National Bobblehead Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the quirky, spring-connected figurines known as bobbleheads. These iconic collectibles have been around for centuries, bringing joy to fans of sports, pop culture, and history alike. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just fascinated by these wobbly-headed figures, National Bobblehead Day is the perfect time to appreciate their charm.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 7th, every year.
- Tagged as: Fun, Collectibles, Sports, Pop Culture.
- What’s the hashtag? #NationalBobbleheadDay
- When was it founded? 2015
- Who founded it? The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum
History of National Bobblehead Day
Bobbleheads have a long history dating back to the 17th century when “temple nodders” were produced in Asia. These early versions featured religious figures with heads that bobbed up and down. By the 19th century, bobbleheads made their way to Europe and the U.S., where they became popular as novelty items. The modern bobblehead craze took off in the 1960s with sports figures, and by the late 1990s, plastic bobbleheads became a staple in sports giveaways.
National Bobblehead Day was first celebrated on January 7, 2015, thanks to the efforts of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. The holiday was created to honor these beloved collectibles and their impact on sports culture and beyond.
Timeline
- 17th Century: Temple nodders are created in Asia.
- 1842: First Western reference to bobbleheads in Nikolai Gogol’s short story The Overcoat.
- 1960s: Major League Baseball introduces player-specific bobbleheads.
- 1999: The San Francisco Giants give away Willie Mays bobbleheads, reigniting interest.
- 2015: Inaugural National Bobblehead Day is celebrated.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January | 7 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | January | 7 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | January | 7 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January | 7 | Friday |
| 2029 | January | 7 | Sunday |
Observed
National Bobblehead Day is observed annually on January 7th, with events like bobblehead giveaways at sports games, social media contests, and special promotions at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.
Fun Facts About Bobbleheads
- The largest bobblehead ever made stands over 15 feet tall, created for Applied Underwriters.
- The first sports bobbleheads were all generic players until customized versions appeared in the 1960s.
- The Beatles had one of the most famous non-sports-related bobblehead sets in history.
Quiz
- When was National Bobblehead Day first celebrated?
- What hashtag should you use to celebrate this day?
- Which museum founded National Bobblehead Day?
(Answers: 1. 2015; 2. #NationalBobbleheadDay; 3. National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum)
FAQs
- What is a bobblehead?
A bobblehead is a collectible figurine with a head attached by a spring, causing it to “bob” or “nod” when touched. - Can I visit a museum dedicated to bobbleheads?
Yes! The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee celebrates these fun collectibles.
Importance of National Bobblehead Day
This day highlights the cultural significance and joy that bobbleheads bring to fans worldwide. From sports teams to pop culture icons, these figurines connect people through shared enthusiasm for collecting.
Related Holidays
- National Pinball Day
- Collectible Toy Day
- Sports Memorabilia Day