There's a few things in life we can't do without. French fries. Cable. Marshmallow Peeps. And Scotch tape. Fortunately for us, on September 8, 1930 (okay, so that's yesterday), 3M started producing and marketing the transparent tape that's become so well-known its name is actually used to describe all clear tape—even the generic stuff. Scotch tape has also inspired Saturday Night Live skits, was voted by a Roper poll as the most indispensable product in the home back in the '80s, and was included in a "Humble Masterpieces" collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Talk about every marketer's dream.

While these days laptops or iPhones are more likely to get those sorts of honors, it still goes to show that a simple idea can still be a money-maker.

SNL's "Scotch Boutique", circa 1978.