15 Toys from the ’90s That Wouldn’t Pass Safety Tests Today
This listicle features 15 popular toys from the 1990s that would fail to meet modern safety standards.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Many toys from the 1990s were fun at the time, but they would not be allowed on shelves today. Some had dangerous chemicals, sharp parts, or pieces small enough to choke on. This list shows how toy safety rules have changed. It also brings back memories of what kids used to play with.
1. McDonald’s Junior Rangers Figures
Polesie Toys on Wikimedia Commons
These colorful fast-food toys were exciting to collect, especially during a Happy Meal run. Many had detachable limbs or accessories that could easily break off. Today, they would be flagged for choking risks and flimsy construction.
2. Bop It Extreme
Nv8200p at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
This toy was a favorite for its fast-paced commands and fun sounds. However, the twisting and pulling could cause the plastic handles to crack over time. Broken pieces became sharp enough to scratch or cut hands during play.
3. Creepy Crawlers ThingMaker
Makerbot Industries on Wikimedia Commons
The joy of making your own gooey bugs came with a hidden danger. The device reached high temperatures that could burn skin if touched mid-cycle. Safety standards today would not allow kids’ toys to get that hot.
4. Vintage Fisher-Price Plastic Sets
DiscoA340 on Wikimedia Commons
These toys looked bright and harmless but have since raised concerns. Some older sets tested positive for lead and cadmium in the paint and plastic. Fisher-Price even recommends that kids no longer play with their vintage products.
5. GI Joe Figures with Projectile Accessories
Hasbro on Wikimedia Commons
Launching weapons made action scenes more exciting for kids in the ’90s. However, many of these tiny projectiles were shot out quickly and could cause eye injuries. Today’s rules require softer tips and limited launch power.
6. Tamagotchi Virtual Pets
Nori Norisa from 熊谷市, Japan on Wikimedia Commons
This handheld pet taught kids about responsibility, but the device had its flaws. The button battery inside could be accessed too easily if the case broke or was opened. Swallowing one could be life-threatening, which is why modern toys now require secure battery compartments.
7. Walkie-Talkies (DSI Space Squad)
VSchagow on Wikimedia Commons
These retro walkie-talkies looked cool but were poorly built. The battery compartments were often loose or missing proper screws. That made it easy for curious kids to access the batteries, which posed serious safety risks.
8. Beanie Babies with PVC Pellets
daryl_mitchell from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on Wikimedia Commons
These plush toys were everywhere in the ’90s and often became collector’s items. However, the soft seams could split, spilling tiny PVC pellets inside. Those pellets were a choking hazard and would not pass today’s safety inspections.
9. Flashlight Ring Pop Combos
Wolfvonder on Wilimedia Commons
Combining candy with a toy seemed fun at the time, but the thin plastic and small electronics were prone to breaking apart in kids’ mouths. Loose batteries or sharp bits made this a risky treat.
10. Power Rangers Battle Accessories
Rarene Noa on Wikimedia Commons
Every Power Ranger came with their own weapon to complete the set. The weapons were often made from hard plastic that would snap or splinter. Sharp edges and small breakable pieces would get flagged immediately today.
11. Digletts / Bean Sprouts Fast-Food Toys
Iqle on Wikimedia Commons
These oddball fast-food toys were fun to collect but poorly made. Many had brittle plastic and loose parts that popped off easily. If a child put one in their mouth, it could quickly become a choking hazard.
12. Inflatable NERF Venture Balls
Helen Cook on Wikimedia Commons
These soft, bouncy toys seemed harmless at first, but the seams were weak and sometimes split open, revealing loose rubber or valve parts. That made them both a choking risk and a trap for little fingers.
13. Toxic Slime (Home Kit)
Nevit on Wikimedia Commons
Kids loved mixing their own slime at home using powdered ingredients. Many older kits included borax or untested dyes that were not safe for skin contact. Today, regulations require full ingredient lists and safety-tested formulas.
14. Skip-It with Counter
Saskatoon Public Library on Wikimedia Commons
The Skip-It was all about swinging it around your ankle and jumping over it. However, the attached counter wheel added unexpected weight and speed. It could bruise ankles or cause kids to trip hard if they lost control mid-skip.
15. Super Soaker CPS 2000
GNU Free Documentation License on Wikimedia Commons
This powerful water gun could blast water over 50 feet with surprising force. It was fun for backyard battles, but the pressure was strong enough to cause eye injuries at close range. Newer toy safety rules now limit water pressure in squirt guns made for kids.