15 Toy Commercials from the ’80s That Wouldn’t Air Today
This list shows 15 toy commercials from the 1980s that would no longer be allowed on TV today.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Many toy ads in the ’80s were loud, bold, and sometimes a little too much. Some pushed stereotypes, others showed risky behavior, and a few were just plain strange. Today, these commercials would likely get banned or heavily edited. We’re looking back at 15 ads that went too far for today’s standards.
1. G.I. Joe – “Knowing Is Half the Battle”
Hasbro on Wikimedia Commons
These ads were packed with action scenes, then suddenly ended with a lesson. G.I. Joe told kids things like not to talk to strangers or to stay in school. It felt like a commercial and a PSA smashed together.
2. Masters of the Universe – “He-Man vs. Skeletor!”
Unknown on Wikimedia Commons
He-Man and Skeletor fought in dramatic, over-the-top battles. The cartoon violence was intense, especially for a toy ad. Today, parents might call that too aggressive for young kids.
3. Strawberry Shortcake – “Sweet Scented Dreams”
Tomomarusan on Wikimedia Commons
These dolls came with fruity smells like strawberry or cherry. The idea was fun, but it raised safety questions over scented plastics. Today, toy makers are more careful about sensory gimmicks.
4. Cabbage Patch Kids – “Adoption Matters”
Appalachian Artworks, Inc on Wikimedia Commons
The ads made adopting a doll feel like adopting a real baby. Some kids cried when they couldn’t find “their” doll. Now, ads like that might be seen as emotionally manipulative.
5. Transformers – “Robots in Disguise!”
Paramount Pictures/Hasbro on Wikimedia Commons
Transformers doubled as both toys and TV stars. The shows felt more like long commercials than cartoons. Current ad rules try to keep entertainment and marketing more separate.
6. Barbie – “Be Anything You Want”
Mattel / Warner Bros. on Wikimedia Commons
Barbie took on jobs like astronaut, doctor, or pilot. It looked empowering, but the ads still pushed a narrow view of beauty. Today’s Barbie ads focus more on diversity and real-life stories.
7. My Little Pony – “Friendship Is Magic?”
w:Hasbro on Wikimedia Commons
These commercials were full of glitter, giggles, and pastel ponies. They clearly targeted girls and leaned hard into girly stereotypes. Today’s marketing avoids being that one-sided.
8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – “Heroes in a Half-Shell”
Paramount Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
These turtles loved pizza and smashing bad guys. The ads made chaotic fun seem like a lifestyle. Modern ads are usually more toned down and balanced.
9. Hot Wheels – “Real Racers, Real Tracks”
Unknown on Wikimedia Commons
The cars sped through loops, crashes, and jumps. Kids were shown setting up wild tracks all over the house. Now, ads would probably include safety disclaimers or more realistic stunts.
10. Big Wheels – “Skid, Slide, Triumph!”
Doug Coldwell on Wikimedia Commons
These toy bikes were all about speed and sharp turns. Kids zoomed downhill without helmets or supervision. Today, that would raise major concerns about safety messages.
11. Talkboy – “Secret Messages”
Talkboy on Wikimedia Commons
This toy let kids secretly record voices and play them back. It was made popular by the movie Home Alone. Now, toys with recording features are heavily watched for privacy issues.
12. Pound Puppies – “Puppy Love Rescue”
Tatsuo Yamashita on Wikimedia Commons
The ad made the stuffed animals seem like they needed saving. It played on emotions to get kids to “adopt” them. That kind of guilt-based marketing feels outdated now.
13. Teddy Ruxpin – “Storytelling Bear”
Worlds of Wonder; Forsse, Earl Kenneth on Wikimedia Commons
This bear used tapes to read stories and move its mouth. It was a mix of cuddly and high-tech. Today, people might worry about smart toys and data collection.
14. LJN Video Game Toys – “Arcade Antics”
Kgw5360 on Wikimedia Commons
These toys were tied to video game characters and consoles. They were loud, flashy, and all about screen time. Now, ads often remind parents to limit device use.
15. Care Bears – “Share Your Care”
Banej on Wikimedia Commons
The commercials focused on feelings like love, sharing, and kindness. The bears were cute, but the emotional tone was very intense. Today’s ads tend to be more balanced and less heavy-handed.