1. Creepy Crawlers Thingmaker
Back in the 1960s, the Creepy Crawlers Thingmaker was every kid’s dream. You’d pour colorful goop into metal molds, plug in the machine, and watch as it baked into rubbery bugs. It felt like pure magic at the time, but the catch was that the molds had to be heated to extremely high temperatures. That meant kids were literally handling blistering-hot metal plates while making their bugs.
Burns were common, and there were plenty of horror stories about singed fingers. Still, kids were obsessed with the toy, and parents tolerated it because it seemed creative and fun. Eventually, safety concerns forced changes, and later versions were made with safer materials and lower heat. But for many who grew up in that era, the original Creepy Crawlers kit is remembered as both thrilling and terrifying.
2. Clackers
In the early ’70s, clackers were the must-have toy. Two acrylic balls hung from strings, and the idea was to make them smack together rhythmically, creating a loud clacking sound. When done right, they looked and sounded impressive, but when done wrong, things got dangerous fast. Those hard acrylic balls could shatter mid-swing, sending sharp shards flying.
Many kids wound up with bruises or cuts from misfires or breakage. Parents often tried to confiscate them, but kids loved the challenge and kept sneaking them back. Eventually, some versions were redesigned with safer materials, but the damage to their reputation was already done. To this day, clackers are remembered as one of the most accident-prone fads of the decade.
3. Slip ’N Slide
Few things were as exciting on a hot summer day as unrolling a Slip ’N Slide across the lawn. All you needed was a hose and a little courage to go running and belly-flopping onto the plastic sheet. While it seemed harmless, the truth was it wasn’t made for everyone. Older kids, teens, and even adults who gave it a try often found themselves with serious neck or back injuries from the sudden stops.
The toy was really only safe for younger children under a certain weight. But the commercials made it look like fun for everyone, so plenty of people took the plunge and ended up regretting it. Lawsuits followed, and warnings became much stricter. Despite the risks, the Slip ’N Slide still brings back nostalgic memories for many who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s.
4. Easy-Bake Oven
It seemed innocent enough, a little oven that let kids make cakes and cookies all by themselves. The Easy-Bake Oven was powered by light bulbs, which got hot enough to bake real treats. The problem was those same bulbs and heating elements got dangerously hot to the touch. Kids could easily burn themselves just by reaching in too quickly.
Over the years, there were reports of serious injuries, especially with certain models where children’s fingers could get trapped inside. Despite the dangers, kids loved the independence of baking their own snacks. Parents, meanwhile, often hovered nervously while the oven was in use. Today’s versions are safer, but the early models remain both beloved and infamous.
5. Battlestar Galactica Missile Firing Toys
When Battlestar Galactica was at the height of its popularity, toy makers produced action figures and ships with spring-loaded missile launchers. The concept was exciting: you could actually fire projectiles across the room during play. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before kids began choking on the tiny missiles.
One highly publicized tragedy in 1979 led to a recall and changes in toy safety regulations. Parents realized how dangerous small projectiles could be, and toy makers had to rethink their designs. Many collectors today still treasure the original sets, though, partly because they were pulled so quickly. For those who had them, the toys were both thrilling and risky.
6. Water Wiggle
The Water Wiggle looked like harmless fun when it debuted in the ’70s. You’d hook it up to a garden hose, and the plastic head would whip around spraying water. But because the toy was unpredictable, kids often found themselves getting hit in the face by the hard plastic nozzle. The bigger issue, though, came when the nozzle broke off and the hose pressure sent it flying wildly.
Even worse, the toy became entangled in some tragic accidents when kids tried to play with it too closely. Eventually, it was recalled and pulled from shelves. Still, for kids who experienced it firsthand, it was unforgettable. The sight of that wiggling, thrashing water hose was both hilarious and terrifying.
7. Gilbert Chemistry Sets
Kids who dreamed of becoming scientists often started with a Gilbert Chemistry Set. These kits came packed with chemicals, test tubes, and instructions for experiments that could cause fizzing, smoke, and even small explosions. It sounded like a fun way to learn, but in reality, it was like giving kids the tools for a homegrown laboratory.
The chemicals inside weren’t always safe, and without much adult supervision, children sometimes got burns, toxic fumes, or even started small fires. Parents hoped it would spark curiosity, but it often sparked more danger than they bargained for. Over time, the kits were watered down and made safer, but the original versions are remembered as a mix of education and chaos.
8. Moon Shoes
Moon Shoes were marketed as mini-trampolines for your feet, promising kids the chance to bounce around like astronauts. In reality, they were clunky, hard-to-balance platforms strapped to sneakers with elastic bands. Kids wobbled, fell, and twisted ankles within minutes of trying them out. While the idea was fun, the execution left plenty of bruises.
Some parents banned them after seeing how dangerous they were on sidewalks or driveways. Still, for kids, there was something irresistible about the goofy shoes. They made you feel like you were defying gravity, even if it was only for a second or two. Today, they’re remembered fondly but also as a guaranteed way to get hurt.
9. Super Elastic Bubble Plastic
Unlike regular bubbles, Super Elastic Bubble Plastic let kids blow giant, colorful plastic balloons with a straw. The gooey substance came in tubes, and when you squeezed it out, it gave off a strong chemical smell. That’s because it contained solvents like acetone, which were highly toxic if inhaled.
Kids would often play with it indoors, breathing in the fumes without realizing the risks. While the plastic bubbles themselves were fun to create, they popped quickly and left behind a sticky mess. Eventually, safety concerns led to its downfall. Still, kids who used it remember the excitement of blowing massive, almost rubbery balloons that never quite behaved like normal bubbles.
10. Pogo Bal
The Pogo Bal was a neon-colored disc with a rubber ball in the middle, meant to be stood on and bounced. It became a huge fad in the ’80s, with commercials making it look effortless. In reality, balancing on it was extremely tricky, and kids often flew off after just a few hops. Skinned knees, sprained wrists, and bruised shins were practically part of the experience.
Despite the injuries, kids begged for them, determined to master the challenge. For parents, watching their children attempt it was both nerve-wracking and entertaining. The toy faded in popularity after a few years, but for a brief moment, every playground seemed to have at least one Pogo Bal in action.
11. Toy Guns with Caps
Before realistic toy guns became controversial, kids loved cap guns that fired tiny paper or plastic caps with a loud pop. The sound and smoke made playtime feel more realistic, but those little caps were dangerous in ways parents didn’t expect. Some kids got burns from the sparks, while others set off small fires when caps were misused.
The guns themselves also looked realistic, leading to some very risky situations. Police departments eventually raised concerns about the dangers of toys that could be mistaken for real weapons. Despite the risks, they remained a staple of childhood for decades. For many, the smell of cap smoke still brings back instant memories.
12. Trampolines Without Nets
Long before safety nets and padded edges were standard, trampolines were simply a bouncy surface on springs. Kids would pile on together, colliding mid-air and launching each other off the sides. Broken bones, concussions, and sprains were common, but that didn’t stop kids from begging to use them.
Parents often worried but gave in because trampolines were such a novelty. It wasn’t until the ’90s that safety enclosures became popular, making the experience much safer. Before that, though, every bounce felt like a gamble. Still, the thrill of flying through the air kept kids coming back, injuries and all.