Wild Trends That Once Took the World by Storm

Many trends that seemed perfectly normal at the time look bizarre in hindsight. Fashion, entertainment, health advice, and social habits have all inspired fads that experienced a moment of popularity before quickly fading away. Some were harmless fun, while others were dangerous or impractical. Looking back, it is easy to wonder what people were thinking when these trends were so popular. Yet every era has its own strange movements. These are some of the wildest trends from the past.

1. Pet Rocks

This trend is extremely difficult to grasp in retrospect. In the 1970s, millions of people purchased ordinary rocks. In perhaps the oddest marketing ploy ever, these bits of stone were sold as pets. The rocks came packaged in boxes complete with breathing holes and funny instruction manuals on how to “care” for your little rock. Buyers knew the concept was ridiculous, and the hilarity of it was surprisingly appealing. The pet rock became a massive commercial success almost overnight. It is still one of the most remarkable examples of successful marketing in history.

2. Phone Booth Stuffing

During the 1950s and 1960s, groups of students competed to see how many people could squeeze into a phone booth. The random activity became popular with college students, as young adults packed themselves into phone booths across campuses. The silly act actually attracted large crowds. Some attempts involved dozens of people forcing their bodies into the incredibly tight space. Unlike modern viral challenges, the activity had no larger purpose. However, the trend was mostly harmless, despite being uncomfortable for participants.

3. Mood Rings

Mood rings became a fashion sensation during the 1970s. These color changing accessories supposedly altered shades based on the wearer’s emotions. In reality, the rings’ color reacted to changes in body temperature. Nevertheless, many people became fascinated by the notion of feeling detectors in the form of a pretty ring. The funky jewelry briefly became a fashion staple.

4. Cabbage Patch Kids

Few toy crazes created as much interest as Cabbage Patch Kids. The frenzy was especially notable due to the oddity of these dolls. During the early 1980s, parents darted through stores in search of the unusual dolls. They were in such high demand, shoppers reportedly fought over them as supplies dwindled. News crews even covered the pandemonium. Looking back, it is remarkable how much obsession and chaos one weird little doll could create.

5. Lawn Flamingos

Though still displayed today, plastic pink flamingos became popular lawn decorations during the mid-twentieth century. Many people adored their quirky and playful appearance. However, the plastic birds quickly became synonymous with poor taste. While some went nuts for the front yard statues, others judged their neighbors for displaying such tacky decor. Their popularity rose and fell repeatedly over the decades. However you feel about the statues, there’s no denying that they are an iconic piece of Americana.

6. Disco Roller Skating

The disco era combined two popular activities into one unusual trend. Roller skating rinks filled with flashing lights, groovy music, disco balls, and shiny outfits as fashionable young adults gathered to show off their moves. Skaters spent hours rolling around the rink while simultaneously performing dance moves. The disco-skating combo became a major social activity during the late 1970s. 

7. Goldfish Swallowing Contests

Believe it or not, some people once participated in goldfish-swallowing competitions. Unsurprisingly, those partaking in such a bizarre activity were generally college kids. What is surprising is that this trend emerged during the 1930s, long before today’s famous college drinking traditions emerged. The popularity of this decidedly odd pastime spread rapidly across campuses. The object of the competition was to swallow the most live fish. Public safety concerns eventually brought the craze to an end. 

8. Beanie Babies

During the 1990s, countless people became obsessed with pellet-filled plush toys known as Beanie Babies. Many buyers became convinced that these little stuffed animals would make them rich. Collectors bought, traded, and kept the toys in perfect condition, thinking of them as investments. Some owners even stored them in protective cases. Rare models were highly sought-after and sold for extremely high prices. The Beanie Baby bonanza eventually faded, leaving many people with closets full of cheap plush toys.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©cogdogblog / CC0 1.0.