6 Dangerous Toys That Were Discontinued

By Gary P. • Feb 26, 2024

Toys have been an integral part of childhood for generations, sparking imagination and creating memories. However, toy manufacturers sometimes miss the mark in the pursuit of fun and innovation, creating dangerous products that threaten the very kids they intend to entertain. Join us as we explore six dangerous toys that were discontinued due to safety issues.

1. Rollerblade Barbie^®

Barbie has explored numerous careers and hobbies in her lifetime, but Rollerblade Barbie from the '90s took things to a dangerous level. Fitted with a cigarette lighter-like device in her skates, this Barbie would shoot out sparks when rolled on a flat surface. Can somebody say fire hazard?

2. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kids^® Doll

The Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kids Doll was a seemingly harmless toy that allowed kids to feed the doll plastic carrots and french fries. The problem was the doll's powerful mechanical jaws would bite down on anything, including fingers. After reports of injury, Mattel^® recalled the munchy munchkin, offering a $40 refund to roughly 500,000 owners.

3. Aqua Dots^®

Aqua Dots came out in 2007 and seemed like a creative and fun way for kids to express their artistic side. The small beads could be arranged and fused with a spray of water. However, the coating released the compound GHB, also known as the date rape drug, when swallowed. Three children fell into comas from swallowing the toxic pieces, after which the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled roughly 4.2 million kits to prevent further harm.

4. Hoverboards

Hoverboards were the hottest holiday toy of 2015, but their popularity quickly took a turn, and for good reason. If left charging for too long, these battery-powered devices tended to burst into flames. The hoverboard craze came to a screeching halt after a faulty board sparked a house fire in Pennsylvania, claiming the life of a 3-year-old.

Playing With Fire- 6 Dangerous Toys That Were Discontinued-2 A popular toy in 2015, hoverboards posed a serious fire hazard.

5. Sky Dancers

Flying fairies with a dark side, Sky Dancers were meant to enchant children as they swirled into the air. Unfortunately, the reality was far from magical, with over 150 reported cases of eye injuries, scratched corneas, broken teeth, facial lacerations, and even a mild concussion. In 2000, Galoob Toys Inc. recalled about 8.9 million Sky Dancers, grounding these sky-bound fairies permanently.

6. Easy-Bake^® Oven

A classic in the world of toy kitchens, the Easy-Bake Oven has been a source of wonder for many aspiring young chefs. However, in 2007, Hasbro^® faced a double recall of the iconic oven. Children were suffering burns, and in one severe case, a girl had to undergo partial finger amputation. The culprit? The light bulb heating element. Hasbro reevaluated and released a newer version with an electric heating element so the oven could live to delight another day.

In the world of toys, safety should always be a top priority. These discontinued toys serve as a reminder that even the most innocent-looking playthings can harbor unexpected dangers. As parents and manufacturers continue to strive for the perfect balance between fun and safety, the legacies of these toys will live on as cautionary tales.

Reference: 20 Most Dangerous Toys of All Time