National Rubber Ducky Day

National Rubber Ducky Day is an American holiday that celebrates the iconic rubber ducky. These adorable toys are a bath time favorite for children and have become a symbol of fun and nostalgia. The holiday is observed every year on January 13.

History

The story of the rubber ducky stretches back to the 1800s, when rubber first became a widely used material. Early versions of rubber ducks were much different from the ones we know today and were sometimes made from other materials during wartime rubber shortages.

The official commercial debut of the rubber ducky was in 1928, when Landon Smart Lawrence patented the toy. “Ducky” toys soon became a common sight in stores. Rubber duckies became even more famous thanks to the television show Sesame Street, where Ernie’s favorite bath toy was a rubber ducky—he even sang the beloved “Rubber Duckie” song, written and performed by Jim Henson. The toy’s popularity soared in 2001 after it was revealed that Queen Elizabeth II had a rubber duck in her bathroom, leading to a significant spike in sales.

Today, rubber duckies are collected by enthusiasts around the world, and the toys remain an enduring symbol of simple childhood joy.

Interesting Facts

• In 1992, a shipping container carrying over 20,000 rubber ducks was lost at sea during a storm. Many of the ducks have since traveled the world’s oceans, drifting into the Arctic and eventually the Atlantic Ocean.
• Rubber duck races are held in cities around the world. One of the largest races took place in London, where more than 200,000 rubber duckies floated down the Thames.

How to Take Part

If you don’t already have a rubber ducky, National Rubber Ducky Day is the perfect time to get one! Enjoy a fun bath with your new toy, or, if you can, attend or participate in a local rubber duck race. Share your love for rubber duckies on social media and let others know about this cheerful holiday.

When is National Rubber Ducky Day in 2026?

National Rubber Ducky Day is observed on January 13 each year.

Observations