Bubble wrap is a material made out of transparent plastic with protruding and regularly spaced air pockets that provide a level of cushioning. It is commonly used for wrapping fragile objects before packing them for shipping, but many people also use it as a form of entertainment.

Who among us hasn’t sat idly on the couch with a sheet of bubble wrap, happily popping all of the bubbles? We know it can’t just be used for packing because someone has created National Bubble Wrap Day—a holiday that falls on the last Monday in January and encourages everyone to celebrate this packing material.

The History Of National Bubble Wrap Day

There’s not a whole lot known about this holiday, but we do know a few things. We know that it was invented in 2001 by Jim Webster of Spirit 95 WVNI radio, a station located in Bloomington, Indiana. And that’s all we know about it. We’re unsure why Jim invented the holiday, although we’re pretty sure it was just invented on a whim.

However, one thing we do know about this holiday is when bubble wrap was invented. This material was invented by Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes in 1957. These two inventors were trying to create 3D plastic wallpaper.

The material was an absolute failure as wallpaper, but its potential as a packing material was evident. That’s why Fielding created Sealed Air in 1960. As so many people are fond of saying: the rest is history.

Observing National Bubble Wrap Day

We don’t imagine that there are many different ways for a person to observe this day, but allow us to offer a suggestion. We suggest that everyone spends the day popping bubble wrap. Yes, we know, it is kind of juvenile, but it’s also a lot of fun.

It can provide hours of fun and is also a good source of stress relief. If you don’t believe us, then just give it a try. Everyone popping bubble wrap on this day should definitely let us know about it using the hashtag #NationalBubbleWrapDay on social media.

For those who don’t want to spend their day popping bubble wrap, then allow us to offer a second suggestion. We suggest that people take the time to learn more about bubble wrap and its potential uses.

Bubble wrap isn’t just a great packing material (or a source of entertainment). It can also be used for creating art, protecting plants from freezing, insulating windows, and protecting your knees while you’re doing plumbing or gardening.