15 Ridiculous Inventions That Somehow Made It to Market
This list looks at some of the weirdest products ever sold that actually made it to store shelves and into people’s homes.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Some inventions are useful, and some just leave you wondering how they even got made. This list covers 15 strange products that somehow found success, whether because of clever marketing, curiosity, or just pure luck. These odd ideas prove that sometimes, the weirder it is, the better it sells.
1. The Pet Rock
Owner of Pet Rock Net on Wikimedia Commons
In 1975, Gary Dahl introduced the Pet Rock — a simple stone sold as a pet, complete with a carrying case and training manual. Despite its simplicity, it became a massive fad, selling over a million units in six months.
2. The Snuggie
Ismini Kokkinou on Wikimedia Commons
Marketed as a blanket with sleeves, the Snuggie became a household name through infomercials. While initially mocked, it achieved over $500 million in sales, proving comfort can trump fashion.
3. The Shake Weight
Flickr User: Herrea; Artwork: Shake Weight on Wikimedia Commons
This oscillating dumbbell promised enhanced workouts but gained notoriety for its suggestive motion. Despite the ridicule, it sold millions, showcasing the power of viral marketing.
4. USB Pet Rock
Inductiveload on Wikimedia Commons
A modern twist on the original, this version connects to your computer via USB. It served no functional purpose but capitalized on nostalgia and novelty.
5. The Baby Mop
Alex P on Pexels
Combining childcare with cleaning, this onesie turns your crawling baby into a floor mop. While humorous, it raises eyebrows about child labor.
6. Wearable Tomato Feeder
Elaine Casap ecasap on Wikimedia Commons
Designed for marathon runners, this device feeds tomatoes to the wearer during a run. Innovative or impractical? You decide.
7. Solar-Powered Flashlight
Raimond Spekking on Wikimedia Commons
This flashlight charges using sunlight, which sounds like a smart idea. However, if the power goes out at night or during bad weather, you cannot charge it. It is not very helpful when you need it the most.
8. Rotating Spaghetti Fork
Lady alys on Wikimedia Commons
This fork runs on batteries and spins your spaghetti by itself. It might make eating a little easier, but it turns a simple thing into something more complicated.
9. Egg Slicer
Manfred Heyde on Wikimedia Commons
This gadget slices eggs into even pieces, typically for use in salads or sandwiches. It’s handy, but you could achieve the same result with a regular knife. It just makes a simple job a little faster and neater.
10. Puff-N-Fluff Dog Dryer
Goochie Poochie Grooming on Wikimedia Commons
A 12-year-old came up with this suit that helps dry your dog after a bath. It looked a little silly, but many people liked it because it actually worked. It kept your dog warm and your home less messy.
11. Pizza Cone Maker
Yusuf Timur Çelik on Pexels
This gadget lets you make pizza in the shape of an ice cream cone. It’s a fun idea that combines two favorite foods in a unique way. It is not really needed, but it adds a playful spin to regular pizza.
12. Shoe Umbrellas
Thiago Matos on Pexels
These small umbrellas clip onto your shoes to keep them dry in the rain. They do help a little, but they look pretty strange. Most people notice the style more than the use.
13. Avocado Saver
Ivar Leidus on Wikimedia Commons
This tool is made to keep your leftover avocado from turning brown. It sounds helpful, but many people say using plastic wrap or a container works just fine. It may not be worth the extra space in your kitchen.
14. Moustache Shield
Mumflr McDink on Wikimedia Commons
This old gadget was used to keep moustaches clean while eating or drinking. It was popular in the 1800s when facial hair was a big trend. Today, it serves as a humorous reminder of how much grooming habits have evolved.
15. Fliz Bike
VVVCFFrance on Wikimedia Commons
This bike has no pedals and holds the rider in a harness, so you have to run to make it move. It is a creative idea, but not very easy to use. Most people find regular bikes much more practical.