National Yo-yo Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Activities Fun Historical
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every June 6
Holiday emoji:: 🪀

National Yo-Yo Day spins into action every June 6, celebrating the enduring appeal of this classic toy. From ancient origins to modern competitive play, the yo-yo captivates with its blend of physics and skill. Grab your favorite stringed companion, practice your best tricks, and share your passion with fellow enthusiasts!

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Expected National Yo-Yo Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Yo-Yo Day often brings special offers from toy retailers and yo-yo manufacturers. Look for discounts on classic and professional yo-yos from brands like Duncan Toys and Yomega. Major online retailers such as Amazon and Target may feature deals on popular models and starter kits, making it the perfect time to pick up a new yo-yo or gift one to a budding enthusiast. Specialty hobby shops might host in-store events with exclusive bundles. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 6 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Yo-Yo Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalYoYoDay. Share slow-motion videos of your best tricks, showcase your yo-yo collection, or post nostalgic photos from your childhood.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalYoYoDay. Film quick tutorials for beginner tricks, participate in yo-yo challenges, or create comedic skits featuring the toy.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalYoYoDay. Share event listings for local yo-yo clubs, post polls about favorite yo-yo brands, or start discussions about the toy’s history.

National Yo-Yo Day Hero

Donald F. Duncan Sr.

Donald F. Duncan Sr. was an American entrepreneur who played a pivotal role in popularizing the yo-yo in the United States. After acquiring Pedro Flores's yo-yo company in 1929, Duncan launched aggressive marketing campaigns and national contests, transforming the yo-yo into a widespread craze. His company, Duncan Toys, became synonymous with the toy, solidifying its place in American culture.

National Yo-Yo Day timeline

500 B.C.

First Yo-Yos

Yo-yos are made out of wood, metal, or painted disks.

1866

Second-Oldest Toy

The yo-yo is considered the second-oldest toy ever and is patented by James L. Haven and Charles Hettrich.

November 18, 1920

Modern Yo-Yos

Modern yo-yos in the United States have the string looped only around the axle.

April 12, 1985

Yo-Yos in Space

The yo-yo becomes the first toy to go to outer space.

National Yo-Yo Day Activities

Have a yo-yo party!
Think of this like a yo-yo pot luck. Of course, everyone can still bring some chow (we'd recommend it), but the key is to show off a unique yo-yo. These could be vintage, new, or if you happen to be an fanatic, custom. Heck, even a yo-yo-inspired treat would do the trick. You'd be surprised at the types of cakes and cookies people can come up with.
Hold a yo-yo competition
If you want to have a friendly or not-so-friendly competition, this is the day to do it. Everyone can show off their best tricks, and the audience can vote on the winner. If you want to sweeten the deal, think about adding some yo-yo related prizes. Yes, these could be the toys themselves; however, don't forget about those yo-yo-inspired treats. People love their cake, sometimes more than they love yo-yos (weird, right?).
Post the day's happenings on social media
A lot happens on National Yo-Yo Day, so you'll want to document all the fun. Share pics and videos of the top tricks, yo-yo designs, and any creative treats. If the score hasn't been settled before you upload, social media can be a good way to put an end to the debate. Polls are easy enough to make, so let your friends and family vote.

Why We Love National Yo-Yo Day

We get to be kids again
Remember the yo-yo craze back in the 90s? Even if you wanted to forget, it's not like you could. Everything was branded as "extreme," which made things extremely memorable. Couple that with TV commercials that showed off tricks, and you've got the perfect recipe for nostalgia. It was a simple time when doing "walk-the-dog" made you look cool. Who wouldn't want to recapture a little of that magic? And you can share that magic with the kids in your family. Just don't get mad if they outshine you ("walk-the-dog" is so '90s).
The great "yo-yo" outdoors
Yo-yo's aren't really indoor toys. If you were one of the kids who thought so, your parents are probably still reeling from the damage. But aside from that, playing outside gives you and your yo-yo some much needed room to breathe. No one likes being cooped up on a beautiful summer day, but the heat can sometimes stop you from getting out there. With the added motivation to work on some new tricks, people will have to fight to get you back indoors. Your boss shouldn't be one of those people, so your lunch break may not be the best time to perfect "cat's cradle."
It gives us a chance to brush up on history
For starters, did you know that they used to be called names like bandalores, Jou-Jous, and quizzes? Not only that, yo-yos were primarily made of wood until 1955 when Duncan partnered with Flambeau. Even if none of this comes up at trivia, you'll have bragging rights as the yo-yo expert of your crew.