16 Discontinued Toys With Truly Bizarre Backstories
Here's a collection of 16 real-life discontinued toys whose strange, dangerous, or downright absurd histories make them unforgettable.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
From uranium-packed science kits to dolls that literally ate children’s hair, the toy industry has seen its fair share of safety disasters and bizarre product decisions. Some were pulled for obvious hazards like choking, burning, or poisoning, while others were doomed by strange design flaws. This list explores the weird and sometimes dangerous backstories behind toys that seemed fun at first but quickly turned into cautionary tales.
1. Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab (1950)
Image from Wikipedia
This short-lived science kit actually came with small samples of real uranium ore. Marketed as a way to teach kids about atomic energy, it also included a Geiger counter and instructions for detecting radioactive materials. It was discontinued after parents and health officials raised concerns about exposing children to radiation.
2. Sky Dancers (1994)
Image from Wikipedia
These colorful, winged dolls could be launched into the air with a pull-string base, spinning high above before landing. Unfortunately, they often came crashing down into faces, eyes, and furniture, causing injuries that led to hundreds of complaints. The dangerous design forced the toy off the shelves by the early 2000s.
3. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kids (1996)
Image from Wikipedia
This Cabbage Patch doll was designed to “eat” plastic snacks that disappeared into its backpack-like stomach. However, the mechanical mouth did not have an off switch, leading it to accidentally chew on children’s hair and fingers. It was quickly recalled after multiple injury reports.
4. Aqua Dots (2007)
Image from Wikipedia
These bead craft kits allowed kids to create designs that solidified when sprayed with water. Unfortunately, the beads contained a chemical that turned into the date-rape drug GHB when ingested, causing hospitalizations. They were pulled from shelves and rebranded with a safer formula.
5. Lawn Darts (Jarts) (1970s–1988)
Image from Wikipedia
Lawn darts were heavy, pointed projectiles meant to be thrown into target rings on the ground. Numerous injuries, including several fatalities, occurred when children were struck in the head. After years of controversy, they were officially banned in the United States in 1988.
6. Battlestar Galactica Missile-Firing Toys (1978)
Image from Wikipedia
Mattel released action figures and ships with spring-loaded plastic missiles for the original Battlestar Galactica series. After a child choked to death when a missile was lodged in his throat, the toy was recalled. This incident led to tighter toy safety regulations regarding projectile parts.
7. Clackers (1970s)
Image from Wikipedia
Clackers were two acrylic balls connected by a string that players would knock together rhythmically. The balls often shattered upon impact, sending sharp shards flying in all directions. The toy was eventually discontinued after numerous eye and facial injuries.
8. Creepy Crawlers “Thingmaker” (1960s)
Image from Wikipedia
This popular kit let kids pour liquid plastic into metal molds and bake them in a heating element to create rubbery bugs. The open heating plate reached extremely high temperatures, often causing burns. Safety concerns eventually forced its redesign with less hazardous heating methods.
9. Monster Science Colossal Water Balls (2012)
Emeric Deroubaix from Unsplash
These super-absorbent polymer balls could grow to many times their original size when placed in water. The problem arose when children swallowed them, as they expanded inside the digestive tract, causing dangerous blockages. They were recalled after emergency surgeries became necessary.
10. CSI: Fingerprint Examination Kit (2007)
Image from Wikipedia
Based on the hit TV show, this kit allowed children to dust for fingerprints using a powder that was later found to contain asbestos. The presence of this carcinogen sparked outrage among parents and safety advocates. The kit was immediately pulled from shelves.
11. Moon Shoes (1990s)
Image from YouTube
Marketed as “mini trampolines for your feet,” these strap-on shoes let kids bounce as they walked. The unstable design caused frequent ankle sprains and falls. They were eventually pulled from production due to safety issues.
12. Easy-Bake Oven (2006 model)
Image from Wikipedia
While the Easy-Bake Oven has been around since the 1960s, the 2006 model had a dangerous flaw: kids could get their fingers stuck inside the heating chamber. Over 200 reports of burns and injuries led to a recall. The design was later altered to prevent access to the heating element.
13. Barbie and Tanner (2006)
Image from Wikipedia
This Barbie set included her pet dog, Tanner, and a magnetic pooper scooper. Small magnets from the toy could come loose, and when swallowed, they could attract inside the intestines and cause serious injuries. The product was recalled less than a year after its release.
14. Sky Rangers Park Flyer Radio-Controlled Airplane (2007)
Ben Berwers from Unsplash
These battery-powered planes were marketed for outdoor fun but had a defect in their lithium battery pack. The batteries could overheat, causing the planes to catch fire mid-flight. The safety hazard led to a full recall.
15. Snackin’ Snoopy (1968)
Image from Wikipedia
This Peanuts-themed toy allowed children to feed Snoopy small plastic food pieces that moved through a mechanical mouth. However, the parts were a choking hazard and could jam in the toy. Production stopped after multiple safety concerns.
16. Aqua Leisure Baby Boats (2009)
Ibrahim Rifath from Unsplash
These inflatable baby boats were designed to let toddlers float safely in pools. However, the seams were prone to tearing, causing the seat to suddenly give way and drop children into the water. Millions were recalled after dozens of near-drowning incidents.