What Are Toys That Are Banned? – Top 10

What Are Toys That Are Banned?

Toys are meant to be fun, educational, and safe — but not all of them make the cut. Across the world, certain toys have been banned due to safety concerns, toxic materials, or inappropriate designs. These banned toys may seem harmless at first glance, but a closer look reveals the serious risks they pose. In this article, we explore ten notable toys that have been banned in different countries, the reasons behind the bans, and what parents and collectors should know before buying them.

1. Lawn Darts (United States and Canada)
Originally marketed as an outdoor game, lawn darts (or Jarts) were banned in the United States in 1988 and later in Canada due to severe injuries and even deaths. With pointed metal tips, these heavy darts became a major safety hazard, especially for children. Despite their popularity in the 1970s and ’80s, lawn darts are now one of the most infamous banned toys in North America.

2. Aqua Dots (United States, Australia)
Aqua Dots were tiny beads that fused together with water to form colorful designs. However, they were banned in the US and Australia after it was discovered that the coating on the beads contained a chemical that metabolized into GHB — a date-rape drug — when ingested. Several children were hospitalized after swallowing the beads, prompting an immediate recall and ban. This remains a classic example of dangerous toys.

3. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Doll (United States)
This doll had mechanical jaws that “chewed” plastic snacks. Unfortunately, the doll didn’t distinguish between fake food and real human fingers or hair. Reports of fingers and hair being painfully caught in the doll’s mouth led to its removal from shelves and a strong warning from child safety boards. It remains a banned toy in many regions due to its unsafe design.

4. Magnetix Building Sets (United States)
Magnetix were building sets with small, powerful magnets. After several incidents of children swallowing multiple magnets — leading to intestinal blockages and perforations — the toy was banned in the United States. Magnets can cause life-threatening injuries if ingested, making this one of the more dangerous toys on the list of banned toys.

5. Kinder Surprise (United States)
While popular in Europe and many other countries, Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs have long been banned in the United States. The US FDA prohibits any food containing a “non-nutritive object,” which includes the hidden toy inside the egg. Although widely loved abroad, Kinder Surprise remains a banned toy in the US due to choking concerns.

6. Sky Dancers (United States)
These fairy-themed toys launched into the air by pulling a string. Though visually enchanting, they often flew unpredictably and hit children in the face or eyes, resulting in several injuries. Sky Dancers were banned in the late 1990s in the US after hundreds of reports of injuries. The toy’s unpredictability and poor control mechanisms made it another addition to the list of unsafe toys.

7. Clackers (Multiple countries)
Clackers were two hard acrylic balls attached by a string that players would swing to make them knock together. Their popularity in the 1970s was cut short when it was found that the balls could shatter and send sharp plastic shards flying. These became banned toys in many countries due to eye injuries and lacerations.

8. CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit (United States)
Based on the TV show “CSI,” this toy allowed kids to dust for fingerprints using a powder that later was found to contain asbestos — a known carcinogen. After a class-action lawsuit and public outcry, the toy was banned and pulled from shelves. It has become a textbook example of unsafe toys in the modern era.

9. Hoverboards (Multiple countries, including the UK and US)
While not a traditional toy, hoverboards became immensely popular among children and teens. However, poorly manufactured versions started catching fire due to battery malfunctions. This led to multiple countries, including the UK and parts of the US, banning their sale or restricting their import. As a result, many hoverboards are now categorized as banned toys.

10. Battlestar Galactica Missile Launcher Toy (United States)
This 1970s toy was banned after a child choked to death on a small missile that was fired from the toy. The tragic incident led to new safety regulations around projectile toys and the recall of similar toys with small, removable parts that could be inhaled. It serves as a lasting reminder of how dangerous toys can lead to permanent bans.

Conclusion: Should You Ever Buy a Banned Toy?

Banned toys often come with a history of harm — whether it’s physical injury, toxic exposure, or tragic accidents. However, some collectors or nostalgic adults may still seek these items out for display or memorabilia purposes.

If you’re considering buying a banned toy, always:

• Check whether the toy is legal to sell or own in your region.
• Ensure it will not be used by or accessible to children.
• Consider why it was banned — toy safety should always come first.

While the idea of collecting a banned toy might seem appealing to some, it’s crucial to remember that these toys were prohibited for serious reasons. Your safest bet is to focus on well-reviewed, certified-safe alternatives — especially when shopping for children.

In short, banned toys may hold a strange curiosity or retro appeal, but caution should always guide your decisions. Whether you’re a parent, gift-giver, or collector, knowing the history and risk of these items helps you make more informed, responsible choices.