Whenever the catchy jingle of a Chia Pet Commercial pops into my head, it’s a sure sign the holidays are just around the corner. There’s something undeniably nostalgic about those commercials, instantly reminding us of simpler times and, perhaps for some, a long-held secret desire for a Chia Pet of their own. Speaking personally, I’ve always wanted one and think it’s high time to finally get myself a Chia Pet this year.
Diving into YouTube for a hit of retro advertising, I stumbled upon two commercials both claiming to be the “original Chia Pet commercial.” My memory strongly associates this one, with its unforgettable “Ch-ch-ch-Chia!” jingle, as the definitive original:
However, another commercial surfaced, one lacking the jingle, yet feeling equally familiar. Its slightly more basic production quality suggests it might actually predate the jingle version and be the true original Chia pet commercial. Adding weight to this theory is the featured Chia Ram, the very first Chia Pet animal, launched in 1982. While the jingle commercial also debuted in 1982, it showcased Chia animals that came out later in 1984, hinting at the no-jingle ad’s earlier origin.
The Chia Pet phenomenon was brought to us by Joe Pedott and Joseph Enterprises Inc., a company based in San Francisco, California. Pedott’s introduction to Chia Pets happened at a Chicago housewares show in 1977. The very first Chia Pet creation was the “Chia Guy,” born on September 8, 1977, with its trademark registered shortly after on October 17, 1977.
Exploring vintage newspaper ads from 1978 to 1982 further illuminates the early days of the Chia Pet. Notably, the Chia Ram is consistently featured in these advertisements. Interestingly, over just four years, the price of a Chia Pet nearly doubled, climbing from under $5 to just under $10, reflecting its growing popularity.
Chia Pets truly took off in the 1980s, largely thanks to the 1982 debut of the Ram, which became the first widely marketed Chia Pet. This iconic Ram was, indeed, the star of those early commercials. And to this day, the simple phrase “Ch-ch-ch-chia!” is instantly recognizable, a testament to the enduring power of a truly memorable chia pet commercial.
