Meet the craze of Pet Rocks in 1975. For about 6 months, they sold over one million Pet Rocks for $4 each. It was just a rock in a box with some straw and a care manual for tricks to teach. The creator had the idea in a bar as his friends complained about their pets.

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Pet Rock

This article is about the rock. For the 1981 album by The Sinceros, see Pet Rock (album).

The Pet Rock “Pet Carrier”, which doubled as its packaging

Pet Rock is a collectible toy made in 1975 by advertising executive Gary Dahl. Pet Rocks are smooth stones from Mexico’s Rosarito Beach. They were marketed like live pets, in custom cardboard boxes, complete with straw and breathing holes. The fad lasted about six months, ending after a short increase in sales during the Christmas season of December 1975. Although by February 1976 they were discounted due to lower sales, Dahl sold over 1 million Pet Rocks for $4 each, and became a millionaire.

With his money, Dahl opened a bar named “Carry Nations” in downtown Los Gatos, California,… Continue Reading (2 minute read)

10 thoughts on “Meet the craze of Pet Rocks in 1975. For about 6 months, they sold over one million Pet Rocks for $4 each. It was just a rock in a box with some straw and a care manual for tricks to teach. The creator had the idea in a bar as his friends complained about their pets.”

  1. Po1sonator

    Buying one for $4 in 1975 would be the same as buying one for $21 now via inflation.

    Reply
  2. omnichronos

    What’s really crazy was in 1978, my dad took us camping at a Texas river. In the shallow water of the riverbank, I found a pet rock with eyes glued on it out among the regular rocks. Basically, a pet rock had somehow run away and I found it, lol.

    Reply
  3. PermanentEvolution

    It’s not as stupid as it sounds. The manual that came with it was pretty funny. That’s what people were buying. That and the novelty of course.

    https://youtu.be/1RcF1GBjg7s

    Reply
  4. Sjh1961

    I got one for my birthday when I was young. Gave it to my girlfriend and she loved that little rock in a box.

    Reply
  5. ermghoti

    The training manual included instructions for teaching your pet rock to swim. They warned this was an advanced trick, and it may not return to you. In the event this occurred, they advised you order another pet rock and try again.

    Reply
  6. DevonMG

    He made a million dollars. You know, I have an idea. Its called Jump To Conclusions.

    Reply
  8. feor1300

    The fools. $4? It’s much better if you catch them free range. I’ve still got the pet rock I caught behind the library when I was 10.

    Reply
  9. Patmaxter

    I got one for my 18th Birthday, has been living on my Desk watching me fail in CS for the past 7 Years. A good companion tbh.

    Reply
  10. 2KilAMoknbrd

    Mine went feral. I see it around every now and then.
    It just sets there . . . menacingly

    Reply

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