12 Toys That Doubled as Dangerous Weapons
These 12 toys were meant for fun but ended up causing injuries due to poor design or misuse.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Some toys created for children became known for causing harm. Whether due to sharp parts, faulty materials, or strong projectiles, these products put safety at risk. These 12 toys were later recalled, banned, or redesigned after being linked to accidents and injuries.
1. Aqua Dots
Nick_Connolly on Wikimedia Commons
Aqua Dots were small craft beads that stuck together with water. Some children swallowed them, not knowing the coating contained a chemical that turned into a drug-like substance in the body. Several kids became unconscious and needed medical treatment. The toy was recalled worldwide in 2007.
2. Sky Dancers
Claude A. Shepperson on Wikimedia Commons
Sky Dancers were flying dolls that launched into the air when a cord was pulled. Many were launched at random angles and struck children in the face or eyes. Reports of eye injuries, broken teeth, and facial cuts led to safety concerns. They were pulled from shelves in 2000 after over 150 injury cases were reported.
3. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
/dave/null on Wikimedia Commons
Lawn darts were large, metal-tipped darts meant for outdoor games. They could easily puncture skin or bone if thrown incorrectly. At least one child died after being hit in the head. The U.S. banned the sale of lawn darts in 1988.
4. Cabbage Patch Snacktime Kid
Appalachian Artworks, Inc on Wikimedia Commons
This doll had a motorized mouth that let it “eat” plastic snacks. The problem was that it didn’t stop when a finger or hair got caught. Several children suffered from pinched fingers and pulled-out hair. Mattel recalled the doll in 1997 after receiving dozens of reports.
5. Battlestar Galactica Missile Toys
Brigade Piron on Wikimedia Commons
Action figures from the Battlestar Galactica line came with small, spring-loaded missiles. A child died after one of the plastic missiles was fired into his mouth. The tragedy led to a shift in toy safety regulations. The toy was recalled, and future versions used non-firing parts.
6. Easy-Bake Oven (2006 Model)
Bradross63 on Wikimedia Commons
This updated version of the classic oven used a heating element instead of a light bulb. The design allowed children’s fingers to get stuck in the oven door. Over 200 reports of burns and one case of partial finger amputation led to a recall. Hasbro offered replacements with improved safety.
7. CSI Fingerprint Kit
New York Toy and Game Company on Wikimedia Commons
This toy was sold alongside the popular crime show and included materials for kids to lift fingerprints. Tests later showed the powder contained asbestos. The product was pulled from stores in 2007 after the health risk became public. Asbestos is known to cause serious lung disease.
8. Hoverboards (Early Models)
Soar Boards on Wikimedia Commons
When hoverboards first became popular in 2015, many models caught fire due to faulty batteries. Some overheated during charging and caused house fires. Others led to injuries from sudden stops or speed issues. Safety boards and airlines banned their use until stricter standards were enforced.
9. Magnetix Building Sets
Grodalo on Wikimedia Commons
Magnetix sets used small magnets that could break loose from pieces. If swallowed, multiple magnets could attract inside the body and tear through internal organs. Several children needed surgery, and one child died. The product was recalled and redesigned with stronger safety features.
10. Slap Bracelets (Original Versions)
Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons
These fabric-covered metal bands were a schoolyard trend in the early 1990s. Cheap versions had thin fabric that wore out, exposing sharp metal edges. Children got scratched or cut while wearing or sharing them. Schools began banning them, and safer versions were later sold.
11. Polly Pocket Magnetic Sets
Ethan Doyle White on Wikimedia Commons
In the early 2000s, Polly Pocket toys had tiny magnets that sometimes came loose. Several cases involved children swallowing the magnets, leading to serious internal damage. Over 4 million sets were recalled by Mattel. The company later redesigned the sets with stronger safety controls.
12. Rollerblade Barbie
Javier Perez Montes on Wikimedia Commons
Released in the early 1990s, this Barbie came with roller skates that had real sparks. The skates used flint to create sparks when rolled over hard surfaces. This feature posed a fire risk and caused minor burns. The toy was quickly pulled from stores and reissued without sparks.