“Rubber ducky, you’re the one…” Hell yes, today is National Rubber Ducky Day. Today’s post is a celebration and quirky tribute to one of the most-loved bath toys every invented.
I rarely use exclamation points, but this is one of my favorite holidays, so I’m using one today. Can we get some cheers out there, ‘cuz there’s cheering over here!
Let’s start with some rubber ducky facts.
- Introduced in the 1800s as children’s toys
- Used in rubber duck races all over the world to raise money for charities
- Helped oceanographers learn more about how ocean currents move (Thank you, Friendly Floatees.)
- Two schools of thought about the correct spelling: rubber ducky or rubber duckie
- Left on Jeeps to foster a sense of community and fellowship
How on earth does this help me be better at what you do?
Rubber ducking, my dear reader. Rubber ducking.
A common software development method in which you talk out your problem to, you guessed it, a rubber duck. I have one on my desk to help me solve personal, professional issues.
From the 2007 Rubber Duck art installations created by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman to the chart-topping, 1970 rendition of Bert and Ernie’s “Rubber Duckie” hit, there’s an endless encyclopedia of rubber ducky facts, figures and trivia.
Jeep owners often leave a rubber duck on other people’s Jeeps to foster a sense of fellowship; called Jeep ducking. For more on Jeep ducking, this post on JeepsLand.com by Richard Harper covers the topic pretty well, including origins and etiquette. Love it.
Why do you love rubber ducks so much?
They’re adorable. It’s hard to look at a rubber duck and not smile inside.
They’re accessible. Unlike hot-ticket-toys, rubber ducks are easy to purchase.
They’re friendly. I have yet to read about a rubber ducky biting someone.
They’re discreet. Your rubber ducky won’t post pictures of you in the bathtub.
They’re diverse. Thanks to the latest advances in toy-making tech, you can find a themed ducky for almost any occasion. And they come in different sizes.
They’re affordable. Buying a standard rubber ducky usually won’t break the bank. Plus, some come in sets.
They bring out the child in you. ‘Nuff said.
The biggest reason I love rubber ducks: Love itself.
My first rubber ducky belonged to my beloved puppy, Princess. I bought her the ducky hoping it would make bathtime less stressful for her.
I was oh-so-very wrong. She passed to the Rainbow Bridge quite some time ago, but I still have her duck. Little did I know it would be the first of so many.
I have another that commemorates my move to Seattle. Another, I bought during my first trip to Europe. A group of small duckies mark my getting married. Several are gifts from loved ones.
My rubber duckies mark vacations, anniversaries, loved ones and major life moments.
My flock of special squeaky sweeties are a catalog of memories that make me smile inside and out. These squeaky little sweeties have earned their place in our hearts, our memories and out bathtubs. And on our desks because believe it or not, they’re very good listeners.
So, happy National Rubber Ducky Day. I hope you have a good one.
Rubber Ducky Copywriter 
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