National Bobblehead Day, observed annually on January 7, is a holiday dedicated to the celebration of bobbleheads. These whimsical and collectible items have brought joy to collectors and fans for over a century, becoming an integral part of many sports teams' marketing efforts. While the holiday doesn't focus on the business aspect of these novelty items, it serves as a delightful occasion to celebrate the playful and amusing spirit that comes with having a bobblehead on one's desk or car dashboard.

History and Significance: Bobbleheads, also known as nodders or wobblers, have been around for more than a century. The first known bobblehead was a figure of a Buddha made from ceramic in the 18th century. However, the modern bobblehead as we know it today gained popularity in the 1960s, particularly in the sports world. Baseball teams were among the first to create and distribute bobblehead dolls of their players to fans.

National Bobblehead Day was established in 2015 by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum to celebrate the history, joy, and cultural impact of bobbleheads. The museum, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, houses the world's largest collection of bobbleheads and serves as a hub for enthusiasts and collectors.

Types of Bobbleheads:

• Sports Figures: Bobbleheads of athletes from various sports, including baseball, basketball, football, and hockey, are among the most popular. Teams often give them away as promotional items during games.
• Pop Culture Icons: Bobbleheads depicting characters from movies, TV shows, music, and comic books are highly sought after by fans of pop culture.
• Political Figures: Bobbleheads of politicians and historical figures are also common, often created to commemorate significant events or as novelty items.
• Custom Bobbleheads: Personalized bobbleheads can be made to resemble anyone, making them popular gifts for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and corporate events.

Collecting Bobbleheads:

• Rarity and Value: The value of a bobblehead can vary greatly depending on its rarity, condition, and demand. Limited edition and vintage bobbleheads are particularly valuable to collectors.
• Care and Display: Collectors often take great care in preserving their bobbleheads, keeping them in original packaging or display cases to prevent damage.
• Community: Bobblehead collecting has a strong community aspect, with collectors often participating in trade shows, online forums, and social media groups to buy, sell, and trade items.

Customs and Activities:

• Visiting the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum: If you’re near Milwaukee, visiting the museum is a great way to celebrate. It features thousands of bobbleheads, exhibits on the history of bobbleheads, and special events.
• Adding to Your Collection: National Bobblehead Day is the perfect occasion to add a new figure to your collection or start a new one. Look for special releases or limited editions that might be available on this day.
• Gifting Bobbleheads: Bobbleheads make fun and unique gifts. Consider giving a personalized bobblehead to a friend or family member.
• Sharing on Social Media: Share pictures and stories of your bobblehead collection on social media using the hashtag #NationalBobbleheadDay. Connect with other collectors and enthusiasts online.
• Creating Your Own Bobblehead: Some companies offer services to create custom bobbleheads. Use this day to design a bobblehead that looks like you or someone special.

Interesting Facts About Bobbleheads:

• World Records: The largest bobblehead, according to Guinness World Records, is over 15 feet tall and depicts St. Bernard, a minor league baseball team's mascot.
• Presidential Bobbleheads: Many U.S. presidents have been immortalized as bobbleheads, including a series of all 46 presidents created by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.
• Movie Bobbleheads: Iconic characters from movies such as "Star Wars," "Marvel," and "DC Comics" are some of the most popular bobblehead figures.

Conclusion: National Bobblehead Day is a fun and lighthearted celebration that pays homage to these charming and collectible figures. Whether you are an avid collector, a sports fan, or just appreciate the quirky nature of bobbleheads, this day offers a chance to celebrate the joy and nostalgia they bring. By adding to your collection, visiting the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, or sharing your enthusiasm with others, you can join in the festivities and keep the bobblehead tradition alive.