A fad is defined as, “an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived and without basis in the object's qualities; a craze.” Here are some of the biggest fads that I’ve participated in over the years (note I was born in 1986):
Furby
In retrospect, how could kids possibly love these creepy toys? Released in 1998, it was impossible to get your hands on these creepy guys (and gals), but somehow they excited me and kids everywhere…
GAK
This gooey slim, made famous by Nickelodeon show Double Dare (1986), hit the market in 1992 and shortly thereafter became a sticky fad that everyone was in on.
Beanie Babies
These small stuffed animals from TY where a sensational hit of the 90s and into the early 2000s. The company TY was born the same year as I was – 1986 – and created the most sought after stuffed animals on the market. During this fad, I regularly bought and sold Beanie Babies using the profit from one sale to buy the next one. I amassed a collection of Beanie Babies that to this day sit in a box at my parents’ house, but are not worthless clutter…
The Yo-Yo
The Yo-Yo was invented in 1920s that skyrocketed back to fame in the mid-90s. While I was never very skilled with a Yo-Yo I did know a few tricks and have a few different Yo-Yos. The YOMEGA and Duncan brands come to mind…
Pogs
Yes, these small circular ‘milk caps’ were another sensation that drove me wild in the mid 90s. The fascination with both collecting difference pogs and winning pogs away from others drove the success of this fad….
Did you partake in these fads too? What other fads did you follow? Comment below!
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