18 Popular Toys from the ’70s That Wouldn't Be Allowed Today

Although many of the toys from the 1970s would not be regarded as safe for kids today, they were imaginative and entertaining. Some of these toys had small parts that could choke a child, sharp edges, or hazardous materials. Many of the once-loved toys from the 1970s would not meet today’s standards because toys are now designed with a greater emphasis on safety. This article provides an overview of how toy safety has changed over time by highlighting 18 toys in the 10970s that have been phased out because of safety concerns.

1. Lawn Darts (Jarts)

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In the 1970s, lawn darts, also known as “Jarts,” were a common outdoor game in which children threw darts at a target. The sharp metal tips of these darts frequently caused injuries, from small cuts to more serious mishaps. Because of their potential for injury, lawn darts are prohibited today.

2. Easy-Bake Oven

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The Easy-Bake Oven, which uses a light bulb to bake small treats, is a fun way for kids to learn to cook. However, there was a significant risk of a fire if the light bulb overheats. To avoid this from happening, safer heating components have been incorporated into updated versions of this toy.

3. Magic 8-Ball

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With the help of a floating die inside a black ball, children could ask questions and receive answers with the well-known Magic 8-Ball toy. However, if the ball bursts, the liquid inside could be poisonous, posing a health risk. Modern toys emphasize non-toxic materials and steer clear of unmarked liquids.

4. Creepy Crawlers

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Children could make rubber figures in the shape of bugs with Creepy Crawlers by heating metal molds. The toy was dangerous for young children because of the significant burn risk posed by the mold’s heat. Children can play safely thanks to safer heating sources used in modern models.

5. Stretch Armstrong

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Stretch Armstrong was a flexible action figure with a gel-like substance inside that allowed it to be stretched to tremendous lengths. Skin irritation or poisoning could result from the gel leaking if the toy broke. Modern toys are made of non-toxic materials and are designed to last longer.

6. Super Elastic Bubble Plastic

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Children could make elastic, stretchy bubbles with this toy, but the plastic used was occasionally difficult to remove and could irritate the skin. If swallowed, the product might also become a choking hazard. Today’s versions use safer, hypoallergenic materials to eliminate these risks.

7. Spirograph

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The Spirograph was a toy that produced complex designs on paper using gears. Young children could choke on the tiny gears and get cut by the sharp edges. Larger gears and safer plastic components are used in modern models to mitigate these risks.

8. Pet Rock

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This amusing toy called the Pet Rock, was a plain rock in an air-holed box sold as a “pet.” Even though it is innocuous, selling an inanimate object as a pet is probably not a good idea in today’s society. Today’s toys are more interactive and made to promote learning and creativity.

9. Captain Action

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By changing out his outfit, Captain Action, a superhero action figure, could transform into various characters. Younger children were at risk of choking on the tiny parts and accessories. Modern action figures are safer for younger players because they have fewer tiny parts.

10. Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots

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Two robots would battle in an arena in the competitive game Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. Children could be hurt by the sharp edges that could be exposed if the plastic construction were to break easily. To avoid such problems, modern toys are now made of safer materials and are more durable.

11. The Ant Farm

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The Ant Farm provided a unique educational experience by allowing kids to observe ants inside a clear plastic enclosure. However, it brought up issues regarding the moral treatment of living things and animal welfare. The goal of today’s educational toys is to teach kids about nature without endangering any animals.

12. Water Wiggle

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A toy known as Water Wiggle twisted and wriggled erratically while squirting water. Although entertaining, its design frequently made it difficult to control, which could have resulted in injuries. These days, water-based toys are more stable and safer, and controls have been improved to avoid mishaps.

13. Penny Dolls

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Children could collect penny dolls because they were small and cheap, but they were dangerous because they could choke. Due to the small parts, younger children were at risk of putting things in their mouths. Today, young children’s toys are much larger and designed with safety in mind.

14. Six Million Dollar Man Action Figure

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Based on a well-known TV character, this action figure had detachable and replaceable bionic limbs. The tiny pieces and jagged edges could be dangerous, particularly if the figure’s limbs broke. Modern action figures have fewer detachable parts and are made with safety in mind.

15. Speak & Spell

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Speak and Spell was an electronic toy that taught kids how to spell but had a loud, mechanical voice. Despite being inventive, its design was less intuitive than modern digital learning toys. Contemporary educational toys are more interactive with their engaging features and amiable voices.

16. View-Master

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The View-Master gave kids a new way to experience pictures by letting them see 3D images through special reels. However, by today’s standards, some of the pictures were out of date or unsuitable. Today’s toys are more likely to include kid-friendly and entertaining content.

17. Easy-Bake Oven (Revisited)

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The second model of the Easy-Bake Oven appeared in the 1970s, but it still used a light bulb prone to overheating. This made the toy dangerous for young children because it presented a significant fire hazard. More recent models have improved this oven’s heating mechanisms to make them safer and more dependable.

18. Mood Rings

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Jewelry known as “mood rings” changed color according to the wearer’s alleged emotional state. These rings frequently contained toxic chemicals, and the materials they were made of could be dangerous if consumed or broken. These days, safe, non-toxic materials without hazardous substances are used to make children’s jewelry.

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