#5: Pet Rocks

As you may or may not remember, in 1975, Pet Rocks became an unexpected craze in the U.S. Initially selling for $4, their value has surged to $60 today. Over a million units flew off the shelves, courtesy of Gary Dahl’s marketing genius. Originating from Baja California, these simple stones were ingeniously packaged and sold as genuine companions, turning Dahl into a millionaire.

The Pet Rock trend, albeit brief, peaked during the 1975 Christmas season and faded away after six months. Despite its short-lived popularity, the impact was significant for Gary Dahl, propelling him to wealth and notoriety. In a 1988 reflection, Dahl paradoxically expressed regret over his creation of the Pet Rock, a fad that had etched his name into the annals of toy history.