Splash Off Water Rocket

What Is This?

They were water rockets that attached to a common hose.  The Child would stomp on the launcher (which builds pressure) and that would send the rocket flying.

What Happened?

There were at least 37 cases of the rocket flying off unpredictably causing lacerations to Children.

Aftermath?

The CPSC banned these and there was a recall issued.

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/1997/CPSC-Ohio-Art-Company-Announce-Recall-of-Splash-Off-Water-Rockets/
http://talgroupinc.wordpress.com/2014/08/27/via-gizmodo-10-incredibly-dangerous-banned-toys-4/

Barbie McDonalds Drive-Thru Play Set

What Is It?

It's a Barbie accessory which of course is a tie-in with McDonalds.  Not so sure Barbie can stay that thin while eating that much grease.

What Happened?

No it wasn't Barbie getting fat...it was outrage from Parents because this set was teaching their Children how to work for minimum wage.

Aftermath?

It was a limited playset from what I can gather...other than a few angry letters I don't think anything happened.

Links:

http://randomthoughts.club/youtube.php?video=SFM2P6R6Ro4

Shokor Shocking Robot

What Is It?

It was created by artist Randy Regier as part of his series of dangerous toys that look retro.  They were for sale, however they were not distributed as they were an art project.  This one in particular is a robot named Shokor...that yes...shocks you.

What Happened?

Well nothing much as it is an art exhibit...but the robot does give off a shock.

Aftermath?

Nothing at all.

Links:

http://gregcookland.com/journal/2011/05/11/randy-regier%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Cdime-star%E2%80%9D/

Grow Up To Be Gay Magnet Set

What Is It?

It's a set of magnets shaped like scissors, hairdryer, curlers etc...only they are for little Boys.

What Happened?

Though there is nothing wrong with being gay...the title "Grow Up To Be Gay" is insulting...as is the stereotyping here with the hair products in the "hairdresser" kit.

Aftermath?

Nada...they are still sold today

Links:

http://www.blameitonthevoices.com/2012/11/things-that-exist-grow-up-to-be-gay.html

Muffin Muncher Serendipity Book

What Is It?

It's a book for children from 1974...about a dinosaur that munches muffins.

What Happened?

It's really the title that had people shocked.

Aftermath?

The title was changed to "The Muffin Dragon"

Links:

http://alienatedinvancouver.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-serendipity-serendipity-plus-thoughts.html

Playmobil Executioner

What Is It?

It's a figurine for the Kiddies to play with that just happens to be an Executioner...with a creepy mask & an axe.

What Happened?

Nothing more than controversy, but this was a limited item from what I can gather.

Aftermath?

Nada...but I think these may go for a pretty penny.

Links:

http://www.toplessrobot.com/2009/07/the_17_least_appropriate_playmobil_sets_for_childr.php?page=2

Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine

What Is It?

It is a Snoopy themed sno-cone machine...meaning it turns ice into thinly shaved stuff then you add powder to it to color & flavor the ice.

What Happened?

A small brass rivet was prone to detaching from the shaving mechanism...which would land in the sno-cone...which would lead to the child injesting the rivet.

Aftermath?

They recalled this particular model and replaced it with one that was safe to use.

Links:

http://www.toysrusinc.com/safety/recalls/snoopy-sno-cone-machine/