The story of rubber ducks dates back to the 19th Century, when they were
originally made from hard rubber. They started gaining popularity in the
1940s with the transition to soft vinyl material that made the ducks
more child-friendly and bouyant - and also added a squeak! Their
popularity received a further boost in the 1970s when Ernie, from the TV
Show "Sesame Street", sang the hit song "Rubber Duckie".
Over the years, rubber ducks have transcended their original purpose as
a
bath-time buddy. They can be
stress-relievers, a
nostalgic trigger, an
educational tool, a
creative canvas, a
desk companion and even a
collectors piece.