The 1960s were a magical time for kids. Toy stores were bursting with creativity, and playtime was all about exploration and fun. But let’s be honest—some of those toys were downright dangerous. Back then, safety standards were more of a suggestion than a rule, and as a result, many toys hit the shelves with risks that seem shocking by today’s standards.
If you’ve ever heard your parents or grandparents say, “We survived just fine playing with those toys,” you’re not alone. Yet, looking back, it’s clear that some of the most iconic toys from the ’60s were accidents waiting to happen. Here’s a look at 17 toys from that era that would never pass today’s safety checks—and why.
Creepy Crawlers
Imagine sitting at the kitchen table, pouring liquid plastic into metal molds, and baking them in a tiny oven to make rubbery bugs. That’s exactly what Creepy Crawlers were all about. It sounds fun, right? Until you realize the oven got hot enough to cause serious burns. And let’s not forget the toxic fumes from the melting plastic. Today, this toy would need a complete redesign to be considered safe.
Easy-Bake Oven (Original Design)
Every kid’s dream was to whip up a batch of mini cakes in their Easy-Bake Oven. But those early models were not so kid-friendly. The light bulb used to bake the treats got dangerously hot, and many kids burned their hands reaching inside. Over the years, the design has improved dramatically, but what about the original version? That would never fly today.
Lawn Darts (Jarts)
In the ’60s, many people enjoyed playing Lawn Darts, an outdoor game where children tossed heavy, sharp darts at targets. It was all fun and games until someone was injured. These darts caused thousands of injuries and even fatalities. By the late 1980s, they were completely banned in the United States.
Clackers
Clackers were two acrylic balls attached to strings that kids swung together to create a clicking sound. Simple? Sure. Safe? Not. These balls often shattered during play, sending sharp shards flying everywhere. Eye injuries were common, making Clackers one of the most infamous toys of the era.
Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper Toy
What kid wouldn’t love a spaceship toy that shoots little plastic missiles? The problem was those missiles were choking hazards. One tragic incident involving this toy led to the introduction of stricter regulations around small, detachable parts. Toys like this remind us why safety standards are so important.
Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab
Yes, you read that right—a toy with real radioactive materials. Marketed as an “educational” kit, the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab lets kids experiment with uranium. It’s hard to believe this was ever considered safe. Today, something like this would be laughed out of the marketplace—and rightfully so.
Toy Guns That Looked Real
Toy guns were a common part of childhood in the ’60s, and many looked surprisingly similar to real firearms. Kids loved them, but the potential for dangerous misunderstandings, especially with law enforcement, was far too high. Modern toy guns now feature bright colors or markings to ensure they can’t be mistaken for the real thing.
Vac-U-Form
The Vac-U-Form lets kids create plastic shapes by heating and molding plastic sheets. While it was a blast for creative kids, the risks were huge. The heating element could cause serious burns, and the fumes from the melting plastic were hazardous. It’s no wonder this toy didn’t stand the test of time.
Slip ‘n Slide (Original Design)
Summertime fun often involved running and sliding down a Slip ‘n Slide. However, the original design lacked proper padding, leading to countless injuries. Older kids and even adults who tried it risked spinal injuries, proving that sometimes simple fun needs serious safety planning.
Chemistry Sets with Hazardous Chemicals
Back in the ’60s, toy chemistry sets were a dream for science-loving kids. Unfortunately, they often included chemicals like sulfur and potassium nitrate—ingredients that could cause burns, explosions, or worse. Modern kits are much safer, swapping out dangerous substances for kid-friendly alternatives.
Pogo Ball
The Pogo Ball was a balancing act on steroids. Kids would hop on this bouncy ball with a platform and try to keep their balance. While fun, it wasn’t the most stable toy, leading to plenty of falls, twisted ankles, and bruises. It would need serious redesigns to be considered safe today.
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic
This kit lets kids blow bubbles out of a plastic-like material. Sounds harmless until you realize the chemicals are flammable and give off toxic fumes. A toy that doubles as a fire hazard? No thanks!
Space Hoppers
Space Hoppers were inflatable rubber balls with handles that kids could bounce on. While they were a ton of fun, the cheap materials often punctured, causing kids to fall and hurt themselves. Today’s versions use reinforced materials to avoid these accidents.
BB Guns Marketed as Toys
In the ’60s, BB guns were often sold as toys despite their ability to cause serious injuries. Eye injuries were especially common. Today, BB guns are classified as firearms in many places and come with strict age restrictions.
Sky Dancers (Early Versions)
Sky Dancers, dolls that launched into the air with a pull cord, were mesmerizing to watch—but dangerous to play with. These unpredictable toys often flew right into kids’ faces. Modern regulations would demand safety features to prevent injuries before they could hit the shelves.
Water Wiggle
The Water Wiggle was a sprinkler toy that attached to a garden hose and flailed unpredictably. Kids loved it—until they got hit in the face or tangled up in the hose. Tragically, one fatal accident led to its discontinuation. It’s a stark reminder of why safety features are so crucial.
Pop Rocks and Soda Myth
Pop Rocks themselves weren’t dangerous, but the urban legend that mixing them with soda could make your stomach explode caused panic. While the myth has long been debunked, it shows how even harmless toys can stir up fear without proper education and labeling.
Conclusion
The 1960s were undeniably a time of innovation and excitement in the toy industry. But they were also a time of trial and error—often at the expense of safety. Many of these toys hold a nostalgic charm for those who grew up with them, but they also highlight the importance of progress.
Today, toys must pass rigorous safety tests, ensuring that kids can play without unnecessary risks. Looking back at these iconic yet hazardous toys, it’s clear how far we’ve come. While the creativity of the ’60s is something to celebrate, the lessons learned from these toys are what truly shaped the safe and imaginative playtime we value today.
So, next time someone reminisces about the “good old days” of toys, remember: sometimes, survival really was part of the game.
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