Popular Fads of the 1970s
The 1970s were known for their wide range of fads, many of which reflected the social and cultural changes of the decade. Here are some of the most popular fads of the 1970s:
Pet Rocks
In 1975, a man named Gary Dahl introduced the Pet Rock, a smooth rock packaged in a box with air holes and instructions for care. The fad took off and became a cultural phenomenon.
Mood Rings
Mood rings were popular in the 1970s, with the color of the ring changing based on the wearer's mood. The rings were said to work by responding to changes in the wearer's body temperature.
CB Radios
CB radios, which allowed people to communicate with each other over short distances, became popular in the 1970s, particularly among truckers and other motorists.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding became popular in the 1970s, with kids and teenagers riding boards in parks and on city streets.
Smiley Faces
The yellow smiley face, with a round yellow face and black eyes and mouth, became a popular symbol of positivity and happiness in the 1970s.
Lava Lamps
Lava Lamps were very popular in the 1970s. The psychedelic colors and flowing shapes of the lamps were a perfect fit for the era's "groovy" aesthetic and love of all things psychedelic. The lamp's hypnotic and mesmerizing movements also captured the laid-back and carefree spirit of the 1970s counterculture movement.