10 Ridiculous Inventions That Achieved Global Fame

Human creativity knows no bounds. Throughout history, countless inventors have left their mark with groundbreaking ideas, each tale more captivating than the last. Icons like Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and Alexander Graham Bell revolutionized the world with their innovations. Interestingly, some inventors, working separately, developed nearly identical creations simultaneously. For instance, was it Philo Farnsworth or Vladimir Zworykin who pioneered the first electronic television? While Farnsworth holds the legal claim, the debate remains unresolved.

However, not all inventions have a profound impact on society. Some are quirky, bizarre, or downright laughable. Many vanish into obscurity shortly after their debut, while a select few defy expectations and thrive, often fueled by the very mockery they initially faced.

In this piece, we explore 10 inventions that were either mocked or celebrated for their silliness but ultimately rose to fame.

10: Silly Putty

Our first item on the list was born out of a fortunate accident during a time of global crisis. In 1943, James Wright, an engineer at General Electric, was attempting to create synthetic rubber to address shortages caused by World War II. Instead of rubber, he stumbled upon a peculiar material that would later become a beloved toy: Silly Putty.

Wright created Silly Putty by combining silicone oil and boric acid. When he accidentally dropped some, he noticed it bounced. Over the next two years, General Electric distributed samples to engineers, but no practical industrial use was found. It wasn’t until 1949 that a toy store owner recognized its potential as a source of amusement rather than a tool for manufacturing.

Silly Putty didn’t achieve instant success. A marketing consultant invested heavily in it and nearly faced financial ruin until a 1950 newspaper article sparked a surge in demand. Since then, it has remained a staple, delighting generations with its ability to bounce and transfer printed images. Silly Putty is a perfect example of serendipity—a brilliant discovery born from a happy accident.

9: ThighMaster

What could possibly make a simple piece of padded, hinged metal tubing a cultural phenomenon? The answer lies in a clever marketing campaign featuring Suzanne Somers demonstrating the product. The ThighMaster, a exercise tool that soared to fame in the early 1990s, remains available today, alongside numerous imitations and variations.

The ThighMaster operates on the principle of resistance training, effectively toning muscles when used correctly. However, for those aiming to shed weight, it’s essential to incorporate a diverse workout routine, as the ThighMaster excels at muscle conditioning rather than fat reduction. Be prepared for some odd looks if you use it in public—it’s not the most discreet piece of equipment.

8: Pocket Fisherman

When future generations reflect on the influential figures of the 20th century, Ron Popeil deserves a prominent place in the conversation. A legendary salesman, Popeil captivated audiences with his eccentric products, many of which became staples of television infomercials. From the Veg-O-Matic to the Inside-the-Shell Egg Scrambler, his creations, though often whimsical, sparked curiosity and laughter, even if their practicality was sometimes questionable.

Selecting just one of Popeil’s many inventions is no easy task, but the Pocket Fisherman stands out as a prime example. Still available today, this compact fishing rod features a handle compartment for storing hooks, sinkers, and other small accessories. Its foldable design allows it to fit into tight spaces, and yes, if your pockets are roomy enough, it can even slip inside.

Much like Popeil’s other creations, the Pocket Fisherman addresses a problem you might not have realized existed. Yet, it has garnered a loyal following of enthusiasts who praise its convenience and practicality.

7: Furbies

If you’re yearning for a pet but aren’t ready to take on the responsibilities of a living animal, a virtual pet might be the perfect solution. The virtual pet trend took off in the U.S. with the arrival of Japan’s Tamagotchi, but it reached new heights when Furby debuted in 1998.

The Furby frenzy echoed the Cabbage Patch Kids craze of the early 1980s, with parents scrambling to get their hands on one. What exactly was a Furby? It was an interactive electronic toy that started by speaking its own language, Furbish, but gradually learned English through interaction. It could also communicate with other Furbies and used motion sensors to respond to touch and movement.

Over time, curious hackers dismantled Furbies to uncover their inner workings. By modifying the microprocessor that controlled the toy’s functions, they were able to expand its vocabulary and even add voice-recording features.

6: Shake Weight

Infomercials have a unique way of catapulting products into the spotlight. Many items on this list owe their fame—or notoriety—to these late-night advertisements. The Shake Weight is no exception. While it’s unclear if this unconventional fitness gadget would have gained traction on its own, its infomercial undoubtedly propelled it into the public eye.

The Shake Weight features a central handle with weights attached via springs, setting it apart from traditional dumbbells. By gripping the handle and shaking it, users engage in a unique workout. Advertisements claim that six minutes with the Shake Weight equals 30 minutes of conventional weight training. The original model weighs 2.5 pounds (1.13 kilograms), while a heavier version is marketed for men.

The Shake Weight’s fame extended beyond its infomercial, earning spots in parodies on "Saturday Night Live" and appearances on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." Whether celebrated or mocked, its notoriety surpasses that of most fitness products.

5: Roomba

What one person considers silly, another might see as ingenious. When the Roomba first debuted, some dismissed it as a quirky gadget—a disc-shaped robot bumping into furniture while cleaning floors hardly matched the futuristic vision of a robotic butler.

Despite initial skepticism, the Roomba has proven its worth and gained widespread popularity. The engineers at iRobot boast an impressive track record, having developed robots for space exploration and military applications. Their creations have contributed to scientific advancements and even saved lives, showcasing their expertise in robotics.

Introduced in 2002, the Roomba quickly captured media attention. Today, iRobot offers a range of household robots, including the Scooba for mopping floors and the Looj robot for gutter cleaning. These devices simplify daily chores, saving time and effort. And since they’re emotionless, feel free to chuckle at their antics.

4: BeDazzler

Looking to add some flair to your outfits? Craving a touch of sparkle? Enter the BeDazzler, a creation inspired by Ron Popeil and invented by Herman Brickman. This handy tool allows you to embed rhinestones into fabric with ease. Resembling a manual stapler, you simply place a setting and stone into the device, position your fabric, and press down to secure your dazzling embellishments.

The BeDazzler remains available today, though it’s often the subject of jokes about 1980s fashion trends. While some may have gone overboard with their newfound ability to bedazzle everything in sight, the device offered an accessible way for people to personalize their clothing.

The BeDazzler’s fame even earned it a spot on Donald Trump’s reality show "The Apprentice," cementing its place in pop culture history.

3: The Hula Chair

If you thought the Shake Weight’s ads were strange, wait until you see the Hula Chair. This device, along with its knockoffs, features a motorized seat that rotates in a circular motion while you sit. Sellers claim it strengthens your core muscles and provides a rejuvenating massage at the same time. The commercials depict users casually performing everyday tasks, like office work, while seated on the moving chair.

The effectiveness of the Hula Chair for toning abs is up for debate. Reviews highlight the challenge of sitting on a moving chair and acting as though nothing is out of the ordinary. Fitness expert Jay Blahnik, writing for MSNBC.com, notes that the chair won’t help you lose inches around your waist [source: Does it Work]. However, it might make you the life of the party.

2: The Flowbee

An old riddle asks how to identify the town barber: look for the person with the worst haircut, as they either cut their own hair or had someone inexperienced do it. The Flowbee aims to solve this by turning anyone into a skilled barber, even when cutting their own hair.

This innovative device merges electric clippers with a vacuum cleaner. Created by Rick Hunts, the Flowbee uses suction to pull hair through recessed blades for a precise trim, while the vacuum collects clippings to keep things tidy. With adjustable extensions, it can cut hair to lengths ranging from half an inch (1.3 centimeters) to 6 inches (15.2 centimeters), in quarter-inch increments.

While it’s no substitute for a professional salon, the Flowbee offers a convenient way to cut hair at home. Plus, its commercials are downright entertaining!

1: The Snuggie

If there were an Oscar for quirky inventions, the Snuggie would undoubtedly take the prize. How do you enhance something as simple as a blanket? The Snuggie answered this by adding sleeves, eliminating the age-old dilemma of choosing between staying warm under a blanket and using your hands to read or work. With the Snuggie, you can do both effortlessly!

The Snuggie isn’t the only sleeved blanket available, nor was it the first. The Freedom Blanket and the Slanket predate it, but the Snuggie’s clever marketing campaign catapulted it to fame.

While the Snuggie might seem like a humorous novelty, it has transcended its initial reputation as a gag gift. It became a favorite target for jokes by television personalities like Ellen DeGeneres and Jon Stewart. Yet, what started as a playful gift idea has grown into a legitimate business. In fact, some members of the Mytour.com editorial team proudly own Snuggies.

Whether you prefer the classic blue, green, pink, or purple Snuggies or opt for bold designs like skull-and-crossbones or monkeys, there’s a Snuggie for everyone. Silly? Absolutely. But its success is undeniable!