Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pets Still Popular Christmas Gifts

[matcom]

<snip>

PITTSBURGH -- Even its marketer doesn't know why Chia Pets are so popular.

But in an age of video games and iPods, the quirky "growing" pottery continues to be a must-have Christmas present, even if many are given as gag gifts.

The vice president of Joseph Enterprise says the company began marketing Chia Pets in 1982, after purchasing a variation from a man who happened upon the idea in Mexico.

Then came those memorable TV ads. The hokey "Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia" spot shows children applying the seed mixture to the terra cotta planter.

There are now about a dozen Chia varieties, including Shrek and Scooby-Doo.

As for why they're so popular, one consumer trends expert has a theory. He says Chia pets tap into nostalgia, which has become a theme in recent years.

http://www.wftv.com/money/4020146/detail.html

[demnan]

1. We were talking about this on the van pool yesterday

My brother used to give these as gag gifts, it was inevitable that I would get one every year. I kind of miss it now (he doesn't have a job) because it was always fun to exchange junk like that.

[China_cat]

2. One year

they had a 'Chia Garcia' (Jerry Garcia head) I wanted it, I still want it. And I haven't seen one since that one year. :(

[lapislzi]

3. I don't know why someone hasn't devised a Chia-penis

or a Chia-vulva.

Anyone game? We could make millions (of dollars, that is...the idea of molding millions of terracotta genitals is both funny and disturbing at the same time).

[underpants]

4. Great THANKS!

:eyes: