15 Toys That Were Quietly Banned (But You Probably Owned Them)

Several toys that once filled toy chests were later banned for causing serious injuries or health hazards. Despite their popularity, many posed choking risks, chemical exposure, or physical harm. This list highlights some of the most well-known toys that were quietly removed from the market for safety reasons.

1. Lawn Darts

Mushy on Wikimedia Commons

Lawn darts, also called Jarts, were metal-tipped projectiles used in outdoor games. The sharp tips caused serious injuries, including skull punctures, and were linked to at least one child’s death. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the sale of lawn darts in 1988 after numerous hospital reports. The game was discontinued, and sales of similar designs are now illegal.

2. Aqua Dots

Nick Connolly on Wikimedia Commons

Aqua Dots were arts and crafts beads that stuck together when sprayed with water. They were recalled in 2007 after it was discovered that the chemical coating converted into gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a central nervous system depressant, when ingested. Several children became unconscious or seriously ill after swallowing them. The toy was pulled from shelves and later re-released with a new formula.

3. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kids

Coyau on Wikimedia Commons

These dolls had mechanical jaws designed to “eat” plastic snacks as part of pretend play. Children’s fingers and hair were also pulled into the dolls’ mouths, causing pain and minor injuries. Because the mechanism had no off switch, it would continue to bite until it finished its programmed cycle. Mattel voluntarily recalled the dolls in 1997 after several complaints.

4. Sky Dancers

Elmar Hartmann on Wikimedia Commons

Sky Dancers were flying dolls launched by pulling a string, which made them spin and fly through the air. The toy’s erratic flight path caused facial injuries, including eye damage and lacerations. Over 100 injury reports were submitted to the CPSC. In 2000, the manufacturer recalled the product.

5. Magnetix Building Sets

Wyll on Wikimedia Commons

These magnetic construction toys included small magnets that could detach from the plastic pieces. If more than one magnet was swallowed, they could attract each other inside the body, leading to intestinal blockages, tears, or infections. One death and several serious injuries were reported. The toy was recalled in 2006 and re-released with stronger magnet retention.

6. Easy-Bake Oven (2007 model)

Bradross63 on Wikimedia Commons

The redesigned Easy-Bake Oven, released in 2006, had a front-loading door that posed a safety hazard. Children could insert their fingers into the oven chamber, which sometimes led to burns and trapped fingers. Over 70 burn incidents were reported, including a case requiring finger amputation. Hasbro issued a recall in 2007 and offered a retrofit kit.

7. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Fingerprint Examination Kit

Nummer 12 on Wikimedia Commons

This toy kit, based on the TV show, was sold with fingerprint powder that contained up to 7 percent asbestos. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and inhalation of the powder could pose serious long-term health risks. The toy was sold at major retailers, including Toys “R” Us. It was recalled in 2007 following legal action and lab testing.

8. Creepy Crawlers Thingmaker (original version)

Berry Prince on Wikimedia Commons

The original Thingmaker allowed children to pour liquid plastic into metal molds and heat them to over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. There were no protective shields or temperature controls, increasing the risk of burns. It was released in the 1960s and caused numerous burn injuries. Later versions were redesigned with safer materials and lower heat.

9. Sky Rangers Park Flyer Radio-Controlled Airplane

Aleksander Markin on Wikimedia Commons

This RC airplane was powered by a lithium battery that could overheat during use or charging. Several reports described the plane catching fire and causing minor injuries. The CPSC recalled the product in 2007. The manufacturer urged consumers to stop using the toy and provided replacements.

10. Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper

Tdhla1 on Wikimedia Commons

This toy spaceship had a spring-loaded mechanism that launched small plastic projectiles. In 1979, a child choked to death after one of the projectiles was swallowed. The toy led to a recall and new regulations requiring projectile toys to meet specific safety standards. The missile-firing feature was removed from future versions.

11. Clackers

E911a on Wikimedia Commons

Clackers were acrylic balls connected by a string that users swung to make them hit each other. The plastic often cracked or shattered, sending sharp fragments outward. There were multiple reports of eye injuries and broken teeth. The toy was taken off the market in the 1970s due to the danger.

12. Polly Pocket (Pre-2010 versions with magnets)

Aney on Wikimedia Commons

Polly Pocket playsets made before 2010 included small magnetic accessories. The magnets could detach and be swallowed, leading to internal injuries similar to those caused by Magnetix. Over 150 incidents were reported, including serious medical complications. Mattel recalled over four million playsets in 2007.

13. Rollerblade Barbie

DrPhoenix on Wikimedia Commons

This Barbie had toy rollerblades with a flint feature that created sparks when used on hard surfaces. The sparks could cause burns or ignite flammable materials. The toy raised fire safety concerns and was quietly pulled from the shelves. It is no longer in production.

14. Water Beads

Yuchen.li94 on Wikimedia Commons

Water beads are absorbent polymers that expand when placed in water. If swallowed, they can continue to grow inside the body, leading to intestinal blockages in children. Several emergency surgeries were performed due to these incidents. Regulatory agencies have issued warnings, and some countries have banned the sale of these products to young children.

15. Hoverboards (2015 models)

Soar Boards on Wikimedia Commons

Hoverboards became a trend in 2015 but were found to have unstable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries often overheated and caused fires during charging or while riding. The CPSC investigated the issue after receiving dozens of fire reports. Many models were recalled or banned from airlines and public buildings.

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