The 1970s were a wild time for creativity. Everyone was trying to capture that spark of innovation, whether it was through fashion, music, or even downright quirky inventions. Some of these ideas were brilliant but ahead of their time, while others were just, well, baffling. These 14 inventions are a testament to the decade’s bold spirit, but they didn’t exactly stick around. Let’s take a groovy stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the strangest things people tried to sell us back in the day.
1. Pet Rocks
Okay, technically this one “took off” for a hot minute, but we had to include it. The idea of paying for a rock in a box with breathing holes was peak 70s absurdity. It’s a wonder anyone fell for it, but we all know someone who did.
2. The Shower Hood
This invention promised to keep your hair perfectly dry while you showered. While clever in theory, it looked ridiculous, felt claustrophobic, and wasn’t exactly a hit with the fashion-conscious.
3. The Static Eliminator Comb
This comb was advertised as the solution to pesky hair static. It even claimed to use “space-age technology,” which was a popular buzzword back then. Turns out, a regular comb and some water worked just as well.
4. The Inflatable Pillow Tie
For the overworked office worker who needed a nap on the go, this invention doubled as a necktie and a pillow. Unfortunately, no one wanted to look ridiculous while dozing off at their desk.
5. The Portable Record Player
Who wouldn’t want to carry their vinyl records everywhere? Apparently, everyone. This attempt at a portable music device was heavy, clunky, and scratched your precious LPs.
6. The Motorized Ice Cream Cone
Holding an ice cream cone is apparently exhausting, so someone invented a motorized version that rotated the ice cream for you. It was messy, battery-hungry, and completely unnecessary.
7. The Dymaxion House
Buckminster Fuller’s dream of a futuristic, eco-friendly home sounded amazing, but its aluminum structure was impractical and expensive. People preferred their traditional houses over living in what looked like a space pod.
8. The Cigarette Umbrella
Designed to keep your cigarette dry in the rain, this tiny umbrella attached to the end of your cigarette. Smokers had other priorities, and the idea fizzled out faster than a wet cigarette.
9. The Gas-Saving Egg
This contraption claimed to reduce fuel consumption by fitting into your car’s carburetor. It didn’t work, and most people figured out it was just a gimmick after wasting their cash.
10. The Remote Control Finder
Losing the TV remote was already a problem in the 70s, but this bulky device that attached to your remote was almost as easy to misplace as the remote itself.
11. The Heated Butter Knife
Perfectly spread butter was the dream this invention promised. However, the knife heated unevenly and posed a minor burn risk. Most folks decided patience and a warm plate worked just fine.
12. Self-Turning Popcorn Popper
This gadget promised evenly popped kernels by stirring them continuously. It sounded great until it broke down frequently or launched popcorn across the room.
13. Electric Baby Rocker
For parents who didn’t want to rock their babies to sleep, this machine did it for them. Unfortunately, it was noisy, unreliable, and just a little unsettling to watch in action.
14. The TV Glasses
Imagine wearing what looked like scuba goggles just to watch TV. This clunky device promised a “cinematic experience” without the need for a big screen. Spoiler alert: most people preferred their living room setup over looking like a cyborg.
The 70s may not have perfected these inventions, but they sure captured the adventurous, anything-goes spirit of the time. For every flop, there was a lesson in dreaming big—even if it meant making a few hilarious mistakes along the way.
