20 Toys From the ’90s That Would Be Banned Today
Many popular toys from the 1990s would likely be banned today due to safety risks, health concerns, and stricter modern regulations.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Toys in the 1990s often lacked the safety standards that exist today. Many of them posed choking hazards, encouraged dangerous behavior, or contained harmful materials. With updated consumer protection laws, several of these toys would not pass modern safety checks.
1. Sky Dancers
Claude A. Shepperson on Wikimedia Commons
Sky Dancers were small dolls that launched into the air with spinning wings. The wings were hard and could hit children in the face or eyes. There were many reports of injuries, including temporary blindness and broken teeth. The toy was eventually recalled due to safety concerns.
2. Aqua Dots
Nick_Connolly on Wikimedia Commons
Aqua Dots were colorful beads that stuck together when sprayed with water. The problem was the coating on the beads, which turned into a toxic substance when ingested. Some children swallowed them and fell unconscious or became seriously ill. They were quickly pulled from the market.
3. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kids
Appalachian Artworks, Inc on Wikimedia Commons
These dolls had motorized jaws that would “eat” plastic food. The problem was that the dolls didn’t stop chewing once food was gone. They pulled in children’s hair and fingers, causing injuries. The dolls were removed from store shelves after complaints and incidents.
4. Creepy Crawlers Oven
Berry Prince on Wikimedia Commons
The toy let kids pour liquid plastic into metal molds, then heat them in an oven. The plastic and molds became extremely hot and could burn skin. There were no safety guards or proper heat protection. Many children were burned using the toy.
5. Easy-Bake Oven
Bradross63 on Wikimedia Commons
Earlier models of the Easy-Bake Oven had a small opening that kids could reach into. Some children got their fingers stuck or burned. One child had to have part of her finger amputated. The design was later changed to prevent injuries.
6. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
DavidSpencer.ca on Wikimedia Commons
These were heavy, pointed darts designed to be thrown into the air and land on a target. They could cause serious injury if they hit someone. Many children suffered skull fractures and other trauma. Lawn darts were officially banned in the U.S. in 1988 but still showed up in homes into the ’90s.
7. Moon Shoes
cottonbro studio on Pexels
Moon Shoes were miniature trampolines worn on your feet. They were unstable and caused many falls. Sprained ankles and broken bones were common. The toy lacked proper balance and support for safe play.
8. Pogo Balls
കാക്കര on Wikimedia Commons
Pogo Balls were rubber balls with a plastic platform that kids stood on to bounce. They were hard to balance on and often slipped out from under children. Injuries from falls were frequent, including wrist and head trauma. They would likely require safety redesigns today.
9. Magnetix Building Sets
Grodalo on Wikimedia Commons
These building sets included small magnetic pieces that could come loose. If swallowed, magnets could stick together inside the body and cause internal damage. Multiple children required emergency surgery. The toy was recalled after several serious injuries and one death.
10. Yo-Yo Water Balls
Lisa from Pexels
These rubbery balls were filled with liquid and attached to a stretchy cord. The cord could wrap tightly around a child’s neck, creating a strangulation risk. Some reports also mentioned the balls leaking unknown substances. Many countries banned the toy due to the safety hazard.
11. Skip-It
Saskatoon Public Library on Wikimedia Commons
Skip-It was a plastic toy that kids would swing around one ankle while jumping over it with the other foot. It could hit the ankles hard and cause bruises or sprains. Children often tripped and fell while using it. The toy would likely need softer materials and better instructions today.
12. Power Wheels (Early Models)
 Chive Cream Cheese on Wikimedia Commons
Power Wheels were ride-on battery-powered cars for kids. Older versions had issues with battery overheating and wiring defects. Some units even caught fire during use. Later models were redesigned with safer electrical components.
13. Super Soaker CPS Series
Rayhe on Wikimedia Commons
These powerful water guns had high water pressure and large tanks. They could hit targets with force that caused eye injuries. Some models were even modified by users to become more powerful. Modern toy safety standards would limit their pressure output.
14. Micro Machines with Small Parts
Toxophilus on Wikimedia Commons
Micro Machines were tiny toy vehicles with very small detachable parts. They were a choking hazard for young children. Several incidents involved children putting pieces in their mouths. Today’s safety standards would require larger components.
15. Chemistry Sets (Basic and Advanced Kits)
Cristian Bortes on Wikimedia Commons
Many ’90s chemistry sets included harmful chemicals. Some kits lacked safety goggles or gloves. Kids could mix substances that caused burns or toxic fumes. Today, most chemistry kits are heavily regulated and include detailed safety instructions.
16. Slap Bracelets (Uncoated Metal Types)
Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons
Slap bracelets were metal bands covered with thin fabric or plastic. Over time, the coating would wear off, exposing sharp metal edges. Children were cut or scratched by the bracelet. Schools and parents began banning them due to the injuries.
17. Talkboy and Talkgirl Recorders
Y2kcrazyjoker4 on Wikimedia Commons
While not physically dangerous, these recorders raised early privacy concerns. Children could record others without permission. The toy sparked discussions about boundaries and consent. Privacy laws today would likely impact how such a toy is marketed.
18. Gak and Similar Slimes
Okras on Wikimedia Commons
Slime toys like Gak sometimes contained boron-based chemicals. Prolonged skin contact could lead to irritation or allergic reactions. Children often put it near their eyes or mouth. Safety standards today would require clearer ingredient labeling and warnings.
19. Biker Mice from Mars Toys with Sharp Accessories
Thomas Quine on Wikimedia Commons
These action figures came with small weapons and sharp plastic edges. Children could poke themselves or others during play. Some parts were small enough to choke on. Modern design rules would round edges and increase part sizes.
20. Stretch Armstrong
Alex Beattie on Wikimedia Commons
Stretch Armstrong was filled with a gel-like substance that could leak when punctured. The gel caused skin irritation if touched. The toy also had weak seams that split under pressure. New materials would be required for approval today.