HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Gen Z Revives Hacky Sack, Boosting Retail and School Teams

New York Times Top Stories •
×

High‑schoolers in Austin, Texas, have turned a humble bean‑bag into a classroom staple, sparking a nationwide revival of the Hacky Sack. Teachers like Sondra Primeaux, 56, report students gathering in lunchrooms and hallways to practice, turning a 1990s pastime into a modern social ritual. This trend echoes past trends and captures attention.

Retailers now scramble to meet demand. In Concord, California, Play It Again Sports sells SandMasters for $10 and Boota bags for $6, while a Raleigh shop sold over 30 in a week. The surge is driven by TikTok videos that inspire teens to showcase complex rallies online for fans everywhere.

The resurgence has attracted attention beyond youth culture. World Footbag co‑owner Greyson Herdman notes the sport’s emphasis on camaraderie appeals to Gen Z, who value shared experiences over competition. Former Hall of Fame player Derrick Fogle welcomed the new generation, offering coaching and sending classic hacky sacks to schools today.

With schools forming varsity and JV teams, the footbag market shows early signs of institutionalization. Retailers, influencers, and educators converge, turning a nostalgic toy into a commercial opportunity. The current boom underscores how a simple, low‑cost product can generate significant retail traffic and community engagement for brands and students everywhere.