National Rubber Ducky Day (January 13)

ByClare Brown Updated on
Yellow rubber duck sitting in a bubble-filled bathtub with floating soap bubbles and a tiny umbrella drink nearby

Bright yellow, delightfully squeaky, and instantly nostalgic, rubber duckies have been a bath-time favorite for generations.

National Rubber Ducky Day on January 13 celebrates this simple toy with a surprisingly interesting history. From early rubber versions to Ernie’s famous Sesame Street song, the humble duck has earned its place in pop culture.

Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood baths or planning a fun way to mark the day, this quirky January holiday is all about lighthearted fun.

When is the Holiday?

National Rubber Ducky Day is celebrated every year on January 13th.

This date was chosen because a 1973 Sesame Street calendar declared it to be the birthday of Ernie’s famous rubber duckie.

Who Invented the Rubber Ducky?

While no single person can take credit for the rubber duck’s invention, Landon Smart Lawrence was the first to patent a weighted design in 1928, ensuring that the toy would stay upright in water.

The History of the Holiday

The rubber duck’s history dates back to the 1880s, when early versions were made of solid rubber and didn’t float.

During WWI and WWII, rubber shortages led manufacturers to shift to plastic and vinyl.

The toy became a household favorite when Sesame Street’s Ernie sang the famous “Rubber Ducky” song in 1970, which even made it to #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart!

2 rubber ducks sitting on a white towel next to a bath

Top 5 Facts About Rubber Ducks

  1. In 1992, a cargo ship spilled 28,000 rubber ducks into the ocean, and some are still washing ashore today.
  2. The biggest rubber duck ever made was 105 feet tall, created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman in 2007.
  3. The world’s largest inflatable rubber duck, known as “Mama Duck,” weighs over 30,000 pounds.
  4. Queen Elizabeth II reportedly had a rubber duckie with a tiny inflatable crown in her bathroom.
  5. The Halifax Duck Derby in Canada is one of the world’s biggest rubber duck races, with 10,000 ducks competing for a $1 million prize.

Coloring Page

This free National Rubber Ducky Day coloring page is a fun way to celebrate bath-time nostalgia and spark creative play.

National Rubber Ducky Day Coloring Page
National Rubber Duck Day Coloring Sheet

Activities to Celebrate the Holiday

  • Take a Bubble Bath – Draw a warm bath, add some bubbles, and bring along your favorite rubber duck for a relaxing soak. Make it extra special with bath bombs shaped like rubber ducks!
  • Host a Rubber Duck Race – Set up a race in a bathtub, kiddie pool, or nearby stream. Mark the finish line and see whose duck reaches it first. You can even decorate the ducks beforehand to add some creativity.
  • DIY Rubber Ducky Crafting – Create your own rubber duck crafts with kids by using paper, felt, or foam. Try making duck masks or duck-themed greeting cards.
  • Watch Sesame Street’s “Rubber Duckie” Song – Introduce a new generation to Ernie’s classic song and sing along with your little ones.
  • Donate Rubber Ducks – Brighten a child’s day by donating new rubber ducks to a children’s hospital or charity.
  • Bake Rubber Ducky-Themed Treats – Make cupcakes or cookies decorated like rubber ducks for a festive treat.

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

Links to Resources

Related Holidays

  • Before you bring out the rubber ducks on January 13, enjoy a long, luxurious soak on Bubble Bath Day and set the mood for more bath-time fun.
  • International Bath Day on June 19th is a perfect excuse to indulge in a relaxing soak and embrace the joy of water play.

Pin it!

Share this post about Rubber Ducks on Pinterest!

national rubber ducky day january 13 - learn the history, get fun ideas to celebrate