The M&M phone as well as other limited capability phones like the ESPN mobile phone, didn’t last in the market when the iPhone was released.
Pop-Up Tape Dispenser
3M released the Pop-Up Tape Dispenser in 1997. Instead of using a traditional tape roll and cutter, it dispensed pre-cut strips (“pop-up tape”) that attached to your wrist for “one-handed taping convenience.” However, the product solved a minor problem (cutting tape) that most people didn’t consider a big hassle, while users didn’t see enough improvement over regular tape dispensers to justify buying special refills.
Rad Repeatin’ Tarzan Action Figure (1999)
In 1999 Mattel launched the Rad Repeatin’ Tarzan action figure to tie in with Disney’s animated film Tarzan. The 12-inch electronic figure could move its arm and repeat phrases when you pressed a button. It came with Tarzan’s signature jungle yell and the ability to “pound his chest.” However, the motion mechanism looked wildly inappropriate. When activated, Tarzan’s right arm moved rapidly up and down near his waist area. Combined with the grunting sound effects, it unintentionally resemble a lewd gesture. Parents and media called it “the most accidentally dirty toy ever made.”
Tony The Tattooed Man (1992)
Mattel introduced “Tony The Tattooed Man” in 1992. The heavily tattooed male figure was intended to appeal to a teen audience during an era when tattoos were becoming mainstream. It was meant to expand Mattel’s male character line beyond family-friendly figures like Ken or action heroes. However, the toy was discontinued due to parental backlash as Mattel’s core market was young kids, while major toy retailers didn’t want to sell a toy that attracted controversy.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines filed for a second bankruptcy in 2025 because of a failure to turn a profit since the pandemic, increased competition from larger airlines, high labor costs, and the failure of a proposed merger with JetBlue, which would have provided a vital financial lifeline.
Underoos
Launched in 1977, Underoos were character-themed t-shirt and underwear sets. By the late 1980’s kids outgrew the concept of having superheroes on their underwear, licensing deals became more expensive, and the underwear market became more competitive.
Kodak Advanced Photo System
Launched in 1996, Kodak Advanced Photo System cameras were primarily aimed at the amateur market, with a focus on automation and ease of use offering features such as automatic film loading and the ability to store camera settings on the film. It failed by not offering the control and features desired by professional photographers, the rise of digital photography, and the smaller negative size resulted in lower image quality and resolution.
Bindeez
In 2007, Bindeez were beads that stick together with water to make art. It contained a cheap chemical that was a pharmacologically active sedative instead of the safer chemical specified by the designers. Several kids went into comas after swallowing them. Over 4 million units were recalled.
CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit
In 2007, the CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit was a toy kit for kids to dust for fingerprints. However, the dust contained a substance in the powder, specifically tremolite, one of the most fatal forms of asbestos.
Lone Ranger Atomic Bomb Ring
The Lone Ranger Atomic Bomb Ring, a promotional item from Kix cereal in 1947, promised kids they could see atomic energy at work. While advertised as “perfectly safe,” it contained actual radioactive material and emitted alpha particles close to kids’ skin and faces. It was quietly discontinued once radiation risks become public.