Remember when your elders rolled their eyes at fanny packs or Heelys? They trusted their instincts—and as it turns out, many trends boomers thought were dumb didn’t last either. By revisiting these passing fads, you’ll learn why even the quirkiest trends need more than hype to survive. Plus, it’s a fun stroll through fashion and questionable design choices. Here are eight trends that flopped, and Boomers called them.
Trends Boomers Thought Were Dumb
1. Fanny Packs
Fanny packs started as practical carry-alls but were later hailed as fashion must-haves. Boomers rolled their eyes early, sensing flash-in-the-pan appeal. Inevitably, the neon nylon trend faded—except for ironic retro revivals. The packs made the list because they highlight the difference between practicality and runaway hype. And while we see them now as ironic fashion, they’ll always be a trend that boomers thought was dumb.
2. Tamagotchis
These digital pet keychains took the late ’90s by storm until everyone realized they’re just tiny responsibility traps. Boomers were skeptical from the start—what kind of “pet” needs feeding via buttons? Today, Tamagotchis exist as nostalgic novelties, not everyday essentials. Their fading popularity reinforces why real pets beat pixel ones. This one is a prime example of trends boomers thought were dumb, and boomers got that one right.
3. Jell-O Salads
Mixing Jell-O with green beans or pineapple seemed fun once, but boomers always questioned the texture clash. Sure, it showed up at potlucks, but health-conscious voters eventually shut it down. Modern palates consider it a relic of post-war excess and culinary confusion. And honestly, there’s wisdom behind that boomer eye-roll. So yes, this quirky trend makes our list of trends boomers thought were dumb.
4. Heelys
Heelys—shoes with wheels—promised effortless rolling until wrist injuries across playgrounds told a different story. Boomers predicted the mayhem early, noting the obvious safety issues. Sure, the novelty was fun—for a bit—but few lasted through middle school without a trip or fall. The fad fizzled, proving that safety beats style. Another one of those trends boomers thought were dumb that didn’t stand the test.
5. Inflatable Furniture
Inflatable chairs and sofas looked like the future of flexible living, but they maxed out at comfort zero. Boomers scoffed at the idea of perching on plastic while hoping nothing popped. Commercial use cratered after one puncture—or nap ruin—proved them useless. Even VR designers now stick to plush seating. A perfect example of design gimmicks that fall, literally and figuratively.
6. Stick-On Car Eyelashes
Car eyelashes—those weird faux-lash headlight stickers—were meant to “fem-inize” your ride. Boomers dismissed them as silly vanity, not automotive style. They didn’t enhance performance, visibility, or aesthetic—just looked bizarre. They faded quickly once the novelty wore off—another trendy eye-catching fad gone bust. Definitely among the trends boomers thought were dumb.
7. Clackers
Clackers—plastic balls on strings that knocked together—were entertaining until they cracked and glass shards emerged. Boomers flagged the danger early—these weren’t toys for kids. They were eventually banned in many places for good reason. One failed fad is all it takes to fall off the shelf. A solid “boomer knew it” lesson in safety over spark.
8. Square-Toed Shoes
Square-toed shoes stomped back into style for a minute, but somehow just looked…off. Boomers predicted the fatigue of blocky footwear, but Gen X and millennials gave it a shot. Alas, fashion dismissed them faster than they arrived. When comfort came calling, these revivals vanished into the landfill. Another quirky reminder that not all style comebacks deserve a second chance.
Why Boomers’ Eye-Rolls Matter
Boomers weren’t being negative—they often spotted flaws that hype ignored. Many trends boomers thought were dumb failed due to a lack of function, safety issues, or poor design. Their skepticism reminds us to question: Is it truly useful, or just flashy? Whether it’s fashion, gadgets, or food fads, a trend needs substance and staying power. Listening to skepticism can help us avoid future flops.
What wild trend did you happily try, only to realize boomers were right? Share your funniest flop or guilty pleasure in the comments below!
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