The 1990s were a wild time for toys. If you grew up during that decade, you probably remember the excitement of unwrapping a new gadget or game. But not every toy from the 90s was as safe as it seemed. Some of the most popular toys on store shelves actually put kids at risk. Parents didn’t always know about the dangers, and safety standards were different back then. Today, we look back and realize that some of these toys were more hazardous than fun. If you’re curious about which 90s toys were actually dangerous, this list is for you.
1. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
Lawn darts, also known as Jarts, were a backyard game that appeared harmless. The goal was simple: toss a heavy dart and try to land it in a plastic ring on the ground. But these darts had sharp metal tips. Kids and adults both got hurt. There were reports of serious injuries, including head wounds and even deaths. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lawn darts in 1988, but they still showed up in some homes in the early 90s. If you find a set in your garage, it’s best to throw them out.
2. Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven was a dream for kids who wanted to bake their own treats. But the design had a flaw. The oven used a real light bulb to heat up, and the opening was just big enough for small hands to get stuck. Many children suffered burns and finger injuries. In 2007, Hasbro recalled almost one million Easy-Bake Ovens after reports of kids getting their fingers caught in the oven’s door. If you have an old model, keep it away from young children. Always supervise kids when they use any toy that heats up.
3. Sky Dancers
Sky Dancers looked magical. You pulled a string, and the fairy doll would spin and fly into the air. But the toy didn’t always fly straight. Sometimes, it shot off in random directions, hitting kids in the face or eyes. There were reports of broken teeth, eye injuries, and even mild concussions. The toy was recalled in 2000 after more than 100 injuries were reported. If you still have a Sky Dancer, it’s better as a shelf decoration than a toy. Safety is more important than nostalgia.
4. Slip ‘N Slide
Slip ‘N Slide was a summer favorite. You’d run, jump, and slide across a long sheet of wet plastic. It sounds harmless, but the toy was only safe for small children. Teenagers and adults who tried to use it risked serious neck and back injuries. The problem was that the slide wasn’t long enough for bigger bodies, and the sudden stop at the end could cause spinal injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warned against use by anyone over 5 feet tall or 110 pounds. If you set up a Slip ‘N Slide, make sure only young kids use it, and always watch them closely.
5. Creepy Crawlers
Creepy Crawlers let kids make their own rubber bugs using a special oven. The “Thingmaker” oven got very hot—over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Kids could easily burn their hands or fingers while pouring the liquid plastic or removing the finished bugs. The toy came with metal molds that also got hot. While the idea was fun, the risk of burns was real. If you want to make crafts with kids, look for safer options that don’t involve high heat.
6. Water Balloon Launchers
Water balloon launchers seemed like the ultimate summer toy. You could launch balloons across the yard or even over a house. But these slingshots packed a punch. Balloons could hit with enough force to cause bruises, eye injuries, or even knock out teeth. Some kids used them to launch other objects, which made things even more dangerous. If you use a water balloon launcher, always wear eye protection and never aim at people or animals. It’s better to stick with regular water balloon fights.
Looking Back: What We Learned from 90s Toy Dangers
The 90s were full of fun, but not every toy was safe. Many of these dangerous toys led to new safety rules and better designs. Today, toy makers have to follow stricter guidelines. But it’s still important to check toys for risks, read instructions, and supervise playtime. If you find an old toy from the 90s, think twice before letting kids use it. Safety should always come first, no matter how nostalgic the toy might be.
What ’90s toy do you remember that seemed fun but turned out to be risky? Share your story in the comments.
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