Rubber ducks have enjoyed a meteoric rise from simple rubber bath toy to a popular culture icon. Although the exact date of the first rubber duck to be produced is unknown, the development of the traditional yellow rubber duck certainly coincided with the development and advance of the rubber industry in the early 19th century. Today, as well as the traditional billed, yellow rubber ducks, there are many novelty and gift rubber ducks. There are even collectors exhibitions and shows as well as regular rubber duck races to raise money for charity.
The exact date when the first rubber ducks were manufactured is not known but the first patent for a floating rubber duck was in 1886. It wasn’t until the end of World War II that the patents and designs began to more closely match those of the modern rubber duck. It was in the 1970s, in the USA, that the rubber duck really came to the public eye with the release and success of the Rubber Duckie song performed by Ernie on Sesame Street.
The first rubber ducks were made from a single piece of hard rubber. Unfortunately, the weight of the rubber meant that the ducks did not float well. The design of the duck remained similar for many years until the end of World War II. Plastic was melted down and poured into a mould. A small hole was left which saw the introduction of the squeaking rubber duck.
The general design of rubber ducks has remained similar ever since but the design is no longer limited to the simple yellow duck design. There are many different colours and designs that have been created, and there are novelty and gift ducks too. Such is the popularity of these rubber ducks that a subculture of collectors and rubber duck exhibitors now exists.
Rubber ducks are still, primarily, a floating bath toy, but they have evolved to fit into modern times more suitably. There are many different designs and rubber ducks, like bride and groom rubber ducks can create the perfect inexpensive gift ideas. You can even buy commemorative and celebratory rubber duck designs too.
Visit FreeFallUK.com to see our extensive range of rubber ducks, available in various colours and designs, all at low prices; just one range from our catalogue of top quality gifts.
