1. Waterbeds
At one point in the ’70s, it felt like everyone either had a waterbed or desperately wanted one. They were seen as futuristic, luxurious, and—let’s be honest—a little bit sexy. With their fluid motion and vinyl shells, waterbeds promised better sleep and better vibes. But in reality, they were heavy, leaked often, and required their own special heaters. If you’ve ever tried to move one up a flight of stairs, you probably swore off them for good.
By the ’90s, the waterbed had become more of a punchline than a status symbol. Traditional mattresses evolved to be more comfortable and a lot less messy. Plus, people realized that constant sloshing wasn’t exactly restful. These days, it’s rare to find anyone still holding onto one, unless it’s boxed up in a garage somewhere next to the fondue pot.
2. Earth Shoes
Earth Shoes were all the rage when they debuted in the early ’70s, with their odd “negative heel” design that tilted your toes upward. The idea was that this mimicked walking in sand and could improve posture and health. Suddenly, it seemed like every health-conscious person had a pair, despite their rather clunky and awkward look. The commercials made them sound revolutionary.
But it didn’t take long before people realized they were more painful than practical. Critics claimed they caused more foot problems than they solved, and even loyal wearers started to feel the strain. By the end of the decade, Earth Shoes disappeared almost as fast as they arrived. You might still find a pair in vintage shops, but they’ve mostly walked off into history.
3. Pet Rocks
In 1975, someone managed to convince America to buy rocks. Not fancy gemstones or even aquarium pebbles—just plain, grey rocks packaged in cardboard boxes with breathing holes and straw. It was a joke, of course, but the novelty caught on fast. People loved the humor and low-maintenance nature of it, and suddenly, Pet Rocks were everywhere.
But once the initial laugh wore off, so did the appeal. There are only so many ways you can pretend a rock is a pet before it just becomes, well, a rock again. The fad fizzled out almost as quickly as it arrived. Still, it remains one of the oddest and most charming consumer crazes of the decade.
4. Streaking
Ah yes, the ’70s streaker: that unexpected flash of bare skin racing across a football field or interrupting a live news broadcast. For a brief, wild moment, running naked in public became a national pastime. It symbolized rebellion, humor, and a break from uptight societal norms. Even celebrities and college students got in on the act.
But as laws cracked down and the novelty wore off, streaking quickly lost its shine. What once made people laugh started making them uncomfortable. By the end of the decade, most people had moved on to quieter, more subtle forms of protest—or at least ones that didn’t involve getting arrested for public nudity. Today, it feels more like a punchline than a movement.
5. Platform Shoes for Men
We all remember the glittery disco platforms women wore, but let’s not forget that men got in on the action too. In the mid-’70s, guys were rocking chunky, heeled shoes like they were auditioning for Saturday Night Fever. The higher the heel, the cooler the guy—or at least, that was the idea. Even some suits came with flared pants designed to showcase the footwear.
But walking in them wasn’t easy, and eventually, comfort won out. Men started returning to loafers, sneakers, and more practical choices. The trend burned hot and fast, and by the ’80s, platform shoes for men were mostly a thing of the past. Now, they pop up mainly in costume shops and retro dance nights.
6. Avocado Green Everything
In the ’70s, it felt like every kitchen and bathroom had been taken over by avocado green. Appliances, countertops, carpets, even bathtubs and toilets were covered in this earthy hue. It was considered chic and natural at the time, blending with the eco-conscious vibe of the decade. Paired with burnt orange and mustard yellow, it was the color of the moment.
But trends shifted quickly, and by the early ’80s, avocado green started to look more moldy than modern. Homeowners began painting over it, replacing it, or outright demolishing it. These days, it’s mostly used ironically or in retro-themed designs. For better or worse, the avocado revolution just couldn’t stay ripe.
7. Mood Rings
Mood rings were supposed to tell you how you were feeling based on the color change of a little liquid crystal. Blue meant calm, black meant stressed, and green meant… something in between. For a while, it felt like everyone had one and was checking their “mood” every five minutes. They were cheap, fun, and just mysterious enough to seem magical.
But the science behind them was shaky at best, and once the novelty wore off, so did the interest. People eventually realized the rings were just reacting to temperature, not emotions. Still, they were a fun part of growing up in the ’70s and remain a nostalgic keepsake for many who remember checking their mood on the school bus.
8. CB Radios
Before cell phones, before even car phones, there was the CB radio. In the ’70s, truckers, road trippers, and even suburban dads were all “10-4 good buddy”-ing their way down the highway. It wasn’t just for practical use—it was a full-on social network, complete with slang, nicknames, and inside jokes. Songs and movies like Convoy helped boost the CB craze even more.
But once the airwaves got too crowded and technology moved forward, CB radios lost their cool. People wanted more privacy and less static. By the mid-’80s, they had mostly faded into obscurity, used only by long-haul truckers and nostalgia buffs. Still, for a brief moment, the whole country was talking—literally—on the same wavelength.
