15 Toys from the ’80s That Would Be Banned Today
Here's a nostalgic yet eye-opening look at the most dangerous toys of the 1980s that wouldn’t survive today’s safety standards.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
The 1980s were a playground of innovation and recklessness when it came to children’s toys. This list explores 15 real toys that were once hugely popular but are now considered too dangerous to manufacture or sell. From flammable plastics to projectiles and spinning hazards, these toys highlight just how far we’ve come in protecting kids through modern safety regulations.
1. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
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Lawn Darts were heavy metal-tipped darts meant for tossing across the yard. They were responsible for numerous injuries and even deaths, leading to an eventual ban. The sharp point and the force of impact made them incredibly dangerous in unsupervised play.
2. Creepy Crawlers (Original Version)
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Kids would pour liquid plastic into metal molds and heat them to 400°F to make rubbery bugs. The original version came with a hot plate and no safety features. Burns were common, and the fumes weren’t exactly kid-friendly either.
3. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Doll
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This doll “ate” plastic food via motorized jaws, which didn’t discriminate between snacks and fingers. Several kids had their hair or fingers pulled in and injured. Mattel was forced to recall the toy due to safety concerns.
4. Clackers
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Clackers were two acrylic balls on strings that kids would swing together to make loud clacking sounds. The balls could shatter under pressure and send sharp shards flying. Despite their simplicity, they posed serious eye and face injury risks.
5. Slap Bracelets
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Initially a fashion craze, slap bracelets were made of metal covered in fabric. Over time, the fabric wore out and the sharp metal inside would cut or scratch kids. Several schools banned them entirely after repeated incidents.
6. Pogo Ball
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This toy was essentially a rubber ball with a platform on top for bouncing. It was unstable and often caused twisted ankles, falls, and collisions. No handles or padding made it a recipe for injury.
7. Fisher-Price Power Wheels (Early Versions)
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Early Power Wheels had weak brakes, poor seatbelts, and were prone to electrical malfunctions. Some models even caught fire due to wiring issues. Safety recalls and redesigns eventually followed.
8. Battlestar Galactica Missile-Firing Toys
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These space-themed action figures came with small, spring-loaded missiles. Children reportedly choked on the tiny projectiles. After a tragic death, the firing feature was permanently removed and redesigned.
9. Metal-Tipped Toy Arrows
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Toy archery sets in the 1980s sometimes came with metal-tipped or hard plastic arrows. These arrows could cause serious eye injuries or punctures if misused. Many were pulled from shelves after safety reviews.
10. My Pet Monster (Chains and All)
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While the plush monster itself was harmless, it came with plastic breakaway chains. The chains, when misused, became whipping hazards or entanglement risks. Parents raised concerns after injuries during rough play.
11. Moon Shoes
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Marketed as mini-trampolines for your feet, Moon Shoes caused numerous sprains and falls. Kids bounced uncontrollably, often landing on hard surfaces. There was little to no ankle support or balance control.
12. He-Man Battle Armor Figures
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Some of these action figures came with removable armor and accessories the size of peanuts. Small pieces were easily swallowed by toddlers. Choking hazards weren’t well regulated at the time.
13. Realistic Toy Guns
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Many toy guns in the ’80s were nearly indistinguishable from real firearms. Several tragic accidents occurred when police mistook them for actual weapons. Today, federal law requires bright tips and clear markings.
14. Water Wiggle
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This toy attached to a garden hose and flailed around unpredictably, spraying water. However, if the head came off, water pressure could force the hose into dangerous positions. A child was reportedly killed when the toy’s nozzle lodged in his mouth.
15. Skip-It (Original Version)
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This ankle-tethered toy was swung in circles while kids jumped over it. It encouraged high-speed spinning near the ground, leading to tripping, bruises, and twisted ankles. The lack of padding or safety stops made injuries common.