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National Bobblehead Day

Fun · Hobby · January 7

A look at bobbleheads, the spring-necked figurines with oversized heads that nod at the slightest touch, and the people who collect them.

National Bobblehead Day falls on Thursday, January 7, 2027. That is 72 days away.

A bobblehead is a small figurine with an oversized head that sits on a spring or hook, so the head nods and wobbles whenever the figure is bumped. The body stays still. The head keeps agreeing with you.

Most are made of molded plastic or resin and painted by hand or machine. The subjects range widely: athletes, cartoon characters, animals, celebrities, and now and then a custom figure made to look like a regular person. The large head is the point, since it gives the figure its expression and carries most of the motion.

Baseball and other sports have long been tied to them, and many fans first get one as a giveaway at a game. From there some people start a shelf, then another shelf. Collectors tend to care about condition, the original box, and whether the paint on the face is clean and even.

They also do well in odd places. A bobblehead on a car dashboard or a desk picks up every vibration, from a pothole to someone typing hard, and responds with a slow, patient nod.

If you own one, a gentle tap is enough to get it going. Too hard a flick can loosen the spring over time, which is why careful collectors keep the head moving with a light touch and the figure out of direct sun so the paint does not fade.

Ways to celebrate

• Dust off a bobblehead you own and give it a gentle tap.
• Look for bobbleheads at thrift stores or yard sales.
• Share a photo of your favorite bobblehead with a friend.
• Set a bobblehead on your desk and watch it react to typing.
• Ask a sports fan you know about their bobblehead collection.

Dates

All national days on January 7

Also on January 7

• National Tempura Day
• Old Rock Day

Categories: Fun daysHobby days