Remember those wild crazes that seemed to consume everyone’s attention only to vanish almost as quickly as they appeared? From pet rocks to planking, history is filled with quirky fads that had their moment in the spotlight before fading into obscurity.
Looking back at these forgotten phenomena can be both hilarious and nostalgic. Some lasted a few months, others hung around for a year or two, but they all share one thing in common — they managed to captivate millions of people during their brief time in the spotlight. Here are 10 fascinating fads that once ruled our world, even if most of us can barely remember them now.
Pet Rocks
The ultimate proof that anything can become a trend, pet rocks swept across America in 1975. Creator Gary Dahl sold over 1.5 million rocks in cardboard boxes complete with breathing holes and care instructions. Each rock cost him pennies to source but sold for $4, making him a millionaire within months. The fad fizzled out by early 1976, but it remains a perfect example of how clever marketing can turn even the most basic item into a must-have phenomenon.
Pogs
These simple cardboard discs became a schoolyard sensation in the early 1990s. Originally milk bottle caps from Hawaii, Pogs evolved into a competitive game where players would stack them and try to flip them over using metal or plastic “slammers.” The craze reached such heights that schools eventually banned them due to gambling concerns and playground disputes. By 1996, Pogs had virtually disappeared, leaving millions of colorful discs gathering dust in drawers worldwide.
Tamagotchi
These digital pets from Japan dominated the late 1990s with their simple yet addictive gameplay. Children and adults alike spent countless hours feeding, cleaning, and caring for their pixelated companions. The tiny egg-shaped devices became so popular that some schools banned them because students were too distracted caring for their virtual pets. While newer versions still exist today, the original Tamagotchi craze peaked and declined within two years.
Cabbage Patch Kids
The soft-bodied dolls with plastic heads created mass hysteria in 1983, leading to store riots and desperate parents. Each doll came with adoption papers and a unique name, making children feel they were getting a one-of-a-kind toy. The dolls generated over $600 million in sales in their first year alone. By 1985, most kids had moved on to the next big thing, though Cabbage Patch Kids still maintained a loyal following.
Beanie Babies
These small stuffed animals created a collecting frenzy in the mid-1990s that bordered on obsession. Ty Warner’s marketing genius included deliberately limiting production and regularly retiring certain designs, causing prices to skyrocket. Some rare Beanie Babies were selling for thousands of dollars at the height of the craze. The bubble burst around 1999, leaving many collectors with boxes of plush toys worth far less than they paid.
Harlem Shake Videos
This viral dance phenomenon took over the internet in early 2013, featuring people suddenly breaking into chaotic dance moves. The format was simple: one person dances alone, then everyone joins in wearing crazy costumes when the bass drops. Thousands of versions were uploaded daily at its peak, from office workers to military units. Like most internet trends, it burned bright but faded within months.
Silly Bandz
These shaped rubber bands took schools by storm in 2009, with kids trading and collecting hundreds of different designs. The silicone bracelets would return to their original shapes when removed, featuring everything from animals to popular characters. Schools across the country eventually banned them for being too distracting in classrooms. The fad peaked and declined within about 18 months, leaving manufacturer BCP with excess inventory.
Planking
This bizarre trend involved people photographing themselves lying face-down in unusual locations, stiff as a board. The social media phenomenon spread globally in 2011, with everyone from celebrities to office workers participating. Sadly, several people were injured or killed attempting dangerous planking locations. The fad quickly faded as newer photo trends emerged, though it occasionally resurfaces nostalgically.
Fidget Spinners
These three-pronged spinning toys exploded in popularity in 2017, marketed as stress-relief tools. Originally designed to help children with attention disorders, they became a global phenomenon practically overnight. Manufacturers couldn’t keep up with demand, leading to countless knockoffs flooding the market. By the end of the year, fidget spinners had largely spun out of fashion, leaving warehouses full of unsold inventory.
Flash Mobs
These coordinated group performances in public spaces captured everyone’s attention in the early 2000s. What started as social experiments evolved into elaborate marketing stunts and viral video opportunities. Some flash mobs involved hundreds of participants performing complex dance routines in train stations and shopping malls. While they still occasionally occur, the spontaneous excitement of flash mobs peaked and declined by 2012.
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