12 Old Childhood Toys That Raise Eyebrows Today
Toys from decades past often reflect a different era of safety standards and social attitudes. Many classic playthings would never make it to store shelves today.
We loved them and didn’t really think twice about them, but today many people do not like the use of these toys.
Cap guns that fired loud, startling caps
Cap guns were once a staple of imaginative play. These toy guns made a loud popping sound and released a puff of smoke with each trigger pull.
The noise came from small percussion caps that ignited, adding realism to your games. In the ’60s, kids loved reenacting cowboy duels with these toys.
The sharp bang and sulfur smell made the experience feel authentic. Today, you won’t find cap guns with such effects due to safety rules.
Originally, cap guns were made from metal, but manufacturers later switched to plastic. Despite the changes, the design continued to use tiny explosive caps.
Slip ‘N Slide in its original slippery design
The Slip ‘N Slide was a long plastic sheet stretched across the lawn. When wet, it became a slick runway for sliding at high speeds.
Mike Carrier created the original design in the early 1960s after seeing kids slide on wet driveways. Your sliding often ended in a small pool or just on the grass.
Hose water and sometimes a bit of soap made the surface even slipperier. You could race friends or try tricks as you slid.
The minimal padding and exposed plastic led to some risks. Still, it was a summer staple for many kids.
Glow-in-the-dark radioactive chemistry kits
Glow-in-the-dark chemistry kits once contained small amounts of radioactive materials like radium. These substances made things glow but were not well understood in terms of health risks.
Modern glow-in-the-dark products use safe phosphorescent compounds instead. These materials store and release light energy without harmful radiation.
Today’s kits let kids explore glowing reactions safely. It’s a fun way to learn about chemistry without risk.
Toboggan-style plastic sleds without brakes
Plastic toboggan sleds were lightweight and built for speed. They lacked brakes or any real control features.
Without brakes, you had to rely on your balance and steering with your hands or feet. This made rides thrilling but risky, especially on crowded hills.
Modern sleds usually come with safety features like brakes or handles. Manufacturers now focus on keeping kids safe while sledding.
Small, easily swallowable marbles in toy sets
Small marbles were once a common part of childhood games. These tiny spheres were perfect for hitting targets or rolling in tracks.
Their size made them a choking hazard for younger children. Today, toy safety regulations are much stricter to prevent such accidents.
Many marble sets now come with larger pieces or use safer materials. Some modern toys even feature glow-in-the-dark or motorized marbles.
Parents often avoid giving traditional marble sets to toddlers or very young children. It’s a sign of how much toy safety has changed.
Toy lawn darts with sharp metal tips
Lawn darts were a popular backyard game involving heavy darts with pointed metal tips. The goal was to toss them toward plastic rings on the lawn.
These darts were sharp and heavy enough to cause serious injuries. The metal tips could pierce the ground or, worse, someone’s skin.
Lawn darts were banned in the U.S. in 1988 after reports of accidents and fatalities. Today, versions with soft, rounded tips have replaced the old metal ones.
If you find an old set in your garage, be cautious. Those heavy, pointed darts are not safe to use anymore.
Water balloons filled with hard pellets
Some water balloons from the past contained hard pellets instead of just water. These made the balloons sting and even cause bruises.
Today, toys like that wouldn’t be allowed due to stricter safety rules. Reusable water balloons made of soft, flexible materials are now the norm.
Playsets featuring real fire or sparks
Some childhood playsets included real fire or sparks. Toys let you create tiny explosions or sparks, making playtime exciting but risky.
Lighting up sparks with a flint or match was once part of some science kits or model sets. This type of play would never be allowed for children today.
Toys that could spark real flames are now banned because of fire hazards. Parents expect toys to be safe enough to prevent accidents.
Johnny Seven O.M.A. military toy gun
The Johnny Seven O.M.A. was released in 1964 and combined seven different weapons into one toy. You could switch between a machine gun, grenade launcher, rocket launcher, and more.
This toy was about a yard long and packed with many functions. Kids loved how realistic and versatile it felt.
Today, a toy like Johnny Seven O.M.A. likely wouldn’t be allowed in many places. Its realistic military design and multiple weapon features could raise concerns.
Exploding model rocket engines
Model rockets once used real engines with small amounts of explosive material. These engines provided the thrust needed for flight.
Such engines would now face strict safety regulations. The risk of accidental explosions or fires makes them unsafe for casual play.
If you had one, you likely launched it under minimal supervision. Now, hobby rocket engines must meet rigorous safety standards.
Sling-shots sold as toys
Sling-shots were once marketed as toys for backyard play. They were a fun way to practice aim and hand-eye coordination.
Today, sling-shots are no longer marketed as toys due to the danger they pose. Some models can launch projectiles at high speeds, making them risky for kids.
Manufacturers now include warnings that these are “not a toy.” There’s greater emphasis on responsible use.
Metal toy trains with sharp edges
Many people have fond memories of playing with metal toy trains that felt sturdy and real. These trains often featured shiny, detailed designs that made them exciting to race around the floor or a track.
However, many of these metal trains had sharp edges and corners. It wasn’t uncommon for kids to get small cuts or scrapes while handling them.
Today, safety standards would prevent toys with exposed sharp metal parts from being sold. The risk of injury is considered too high, especially for younger children.
Modern versions are made from safer materials like plastic or rounded metal. This allows for the same fun without the worry of sharp edges.
