15 Toys That Were Pulled from Shelves for Being Too Dangerous
Some toys were so hazardous that they caused injuries, lawsuits, and mass recalls before being permanently banned from store shelves.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Not all childhood toys were safe. Some were just dangerous. Over the years, manufacturers have had to recall playthings that caused burns, choking hazards, and even explosions. Here are 15 toys that were yanked from stores after proving to be too risky for kids.
1. Lawn Darts
Hasan Albari on Pexels
These sharp, weighted darts were meant for backyard fun but became deadly projectiles. Multiple serious injuries and fatalities, especially among children, led to a full ban in 1988.
2. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Doll
Appalachian Artworks, Inc on Wikimedia Commons
This doll had a mechanical mouth that would “chew” plastic snacks but didn’t know when to stop. Reports surfaced of kids getting their fingers and hair caught in its powerful jaws.
3. CSI: Fingerprint Examination Kit
cottonbro studio on Pexels
A toy based on CSI sounds innocent enough, but this kit’s fingerprint dust contained asbestos. Parents were horrified to learn their children were playing with a known carcinogen.
4. Aqua Dots
Nick_Connolly on Wikimedia Commons
These arts-and-crafts beads seemed harmless, but they contained a chemical that converted into GHB, a “date rape drug,” when ingested. Several children were hospitalized after swallowing them.
5. Easy-Bake Oven (2006 Model)
RBerteig on Flickr
Hasbro’s classic toy oven got a dangerous redesign in 2006, leading to serious burn injuries. Kids’ fingers got trapped in the oven’s opening, resulting in severe burns and even one case requiring amputation.
6. Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab
Brstein on Wikimedia Commons
This 1950s science kit actually included radioactive materials for kids to experiment with. Though marketed as an educational toy, the risks of radiation exposure were too high.
7. Sky Dancers
Mike Mozart on Flickr
These flying fairy dolls looked magical but had a nasty habit of soaring unpredictably into kids’ faces. Reports of eye injuries, broken teeth, and concussions piled up.
8. Clackers
Santishek on Wikimedia Commons
These acrylic balls attached to strings were meant to clack together but often shattered into dangerous shards. The high-speed projectiles posed serious risks to kids’ eyes and faces.
9. Battlestar Galactica Missile-Firing Toy
Joe Haupt on Wikimedia Commons
After a child tragically choked on one of its tiny missiles, this spaceship toy faced immediate backlash. The incident led to a complete recall and new toy safety regulations.
10. Yo-Yo Water Balls
EvelynGiggles on Flickr
Filled with liquid and attached to an elastic cord, these squishy yo-yos could wrap around a child’s neck. The choking risk was so severe that several states banned them outright.
11. Moon Shoes
Crystal Calderon on Flickr
Marketed as “mini trampolines for your feet,” these spring-loaded shoes often led to twisted ankles and broken bones. The lack of proper safety features made injuries all too common.
12. Buckyballs
Studio De Wilde on Wikimedia Commons
These tiny magnetic beads were meant for desk toys but were dangerously appealing to children. When swallowed, they could attract inside the digestive tract, causing life-threatening injuries.
13. Power Wheels Harley-Davidson Motorcycle
MikeSchinkel on Wikimedia Commons
Fisher-Price’s battery-powered motorcycle had a major flaw—it wouldn’t stop moving even when turned off. Several kids experienced crashes due to the faulty accelerator.
14. Slap Bracelets (Original Version)
Wrinehart on Wikimedia Commons
The first versions of these trendy ‘90s accessories had sharp metal edges under the fabric. The covering would wear down, exposing the metal and leading to cuts and scratches.
15. Toy Crossbows
Abdesk2008 on Wikimedia Commons
These small plastic crossbows could shoot projectiles at high speeds, making them more than just toys. Eye injuries and other accidents led to their removal from most stores.