The 1970s were a wild time for consumer innovation, where companies weren’t afraid to push boundaries—or common sense—in the name of a sale. From bizarre gadgets to questionable food creations, the decade brought us a slew of quirky products that captured the spirit of the times. While some of these items became fleeting fads, others disappeared as quickly as they arrived. Let’s revisit 14 crazy ’70s products that you might have forgotten about but can’t believe actually existed.
1. Mood Rings
Mood rings were all the rage in the ’70s, claiming to reveal your emotions by changing colors based on your body temperature. Whether it turned blue for calm or green for nervous, the ring made wearers feel in touch with their inner vibes. It was part science, part gimmick, and 100% groovy.
While mood rings were undeniably fun, their accuracy was questionable, and they were prone to breaking or losing their color-changing magic over time. Despite their fleeting popularity, mood rings remain a nostalgic symbol of the decade’s fascination with self-expression and pseudoscience.
2. Pet Rock
The Pet Rock was the ultimate example of ’70s consumer absurdity. Marketed as a low-maintenance companion, it came with its own cardboard box and care manual. For a mere $4, you could own a smooth stone with zero feeding, walking, or cleanup required.
The novelty quickly wore off, but not before creator Gary Dahl became a millionaire. Though it’s easy to laugh at the Pet Rock today, it was a perfect reflection of the decade’s playful and ironic sense of humor.
3. Clackers
Clackers were a popular toy made of two acrylic balls attached to a string. The goal was to swing them together so they made a satisfying “clack” sound. They were mesmerizing, noisy, and wildly addictive.
Unfortunately, they were also dangerous. The balls could shatter under pressure, sending shards flying everywhere. By the mid-’70s, clackers were pulled from shelves, but not before cementing their place in the annals of chaotic childhood toys.
4. Water Beds
Water beds became the height of bedroom cool in the ’70s. Advertised as luxurious and therapeutic, these vinyl mattresses filled with water promised better sleep and a little extra flair for your love life.
While they were trendy, water beds were a nightmare to maintain. Leaks, awkward installation, and the constant sloshing sound led many to ditch them by the ’80s. Still, for a moment, they were the ultimate symbol of groovy living.
5. Sea Monkeys
Sea Monkeys were marketed as an instant aquarium of magical underwater creatures. These tiny brine shrimp came with a packet of powder that promised to bring them to life when added to water. The whimsical illustrations on the packaging suggested a world of underwater fun.
In reality, they were little more than wiggling specks, far from the charming anthropomorphic creatures in the ads. Yet, Sea Monkeys captivated kids and became a staple of mail-order catalogs throughout the decade.
6. Avocado Green Kitchen Appliances
Nothing screams ’70s like avocado green refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers. This color trend infiltrated nearly every American kitchen, giving homes a distinctive, earthy vibe.
Though beloved at the time, the avocado green craze eventually fell out of favor, replaced by more neutral tones. Today, these appliances are a nostalgic—and sometimes cringeworthy—reminder of the era’s bold design choices.
7. Bean Bag Chairs
Bean bag chairs became a staple of ’70s living rooms and bedrooms, offering a casual and cozy seating option. Made from vinyl or polyester and filled with tiny pellets, these squishy chairs were perfect for lounging while listening to your favorite vinyl records.
However, their durability left much to be desired. They often leaked or flattened over time, and some models weren’t exactly safe for young kids. Despite their shortcomings, bean bag chairs remain a quintessential symbol of ’70s comfort.
8. Instant Breakfast Drinks
Quick and easy powdered breakfast drinks like Carnation Instant Breakfast gained popularity in the ’70s as a solution for busy mornings. Just mix the powder with milk, and voilà—a “nutritious” meal on the go.
While they were convenient, the nutritional claims didn’t always hold up to scrutiny. Many products were loaded with sugar, making them more of a treat than a health food. Still, these drinks became a part of many morning routines during the decade.
9. SodaStream Machines
Before SodaStream became a modern kitchen staple, its ’70s predecessor was a clunky gadget that promised to turn tap water into soda. With a few pumps of carbon dioxide and a syrup flavoring, you could make your own fizzy drinks at home.
While innovative, the machines were bulky, and the flavor syrups left something to be desired. The concept was ahead of its time, but the execution didn’t quite capture the hearts of ’70s consumers.
10. Plaid Pants
Plaid pants were a fashion statement in the ’70s, often paired with turtlenecks or wide-collared shirts. They came in every color combination imaginable, from classic tartans to eye-popping neon checks.
While they were trendy at the time, plaid pants eventually became a symbol of dated ’70s fashion. Today, they’re mostly worn ironically, but for a time, they were the height of cool.
11. Fondue Sets
Fondue parties were all the rage in the ’70s, with fondue pots becoming a must-have kitchen item. Whether you were dipping bread into melted cheese or fruit into warm chocolate, fondue was the ultimate communal dining experience.
The trend eventually faded as the novelty wore off and people grew tired of cleaning sticky pots. However, fondue remains a nostalgic throwback for anyone who remembers the joy of gathering around a bubbling pot with friends.
12. Hair Crimpers
Hair crimpers became a surprising beauty must-have in the late ’70s, giving straight hair a wavy, zigzag pattern that was both bold and unconventional. Originally popularized by celebrities and runway models, crimping was an easy way to add volume and flair to your hairstyle, whether you were heading to a party or just experimenting at home.
While fun and trendy at the time, crimping wasn’t exactly gentle on hair. The high heat of early crimping irons often left strands dry and damaged, and the look could quickly veer into over-the-top territory if taken too far. By the ’80s, crimping reached its peak before fading into obscurity, but for those who embraced the trend, it was a uniquely wild and creative way to express personal style.
13. Mood Lamps
Mood lamps, often featuring colorful, bubbling lava-like patterns, were a staple of ’70s décor. They added a groovy ambiance to any room and became a favorite for teens and young adults looking to create a chill vibe.
Though they were mesmerizing, mood lamps were often impractical and fragile. They eventually fell out of favor, but their retro charm ensures they’ll never be completely forgotten.
14. Chia Pets
Chia Pets were a late-’70s phenomenon, offering a fun and quirky way to grow a tiny patch of greenery. With a bit of water and some patience, you could grow “hair” on a ceramic animal figurine.
While they were a novelty, the charm of Chia Pets wore off quickly, and many ended up forgotten in kitchen cabinets. Still, they remain a beloved relic of the ’70s, reminding us that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most enduring.
The ’70s were a time of wild ideas and fearless experimentation, and these products perfectly capture the quirky spirit of the era. Which of these do you remember trying—or still secretly wish you had?
