Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Getting Ducky With It
Know the origin of the species. Rubber ducks evolved shortly after the development of rubber manufacturing in the late 1800s. Squeakers and squirt holes would come much later.
Understand that "rubber duckie" is generally a misnomer. Although some toy ducks are still made of rubber, today most are actually made of vinyl.
Appreciate the varied species of rubber ducks. In addition to the "classic" yellow duck with a built-in squeaker, rubber ducks can resemble real duck species, such as mallards, as well as be outfitted in bikinis, lingerie, superhero outfits, party hats, rapper threads or devil horns. There are even black-colored "dead ducks" designed to float upside-down.
Getting Your Dream Ducky
Go to a baby goods store or the baby and toddler section of a toy store. If anyone questions you about buying a rubber duck, tell them it's for your niece or nephew or, if your hair is noticeably gray, your grandchild.
Shop online at the website of a retailer dedicated to imported novelties. Rubber ducks are made in China, Spain, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, Russia and Italy, among other countries.
Visit the websites of avid rubber duck collectors. Many have reached the stage where their flocks have become too large to manage or they have too many of the same kind of duck; either way, it's time for duckie to leave the nest.
Attend toy fairs and conventions, where you can meet other collectors and traders. There's even a convention devoted exclusively to rubber ducks, called Duckfest.
Consider contributing to a rubber duckie race for charity. Although your contribution only sponsors the duck, the event's organizers can probably tell you where they bought their ducks.