15 Toys That Were Smuggled Into School
Students have brought toys into school despite rules, finding ways to keep them hidden and play in secret.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Even with school rules against distractions, many children still found ways to bring toys to class. These toys were often kept hidden in bags, pockets, or pencil cases and used during breaks or when teachers were not paying attention. This list covers 15 real toys that students have smuggled into schools over the years.
1. Tamagotchi
Nori Norisa on Wikimedia Commons
Tamagotchis were small digital pets that required regular care throughout the day. Students often checked and fed them quietly under their desks. The toys made beeping sounds, which sometimes led to teachers noticing them. Many students learned to mute the sound so they could continue using them without being caught.
2. Beyblades
Senior Airman Clayton Lenhardt on Wikimedia Commons
Beyblades were spinning toys made for battles between players. Students brought the tops in separate parts to avoid detection and then assembled them at school. Matches took place during lunch breaks or in corners of the playground. Teachers often confiscated them because of the noise and risk of arguments.
3. Pokemon Cards
Jarek Tuszyński on Wikimedia Commons
Students brought Pokémon cards to school to trade and play games with classmates. Some carried full decks in their backpacks while others hid a few cards in their pockets. Arguments sometimes broke out over trades or rare cards. After repeated incidents, many schools banned them completely.
4. Slime
Okras on Wikimedia Commons
Slime was a quiet and soft toy that students kept in small containers. They played with it under their desks or during free time. Some types of slime had strong scents or colors that made them easy to notice. When it stuck to desks or clothes, teachers usually found out.
5. Fidget Spinners
Habib M’henni on Wikimedia Commons
Fidget spinners were created as focus tools but quickly became popular toys. Students used them in class to pass the time or reduce boredom. The spinning motion and sound attracted attention, especially in quiet rooms. Some schools decided to ban them due to frequent misuse.
6. Mini Rubik’s Cubes
Hellbus on Wikimedia Commons
Mini Rubik’s Cubes were small enough to fit in a pocket or pencil case. Students used them to challenge themselves or each other during school hours. Some practiced solving them during class by hiding their hands under the desk. Teachers often noticed the clicking sound and took them away.
7. Mini Squishmallows
AJaxn845 on Wikimedia Commons
These were small plush toys that students brought for comfort or fun. They were usually kept in backpacks or hidden in pencil pouches. Some students used them as stress relievers during class. If they became a distraction, teachers would ask students to put them away.
8. Putty and Thinking Putty
Kossaki on Wikimedia Commons
Putty was similar to slime but thicker and easier to control. Students used it to keep their hands busy during lessons. It was usually kept in a tin or wrapped in plastic inside pockets. Teachers allowed it in some cases, but banned it if it became distracting.
9. LEGO Minifigures
Markus Spiske on Wikimedia Commons
LEGO figures were easy to hide because of their small size. Students brought them in parts and assembled them in class or during recess. Some played with them on their desks while pretending to pay attention. If left behind or dropped, teachers would usually notice and take them.
10. Yo-Yos
Sarah Jones on Wikimedia Commons
Yo-yos were kept in bags or jacket pockets and used during breaks. Some students practiced tricks and showed them to friends. The noise and movement often caught teachers’ attention during lessons. In many schools, they were not allowed in classrooms.
11. Fingerboards (Tech Decks)
Ukren on Wikimedia Commons
Fingerboards were small skateboards controlled with fingers. Students kept them in pencil cases and used books as ramps. The tapping sounds made them hard to use quietly in class. Most teachers asked students to stop using them indoors.
12. Mini Magic 8-Balls
college.library on Wikimedia Commons
Mini versions of Magic 8-Balls were used by students to ask silly questions and get random answers. They were shared quietly under desks or in hallways. They did not make much noise but still distracted students from learning. Some teachers took them away if they caused disruptions.
13. Gogos Crazy Bones
AleksRok on Wikimedia Commons
These were small collectible plastic figures that students brought in for games and trades. They were often flicked across desks, which led to noise and arguments. Many students carried a few in their pockets or pencil cases. When too many appeared in class, schools banned them.
14. Mini Nerf Guns
Photwik on Wikimedia Commons
Small Nerf shooters were sometimes hidden in bags and used in secret during school hours. Students fired foam darts at each other when no one was watching. This often led to distractions and clean-up problems. Most schools took strict action against them.
15. Silly Bandz
Steven Depolo on Wikimedia Commons
Silly Bandz were shaped rubber bands worn as bracelets. Students traded them and compared shapes with classmates. Some wore so many that it became noticeable and distracting. Many schools banned them due to arguments and loss of focus during lessons.