6 useless inventions that surprisingly made huge revenues

Humanity has built rockets, mapped the human genome, and created the internet. Yet, alongside these marvels, we’ve also invented things that make you scratch your head and wonder: why? From rocks sold as pets to gadgets that do absolutely nothing, here’s a look at the six most hilariously pointless inventions that still managed to make waves.

The Pet Rock

In 1975, Gary Dahl introduced the world to the Pet Rock, a simple rock sold in a cardboard box for $3.95. As ridiculous as it sounds, the idea became a craze, with 1.5 million rocks sold in just six months. Proof that sometimes, the best inventions aren’t about utility but storytelling.

Diet Water

In the early 2000s, Japan brought us “Diet Water,” marketed as a zero-calorie alternative to… water. The concept was absurd, but it tapped into health trends and grew into a global industry worth billions. It shows how consumer psychology can turn nonsense into profit.

The Banana Slicer

Cutting bananas isn’t hard, but that didn’t stop the Hutzler 571 banana slicer from hitting the market in the late ’80s. Costing about $4, it inspired thousands of sarcastic Amazon reviews, cementing its status as a meme-worthy invention.

The USB Humping Dog

Japan is famous for quirky gadgets, but the USB Humping Dog of 2006 took things to another level. Once plugged into a computer, the tiny toy simply humped your USB port. It offered no utility, but became a popular gag gift in the mid-2000s.

The Walking Sleeping Bag

Chilean designer Rodrigo Alonso created the Selk’bag in 2007, a sleeping bag with legs and arms. It promised mobility and warmth but left wearers looking more like cartoon characters. While it has a niche following, most campers prefer traditional gear.

The Fidget Spinner

The fidget spinner became a global obsession in 2017, with a market that peaked near $915 million. Once banned in schools, the hype died almost as fast as it rose, leaving millions of forgotten spinners buried in drawers.

These six inventions may seem useless, but they reveal something fascinating about us: humans love novelty, humor, and the unexpected. Whether it’s a rock in a box or a USB gadget that does nothing, these creations remind us that even pointless ideas can make history.