14 Fads from the Past That Came and Went in a Flash
Some trends light up the world for a moment, only to vanish faster than they appeared.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Fads have a way of sweeping through our lives before disappearing overnight. They dominate conversations. Then, they leave everyone wondering why they were ever so popular. Here are 14 memorable trends that had their moment in the sun before fading into history.
1. Pogs
Emre Turkan on Unsplash
These collectible milk-cap discs were a playground currency in the ’90s. Kids slammed “slammers” onto stacks for bragging rights, but once the excitement faded, so did the game.
2. Silly Bandz
Scot Scoop on Wikimedia Commons
Rubber bracelets shaped like animals, objects, and letters caused a frenzy in classrooms. Everyone compared collections until schools banned them for being distracting.
3. Tamagotchis
COSMOH LOVE on Unsplash
These digital pets demanded constant attention, from feeding to cleaning up pixel messes. Owning one felt like a responsibility until the novelty wore off or the batteries died.
4. Fidget Spinners
Ximena Balderas on Unsplash
Marketed as stress relievers, these spinning toys took over desks and backpacks overnight. The hype was intense, but teachers got tired of the buzzing distraction.
5. Beanie Babies
Elizabeth K. Joseph on Flickr
Stuffed animals became an investment craze when people believed they’d be worth a fortune. Collectors hoarded rare tags and limited editions, only to realize the market wasn’t magic.
6. Friendship Bracelets
Wilson0204 on Wikimedia Commons
Handmade with colorful threads, these bracelets were symbols of loyalty and summer boredom. Kids spent hours braiding patterns, trading them, and stacking arms full of them.
7. Pet Rocks
carol on Wikimedia Commons
The ultimate low-maintenance pet was literally just a rock in a box. The fad’s charm was its absurd simplicity, which made it both hilarious and short-lived.
8. Slap Bracelets
drcw on Flickr
A shiny strip that snapped around your wrist became a recess sensation. Kids loved the satisfying smack, but the fad ended quickly after schools labeled them a distraction and a safety hazard.
9. Yo-Yo Tricks
The Drink Break on Unsplash
Yo-yos cycled back into popularity every few decades, bringing tricks like “Walk the Dog” and “Around the World.” Talent shows and recess competitions turned hallways into mini circuses.
10. Laser Pointers
Netweb01 on Wikimedia Commons
Tiny red dots drove cats crazy and amused kids in classrooms everywhere. Teachers, however, didn’t share the excitement, and the novelty ended once the batteries ran out or the pointers got confiscated.
11. Mood Rings
Moodman001 on Wikimedia Commons
These color-changing rings promised to reveal your feelings through temperature-sensitive stones. Friends compared colors obsessively, believing the ring knew their moods better than they did.
12. Heelys
Dan Taylor on Wikimedia Commons
Sneakers with built-in wheels let kids roll through hallways like mini daredevils. They were thrilling until schools banned them and falls became a regular risk.
13. Pokémon Cards (First Boom)
Caleb Oquendo on Pexels
The late ’90s saw kids battling, trading, and guarding their prized holographics like gold. Every recess became a marketplace until parents and teachers cracked down.
14. Feather Hair Extensions
Stacie on Flickr
For a brief moment, colorful feathers clipped into hair were a must-have accessory. Salons and DIY kits popped up everywhere, but the style quickly became dated.