Duck Duck Jeep, also known as Jeep Ducking, has turned beloved bath toys into symbols of kindness.

The jeep ducking craze began in 2020 and has gained steam ever since. Have you wondered why jeep dashboards are often filled with custom rubber ducks? Well, I’m going to tell you the story and show you how to join the fun!

What is jeep ducking?

customizable rubber ducks for jeeps

Jeep ducking is an act of kindness shown by placing small, rubber ducks on other people’s jeeps. The basic purpose is to spread joy, show recognition and admiration, and promote unity among jeep owners.

What a wonderful idea, especially in today’s crazy world!

Some people carry bulk rubber ducks in their vehicles to place on jeeps they admire. Others leave them on classic models they would like to own or take for a cruise. Often jeep owners put ducks on jeeps that are exactly like their own!

Did you know? A flock of ducks on a jeep dashboard is called a Duck Pond.

Jeep Community

How did jeep ducking start?

The ducks and jeep tradition began in 2020 when a woman tried to overcome a frightening experience while traveling from Alabama to Canada.

Allison Parliament, a dual U.S. and Canadian citizen, was the victim of a verbal and physical assault by another driver at a gas station in Ontario. The incident reportedly shook her to the core.

Later that day, Parliament decided to change her mood and brighten someone else’s day. She wrote a sweet note and left a rubber ducky on a Jeep she admired. That momentous occasion became “Duck Day” and the start of a trend that continues globally.

Parliament was asked to become the BFGoodrich Ambassador and had traveled to Jeep events all over the country to discuss the Duck Duck Jeep movement. She also managed an official Ducking Jeep Facebook page, a private group for members only.

Sadly, Parliament died of natural causes at her home in Canada on June 22, 2024, according to her mother. Cheryl Parliament hopes the Jeep Duck movement will continue as a tribute to her daughter’s kindness.

What are the rules for jeep ducking?

customizable rubber duck with wings for jeeps

Duck Duck Jeep rules are fairly simple say members. They are designed to preserve the goal of spreading smiles.

Duck Duck Jeep rules

size difference for custom rubber ducks
  • While placing rubber duck toys on other vehicles you must be polite and noninvasive.
  • Do not place bulk rubber ducks inside anyone’s jeep. Personalized rubber ducks can be placed outside a jeep on top of side mirrors, on door handles, the hood or bumpers and fenders.
  • Drivers must be able to immediately see the duck gift when approaching their vehicle.
  • Most ducks left on jeeps are yellow because words written or printed on them are more visible.
  • Although jeep ducks are typically left on Chrysler brand Jeeps, it’s OK to place them on similar models such as the Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner. Drivers have even begun leaving rubber duckies on cars they love!
  • Anyone gifted with a rubber ducky can keep it for their own collection or pass it on to another Jeep owner.

Duckers often keep ducks and markers in their vehicles in case they come across a sweet ride they’d like to acknowledge. Jeep admirers sometimes write sayings directly on the ducks such as “You’ve been ducked!” Others leave notes with the 2- or 3-inch rubber ducks.

Rubber ducks for jeeps can also be personalized at Totally Promotional with phrases like “A quack’n good ride!” or “#duckduckjeep.” Using customized rubber duckies makes Jeep Ducking quicker and more discreet.

Where do you get the ducks to put on jeeps?

woman holding customizable rubber ducks for jeep ducking

Numerous places from dollar stores to box retailers started selling rubber ducks when jeep ducking became popular. Prices are all over the place depending on the quality, seller and profit margins.

You can save yourself time and money by ordering bulk rubber ducks with printed messages. We have super cute Lil’ Rubber Ducks for less than $1 each when purchasing 150. Just select the color and message you want printed and you’ll be stocked and ready to go!

Custom jeep ducks expose your brand

promotional rubber duck with a custom message for jeep owners

Jeep ducks are smart marketing tools for just about any business or organization. Think of all the places your company logo will go when riding in the Duck Pond of a jeep. You’ll receive phenomenal mass exposure of your brand. You lucky duck!

Small rubber ducks are also being used as rewards for achievements by young swimmers. They are given out by marinas for boat competitions and make great giveways at all types of trade shows.

Our selection of custom rubber ducks at Totally Promotional is diverse and continues to grow. Check out our popular Matte Rubber Ducks, Duck Keychains and fun styles such as our Water Color Changing Rubber Ducks!

Some of our bestselling ducks include:

Don’t get your feathers ruffled! You’ll have no problem finding the perfect duck characters to properly represent your brand.

Select your favorites from more than a dozen colors in durable PVC plastic. You also have a choice of one-color or full-color imprints to make a big splash!

Spread the jeep badge of honor wherever you go and order your jeep ducks today!

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Author

Shelley Grieshop is a former newspaper journalist who earned more than a dozen Associated Press awards for her in-depth research and writing skills. In May 2016, she joined Totally Promotional as a creative writer. She currently writes company blogs about branding, marketing, logos, wedding planning and much more. One of her life goals is to teach people when to use hyphens and apostrophes.

38 Comments

  1. Just got my xj going a Mother and her 2 little boys got out of there jeep they were excited to give me a duck, it was a nice gift it made my day and theres.

    • Hello Mitch!
      So glad to hear you had a great experience with the Jeep Duck phenomenon!

      Thanks for sharing it with us.

      Shelley Grieshop
      Totally Promotional

    • GARY PHILLIP WILLIAMS Reply

      Did you know placing loose objects on your dashboard is illegal in most states?
      They’re considering projectiles when a vehicle is involved in an accident.

      • Thanks for the information, Gary! I would hope all drivers are aware of specific regulations such as this in the states they are driving. I’m sure they could find another place to store their ducks if needed.

        Thanks again!

        Shelley Grieshop
        Totally Promotional

  2. I was quite surprised last year when I received a duck on my Badlands Bronco. I was flattered when I learned it was an expression of admiration for my ride.

    • Aww, that’s so cool! I think the whole idea to spread joy is fantastic!

      Thanks for sharing your experience, Pat!

      Shelley Grieshop
      Totally Promotional

    • Richard l Baker Reply

      I like to duck . I named my jeep wrangler after the Star wars series the Mandalorian. Instead of ducks alone. I had key chains made up with tge name of my jeep . With the saying ( This is the way ) with a little duck and jeep grill symbol on one side. And the Mandalorian and helmet symbol on the other.

      • You’re quite inventive, Richard! Coincidentally, we also customize keychains at Totally Promotional.

        Thanks for sharing this!

        Shelley Grieshop
        Totally Promotional

    • I put ducks only on wrangler renegade gladiator. But I put my little pony on Bronco s

  3. As a multiple jeep owner i can’t stand it sorry. When someone leaves one on mine i promptly regift it.

    • Hey Sal, we’re all different and that’s fine. Not everyone likes the same things, although it seems most Jeep owners find Jeep Ducking a nice way to compliment a stranger.

      It’s great that you regift your ducks!

      Thanks for stopping by our blog and giving another perspective.

      Shelley Grieshop
      Totally Promotional

    • Allan Bullen Reply

      I totally agree. I’ve had Jeeps since 1984 and I think this has to be the dumbest trend since parachute pants.

      • Thanks for sharing your opinion, Allan. I personally believe gifting others in a complimentary way is a nice thing to do. But I appreciate you sharing your perspective.

        Thanks for stopping by our blog!

        Shelley Grieshop
        Totally Promotional

  4. Daryl Roiger Reply

    I picked up a lady in Hutchinson for a taxi ride in my wife’s jeep because the other taxi vans were in use the following day she went and bought a brand new jeep she does not know I ducked her bad wish I could post the photo of 75 ducks on her sidewalk going up to her house .she said she woke up running behind for work so the ducks all marching up her sidewalk were there all day on a busy street. Look funny as heck!

    • What a cool story! I’m sure that was a sight to behold. I love Jeep Ducking!

      Thanks for sharing your story and visiting our Totally Inspired blog.

      Shelley Grieshop
      Totally Promotional

      • Kitty resek Reply

        Ducks are a great thing! But I think ducks should be used for every vehicle just to put a smile on peoples faces.

        • I love that idea, Kitty! It’s always nice to make people smile. Thanks for sharing!

          Shelley Grieshop
          Totally Promotional

    • Hi! Ducking did NOT begin in 2020. In Ohio for sure, where Jeep Wranglers are manufactured Toledo, Ohio) ducking started inthe late 1990s or earlier. Ive had a jeep since 1994 & have done the wave, and been ducked since then myself as well as plenty of others. I’m not sure No true origin has ever been disclosed. The lady who is mistakenly given credit, Alison Parliament, I believe coined the term duck duck Jeep, and somehow keeps getting credit for the whole practice. It’s a lovely story, don’t get me wrong I just feel annoyed knowing it was goin on long before. This may be unpopular with those who like to pass on the Alison story but for sure, ducking is nothing new. I’d love to hear from others who might know the real beginnings of it, since it’s so widely done.

      • Hi Jenny! Yes, I’ve heard others contradict the Jeep Ducking tradition and how it was founded. Lots of different stories and opinions out there. The point is, though, it’s a fun and positive movement that puts smiles on people’s faces. I love seeing such an upbeat trend!

        Thanks for stopping by and sharing.

        Shelley Grieshop
        Totally Promotional

  5. Paul Hecker Reply

    Absolutely love getting & giving ducks. Having two of the same (twins) is double ducked.

  6. Ducking basically started in 2017 board cruise ships. Today ships around the world have people hiding ducks for others to find. Check out cruising ducks on facebook

    • Hi Don! Thanks for reaching out! I did see that info circulating out there, too, but could not confirm it as easily as the Ducks for Jeeps story. However, I think it’s cool how people use these little rubber ducks for fun everywhere. We all need more smiles!

      Thanks again for your input and for checking out our blog.

      Shelley Grieshop
      Totally Promotional

  7. We recently won a Jeep and are new to the Duck thing! But it does sound fun. Our friends tried to leave one but the local store didn’t have ducks – so they left a rubber chicken dog toy – which our Dog Salty has fallen in love with!

    • What a cool story! Maybe you’ve started a new tradition? Congrats on your new Jeep and I hope you accumulate plenty of Jeep Ducks or chickens in the future!

      Shelley Grieshop
      Totally Promotional

  8. Can u place a duck on a jeep when ur not a jeep owner ? I read u can, but getting feedback as a no. Pls verify!! Thks!!

    • Hi Brenda and thanks for visiting our blog!
      Although I didn’t make the Jeep Ducking rules, everything I’ve researched says anyone, even non-Jeep owners, can leave a rubber duck on any Jeep as a symbol of admiration and respect. So, gather your ducks and have fun with it!

      Shelley Grieshop
      Totally Promotional

  9. Marshall Centers Reply

    I read a completely different story about a girl with cancer that started ducking people. I just bought a jeep gladiator and only have 1 lonely duck in my pond.

    The truth is out there and we jeepers need it.

    • Hello and thanks for visiting our blog! I admit there are quite a few stories out there on Jeep Ducking. The most credible I found was from Allison Parliament, who I communicated with in March. She was supported by Jeep in her efforts to promote the Duck Jeep movement. Sadly, she passed away June 22, 2024.

      I sure hope your single duck gets some company soon in your pond! Best wishes!

      Shelley Grieshop
      Totally Promotional

  10. Kcritchley, Florida Reply

    I bought my Jeep 2 years ago and I’m very proud of my duck pond. I also keep a large bag of ducks already written with # duck duck Jeep nice ride in West Palm Beach Florida written on the duck and pass them out regularly

      • Tonya Davis Reply

        I’m not a Jeep owner but I have purchased ducks to leave for Jeep owners to find. I’ve even hand a few out to kids. Duck duck Jeep brings me joy and I hope I’m giving joy to those I gift.

        • I think that’s a fantastic idea! It’s never a bad thing to bring joy to others. Kudos to you for being so kind!

          Shelley Grieshop
          Totally Promotional

          • Patricia K Carter-Harris

            I noted that ducks were in the dash of many jeep owners, felt this was a ridiculous thing to do. So I decided to research it and found the reason. Which touched my heart . So of course my opinion has
            changed.. I am not a jeep owner I’d love to be but to all of you JEEP owners. KEEP DUCKIIN WITH LOVE..✨✨

          • Aww, very sweet of you, Patricia! Thanks for stopping by our Totally Inspired blog page.

            Shelley Grieshop
            Totally Promotional

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