Unearth The Voyage
The 1970s were a golden age of childhood play – before strict safety regulations and digital entertainment changed everything. Many of the toys kids loved back then would never make it past modern safety boards. Here are ten iconic examples that would raise eyebrows (and lawsuits) today.
1. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
Remember those backyard games that seemed harmless? Lawn darts, or Jarts, were anything but. These heavy, metal-tipped missiles were intended for family fun, but often resulted in serious injuries. With their sharp points and significant weight, they were a danger lurking in many suburban yards.
In the late 1980s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission took action, banning the sale of this potentially lethal toy. The ban followed numerous reports of injuries and a few tragic fatalities.
The story of Lawn Darts serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safety in toy manufacturing, a lesson that echoes through the decades.
2. Creepy Crawlers “Thingmaker”
A toy that let kids create their own creepy critters sounds like a blast, right? Enter the Creepy Crawlers “Thingmaker,” which allowed children to mold rubbery insects using liquid plastic. While the results were fun, the process was fraught with danger.
Children handled a plug-in hot plate to heat the plastic, often resulting in burned fingers and exposure to toxic fumes. Despite these risks, the thrill of making custom bugs was a major draw for kids.
Eventually, awareness of the potential hazards led to stricter safety measures. The Thingmaker is a nostalgic memory for those who dared to create their own creepy crawlies.
3. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kids
Cabbage Patch Kids were always a hit, but did you know there was one that could “eat”? The Snacktime Cabbage Patch Kids devoured plastic snacks with a motorized mouth. Unfortunately, they sometimes dined on less safe items, like children’s hair.
This mechanical munching led to dangerous situations and severe recalls. The concept of a doll that could autonomously eat seemed charming until it posed a genuine threat.
This toy is a quirky chapter in the Cabbage Patch history. Though the technology was innovative, it highlighted the unexpected risks involved in creating interactive toys for children.
4. Kenner’s Easy-Bake Oven (Metal Version)
The allure of baking your own treats was irresistible with the Kenner Easy-Bake Oven. Using a real light bulb to achieve high temperatures, it promised delicious results. But the metal version often led to burns and mishaps.
Children occasionally stuck their fingers into the narrow opening, encountering searing heat. Over time, changes were implemented to make this beloved toy safer.
The Easy-Bake Oven remains a cherished memory for many, a symbol of childhood ambition in the culinary realm. Its evolution reflects the ongoing efforts to balance fun with safety in children’s products.
5. Slime with Real Worms
Slime was always a favorite, but Mattel took a wild turn by adding real (albeit dead) worms to their Slime. The product was meant to thrill and gross out, but it quickly flopped.
The combination of real worms with the sticky green goo raised hygiene concerns and left parents uneasy. It was a short-lived experiment in the realm of novelty toys.
Though it didn’t last, the idea of mixing real creatures with play slime is a peculiar reminder of the experimental spirit of the 1970s toy industry.
6. Buzzy Bee
The Buzzy Bee pull toy was a wooden delight, loved for its wobbly movement and buzzing sound. Yet, the small parts were notorious choking hazards.
The strings were also a potential strangulation risk, especially for younger children. Despite these dangers, it became a staple in many homes, symbolizing the simpler joys of childhood.
While its charm is undeniable, modern parents would likely steer clear due to safety standards that prioritize child protection. It’s a relic of a bygone era where fun often outweighed caution.
7. Clackers
Clack, clack, smash! The satisfying sound of Clackers was a staple in many households. Two acrylic balls on a string, swung to meet each other, created a cacophony loved by children. However, the thrill often ended with shattered pieces.
These toys were notorious for breaking, sending sharp shards flying into the air. Eye injuries were common, leading multiple countries to ban them by the mid-1980s.
Clackers are now a relic of a past where fun sometimes came with a risky edge. An era where safety wasn’t always in the spotlight, but exploration and play ruled the day.
8. KerPlunk! (Original)
KerPlunk! was a thrilling game of strategy and suspense. Players removed straws from a tube, trying to avoid marbles falling.
Though its simplicity was its charm, the marbles posed a significant choking hazard. Additionally, the sharp straws could break or splinter.
This game epitomized fun with a risky edge, something less acceptable in today’s safety-conscious world. Its legacy lives on, reminding us of an era where games were as much about holding your breath as they were about laughter.
9. Big Wheel (Original)
The Big Wheel tricycle was the ride of choice for many children. Its low-to-the-ground design provided a thrilling sense of speed.
Despite its popularity, the lack of brakes and stability led to frequent tumbles and scrapes. The hard plastic wheels wore down quickly, reducing control.
Still, it became an icon of childhood freedom. Today, safety regulations would demand better materials and features, yet the Big Wheel’s spirit of adventure lives on, capturing the essence of ’70s play.
10. Atomic Energy Lab by Gilbert (Early ’70s stock reissue)
The Atomic Energy Lab by Gilbert was a scientific marvel that pushed boundaries far beyond today’s safety norms. Originally from the 1950s, leftover stock was sold into the early ’70s.
The set included real radioactive isotopes, inviting kids to experiment with genuine nuclear materials. This chilling concept highlights a time when educational curiosity overshadowed potential hazards.
Despite its educational intent, the presence of radioactive substances made it incredibly dangerous. The toy remains a striking example of past practices that would never pass modern scrutiny.
11. Shrinky Dinks (Original Version)
Imagine creating art that magically shrinks in size and intensity of color. That’s the charm of Shrinky Dinks. Children would cut and color thin sheets of polystyrene before baking them in a home oven. The transformation was mesmerizing but came with potential hazards.
Unsupervised use often led to burns or exposure to fumes, as the plastic released chemicals when heated. Parents had to be vigilant to ensure safety during this creative process. Despite these risks, Shrinky Dinks captured the imagination of many young artists.
Did you know? The original Shrinky Dinks were invented by two housewives in Wisconsin in 1973. Their creativity turned a simple idea into a beloved pastime for many.
