Have you ever seen those kitschy little figurines with seeds attached to them? Those are Chia Pets, and they've been around for decades. But when exactly were they invented? Let's take a look at the history of this beloved novelty item.

When Was the Chia Pet Invented?

The Origins of Chia Pets

The Chia Pet was invented in 1977 by a man named Joe Pedott. Pedott was inspired by his trip to Mexico, where he had seen chia seeds being used to grow hair on pottery.

Pedott returned to the United States and began experimenting with different ways to grow chia seeds on different objects. Eventually, he came up with the idea of using terracotta figurines.

Pedott's Chia Pets were an instant hit. In the first year alone, he sold over 100,000 units. By the early 1980s, Chia Pets were a household name.

The Chia Pet Phenomenon

Chia Pets have become a pop culture phenomenon. They have been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials. They have even been spoofed by comedians, such as Saturday Night Live.

Part of the appeal of Chia Pets is their kitschy charm. They are often seen as a fun and unique way to decorate a home or office.

Chia Pets are also relatively easy to care for. All you need to do is keep them watered, and they will start to grow within a few days. This makes them a great choice for people who don't have a lot of time to spend on gardening.

Chia Pets Today

Chia Pets are still popular today. They are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, including animals, cartoon characters, and even celebrities.

Chia Pets are a fun and easy way to add some life to your home or office. They are also a great conversation starter!

Fun Facts About Chia Pets

Here are some fun facts about Chia Pets:

  • The first Chia Pet was a sheep.
  • Chia Pets were originally sold in health food stores.
  • The most popular Chia Pet is the Chia Dude.
  • Chia Pets have been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
  • Chia Pets are a great way to teach children about plants.