We all know parents can be utterly insane, with no sense of judgment – although they won’t admit it. It’s their generation that has kept some of the tackiest, most ridiculous crazes alive, after all. Here are some that top the list:
1. Troll Dolls
Would you want to buy an ugly plastic doll with creepy, glassy eyes, and a wild, tangled mess of hair? Apparently, Americans did. Through 1963 to 1965, Troll Dolls became the biggest toy craze to hit the stores, even undergoing brief relapses throughout the 1900s. The first Troll Doll was created by Danish sculptor Thomas Damm as a gift for his daughter. The then handmade, wooden doll caught the attention of the owner of a toy shop, and the Troll Dolls were born. Soon, the massive hairdos and cheeky grins were introduced to plastic and mass production. Even Lady Bird Johnson carried one of these Troll Dolls around as a lucky charm!
2. Lava Lamps
Also known as Lava Lites, this combination of colourful floating wax and incandescent liquid was an instant hit. Within five years of the early 1960s, 2 million Lava Lites had been sold in the United States alone. Although it’s pretty, this novelty item is nothing but a kitsch. However, you have to take into account that they provided many hours of amusement for the easily entertained human race. 🙂
3. Polyester Leisure Suits
This fashion faux pas has scarred the eyes and minds of many. However, the brightly colored leisure suits were perfect for a night at the disco party. If anyone you know actively wears one of these fluorescent horrors, immediately sever relations between them. Your image is at stake here!
4. Pink Flamingos
“Place in garden, lawn, to beautify landscape.” Those were the exact words in the Sears mail-order catalog, raving about the Pink Flamingo. These tasteless lawn ornaments were introduced in 1957 by the Union Products of Leominster, Massachusetts, and designed by artist Don Featherstone. The authentic flamingos, which are complete with the Featherstone signature under their tails, and only come in pairs, are no longer on the market. However, don’t worry about these birds going extinct anytime soon – cheap knockoffs will ensure their survival for years.
5. The Pet Rock
“Mom, dad, may I please have a pet?” For those poor children who didn’t have the privilege of owning a cute little animal to call their own, their losses were supplemented by the Pet Rock. This 1970s fad rocked the United States, having sold over 1 million units in six months. To put it simply, the Pet Rock was just a gray rock contained in a cardboard box with a bed of straw. But, this wonderful pet was sure worth your $3.95; it also came with an instruction manual. The price to construct one of these units? Less than 10 cents. Have fun teaching your Pet Rock how to shake your hand!
