Bubble Gum Day is a fun and philanthropic holiday celebrated annually where participants, particularly students, donate money for the privilege of chewing gum at school. This unique celebration combines the joy of bubble gum with charitable giving, teaching children about philanthropy while raising funds for various causes.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: The first Friday in February
- Tagged as: Educational fundraiser, philanthropy day
- What’s the hashtag?: #BubbleGumDay
- When was it founded?: 2006
- Who founded it?: Ruth Spiro, children’s book author
History of Bubble Gum Day
Bubble Gum Day was created in 2006 by Ruth Spiro, a children’s book author and mother of two. She developed this creative concept as a way for schools to raise money without requiring children to sell products to family and friends. The premise was simple yet effective: students could donate 50 cents for the privilege of chewing gum in class—an activity typically forbidden in schools. The initiative was an immediate success, quickly growing into an institution that encourages philanthropy among children while allowing schools to support charities aligned with their values.
Beyond schools, the celebration has expanded to businesses, libraries, and community centers, all participating in philanthropic activities centered around bubble gum. Spiro, known for writing quirky educational children’s books like “Lester Fizz, Bubble-Gum Artist” and “Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering,” believes in engaging children’s curiosity from an early age.
Timeline
- 7000 BC: Evidence suggests some Europeans chewed birch bark tar, possibly for enjoyment and medicinal purposes
- 1540: Social rules for chewing gum are published, noting that Aztec men and married women who chewed gum in public were considered “bad”
- 1928: Walter Diemer invents bubble gum while working at Fleer Corporation, creating what would become Double Bubble
- 1930: Comics begin appearing in bubble gum wrappers, featuring characters like “Dub” and “Bub”
- 2006: Ruth Spiro establishes the first National Bubble Gum Day
- 2004: Chad Fell sets the Guinness World Record for the largest bubble gum bubble with a 20-inch diameter
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 7 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 6 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 5 | Friday |
| 2028 | February 4 | Friday |
| 2029 | February 2 | Friday |
| 2030 | February 1 | Friday |
How Bubble Gum Day is Observed
Schools celebrate by allowing students to chew gum in exchange for a small donation, typically 50 cents. The collected funds go toward school activities or charitable causes. Many institutions organize bubble-blowing contests during recess or lunch, awarding prizes for the biggest bubbles or most creative techniques.
Businesses and community centers also participate by hosting bubble gum-themed events and fundraisers. Some teachers incorporate bubble gum into their lesson plans, creating fun and interactive learning experiences while supporting the philanthropic message behind the day.
Fun Facts About Bubble Gum
The original bubble gum was pink simply because that was the only food coloring available to Walter Diemer when he invented it. This color has since become the traditional color associated with bubble gum.
The most popular bubble gum flavor among children is strawberry, according to taste tests. Bubble gum has been scientifically shown to improve focus and cognitive abilities, making it a potentially beneficial tool for learning.
The world record for the largest bubble was set by Chad Fell using three pieces of Dubble Bubble gum, achieving a bubble with a 20-inch diameter.
Quiz
- Who founded Bubble Gum Day?
- In what year was bubble gum invented?
- What is the traditional donation amount for Bubble Gum Day?
- What was the diameter of the world record bubble gum bubble?
(Answers: 1. Ruth Spiro, 2. 1928, 3. 50 cents, 4. 20 inches)
FAQs
Why is Bubble Gum Day celebrated?
Bubble Gum Day is celebrated to teach children about philanthropy while raising funds for school activities and charities in a fun, engaging way.
Can adults participate in Bubble Gum Day?
Absolutely! Adults can participate by organizing events at businesses, libraries, or community centers, or by supporting school fundraisers.
Is bubble gum allowed in schools on other days?
Generally, bubble gum is not permitted in schools on regular days, which makes Bubble Gum Day special as it’s the one exception to this rule.
What activities can I do on National Bubble Gum Day?
You can participate by chewing gum, hosting bubble-blowing contests, or organizing fundraising events at schools.
Is there a specific type of gum that should be used?
Any type of bubble gum works, but classic brands like Dubble Bubble are popular choices.
Importance of Bubble Gum Day
Beyond the fun of chewing gum and blowing bubbles, Bubble Gum Day serves an important educational purpose. It teaches children about charitable giving in a tangible, accessible way. By donating a small amount for a privilege they value, students learn that their contributions, however modest, can make a difference.
The day also provides schools with a simple fundraising method that doesn’t burden families with selling products or organizing complex events. The funds raised can support school programs or community charities, reinforcing the connection between schools and their broader communities.
Related Celebrations
- National Candy Month (June)
- National Junk Food Day (July 21)
- National Dessert Day (October 14)
- World Kindness Day (November 13)
- Giving Tuesday (Tuesday after Thanksgiving)