The 1975 craze that turned ordinary stones into a multimillion-dollar fad
In short: Before the era of digital distractions, a simple, faceless stone became the world's most unexpected pet. Discover how Gary Dahl turned a joke about pet maintenance into a massive commercial success.
In 1975, Gary Dahl launched the Pet Rock as a solution to the common complaints of pet owners, such as grooming, vet bills, and messes. Rather than a cuddly companion, Dahl offered an ordinary rock that required no care.
Despite its lack of features or artistry, the fad saw people paying $3.95—roughly $17.58 in today's value—for a simple stone.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How Did the Pet Rock Fad Start?
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