13 Toys That Were Recalled But You Probably Played With Anyway
These popular childhood toys were removed from shelves for safety reasons, but not before millions of us had our fun.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Many of us grew up playing with toys that, in hindsight, weren’t the safest. Whether it was sharp edges, toxic parts, or choking hazards, some of these playthings became infamous enough to get recalled. Here are 13 recalled toys that somehow still made it into homes across America—and maybe yours, too.
1. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
Immo Wegmann on Unsplash
These heavy metal darts were a backyard staple in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Kids launched them into the air during summer cookouts—often with little aim and zero caution.
2. Easy-Bake Oven (2007 Version)
Rachel on Flickr
The updated Easy-Bake had a new design—and a major flaw. Children’s fingers got caught in the oven’s opening, leading to serious burns.
3. Magnetix Building Sets
Aldo Cavini Benedetti on Flickr
These magnetic toys seemed harmless until kids began swallowing the tiny magnets. Inside the body, magnets could attract and tear through internal organs.
4. Aqua Dots
Anathea Utley on Flickr
A wildly popular arts-and-crafts kit, Aqua Dots were beads that stuck together with water. However, they were coated in a chemical that, when ingested, metabolized into a date rape drug.
5. Sky Dancers
Mike Mozart on Flickr
These flying fairy dolls would launch into the air with a pull-string base. Sounds magical—until they smashed into a lamp, your face, or your sibling’s eye.
6. SnackTime Cabbage Patch Kids
Mike Mozart on Flickr
These dolls “ate” plastic snacks via motorized mouths—and had no off switch. Unfortunately, they also chewed on kids’ fingers and hair.
7. Hoverboards (2015-2016 Models)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Wikimedia Commons
They were the hot holiday gift until they literally caught fire. Poorly made batteries caused some models to overheat and explode.
8. Polly Pocket Sets (Pre-2006)
Aimee Ray on Flickr
Tiny dolls and even tinier accessories—what could go wrong? Magnets inside the pieces came loose and were swallowed by young children.
9. Battlestar Galactica Missile-Firing Toys
Sascha Grant on Flickr
In the late ‘70s, these action figures came with small plastic missiles that launched with a spring. After a tragic choking incident involving a 4-year-old, the toys were recalled and redesigned.
10. Slap Bracelets
Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons
These colorful bands were a schoolyard fad—until they started slicing through skin. Cheap knock-offs used thin metal that poked through the fabric.
11. Fisher-Price Power Wheels (Various Models)
ChrisGoldNY on Flickr
Mini electric cars are every kid’s dream, but early models had battery problems and faulty wiring. Fires, overheating, and random takeoffs caused several recalls through the 2000s.
12. Yo-Yo Water Balls
EvelynGiggles on Flickr
These squishy, stretchy toys looked innocent but were actually serious hazards. When wrapped around necks, they posed strangulation risks and were banned in several states.
13. Buckyballs
Visitor7 on Wikimedia Commons
Marketed as stress-relief desk toys, these high-powered magnets quickly found their way into kids’ hands. Swallowing just two could result in life-threatening internal damage.