14 Bizarre Fads That Swept the Nation Then Disappeared
These 14 strange fads once captured the nation’s attention before fading away just as quickly.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Fads can appear suddenly and take over people’s lives, only to vanish without warning. Many strange trends have gripped the public, ranging from odd toys to unusual fashion statements. While some brought fun or novelty, most disappeared after a short burst of popularity. Looking back, these fads reveal how quickly public tastes can change.
1. Pet Rocks
Pet Rock Net on Wikimedia Commons
In the mid-1970s, a man sold ordinary rocks packaged as pets, complete with breathing holes in the box. Despite the simplicity, millions of people bought them, and the trend became a cultural sensation. It was funny, cheap, and easy to maintain, which helped its rapid spread. However, the fad fizzled out after a few months once the novelty wore off.
2. The Harlem Shake
greyloch on Wikimedia Commons
In 2013, the Harlem Shake dance craze exploded online, fueled by short, viral videos. People around the world recorded themselves doing wild, chaotic dance moves set to a specific song. It was energetic and goofy, catching fire in schools, workplaces, and on social media. Just as fast as it appeared, the craze ended, replaced by the next viral sensation.
3. Silly Bandz
woodleywonderworks on Wikimedia Commons
Silly Bandz were silicone rubber bands shaped like animals and objects that kids wore as bracelets. They became a huge hit in the late 2000s, with children trading and collecting different shapes. The craze encouraged social interaction and creativity but faded when new accessories and toys gained attention. Today, Silly Bandz are mostly nostalgic memories.
4. Fidget Spinners
Habib M’henni on Wikimedia Commons
Fidget spinners rose to popularity in 2017 as stress-relief toys promising to help focus and calm anxiety. Schools and offices saw an influx of these handheld devices, and they were a favorite among kids. However, concerns about distraction and overuse led many places to ban them. Their popularity quickly declined within a year.
5. Tamagotchi Pets
Trogain on Wikimedia Commons
Tamagotchis were digital pet toys introduced in the 1990s that required constant care and attention. Kids carried them everywhere, feeding and cleaning their virtual pets to keep them alive. The simple concept became a massive hit worldwide. Eventually, newer electronic toys and smartphones replaced them.
6. Pokémania
LunaEclipse on Wikimedia Commons
The Pokémon craze began in the late 1990s with video games, trading cards, and a TV show. Millions of children and adults became obsessed with catching and trading Pokémon characters. The hype was so intense that some schools banned Pokémon cards to prevent distraction. Over time, interest waned, but later saw a resurgence with mobile games.
7. The Macarena
Kirt Edblom on Wikimedia Commons
The Macarena was a dance and song that swept the globe in the mid-1990s. People of all ages learned the simple steps and performed it at parties, events, and gatherings. Its catchy tune and easy dance made it a cultural phenomenon. Like most dance crazes, it eventually lost steam.
8. Mood Rings
Moodman001 on Wikimedia Commons
Mood rings were jewelry items that changed color based on the wearer’s body temperature, which was claimed to reflect their emotional state. Popular in the 1970s, they became a fashionable way to show off your supposed feelings. Though the science behind them was shaky, the rings sold in large numbers and became a cultural symbol of the time. Eventually, the novelty faded, and they became more of a retro curiosity.
9. Beanie Babies
Ty Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Beanie Babies were small stuffed animals filled with plastic pellets that became a massive collectible craze in the 1990s. People believed the toys would increase in value, leading to intense buying and trading. The market became oversaturated, and the fad collapsed when the bubble burst. Many collectors were left with toys worth far less than expected.
10. Clackers
Santishek on Wikimedia Commons
Clackers were two hard plastic balls attached to a string that users swung to make them knock together loudly. Popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s, kids loved the noisy challenge. However, safety concerns arose after injuries, and the toy was eventually banned in many places. The fad disappeared quickly afterward.
11. Pogs
Nizzan Cohen on Wikimedia Commons
Pogs were small cardboard discs that kids flipped and stacked in a simple game popular in the early 1990s. The collectible nature of the discs, often featuring licensed characters, made the fad wildly popular in schools. However, the game was short-lived, with interest fading as new toys and games took over. Many adults now remember Pogs with nostalgia.
12. The Ice Bucket Challenge
Anthony Quintano on Wikimedia Commons
In 2014, the Ice Bucket Challenge became a viral campaign to raise awareness and funds for ALS. People filmed themselves dumping buckets of ice water over their heads and nominated others to do the same. The challenge spread quickly worldwide, raising millions of dollars. After a brief period, participation dropped off as the campaign ended.
13. Silly String
Eden Keller on Wikiemdia Commons
Silly String, a colorful aerosol spray that shoots out stringy material, became a party and prank favorite in the 1980s and 1990s. Its messy and fun nature made it popular at celebrations and school events. However, concerns about environmental impact and cleanup issues reduced its usage. The novelty wore off, but it still appears occasionally at special events.
14. The Cabbage Patch Kids
Appalachian Artworks, Inc on Wikimedia Commons
Cabbage Patch Kids dolls exploded in popularity during the 1980s, leading to massive toy shortages during the holiday seasons. Each doll came with a unique name and adoption papers, making the experience feel special. The dolls became collector’s items and cultural icons for a time. Interest waned as new doll brands and toys emerged.