14 Toys That Were Everywhere — and Then Suddenly Gone
Some toys took over the world—or at least the schoolyard only to disappear as fast as they came. Whether they were banned, broke too easily, or just got replaced by the next big thing, these once-loved playthings vanished in a flash. However, for a little while, they were everything.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Every decade has its toy obsessions, but not all of them last. Some were hot holiday gifts or must-haves at recess, while others became pop culture icons overnight. Then, just like that, they were gone—packed away, forgotten, or banned from classrooms. These 14 toys were once everywhere, and even now, they bring back memories of when fun came in plastic, glitter, or goo.
1. Pogs and Slammers
Public domain on Wikimedia
These were flat cardboard circles with wild designs, and thicker plastic “slammers” used to win them. Kids couldn’t get enough of Pogs in the mid-’90s. Then, schools started banning them, and just like that, the fad fizzled.
2. Sky Dancers
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
These flying fairy dolls were launched into the air with a pull-string base. They were magical—until parents realized they could hit you right in the eye. Safety concerns sent them spinning into toy history.
3. Koosh Balls
BLM Alaska on Wikimedia
Colorful rubbery balls made of soft strings, Koosh Balls were oddly satisfying to throw and squish. Every kid seemed to have one clipped to their backpack, but trends changed, and they quietly bounced out of the spotlight.
4. Gak
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Nickelodeon’s gooey, squishy substance came in neon containers and made weird fart sounds. Kids loved stretching, squeezing, and making messes with it. Eventually, parents had had enough, and Gak slipped out of the store.
5. Bop It (Original Version)
Hasbro on Pexels
“Bop it! Twist it! Pull it!” shouted the toy, creating a frenzy of reflex-based fun. However, as new versions came out, the original Bop It became harder to find. Its simple chaos was missed, as the newer ones got more complicated.
6. Tamagotchi
David on Wikimedia
These digital pets demanded feeding, cleaning, and constant attention. If you left one alone too long, it died, which felt oddly real to many kids. They were everywhere, then suddenly not—possibly because we all got tired of the guilt.
7. Hit Clips
Pixabay on Pexels
These were tiny music players that only played 60-second clips of pop songs. Back when portable music wasn’t as easy, Hit Clips were a big deal. However, once MP3 players showed up, no one wanted just part of a song anymore.
8. Sock’em Boppers
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
They were inflatable boxing gloves, “more fun than a pillow fight.” Kids loved punching each other in a “safe” way until injuries started stacking up. Soon enough, they were deflated for good.
9. Creepy Crawlers
Berry Prince on Pexels
Want to make your own rubber bugs in a little oven? Kids thought it was awesome. However, concerns about the heat, smell, and mess meant most sets ended up in the garage forever.
10. Furby
Vickie Intili on pexels
These weird, blinking, chirping toys seemed alive—and sometimes too alive. They learned words and never stopped talking, even in the dark. Parents and kids both got creeped out, and the Furby wave passed.
11. Laser Pointers (as toys)
Paulnasca on Wikimedia
Once kids got their hands on laser pointers, classrooms turned into light shows. However, after people realized they could damage their eyes, they were banned nearly everywhere. What started as a cool trick ended as a safety risk.
12. Water Wigglies
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
A slippery, gel-filled tube you couldn’t hold for more than a few seconds. They were oddly fun to play with, but no one quite knew what their purpose was. Eventually, they became more of a novelty than a real toy.
13. Sticky Hands
Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels
You’d slap them on walls, desks, or friends—and they’d stick, stretch, and collect dust in seconds. They came from vending machines and goody bags everywhere. Once they got gross, they were gone.
14. Yo-yos with Lights
Charly genio on pexels
For a short time, light-up yo-yos turned everyone into a pretend pro. They looked amazing spinning at night or in the school hallway. Soon enough, they became more of a passing glow than a lasting trend.