TV dinners were invented during Thanksgiving in 1953 when the Swanson Company overstocked and was left with over a half-million pounds of turkey they handn’t sold. So a salesman tweaked an airline serving tray, put turkey dinner inside, and told Swanson to tie the marketing to the latest fad of television. [US Census Bureau] (Thanks to Michael!)

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.