14 Noisy Toys That Drove Parents Crazy
Some toys became famous not only with kids but also for how much noise they made, driving parents to the edge of patience.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Noisy toys have been a part of childhood for decades, often remembered as much for the sounds they produced as for the fun they gave. From loud sirens to repetitive jingles, these toys created endless excitement for children but frustration for adults. Here are 14 noisy toys that left lasting memories in family homes.
1. Tickle Me Elmo
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Released in the 1990s, this plush toy laughed loudly every time it was squeezed. The laughter was high-pitched and repetitive, often going off multiple times in a row. Kids found it hilarious, but parents quickly grew tired of the nonstop giggling. Despite this, the toy became one of the biggest holiday hits of the decade.
2. Fisher-Price Corn Popper
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This push toy has been around since the 1950s. As children push it, colored balls bounce inside a dome, creating a constant popping sound. The noise is continuous and can fill a room quickly. Parents often recall it as one of the most irritating toys of early childhood.
3. Talking Furby
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Furby was introduced in 1998 and quickly became a craze. The toy constantly made noises, spoke its own language, and responded to movement or sound. Many parents reported that the toys kept talking even when no one was around. The endless chatter made them both fascinating and frustrating.
4. Toy Drum Sets
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Children’s drum sets were made to encourage music play, but they often produced very loud sounds. The banging could last for hours with no rhythm or pause. Parents often struggled with the constant noise in small homes. Despite the frustration, drum sets became a classic gift.
5. Talking Dolls
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Many dolls from the 1980s and 1990s came with voice chips that played phrases when pulled or pressed. The repetition of the same lines over and over quickly annoyed adults. Some dolls even had voices that wore out and became distorted, making them sound stranger over time. Parents often regretted buying them after only a few days.
6. Cymbal-Banging Monkeys
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These mechanical toys date back to the mid-20th century. They clapped cymbals together repeatedly while making shrill sounds. The repetitive clashing was jarring and loud. While iconic, they were remembered as some of the most nerve-wracking toys in circulation.
7. Jack-in-the-Box
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The toy winds up to play “Pop Goes the Weasel” before a clown figure jumps out. The tune is repetitive and mechanical, playing loudly each time. Kids loved the surprise, but parents heard the same melody endlessly. Its sound became more stressful than fun for adults.
8. Toy Xylophones
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Children’s xylophones encouraged musical play but came with sharp, clanging notes. The metal bars produced loud tones that echoed in small spaces. Parents often endured long sessions of random banging instead of real tunes. They remain one of the most memorable noisy instruments for kids.
9. Battery-Operated Toy Phones
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Toy phones in the 1990s and 2000s often rang loudly and repeated preset phrases. Kids pressed the buttons nonstop, keeping the noises going for long periods. Many of the sound chips had a high pitch that carried through the walls. Parents quickly learned to hide the toy after bedtime.
10. Bop It
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This handheld game became popular in the late 1990s. It shouted commands like “Twist it” and “Pull it” in a loud electronic voice. The fast pace and constant shouting made the toy addictive for kids but exhausting for adults nearby. Many parents compared it to having a talking alarm clock in the living room.
11. Baby Cry Dolls
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Some dolls were designed to cry loudly when their bottles were removed or when they were laid down. The crying sound was repetitive and hard to turn off. Parents often struggled to stop the noise quickly. These dolls became infamous for being more realistic than many parents wanted.
12. Karaoke Machines for Kids
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These toys let children sing into a microphone with built-in speakers. The volume was often higher than expected, making even simple songs very loud. Parents found themselves listening to repeated tunes at top volume. Still, the machines encouraged creativity and remained popular.
13. Electronic Keyboards
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Small keyboards for kids came with preset songs, demo buttons, and effects. Children often pressed random keys, creating loud and chaotic sounds. The demo mode repeated the same melodies endlessly. Parents often had to limit how long the toy was used indoors.
14. Plastic Whistles and Recorders
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Cheap whistles and beginner recorders were common in schools and homes. The high-pitched notes carried through the walls and windows. Kids blew them nonstop, often without any sense of music. Parents often considered them among the most unbearable noisy toys of all.