Silly Inventions That Made Their Creators Surprisingly Rich

Modern Plastic Hula Hoops

The idea for the hula hoop wasn’t exactly new when it hit the market in 1958. For centuries, kids across the globe had been playing with hoops made from materials like wood or bamboo. Even the inventors of the modern hula hoop, Arthur K. "Spud" Melin and Richard Knerr, got their inspiration after watching Australian children play with bamboo hoops. But when their bright, colorful plastic version debuted, it became an instant sensation

Can you imagine selling nearly 25 million hoops in just four months? Priced at $1.98, these lightweight hoops were affordable and fun, making them a must-have toy for families across the U.S. and Canada. Their company, Wham-O Hula Hoops, eventually patented the design in 1963, cementing its place in toy history. Today, Wham-O continues to innovate, but the hula hoop remains one of its most iconic creations. Who knew a simple plastic hoop could bring so much joy and become a cultural phenomenon?