Originally Published June 16, 2009.
There comes a time when a new fad sweeps the nation and sometimes the world. More often than not, these fads disappear as quickly as they came, leaving only the people who came up with the idea swimming in millions of dollars in profit. It makes you think “Why didn’t I think of that?” Well you didn’t – yet. After reading through these ideas, maybe inspiration will come and you’ll become a millionaire.
1.) Pet Rock
Could you take care of this family?
Pet Rocks were one of the biggest fads of the 1970s. A man named Gary Dahl just one day decided to sell rocks as “pets”. Who would pay for something that they can pick off the ground and dress up themselves? No way this would make money right? Wrong. The idea took off, making Dahl a millionaire. The rocks even came with a kit, instructing new “parents” on how to take care of their precious little one. You could even consider Pet Rock the grandfather to more technologically advanced “pets” such as Tamagachi’s and even the creature known as Furby. Stupid idea? Yes. Million-dollar idea? You bet.
2.) Snuggie/Slanket
Snuggies are one of the newest fads for the new millennium. Also known as Slankets, the Snuggie is a blanket with sleeves to cover your arms. The advertisement for the Snuggie shows a woman so cold and so confused by her current blanket that she has to use a Snuggie. While there has been a show of strong support for the Snuggie, evidenced by fan pages on Facebook, detractors comment that it is just a backwards coat or robe. Sales of the Snuggie and Slanket have reached over 5 million units and counting. Wish you would have thought of it? Check out the Snuggie commercial.
3.) Big Mouth Billy Bass
Remember walking in the store and then all of a sudden you hear someone saying “Don’t Worry, Be Happy?” It’s not someone, it’s…a fish talking, err singing, to you. Big Mouth Billy Bass was the original singing fish that eventually spawned other singing creatures such as the singing deer, the singing great white shark, and the singing lobster in the 90s. There’s no doubt that you knew someone who had this product. Eventually, the singing bass product craze fizzled out, but you can still find them around on eBay and in garage sales everywhere.
4.) Bottled Water
I think I'll just use the tap, thanks
Hey, I have an idea. Let’s take a product that you can easily find in most homes in America, and package it for resale. Bottled water is such a ridiculous product that you wish you thought of it first to make those millions. Not only is it ridiculous, this product also hurts the environment with plastic bottles piling up everywhere on beaches and landfills. The next million-dollar idea: bottled air.
5.) Plastic Fake Wishbones
You know the story. It’s Thanksgiving and you split the wishbone, only to find out you lost. Bummer. Wait til’ next year. Well those days are over now because if you lose, you can whip out a fake plastic wishbone and keep trying until you win (at $3 a bone). Question: does your wish still come true after you’ve lost a couple of times in a row beforehand? Plastic wishbones, coming to a Thanksgiving dinner near you! Get these products before they run out for Thanksgiving.
6.) Doggles
Self-explanatory
So, you’re sitting in the blistering sun and have to put on sunglasses to protect your eyes, but what about trusty Fido? Oh no! His retinas will burn! Never fear, Doggles (Dog Goggles) are here! Now, I’ve heard of almost every accessory for pets including diapers, clothes, robes, shoes, and hats. But sunglasses? Really? Who would buy such a ridiculous product? Lots of people. Lots and lots of people. Just look at the picture. Should I have to say anymore?
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