It is no secret that we love a rubber duck! They are fun and safe to play with and we stock some really unusual, unique and cute characters, perfect for bath time and playtime. We stock rubber ducks in a great range of colours and fun characters such as duck the builder and king duck! The best thing about our rubber ducks is that they are all made from natural rubber making them safe for babies and toddlers to play with. You can shop our full range here: https://www.naturalrubbertoys.co.uk/collections/lanco-ducks

The History of Rubber Ducks

The history of rubber ducks’ dates back over a century, and these iconic bath toys have an interesting and diverse background. Here's a brief history of rubber ducks:

Origins in the 19th Century: The origins of rubber ducks can be traced back to the late 19th century. The earliest rubber ducks were not intended for play; instead, they were used as utilitarian objects. In the 1800s, manufacturers began producing small rubber ducks as novelty items or decorations for Victorian bathrooms.

Mass Production in the 1940s: The rubber duck we know today became popular in the 1940s. During World War II, the American company Sun Rubber Company started producing rubber ducks on a larger scale. Due to wartime shortages of materials like rubber, they switched to using vinyl instead, making the ducks more affordable and widely available.

Design and Influence: The classic design of a rubber duck includes a bright yellow body, an orange beak, and sometimes a sailor hat. This design was popularized by the well know duck that appeared in the 1970s on "Sesame Street" during the opening sequence. The show's widespread reach further boosted the rubber duck's popularity.

Ernie's Rubber Duckie: One of the most famous rubber ducks in history is Ernie's "Rubber Duckie" from "Sesame Street." In 1970, the song "Rubber Duckie" was released, sung by the Muppet character Ernie. The song became a hit and even made it to the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Rubber Duck Races: In the 1980s, the concept of rubber duck races for fundraising and charity events started to gain traction. In these races, thousands of rubber ducks are released into a river or stream, and the first one to reach the finish line wins a prize for its "adoptive" owner.

Collectible and Artistic Variations: Over the years, rubber ducks have been produced in various sizes, colours, and designs, including special editions and themed ducks related to pop culture, holidays, and more. Rubber ducks have also become a medium for artists to express their creativity through various artistic designs.

Cultural Significance: Rubber ducks have become more than just bath toys; they hold cultural significance and have been used in art installations, protests, and various creative projects.

We Love Rubber Ducks – A Timeless Toy

Today, rubber ducks continue to be a beloved and nostalgic bath toy for children. The combination of cuteness, versatility, and the joyful experience they bring to bath time has made rubber ducks a timeless and beloved classic children's toy.