noticed immediately. This scent came from the materials used during production. The smell lingered for a long time, especially on well-used toys.
6. Barbie Dolls (Vintage)
Librarygurl on Wikimedia Commons
Early Barbie dolls, especially those from the 1960s and 1970s, often had a distinct plastic or vinyl scent. The smell came from the soft vinyl used for the head and limbs. Over time, some Barbies developed a stronger smell due to material breakdown. Collectors often mention the scent when describing older dolls.
7. Gak (by Nickelodeon)
Ciphers on Wikimedia Commons
Gak was a stretchy, squishy toy substance introduced in the early 1990s. It was known for its bright color, strange texture, and unique chemical scent. The smell was part of its appeal to kids but was sometimes too strong for adults. It came from the compound used to give Gak its stretch and bounce.
8. Stretch Armstrong
Alex Beattie on Wikimedia Commons
This toy was filled with a thick, gel-like substance that let it stretch and return to shape. The rubbery outer layer and the gel inside gave off a noticeable odor. Some users described it as sweet but artificial, similar to industrial rubber. The smell increased if the toy was damaged or aged.
9. Play-Doh
Betsy Weber on Wikimedia Commons
Play-Doh has had a recognizable smell since it was first introduced in the 1950s. Its scent is a mix of flour, salt, and a mild fragrance added by the manufacturer. Some people find the smell pleasant, while others find it strange or nostalgic. The company has even trademarked the scent in recent years.
10. Masters of the Universe Slime Pit
Fma12 on Wikimedia Commons
This toy included a container of green slime meant to trap action figures. The slime had a very strong chemical odor when first opened. It came from the combination of plasticizers and preservatives used in the mix. The scent became part of the memory for kids who used the toy.
11. Garbage Pail Kids Figures
Fortepan on Wikimedia Commons
While the original cards didn’t have a scent, some later toy lines based on Garbage Pail Kids were made with scented plastic. The smell was often odd or sour, matching the gross-out nature of the brand. These scents came from the plastic mix and were not always intended. Some figures had stronger odors than others.
12. Smell My Gak (Nickelodeon Spin-off)
Slime 123 Globox Barbara Rayman on Wikimedia Commons
This was a variation of Gak sold in the 1990s with added scents like banana, blueberry, and mystery smells. Each color came with a different artificial fragrance. The scents were strong and often stayed on kids’ hands after use. Many parents found the smells too intense.