Paperclip Day

Paperclip Day is an American holiday dedicated to the paper clip. This simple but ingenious invention has made managing paper documents much easier. It’s now effortless to secure papers with a paper clip to prevent them from getting lost or mixed up. The holiday is celebrated annually on May 29.

History

The origins of Paperclip Day are unclear, but the paper clip itself was invented in 1867 by C. B. Fay, who patented the idea. It was made from flexible wire, the same material still used today. The paper clip was initially created to attach labels to fabric, but people quickly realized its usefulness for holding paper documents together, making it popular worldwide.

The current paper clip design was patented later in 1901 by Johan Vaaler. This is the design that has been used for over a century, allowing us to open a box of paper clips and staple papers together effortlessly.

Interesting Facts

• Several dozen patents have been registered for the paper clip.
• Just one year after the paper clip was invented, the stapler was patented. This mechanical device allowed papers to be stapled together with metal staples, and over time, it evolved into the modern stapler we use today.
• Before the paper clip, pins were used to secure papers, but they were unsafe due to their sharp ends.

How to Celebrate

Learn more about the history of staples and staplers. Consider buying a new box of paper clips or a stapler, which is more convenient for attaching papers. You can even try making your own paper clip out of a piece of flexible wire!

Share the holiday on social media and ask others how often they use paper clips in their daily lives. Do they prefer paper clips or staplers?

When is Paperclip Day in 2025?

Paperclip Day is observed on May 29 each year.

Observations