Some of the most popular toys in the 1970s were marketed as fun and harmless, but many were clearly unsafe the moment kids got hold of them. Safety rules were loose, and injuries were treated more like missteps than manufacturer problems. Here’s a look at the toys that made the ‘70s an unforgettable time to be a kid, for better or much, much worse.
Lawn Darts (Jarts)
A heavy, metal-tipped dart was sold in toy aisles, not sporting goods sections. Missed throws were frequent and sometimes ended in serious injury. Hospitals began linking ER visits directly to this toy. Public pressure eventually got them banned, but not before they caused enough damage to earn a place in safety history.
Clackers
These acrylic balls on a string were a playground favorite. The motion involved swinging the balls in a loop until they collided repeatedly. The impact caused the balls to shatter and splinters of plastic to shoot out unpredictably. Facial cuts and bruises weren’t uncommon.
Easy-Bake Oven
It looked simple; a plastic oven that used simple bulbs but still got hot enough to cook batter–and burn fingers. Some children reached in too early and ended up with serious burns. One model even led to a partial finger amputation.
Shogun Warriors
These nearly two-foot-tall robots came loaded with spring-fired missiles, fists, and blades. The projectiles had real force behind them, enough to break things or hit someone in the face. A few had sharp edges that scraped hands or arms during play.
Cap Guns
Designed to mimic real gunfire, these plastic revolvers used paper cap rolls that exploded with a loud snap. They emitted flash, noise, and a cloud of powdery residue. Children sometimes held them too close and got minor burns, and some lost hearing after repeated use.
Slime (Original Version)
The original version of slime had an odd feel and a smell that lingered on skin and clothes. That’s because early batches contained boron or formaldehyde, both of which led to skin irritation and complaints of headaches or upset stomach.
Chemistry Sets
Although marketed as science learning tools, these kits included chemical vials and shockingly unsafe materials like uranium samples. There were sets that included ingredients that could burn skin or ignite easily. Instructions were vague, and adult supervision was more of a suggestion than a rule. Children conducted real reactions, often without gloves, goggles, or adult help.
Big Wheel Tricycles
The low seat and wide front wheel gave kids a sense of speed but very little stability. They would ride them down driveways and sidewalks at full speed, only to flip or crash when the wheel locked up. Spills happened often, especially when going downhill or turning too fast. Helmets weren’t a thing yet, so head injuries were common.
Water Wiggle
Wham-O’s Water Wiggle connected to a garden hose and sprayed water by whipping around unpredictably. It had a soft, bell-shaped plastic head that flailed as water pressure increased. The issue was what happened when that head came off. The metal nozzle underneath could thrash wildly and had enough force to cause injury.
Small Fireworks
Items like bottle rockets and firecrackers were easily available at corner stores, often without age limits or warnings. Burns, cuts, and hearing damage were regular outcomes. The explosions were unpredictable, and there were plenty of close calls. Some kids lost fingers. Fire departments started tracking incidents, and eventually, states tightened laws.
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
Each match started off harmless: two robots in a plastic ring throwing punches. But little ones got competitive. Buttons were slammed, the game shook violently, and parts flew loose. The toy was fun in concept, but it was not built to withstand rough play.
Pogo Sticks
Landing pogo sticks cleanly required more skill than most kids had, but most just wanted to bounce high. Older models had slick foot grips and minimal cushioning. Missteps led to hard falls and sprains.
Vintage Toys with Lead or Cadmium
The bright reds and yellows in plastic toys were colored using materials that would later be deemed toxic. At the time, there were no regulations checking for those substances. Decades later, researchers tested these toys and found contamination levels far beyond what’s considered safe.
Flammable Costumes
Dress-up clothes and Halloween outfits were usually made of materials that could catch fire in seconds. A few high-profile incidents involving burns led to new flammability standards. Manufacturers quietly changed how they made costumes, but not before parents found out the hard way when costumes went up in flames.