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/

Aqua Assault Robofighters

What Is It?

It's some sort of toy vehicle that shoots water and plastic missiles plus it has retractable wheels.

What Happened?

A 7 year old shot a missile directly into his nose, it caused a brain hemorrhage that killed him.  A 5 year old smashed this toy with a claw hammer apparently ate the shards of plastic which yes...died from it.  An 11 year old held this toy over their head and jumped off a building (thinking it would help him fly?) and died.

Aftermath?

Well although the Kids in all three cases seem particularly ridiculous, the CPSC banned this toy entirely.

Links:

http://www.theonion.com/articles/fun-toy-banned-because-of-three-stupid-dead-kids,290/

Stevens' Model Dockyard Locomotive

What Is It?

It's a toy from 1843, it's a locomotive train...and it actually moved!

What Happened?

Well the reason it moved is because it's powered by an actual steam propelled engine.  This meant that Kids had to pour kerosene into the train, and light it!

Aftermath?

Not sure...the internet wasn't around in 1843 haha.

Links:

http://www.cracked.com/article_19481_the-8-most-wildly-irresponsible-vintage-toys.html

Toys 'R Us Journey Girl Travel Trunk

What Is It?

It's a trunk for clothing for children with little storage compartments to carry dolls and such

What Happened?

The blue handles were apparently sharp and causing lacerations.  Talk about incentive to not play with your dolls!

Aftermath?

In 2013 these were recalled, and the handles replaced. 

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Toys-R-Us-Recalls-Journey-Girl-Travel-Trunks/

Reebok Children's Bracelets

What Is It?

It's a free bracelet that came in boxes of Children's shoes. 

What Happened?

The bracelets had a very high level of lead making them toxic.  A 4 year old died when they swallowed a piece from this bracelet.

Aftermath?

They were recalled and warnings were issued.

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2006/Reebok-Recalls-Bracelet-Linked-to-Childs-Lead-Poisoning-Death/

Teen Talk Barbie

What Is It?

It's a Barbie doll that says many things.

What Happened?

This was a controversial doll because of one of the things she says which is "Math class is tough!" which in many Parent's opinions encourages Girls to suck at math.  Barbie also says a bunch of other fluffy things like "Will we ever have enough clothes?" and so forth.  It was called out for enforcing negative stereotypes about Women.

Aftermath?

The offensive phrase was removed from the doll's vocab

Links:

http://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/21/business/company-news-mattel-says-it-erred-teen-talk-barbie-turns-silent-on-math.html

Colossal Water Balls

What Is It?

They are little balls that you add water & enclosed growth powder and they will expand up to the size of a tennis ball!

What Happened?

Unfortunately they look like candy, so Kids were eating them...then they were expanding in their tummies causing all kinds of problems.  Especially since they could not be picked up in X-Rays...so Doctors would have to go into stomachs to check to see where this thing expanded.

Aftermath?

They were recalled in 2013.

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Be-Amazing-Toys-Recalls-Monster-Science-and-Super-Star-Science-Colossal-Water-Balls/

Milky The Marvellous Milking Cow

What Is It?

It's a toy cow created in 1977...y'know, to practice milking for Children.  You pump it's tail then it drinks from the bucket.  Then when you pinch it's nipples (I'm serious) a milky like goo substance will go into the bucket. 

What Happened?

Not much, just a strange toy from the '70s that didn't make a heck of a lot of sense.

Aftermath?

Unfortunately these were limited and Milky no longer exists

Links:

http://www.retroland.com/milky-the-marvelous-milking-cow/

Lisy Puzzle Time 9/11 Airplane Toy & Candy

What Is It?

Lisy packaged a bunch of different toys that contained candy.  This controversial item that they made depicted 9/11.

What Happened?

14,000 of these little candy toys were made, Lisy claimed they came in a variety pack from Miami and were not seen before releasing them.  Even the product code was 09011.

Aftermath?

As soon as this was caught, they were immediately recalled.

Links:

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-08-27-tpy-911_x.htm

Shrinky Dinks

What Is It?

It's a craft kit wherein you color special sheets, then bake in the oven and they become plastic shrunk designs.

What Happened?

When they were baking they would emit highly toxic fumes making Kids everywhere sick (that dared to watch their creations shrink).

Aftermath?

These are still made, I'm not even sure a warning was issued

Links:

http://www.businesspundit.com/10-toxic-toys-that-kids-actually-played-with/

Snap Bracelets

What Is It?

They were popular in the late '80s and early '90s.  They were bracelets that start out in strip form...then when slapped against the wrist they would form into a bracelet.

What Happened?

They have a base of stainless steel (covered in fabric) so often the cheaper models would break...leaving exposed steal to slice up wrists. 

Aftermath?

They tend to try to make them safer I believe, there were warnings issued about these but I don't believe there was a recall.

Links:

http://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/30/us/us-consumer-panel-warns-of-injury-by-slap-bracelets.html

Doggy Doo Game

What Is It?

A board game for Children wherein you feed the dog, then collect it's poop.

What Happened?

The idea that Children would be collecting toy poop in a game was not exactly looked upon kindly by some Parents.

Aftermath?

None, this is still sold in stores (mainly in the UK)

Links:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3906297.htm

Air Pirates Comic Book

What Is It?
It's a serious of underground comic books (though there are only 2) featuring Mickey Mouse. 

What Happened?

They did not have permission from Disney to use their characters in this comic.  Worse still the comic book contains the characters engaged in sex and doing drugs.

Aftermath?

A huge many year trial began when Disney sued the folks behind the comic book.  They ultimately won and this comic book was no longer allowed to exist (with Disney characters anyhow).

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Pirates

Trampolines

What Is It?

You likely have known someone who has broken a limb on one of these.  It's a device to jump upon and perform tricks on. 

What Happened?

Old school models have no safety net...and holes and metal to fall through and hit your body on.  Or you can fall right off and really injure yourself.  It generally can cause head, ankle and neck injuries...there are too many cases to even get a proper number.

Aftermath?

They've tried to make them safer by adding the nets around and making them more fall proof.

Links:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/doctors-warn-of-trampoline-injury-risks-1.1250737

Space Jet Spark Gun

What Is It?

It's a Spark Gun called Space Jet likely from Japan from the '50s I believe

What Happened?

Spark Guns (particularly this one) was prone to setting things on fire.

Aftermath?

Not sure, very little info about this one.

Links:

http://www.urlesque.com/2010/06/02/24-dangerous-toys/

Avenging Narwhal Play Set

What Is It?

It's an adorable Narwhal...who is into Avenging.  He comes with three animals to impale and extra horns to do so with.

What Happened?

Well the idea of children handling the Narwhal with the large sharp impalement stick...and the concept of stabbing animals for revenge were not looked kindly upon.

Aftermath?

I don't believe there was any...this was limited edition and likely not marketed directly to kids (even though it does say 3 and up)

Links:

https://www.neatoshop.com/product/Avenging-Narwhal-Playset

Playmobil Famous Western Bandits Playset

What Is It?

Another Playmobil entry...this one is the Western Bandits playset complete with vultures...and dead cow bones.

What Happened?

Well the idea of a toy set of People who rob and kill...and even giving Kids carcasses and the Vultures to finish the job...well it's a bit disturbing.

Aftermath?

None as these were made for a short while from what I gather.

Links:

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

Toypedo

What Is It?

It's a pool toy...kind of like an underwater sub I think.

What Happened?

Well...it's the shape...the diagram of the Child holding it close to his mouth and let's not forget the actual name...ToyPEDO. 

Aftermath?

Apparently the company could not understand the controversy over this item.

Links:

http://www.epicfail.com/tag/toy-pedo/

Balzac

What Is It?

It's a giant, brightly colored ball for Children.  They are apparently filled with a removable replaceable balloon.

What Happened?

Really it's just the title...say it slowly with me

Aftermath?

None, just some laughter I'll bet.

Links:

http://www.balzactoys.com/

Pregnant Midge Doll

What Is It?

Midge is one of Barbie's Besties...and she's knocked up! 

What Happened?

Parents were outraged because Midge has no known Husband...or even Boyfriend for that matter.  Who is the Baby's Father?  It seems silly that Folks would be upset about this...but it's true.  That and Parents felt that Midge was too young to be having babies (what is the year a doll is allowed?).

Aftermath?

Just controversy, I don't believe any changes were made to this doll but I do believe they are out of print.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midge_(Barbie)

My Sweet Love / My Sweet Baby Cuddle Care Doll

What Is It?

They are baby dolls sold by Walmart.

What Happened?

The electronic circuits in their chests overheat causing a burn hazard (at least 12 cases of burnt Children reported).

Aftermath?

There was a recall issued in 2014 for these dolls.

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Wal-Mart-Recalls-Dolls/

http://www.messalaw.com/personal-injury-attorneys-wal-mart-doll-recalled/#top

Moon Shoes

What Is It?

In the '70s they started making these shoes which were billed as "mini trampolines for your feet".  You strap them on...and jump...and go flying into the air.

What Happened?

Unfortunate landings with giant shoes and super heights = messed up ankles

Aftermath?

I believe you can still purchase these but they are likely safer then the metal frames that they started with in the '70s.

Links:

http://www.teen.com/2014/04/15/random-stuff/dangerous-90s-toys/

Games You Can Play With Your Pussy Book

What Is It?

It's a book listing activities and games one can play with a cat.

What Happened?

Oh somehow someone didn't see that the title was a poor idea.

Aftermath?

None that I know of...can't find much information about this book.

Links:

http://thefw.com/unintentionally-inappropriate-childrens-books/

Blazing Model Sun Gasoline Fuelled

What Is It?

Artist Randy Regier created this toy to look vintage.  It's a blazing hot sun, that you use gasoline to run...it's very hot to the touch apparently as flames shoot out of it!

What Happened?

They are for sale...but as art objects more than toys, so there really wasn't much that did happen.

Aftermath?

Nothing, these can likely still be purchased.

Links:

http://boingboing.net/2011/11/30/underground-toy-emporium-and-s.html

Pull Along Cock / Pull Along Pussy

What Is It?

It's a toy from the company Animol for young kids.  You can pull along a cock or a pussy (they are on wheels).

What Happened?

This is an unfortunate naming snafoo really

Aftermath?

Links:

http://www.toplessrobot.com/2012/02/10_extremely_inappropriately_named_toys.php

Sky Rangers Park Flyer Radio Controlled Airplanes

What Is It?

Why it's a radio controlled airplane that Children can direct around. 

What Happened?

Simply put...they were prone to exploding (45 reports were issued, many lead to injuries, and burns).

Aftermath?

In 2007 they were voluntarily recalled as so many were blowing up.

Links:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/toys/4347051-sky-rangers-park-flyer-radio-control-airplanes#slide-4

I-Tattoo Electric Tattoo Pen

What Is It?

It is a "realistic vibrating pen" that works with markers...it even comes with stencils!

What Happened?

There was outrage from Parents because this product is encouraging Children to coat themselves in colorful permanent tattoos when they get older (like oh say 10 haha). 

Aftermath?

These are still being sold

Links:

http://www.amazon.com/SpinMaster-6006830-i-Tattoo-electronic-tattoo/dp/B000EULZ50

Swing Wing

What Is It?

It's a gizmo from the '60s.  Kids wore a beanie cap with a swinging bunch of streamers attached.

What Happened?

Kids would wack themselves in the head with the streamers...but the bigger issue is the neck and back injuries whipping your head around would cause.

Aftermath?

I'm not sure, they were made in the '60s and don't seem to be made currently.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_Wing_(toy)
http://www.newstrick.com/2011/07/most-dangerous-toys.html

Ciotka Kena (Barbie...Ken's Aunt)

What Is It?

These dolls were created by Polish artist Zbigniew Libera.  The name "Ciotka Kena" translates literally to "Ken's Aunt".  These dolls are made to be plus sized and in modest lingere.

What Happened?

As this was an art project...only a handful were made so nothing really happened.

Aftermath:

As this was a limited creation nothing has happened except some controversy.

Links:

http://www.judgmentofparis.com/board/showthread.php?t=1920

Ace Bayou Bean Bag Chairs

What Is It?

It's a harmless looking bean bag chair for the little ones.

What Happened?

They were not created with a permanent zipper so Kids could easily open the chair.  A 13 year old Boy and a 3 year old Girl suffocated from injesting the small foam balls inside.  Both children were found dead inside the chair.

Aftermath?

Recall city, they were pulled from shelves and a warning was issued.  They have since been altered to become a more secure product. 

Links:

http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2014/41291r-eng.php

Playmobil Devil Gnome

What Is It?

It's another classically weird little toy from Playmobil.  It's a devil...complete with pitchfork and flame!

What Happened?

Likely Parents were not very pleased to have their little ones playing with pure evil...plus that little pitchfork looks rather dangerous.

Aftermath?

None that I know of....they appear to still be making this figure only it looks far less harmful and more Kid friendly.

Links:

http://www.toplessrobot.com/2009/07/the_17_least_appropriate_playmobil_sets_for_childr.php

Strait-Jacket For Kids

What Is It?

Apparently these toys started appearing in toy stores in Brazil.  This is of course a strait-jacket you would put on your Child if they were acting up.  Note: it does not come with a Hannibal Lecter mask.

What Happened?

Outrage when people started seeing the pictures of this item online...could be considered Child abuse.

Aftermath?

It turned out to be an item created only to promote the show Super Nanny which airs in Brazil

Links:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2388136/Little-darlings-proving-handle-Brazilian-toy-company-claims-answer---really-child-RESTRAINTS.html

Snugglers Superman Pillow

What Is It?

It's a plush pillow for Children to cuddle up to.

What Happened?

File under "what were they thinking"?  Why does Superman have the mouth of a blow up doll?

Aftermath?

It appears as though the doll was discontinued and remodelled to look less like well....you know!

Links:

http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/10/01/superman-snuggler-pi.html

Who Will Toss My Salad Little Golden Book

What Is It?

Little Golden released this Children's book about the work involved in making a delicious salad.

What Happened?

Fortunately most Kids will not know what the slang for "tossing the salad" is...but I'm guessing many Adults laughed hysterically.  In case you are not aware what the slang is...it is licking anus.

Aftermath?

I'm pretty sure they haven't made this book in a very long time.

Links:

http://thefw.com/unintentionally-inappropriate-childrens-books/

Whisper Ride Touring Wagon

What Is It?

Step 2 created this two seater plastic covered wagon to pull the Kiddies around in.

What Happened?

The little blue seats that held the Children safely in place had a tendancy to fall off...which means that there were reports of bruises, scratches and lacerations

Aftermath?

The CPSC issued a recall of this item and they created a fix that owners were to install to prevent this from happening.

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2014/Step2-Recalls-Ride-On-Wagon-Toys/

Hugo Doll

What Is It?

It's a doll from Kenner and Alan Ormsby (a horror movie director) that was released in 1975.  Hugo comes naked faced, then you can add accessories as he is according to the box "Man of a thousand faces".

What Happened?

Egads, likely many sleepless nights...imagine this thing staring at you.  He even came with a band-aid with fake blood on it!

Aftermath?

Unfortunately they were only made a short while, and are now a sought after collectible. 

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo:_Man_of_a_Thousand_Faces

The Avenging Unicorn Play Set

What Is It?

A playset with two shocked onlookers, and of course a unicorn impaling a Mime

What Happened?

The idea is that this unicorn will "take out" anyone who is annoying you...so yeah not exactly the best example for kiddies.  Especially since Children like ponies so darned much.

Aftermath?

The toy was discontinued unfortunately (I want one!)

Links:

http://www.perpetualkid.com/avenging-unicorn-play-set.aspx

Dive Sticks

What Is It?

You've probably played with them....they are usually brightly colored sticks that one throws into a pool.  Then Children are encouraged to dive in to retrieve them. 

What Happened?

Surprisingly the issue is not drowning due to staying underwater too long to retrieve the sticks...no it's something far more sinister.  It's to do with impalement...these little sticks are known to have caused facial, vaginal and rectal injuries to Children.

Aftermath?

They redesigned dive sticks, and the old ones were recalled by the CPSC

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/1999/CPSC-Firms-Announce-Swimming-Pool-Dive-Stick-Recall-Because-of-Impalement-Risk-to-Children/

Tardy The Man Pony

What Is It?

It's some sort of Man...Pony hybrid toy created by artist Randy Regier

What Happened?

The facts are rather unclear, but from what I gather Regier created a handful of bizarre toys in the 20th century to resemble old fashioned toys.  They are however available for sale but for large sums of money as they are considered art and not lost toys.

Aftermath?

Well I don't think anything happened, these were made in very limited quantities from what I understand.

Links:

http://hyperallergic.com/42706/randy-regier-jim-kempner-fine-art/

Cuddle With Me Doll

 

 

What Is It?

 

It's a doll that was sold at Costco called "Cuddle With Me".  It featured an African-American child with a stuffed monkey wearing a hat that says "Lil' Monkey" on it.

 

What Happened?

 

A large outcry from the community as it is extremely racially insensitive.

 

Aftermath?

 



Costco pulled these dolls off of the shelves and offered an apology.  The "Cuddle With Me" dolls were reissued with pandas instead.

Links:

http://www.snopes.com/racial/business/cuddlewithme.asp

Penguin Toy

What Is It?

Why it's a rather harmless looking little wooden penguin that spins

What Happened?

The heads were apparently coming off exposing sharp nails to the little Kiddies, there were many complaints but no reported injuries.

Aftermath?

The CPSC recalled these in 2008 and they are illegal to sell

Links:

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2008/Plan-Toys-Inc-Recalls-Toy-Penguins-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard/

Remco Johnny Rebel Cannon

What Is It?

Remco created this "Authentic Civil War Cannon" in 1961 that launches little cannon balls up to 35 feet in the air.

What Happened?

This cannon happened to be extremely unpredictable so with the power to shoot up to 35 feet in the air...one can imagine this was very very dangerous.  Also the "rebel" flag is well offensive as it glorifies the Confederacy. 

Aftermath?

I'm assuming these were rather limited as I certainly haven't seen any around.

Links:

http://www.weirdworm.com/5-absurdly-dangerous-toys/

Playmobil Knife Thrower

What Is It?

A little play set for children so they can simulate knife throwing.  Playmobil put this set out as part of their circus collection in 1981.

What Happened?

Well the idea of throwing knives at someone tied to a spinning wheel (plastic or not) does not exactly encourage good behavior from Kids. 

Aftermath?

It was discontinued in 1987, but it had a relatively long run considering the nature of the toy (I want one!)

Links:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Playmobil-CIRCUS-KNIFE-THROWING-ACT-3545-VERY-RARE-/380353916877

Pee & Poo Dolls

What Is It?

Why plush toys representing two things that Kids should never play with.  Poo (which is yes a brown curly lump), and Pee (a big yellow drop).

What Happened?

Well it's sort of encouraging Children to do disgusting things with what they excrete from their bodies.  Plus can you imaging the look on their Grandmother's face when little Timmy curls up with "Poo" before bed?

Aftermath?

These are still being sold as far as I can tell

Links:

http://www.peeandpoo.com/