14 Odd Fads That Lasted a Few Weeks
Some unusual fads became popular for a short time before quickly fading away.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Fads can rise suddenly, spread across society, and then vanish in weeks or months. They often reflect curiosity, humor, or novelty rather than lasting value. This list highlights 14 real fads that briefly caught attention before disappearing.
1. Pet Rocks
Owner of Pet Rock Net on Wikimedia Commons
In 1975, Gary Dahl sold rocks packaged in boxes as if they were pets. Each came with a manual explaining how to care for it. The joke caught on quickly, and millions were sold. Within months, interest faded, and sales dropped.
2. Fidget Spinners
Habib M’henni on Wikimedia Commons
Fidget spinners became popular in 2017 as small toys said to help with focus. Children and adults collected them in many colors and designs. Schools began banning them because they caused distractions. By the end of the year, the craze was largely over.
3. Planking
Donkey100 on Wikimedia Commons
Planking involved lying face down in odd or public places and sharing photos online. It spread widely on Facebook around 2010. Some participants tried riskier locations to get attention. Concerns about safety and repetition led to its decline.
4. Ice Bucket Challenge
Anthony Quintano on Wikimedia Commons
The Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014 encouraged people to pour ice water over their heads on video. It aimed to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. Millions, including celebrities, took part worldwide. Once the initial wave ended, participation dropped quickly.
5. Silly Bandz
Scot Scoop on Wikimedia Commons
Silly Bandz were shaped rubber bands worn as bracelets, popular among children around 2010. They were traded and collected in schools. The fad peaked within a year, then faded after bans in classrooms. Today, they are mostly remembered as a short-lived toy trend.
6. Gangnam Style Dance
NASA Johnson on Wikimedia Commons
In 2012, the South Korean song “Gangnam Style” by Psy went viral worldwide. Its music video featured a horse-riding dance move that people copied. The video became the first to reach one billion views on YouTube. After the initial surge, attention moved on to new trends.
7. Y2K Bug Panic
bdunnette on Wikimedia Commons
In the late 1990s, many feared that computers would fail at midnight on January 1, 2000. Companies and governments invested heavily in fixing the problem. People stocked supplies and prepared for possible disasters. When the date arrived, very few issues occurred, and the panic ended.
8. Hoverboards
Soar Boards on Wikimedia Commons
Hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, became popular around 2015. They were marketed as futuristic devices for personal transport. Reports of batteries catching fire and accidents caused recalls and bans. The safety issues quickly ended the boom in sales.
9. The Cinnamon Challenge
TheDeliciousLife on Wikimedia Commons
The Cinnamon Challenge became an internet trend around 2010. It involved swallowing a spoonful of cinnamon without water. Videos showed people coughing and choking, making it look dramatic but unsafe. Medical warnings against it eventually slowed the trend.
10. Pokémon Go Craze
Mimzy on Wikimedia Commons
Pokémon Go launched in 2016 as a mobile game with augmented reality features. Millions of people played outdoors to catch virtual Pokémon. Public spaces are filled with groups of players, creating a social phenomenon. Interest declined after the first year, though the game continues today.
11. Chia Pets
Hackfish on Wikimedia Commons
Chia Pets are clay figures that sprout green plants resembling hair or fur. First sold in the 1980s, they became popular as novelty gifts. For a short time, they were marketed heavily on television and sold well. Over time, demand dropped, and they became a niche product.
12. Flash Mobs
City of Khabarovsk on Wikimedia Commons
Flash mobs gathered groups of people in public places to perform short, organized acts. They spread quickly in the early 2000s as videos went online. They surprised bystanders and gained media coverage. As the idea became common, fewer people participated, and the trend slowed.
13. Slap Bracelets
Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons
Slap bracelets became popular among children in the early 1990s. They were made of flexible steel covered in fabric or plastic. Many schools banned them because the edges sometimes broke through the covering and caused injuries. The bans led to a quick decline in popularity.
14. Beanie Babies
Ty Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Beanie Babies were stuffed animals released by Ty Inc. in the 1990s. They were marketed as collectibles, with limited editions creating a sense of scarcity. Prices rose quickly in resale markets, and some believed they would gain long-term value. The market collapsed by the early 2000s, leaving most with little worth.