National Toilet Paper Day – Aug. 26, 2026

National Toilet Paper Day
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AppreciationLifestyle
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United States
Date change rule:
Every August 26
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National Toilet Paper Day rolls around every August 26, recognizing an essential item we often take for granted. From its humble origins to modern innovations, this day highlights its importance in daily hygiene. Stock up on your favorite brands, learn about sustainable options, and share your appreciation for this everyday necessity!

Want to sponsor National Toilet Paper Day? Learn how

Expected National Toilet Paper Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows National Toilet Paper Day often inspires deals on bulk purchases and innovative new products. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco typically offer discounts on multi-packs of popular brands such as Charmin, Quilted Northern, and Cottonelle. Eco-conscious brands like Who Gives A Crap and Seventh Generation may feature promotions on their sustainable alternatives, including bamboo or recycled paper options. Look for online specials from e-commerce giants like Amazon, and check your local grocery stores for weekly circulars. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 26 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Toilet Paper Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalToiletPaperDay. Share creative photos of your toilet paper stockpiles or DIY toilet paper crafts.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalToiletPaperDay. Film a humorous skit about running out of TP or a review of different brands.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalToiletPaperDay. Ask your community about their favorite toilet paper brands or funny TP-related stories.

Social Media Tips for National Toilet Paper Day

Individuals

Take stock of your bathroom essentials and ensure you're well-supplied. Consider trying a new eco-friendly brand or a different ply for a change.

Creators

Produce a 'toilet paper challenge' video, comparing softness, absorbency, or tear resistance of various brands. Share your findings with humor.

Brands

Launch a limited-time sale on bulk toilet paper or a 'buy one, give one' campaign to donate to local shelters. Highlight your product's unique features.

Top Brands for National Toilet Paper Day

  1. Charmin

    Introduced in 1928 by the Hoberg Paper Company, Charmin is now a flagship toilet paper brand owned by Procter & Gamble. Known for its 'squeeze test' commercials, it emphasizes softness and strength in its product lines.

  2. Cottonelle

    A brand of Kimberly-Clark, Cottonelle was first introduced in 1972. It is recognized for its CleanRipple Texture and often promotes a feeling of freshness and cleanliness with its toilet paper and flushable wipes.

  3. Quilted Northern

    First launched in 1902, Quilted Northern is produced by Georgia-Pacific. The brand focuses on delivering a balance of softness, strength, and absorbency, often highlighting its sustainable manufacturing practices.

  4. Scott

    The Scott Paper Company, founded in 1879, is credited with selling the first toilet paper on a roll. Now part of Kimberly-Clark, Scott remains a popular brand known for its practical, no-frills, and economical toilet paper options.

  5. Who Gives A Crap

    Founded in 2012 by Simon Griffiths, Jehan Ratnatunga, and Danny Alexander, this Australian company produces eco-friendly toilet paper from bamboo or recycled materials. They donate 50% of their profits to help build toilets and improve sanitation in developing countries.

  6. Seventh Generation

    Founded in 1988, Seventh Generation is a Vermont-based company known for its environmentally friendly household and personal care products. Their toilet paper is made from 100% recycled paper, aligning with their mission for a healthier planet.

  7. BidetMate

    While not a toilet paper brand, BidetMate represents the growing trend of bidet usage, often alongside or in place of toilet paper. Founded in 2018, the company offers a range of bidet attachments and seats, promoting hygiene and sustainability.

National Toilet Paper Day Hero

Joseph Gayetty

Joseph Gayetty is widely credited with inventing the first commercially packaged toilet paper in the United States in 1857. His product, 'Gayetty's Medicated Paper,' was sold in flat sheets, pre-moistened with aloe, and marketed for its medicinal benefits. While not on a roll, his innovation marked a significant step toward modern toilet paper, moving away from common alternatives like corn cobs or newspaper.

History of National Toilet Paper Day

We don’t know yet who created National Toilet Paper Day but they surely deserve a shout-out for dedicating a day to honoring this humble yet important invention that is on the shopping list for many a trip to the supermarket.

Before the advent of toilet paper, from at least 79 A.D. until the fall of the Roman empire, the Romans cleaned themselves with a tersorium (a type of sponge) after relieving themselves. It was made of a sea sponge on a stick and they would simply rinse it off and leave it for the next person.

It wasn’t until 1857 that toilet paper began being sold in the United States of America. The first toilet paper was loose flat sheets of paper. Then in 1930, the Germans invented the perforated rolls we have today consisting of 1,000 small sheets that were separated by a perforation. In the 1960s, toilet paper came in different colors, especially in pink and green to match the bathroom hues. In the early 2000s, colored toilet paper rolls started to exit the market but they can still be found in some parts of the world. Americans love their toilet paper though and use it the most out of any other country. Though this can also be attributed to the fact that some countries prefer using a bidet over toilet paper to clean up.

Toilet paper has even made its mark in several television series and movies. It is often used for decoration during Halloween or when people play a prank on others by covering houses or cars in it.

This simple invention has a really strong footing in people’s lives and is likely to stay for years to come.

National Toilet Paper Day timeline

14th Century
Toilet Paper in China

China begins to mass-produce toilet paper.

August 26, 1871
First Sale

The first toilet paper is sold on a roll.

1883
Toilet Paper Patent

Seth Wheeler patents rolled toilet paper and toilet paper dispensers.

2004
Last Colored Toilet Paper

Scott removes colored toilet paper from the U.S. market making it the last company to do so.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Toilet Paper Day

Local businesses can mark National Toilet Paper Day by ensuring their restrooms are impeccably stocked and clean, perhaps even offering a premium brand for the day. Retailers, especially grocery stores and pharmacies, can run flash sales on bulk toilet paper or highlight eco-friendly alternatives. Plumbing services could offer tips on proper toilet paper usage to prevent clogs. Even restaurants could playfully feature a ‘TP-themed’ dessert or drink, sparking conversation around this often-overlooked necessity.

National Toilet Paper Day FAQs

When is National Toilet Paper Day?

National Toilet Paper Day 2026 is observed on Wednesday, August 26. It’s a day to appreciate an item we often take for granted until it’s gone!

How much toilet paper do Americans use?

Americans are among the highest consumers of toilet paper globally, with estimates suggesting the average person uses around 140 rolls per year. This significant consumption highlights its status as an everyday household staple.

What is the history of toilet paper?

While modern toilet paper was commercialized in the mid-19th century, forms of personal hygiene paper have existed since 6th century China. Early American versions were often flat, medicated sheets before the perforated roll became standard.

Is toilet paper bad for the environment?

Traditional toilet paper production can have environmental impacts due to deforestation and energy use. However, the industry is increasingly moving towards more sustainable options like recycled paper or bamboo-based products.

How To Celebrate National Toilet Paper Day

  1. Try out ‘toilegami’

    It’s origami but instead with toilet paper! It’s a unique way to use toilet paper and have some fun with it. You can line up your toilet paper creations in your bathroom as decorations.

  2. Go check out all types of toilet paper

    You’d be surprised at the number of toilet paper types and brands that offer them. Head to your local store and check out all the different types of toilet paper available. Maybe you can experiment each time you need to stock up on them.

  3. Treat yourself to the best toilet paper

    Most people often end up buying toilet paper on a budget. On National Toilet Paper Day, treat yourself to the best quality toilet paper there is. It can be a one-time indulgence but it’s a fun way to celebrate this unusual holiday.

5 Interesting Facts About Toilet Paper

  1. Toilet paper usage

    Believe it or not, but 75% of the world’s population doesn’t use toilet paper.

  2. Over or under

    Interestingly, approximately two-thirds of Americans prefer their toilet paper to roll off the roll from the top instead of the bottom.

  3. Designed to decompose

    The short fibers in toilet paper start disintegrating within seconds of becoming wet.

  4. Toilet paper as camouflage

    The U.S. Army used toilet paper to camouflage its tanks during Operation Desert Storm.

  5. The largest exporter of toilet paper

    The U.S. is the largest exporter of toilet paper in the world.

Why National Toilet Paper Day Is Important

  1. There are several types

    There are a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to picking out toilet paper. The three main types are standard, jumbo, and jumbo junior. They even come in two colors — white and natural. You can choose any type that suits your needs the best and falls within your budget.

  2. It is an everyday bathroom essential

    A significant portion of Americans would choose toilet paper if they had to take one thing on a deserted island. It is found in almost all American homes and most parts of the world. It is an important requirement to maintain personal hygiene.

  3. It celebrates an unsung hero

    We often take toilet paper for granted because it is so easily available. However, we realize its true significance when it’s not there. We don’t realize the role this unsung hero plays in our day-to-day lives.

National Toilet Paper Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 August 26 Wednesday
2027 August 26 Thursday
2028 August 26 Saturday
2029 August 26 Sunday
2030 August 26 Monday