Bubble wrap is a material that’s made out of transparent plastic that has protruding and regularly spaced air pockets that provide a level of cushioning. It’s a material that’s commonly used for wrapping fragile objects before packing them for shipping, but a lot of people simply can’t help but also use it as a form of entertainment.

Who among us hasn’t sat idly on the couch with a sheet of bubble wrap as we happily pop all of the bubbles? We know it can’t just be used 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. This is a radio station that’s located in Bloomington, Indiana. And that’s all that 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, the one thing that 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 a lot of 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 and 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 people 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 just isn’t a great packing material (or a source of entertainment). It also can be used for creating art, protecting plants from freezing, insulating windows, and protecting your knees while you’re doing plumbing or gardening.