18 Childhood Treasures That Would Never Be Made Today
From wild toys to questionable snacks, these childhood favorites would never pass today's safety or social standards.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The world has changed, including the rules of what’s safe or even acceptable for kids. Some of the most beloved childhood items from past decades would never see the light of day now. Whether due to safety hazards, changing values, or just plain weirdness, these relics belong to a bygone era.
1. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
Nicolas Horn on Unsplash
These metal-tipped projectiles were a backyard staple—and a safety nightmare. After dozens of injuries and even fatalities, they were banned.
2. Candy Cigarettes
Julie Pimentel on Flickr
Shaped like the real thing, these chalky sweets were once handed out like Halloween candies. Now, promoting smoking—even in jest—is a PR disaster.
3. Easy-Bake Oven (Original Metal Models)
Bradross63 on Wikimedia Commons
These tiny ovens used real heating elements and could cause serious burns. They were mini-appliances disguised as toys.
4. Clackers
marianne muegenburg cothern on Flickr
What could go wrong with two hard acrylic balls on strings that you smacked together? Lots. They shattered mid-swing and sent shards flying.
5. Creepy Crawlers (Original Molding Machines)
Toho Scope on Flickr
Kids used to pour liquid plastic into hot molds to create bugs and shapes. The heat source was a legitimate burn risk.
6. Playgrounds on Concrete
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Before rubber mats and safety standards, we had steel slides on blacktop. Falls meant bruises, cuts, or worse.
7. Slap Bracelets (Original Metal Versions)
Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons
These colorful bands snapped onto your wrist with a flick, but early versions had exposed metal that could cut skin.
8. BB Guns as Toys
Hustvedt on Wikimedia Commons
Marketed as toys, these air-powered guns looked and felt too real. Injuries and accidents made them controversial.
9. Fisher Price Little People (Original Choking-Hazard Size)
Mike Mozart on Flickr
The first Little People figures were solid, round, and the perfect size to lodge in a toddler’s throat. Despite their popularity, they were redesigned for safety.
10. Moon Shoes
Matt M. on Flickr
Touted as mini trampolines for your feet, these plastic contraptions led to plenty of sprained ankles. They looked cool but offered zero support or stability.
11. Cap Guns with Realistic Designs
Jason Rogers on Wikimedia Commons
Before orange safety tips, toy guns looked just like the real thing. Today, that’s a massive safety concern. Many were banned or redesigned for realism concerns.
12. Pogo Balls
Luna Lovegood on Pexels
A cross between a pogo stick and a rubber ball, these needed perfect balance and strong ankles. Falls were common, and ER trips weren’t rare.
13. Stretch Armstrong
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Filled with a mysterious goo, these rubbery toys were fun to pull—but dangerous to tear. Once broken, the insides were sticky and potentially toxic.
14. Super Elastic Bubble Plastic
Shreyans Bhansali on Flickr
You blew bubbles using a straw and a chemical-laced paste that reeked of fumes. Sounds safe, right? Definitely not.
15. Water Wiggle Sprinkler Toy
Tom Fisk on Pexels
This sprinkler toy was unpredictable and could wrap around kids, even causing choking hazards. Several injuries led to recalls.
16. Inflatable Furniture for Kids
Yercaud-elango on Wikimedia Commons
They looked fun, but they punctured easily and were fire hazards. Some even deflated while kids were sleeping on them.
17. Garbage Pail Kids Cards
Jelene Morris on Flickr
These parody trading cards were gross, graphic, and wildly inappropriate by today’s children’s media standards. Some schools banned them outright.
18. Toy Chemistry Sets with Real Chemicals
Joe Mabel on Wikimedia Commons
Old-school kits came with real acids, alcohols, and even radioactive materials. Can you imagine giving that to a 10-year-old today? Liability lawyers sure can.