Buckle up because you won't believe some of the perilous toys that kids used to play with in the 60s. In fact, it is a miracle that anyone made it out alive!
Swack! Game
Released by IDEAL (the same company that launched the Rubik's Cude) brave players took turns carefully removing cheese pieces whilst trying to avoid setting off the spring-loaded trap. Each successfully retrieved piece of cheese brought you closer to victory, one wrong move could send you back to the starting line getting your fingers whacked in the process. It was an adrenaline filled game of risk verses reward, where every wrong move could result in battered fingers!
Slip 'N Slide
"If its not yellow, its not a Slip N Slide" !
The Slip 'N Slide is still a classic summer staple, but the original version from the 60 & 70's took things to the extreme. Made of thin yellow plastic, with no padding, no side bumpers and no end crash zone, kids (and adults) would slide down at high speeds, often ending up with bumps, bruises, friction burns or worse. Add dish-washing liquid to the mix and you would turn yourself into a human missile!
Ker-bangers (AKA Clackers, Click-Clack
Plastic spheres commonly known as 'Ker-bangers' or 'Clackers' were a popular toy among kids in the 60’s 70s. These toys consisted of two hard plastic balls attached to a string that could be swung up and down to create a loud clacking noise. Relatively heavy, hard plastic balls spun at speed ... what could possibly go wrong?
Cap Bomb’s
BOOM! Cap bombs were small toys made of diecast metal that were designed to create a loud noise when a cap was inserted and struck. These toys were a favorite among kids who loved the thrill of the spark and loud noise they produced. It was all about the excitement and anticipation of setting off a mini explosion!
Metal Slippery Slides
This seemingly innocent playground staple turned into a scorching hot nightmare for unsuspecting kids on a hot summers day. Imagine launching at speed, only to find yourself caught on a sizzling surprise, scorching your backside all the way to the bottom!
The Swing Wing
Stupidity at its finest! Remember hula hoops? Well, the Swing Wing took that concept to a whole new level. Think Hula Hoop for your head ... then take it up a notch and add a propeller on top! Kids would move their neck around / back and forth to set the Swing Wing in motion, risking lightheaded tumbles and serious neck injuries in the process.
Let's wrap it up with this Swing Wing commercial clip from 1965. Enjoy!
(Swing Wing commercial sourced via YouTube)
References & Additional Resources
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