Chia Pet

A Chia Homer with a Chia Elmer Fudd in the background

Chia Pets are American styled animal-shaped terracotta figurines^[1] used to sprout chia,^[2] where the chia sprouts grow within a couple of weeks ^[3] to resemble the animal's fur or hair.^[4] Moistened seeds of chia (Salvia hispanica)^[5] are applied to the grooved terra cotta figurine body.

Marketed by Joe Pedott ^[6] and produced by San Francisco, California-based company Joseph Enterprises Inc.,^[7] the first Chia Pet, Chia Guy was created on September 8, 1977.^[8] A trademark registration was filed on Monday, October 17, 1977.^[9] Pedott first learned about Chia Pets when he attended a housewares show in Chicago in 1977. ^[10] Chia Pets achieved popularity in the 1980s following the 1982 release of a ram, the first widely marketed Chia Pet.^[11] The catchphrase sung in the TV commercial as the plant grows in time lapse is "Ch-ch-ch-chia!". This catchphrase originated at an agency brainstorming meeting, where one of the individuals present pretended to stutter the product name. ^[12] As of 2007, approximately 500,000 Chia Pets were sold annually,^[13] and they are sold only during the holiday season. ^[14] Originally made in Mexico, Chia Pets are now produced in China. ^[15]

A range of generic animals has been produced, including a turtle,^[16] pig, puppy, kitten,^[17] frog, and hippopotamus,^[18] but cartoon characters including: Garfield, Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes, Shrek, The Simpsons, and SpongeBob have also been licensed.^[19] Additionally, there are Chia Pets depicting presidents, including Barack Obama.^[20]

Release timeline

• 1982 Wave 1 -- First widely marketed Chia Pet (later called Chia Ram) introduced. ^[21]
• 1983-1992 Wave 2 -- Chia Bull, Chia Puppy, Chia Kitten, and Chia Tree introduced. ^[22]
• 1993 Wave 3 -- Chia Bunny, Chia Turtle, and Chia Herb Garden introduced. ^[23]
• 1995 Wave 4 -- Chia Pig, Chia Frog, Chia Hippo, and original Chia Head (later called Chia Guy) introduced. Chia Ram and Chia Bull discontinued. ^[24]
• 1996 Wave 5 -- Chia Elephant, Chia Kid, Chia Professor, Chia Clown and Chia Terra Cotta Herb Garden introduced. ^[25] Chia Guy sold. ^[26] Chia Herb Garden discontinued. ^[27]
• 1998 Wave 6 -- Chia Cow and Chia Lion Cub introduced. ^[28]
• 2000 Wave 7 -- Chia Dinosaur, Chia Elmer Fudd, Chia Taz, and Chia Tweety introduced. "Watch-Me-Grow Chia Cards" included. Chia Mr. T issued briefly for TV Land promotion. ^[29]
• 2002 Wave 8 -- Chia Scooby-Doo, Chia Shaggy, and Chia Homer introduced. "Watch-Me-Grow Chia Cards" discontinued. ^[30]
• 2003 Wave 9 -- Chia Bugs Bunny, Chia Daffy Duck, and Chia Bart introduced. ^[31]
• 2004 Wave 10 -- Chia Shrek, Chia Donkey, Chia Garfield, Chia Cat Grass Planter featuring Sylvester and Tweety, and Gourmet Chia Herb Garden introduced. Chia Terra Cotta Herb Garden discontinued. ^[32]
• 2006 Wave 11 -- Chia Bear, Chia Alex and Chia Marty introduced, Chia Ram and Chia Bull reintroduced, Chia Kid, Chia Clown and Chia Lion Cub retired, Chia Alarm Clock included with all Chia Pets, Chia Heads and Chia Tree, Cuddly Chia Puppy and Cuddly Chia Cub introduced. ^[33]
• 2007 Pack-ins expanded to include Mini Chia Cuddly and Chia Watch. ^[34]
• 2008 Wave 12 -- Chia Po, Chia Tree with Star Light, and Chia Cat Grass Planter featuring "snoozing kitty" introduced. Chia Ram, Chia Bull, Chia Turtle, Chia Bear, Chia Elmer Fudd, Chia Bugs Bunny, Chia Daffy Duck, Chia Tree, Cuddly Chia Puppy, and Cuddly Chia Cub discontinued. Pack-ins include Mini Chia Cuddly and Chia Playing Cards.^[35]
• 2008 Chia Obama "Determined" and Chia Obama "Happy" released in April 2009, after normal selling season.
• 2010 Wave 13 -- Chia SpongeBob,^[36] Chia Washington, Chia Lincoln, and Chia Liberty with Torch Light introduced. Chia Obama "Determined" added to normal production and selling season. Chia Turtle discontinued. Pack-in items in normal Chia Pets discontinued.

Account of types of Chia Collectibles

Chia Pets

All include seeds for three plantings and drip tray. All include "Watch-Me-Grow Chia Card" as of wave 7, excluding Ram and Bull, which were discontinued with wave 4, and Chia Crocodile, which was introduced in wave 10. Watch-Me-Grow Chia Cards discontinued with wave 8. All include a Chia Alarm Clock during wave 11 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Chia Pet in 2006, in 2007 could include either the Chia Alarm Clock, Chia Watch, or Mini Chia Cuddly, and in 2008 could include either the Mini Chia Cuddly or a deck of Chia Playing Cards.

• Chia Ram -- Original Chia Pet (1982), discontinued with wave 4, reintroduced with wave 11 for the anniversary and discontinued again with wave 12.
• Chia Bull -- Wave 2 (198x), discontinued with wave 4, reintroduced with wave 11 for the anniversary and discontinued again with wave 12.
• Chia Puppy -- Wave 2 (198x).
• Chia Kitten -- Wave 2 (198x).
• Chia Bunny -- Wave 3 (1993).
• Chia Turtle -- Wave 3 (1993), discontinued with wave 13.
• Chia Pig -- Wave 4 (1995).
• Chia Frog -- Wave 4 (1995).
• Chia Hippo -- Wave 4 (1995).
• Chia Elephant -- Wave 5 (1996).
• Chia Cow -- Wave 6 (1998).
• Chia Dinosaur -- Wave 7 (2000).
• Chia Crocodile -- Wave 10 (2004).
• Chia Bear -- Wave 11 (2006), discontinued with wave 12.

Chia Pet Cuddlies

A trademark registration was filed for Chia Pet Cuddlies on Thursday, June 29, 2006. ^[37]Chia Pet Cuddlies are plush toys with soft fabric "Chia" fur bodies. They play the Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia jingle when a paw is pressed. The Chia Pet Cuddlies were only available during the anniversary period.

• Cuddly Chia Puppy -- Wave 11 (2006), discontinued with wave 12.
• Cuddly Chia Cub -- Wave 11 (2006), a bear cub, discontinued with wave 12.

Chia Heads

The Chia Head trademark registration was filed on Wednesday, June 7, 1995. ^[38] All include seeds for three plantings and drip tray. Include Watch-Me-Grow Chia Card as of wave 7. Watch-Me-Grow Chia Cards discontinued as of wave 8. Chia Guy and Chia Professor include a Chia Alarm Clock during wave 11 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Chia Pet in 2006, in 2007 could include either the Chia Alarm Clock, Chia Watch, or Mini Chia Cuddly, and in 2008 could include either the Mini Chia Cuddly or a deck of Chia Playing Cards.

• Chia Guy -- Original Chia Head, arrived in wave 4 (1995).
• Chia Kid -- Wave 5 (1996), discontinued with wave 11.
• Chia Professor -- Wave 5 (1996).
• Chia Clown -- Wave 5 (1996), discontinued with wave 11.
• Chia Lion Cub -- Wave 6 (1998), discontinued with wave 11.

Licensed / Famous Chia

All include seeds for three plantings and drip tray. Looney Tunes planters included Watch-Me-Grow Chia Card until cards were discontinued with wave 8. Called Famous Chia as of wave 10. Most Famous Chia are sculpted a Chia Head type of planter, with exceptions noted below.

The A-Team

• Chia Mr. T^[39] -- Introduced just before normal selling period of wave 7 (2000). Limited run only.

Looney Tunes

• Chia Elmer Fudd -- Wave 7 (2000), discontinued with wave 12.
• Chia Taz -- Wave 7 (2000), sculpted as a full body planter rather than a head.
• Chia Tweety -- Wave 7 (2000).0
• Chia Bugs Bunny -- Wave 9 (2003), discontinued with wave 12.
• Chia Daffy Duck -- Wave 9 (2003), discontinued with wave 12.

Scooby-Doo!

• Chia Scooby-Doo -- Wave 8 (2002).
• Chia Shaggy -- Wave 8 (2002).

The Simpsons

• Chia Homer -- Wave 8 (2002).
• Chia Bart -- Wave 9 (2003).

Shrek

• Chia Shrek -- Wave 10 (2004).
• Chia Donkey -- Wave 10 (2004).

Garfield

• Chia Garfield -- Wave 10 (2004).

Madagascar

• Chia Alex -- Wave 11 (2006).
• Chia Marty -- Wave 11 (2006).

Chia Kung Fu Panda

• Chia Po -- Wave 12 (2007), a bust depicting the character from the waist up, rather than a head as most Licensed Chia are made, or a full body.

Nickelodeon SpongeBob SquarePants

• Chia SpongeBob -- Wave 13 (2009), sculpted as a full body planter rather than a head.

Chia: Proud to be American

All include seeds for three plantings and drip tray. The presidents are sculpted as heads, atop a base that is thicker than normal for a Chia Head planter. The Statue of Liberty is sculpted as a bust, and depicts the uplifted right arm holding the torch. The bases of each are printed with black lettering.

• Chia Obama "Determined" -- released April 2009, after the normal 2008 selling season, and then continued production with Wave 13 (2009). Base of planter is engraved with "BARACK OBAMA 44th President USA" on the front, and "Yes We Can" on both sides.
• Chia Obama "Happy" -- released April 2009, after the normal 2008 selling season. Base of planter is engraved with "BARACK OBAMA 44th President USA" on the front, and "Yes We Can" on both sides.
• Chia Washington -- Wave 13 (2009). Base of planter is engraved with "GEORGE WASHINGTON 1st President USA" on the front, "Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected" on one side, and "Liberty, when it begins to take root is a plant of rapid growth" on the other side.
• Chia Lincoln -- Wave 13 (2009). Base of planter is engraved with "ABRAHAM LINCOLN 16th President USA" on the front, "Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today" on one side, and "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves" on the other side.
• Chia Liberty with Torch Light -- Wave 13 (2009). Base of planter is engraved with "STATUE of LIBERTY" on the front, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore." on one side, and "Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door." on the other side. The plastic torch flame on the planter lights up, and changes between red, orange, and yellow color while it remains lit. It is powered by two AAA batteries, which are included with the planter when purchased.

Shortly after the release of the Chia Obama, Walgreens pulled the product saying it does not fit their image.^[40] A Chia Hillary Clinton prototype has also been created. ^[41]

Herb Gardens

All include various things, so each is given a complete listing.

• Chia Herb Garden -- Wave 3 (1993) initial version: six pots (plastic), six saucers (plastic), time-release plant food, growing mix for six pots, six packets of different herb seeds (cilantro, sweet marjoram, sweet basil, chives, curled cress, thyme), six plant markers, recipe book. Discontinued with wave 5 (1996).
• Chia Terra Cotta Herb Garden -- Wave 5 (1996) second version: four pots (terracotta), four saucers (terracotta), four Chia Growing Sponges, six packets of herb seeds (cilantro, sweet marjoram, basil, chives, dill, parsley), six plant markers, four saucer liners, and recipe book. Discontinued with wave 10 (2004).
• Gourmet Chia Herb Garden -- Wave 10 (2004), includes four pots (terracotta), four saucers (terracotta), four Chia Growing Sponges, six packets of "gourmet" herb seeds (cilantro, sweet marjoram, sweet basil, chives, dill, curled parsley), six plant markers, four saucer liners, and recipe book.

Chia Trees

• Chia Tree -- Wave 2 (1983),^[42] includes seeds for three plantings and drip tray, can be used as a candle holder. Included 'Watch-Me-Grow Chia Card' as of wave 7, but no longer as of wave 8. Includes a Chia Alarm Clock during wave 11 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Chia Pet in 2006, and in 2007 could include either the Chia Alarm Clock, Chia Watch, or Mini Chia Cuddly. Discontinued with wave 12.
• Chia Tree with Star Light -- Wave 12 (2008),^[43] includes seeds for three plantings, drip tray, battery canister, and Star Light. The Star Light is powered by two AA batteries and changes through colors as it remains on. Its battery canister is placed down into the Chia Tree through the same hole used to fill the planter with water and to hold a candle on the original Chia Tree.

Chia Cat Grass Planter

All include Chia Growing Mix, Cat Grass seeds (a mix of sweet oat and wheat grass) for three plantings, and a plastic saucer. The purpose of the Chia Cat Grass Planter is to give something tasty and nutritious for cats to eat, rather than one's Chia Pets.

• Chia Cat Grass Planter featuring Sylvester and Tweety—Wave 10 (2004), original Chia Cat Grass Planter with Sylvester and Tweety from the Looney Tunes on the planter.^[44]
• Chia Cat Grass Planter featuring "snoozing kitty" -- Wave 12 (2008), a new Chia Cat Grass Planter was introduced alongside the original, depicting a non-licensed grey cat sleeping on the edge of the planter.^[45] The moniker "snoozing kitty" is used to differentiate its listing on the Joseph Enterprizes web-site, but is not used on the packaging.

Promotional items

At various times, promotional items were available, packaged with some Chia Collectibles, rather than being available individually.

Watch-Me-Grow Chia Cards

Available from 2000 to 2001,^[46] with most Chia products (except for the Terra Cotta Herb Garden). A Watch-Me-Grow Chia Card displays a changing image of the Chia item it was packaged with in various stages of growth, from the bare Terra Cotta statue, to the fully grown image normally displayed on the packaging. During the time they were available, the cards were rubber-pasted to the front of the packaging, where the usual product image was normally located, though still sealed under the outer layer of shrink-wrap. Watch-Me-Grow Chia Cards were available depicting the following items: Chia Puppy, Chia Kitten, Chia Bunny, Chia Turtle, Chia Pig, Chia Frog, Chia Hippo, Chia Elephant, Chia Cow, Chia Dinosaur, Chia Guy, Chia Kid, Chia Professor, Chia Clown, Chia Lion Cub, Chia Elmer Fudd, Chia Taz, Chia Tweety, and Chia Tree.

Chia Alarm Clock

Available packaged with all Chia Pets, the two remaining Chia Heads, and the Chia Tree during wave 11 in 2006 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Chia Pet.^[47] The Chia Alarm Clock is a small plastic LCD alarm clock resembling Chia Puppy at full growth, and plays the Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia jingle as its alarm sound.^[48]

Mini Chia Cuddly and Chia Watch

The Mini Chia Cuddly was available with the regular Chia Pets in 2007 and 2008. ^[49]In 2007, pack-ins were available with the same items as the previous year, but were expanded. The Chia Alarm Clock continued to be available, but packages could also contain a Mini Chia Cuddly in the shape of the bear cub, or a Chia Watch, which was a simple digital watch with a clear gel watchband having tiny colored images of various Chia Pets stamped on it. Each packaged Chia Pet, Chia Head, or Chia Tree displayed a decal indicating which of the three pack-ins would be found inside.

Chia Playing Cards

In 2008, the pack-ins included only the previously available Mini Chia Cuddly and a new deck of Chia Playing Cards. The cards were of the standard four-suit playing card variety, and had pictures of various Chia Pets in the center of each card.

References

1. ^ http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/mysource/home_and_garden/x1921995463/Green-Space-It-s-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-Chia-everywhere-you-go
2. ^ http://www.chia.com/index.php/chia-pet-faqs
3. ^ http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/object-chiapet-200712.html?c=y&page=1
4. ^ http://news.cnet.com/2100-1023_3-932914.html
5. ^ http://www.chia.com/index.php/chia-pet-faqs
6. ^ http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/object-chiapet-200712.html?c=y&page=1
7. ^ http://www.chia.com/index.php/chia-products
8. ^ http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/mysource/home_and_garden/x1921995463/Green-Space-It-s-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-Chia-everywhere-you-go
9. ^ http://socialmedia.trademarkia.com/chia-pet-73144986.html
10. ^ http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/object-chiapet-200712.html?c=y&page=1
11. ^ http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/mysource/home_and_garden/x1921995463/Green-Space-It-s-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-Chia-everywhere-you-go
12. ^ http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/object-chiapet-200712.html?c=y&page=1
13. ^ http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/object-chiapet-200712.html?c=y&page=1
14. ^ http://www.chia.com/index.php/chia-pet-faqs
15. ^ http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/object-chiapet-200712.html?c=y&page=1
16. ^ http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=208443&aid=337953&aparam=chia_pet_turtle_1_ea&CAWELAID=294062969
17. ^ http://www.chia.com/index.php/chia-products
18. ^ http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blchia.htm
19. ^ http://www.chia.com/index.php/chia-products
20. ^ http://www.chia.com/index.php/chia-products
21. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
22. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
23. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
24. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
25. ^ http://www.chia.com/index.php/chia-pet-faqs
26. ^ http://www.chia.com/index.php/chia-pet-faqs
27. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
28. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
29. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
30. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
31. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
32. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
33. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
34. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
35. ^ http://www.adsavvy.org/ch-ch-ch-chia-pet-the-holiday-gift-from-your-weird-uncle/
36. ^ http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/mysource/home_and_garden/x1921995463/Green-Space-It-s-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-Chia-everywhere-you-go
37. ^ http://socialmedia.trademarkia.com/chia-pet-cuddlies-78920339.html
38. ^ http://socialmedia.trademarkia.com/chia-head-74685515.html
39. ^ http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/09/chia-pet-creator-shocked-walgreens-pulls-obama-model-shelves/
40. ^ http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/04/09/chia-pet-creator-shocked-walgreens-pulls-obama-model-shelves/
41. ^ http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/04/09/chia-pet-creator-shocked-walgreens-pulls-obama-model-shelves/
42. ^ http://nothing-but-chia.com/all-about-the-chia-tree/
43. ^ http://nothing-but-chia.com/all-about-the-chia-tree/
44. ^ http://nothing-but-chia.com/category/chia-cat-grass-planter-sylvester-and-tweety/
45. ^ http://nothing-but-chia.com/category/chia-cat-grass-planter-snoozing-kitty/
46. ^ http://nothing-but-chia.com/all-about-the-chia-tree/
47. ^ http://nothing-but-chia.com/all-about-the-chia-tree/
48. ^ http://nothing-but-chia.com/category/chia-alarm-clock/
49. ^ http://nothing-but-chia.com/category/mini-chia-cuddly/

External links

• Official Chia Pet website of Joseph Enterprises, Inc.
• The History of Chia Pets
• News.com: Chia Pet seeks Web name ch-ch-change
• A look at a Chia Pet growing in pictures