What is National Paperclip Day?

National Paperclip Day is observed every year on May 29 in the United States. The day celebrates one of the simplest yet most useful tools in modern life. The paperclip has been holding papers together for over a century and remains a quiet hero in homes, schools, and offices.

This small, bent piece of wire has gone beyond the world of documents. From emergency fixes to historical symbols of resistance, the paperclip proves that good design can change the world in subtle ways.

History and Origin

The first paperclip patent was filed in 1867 by Samuel B. Fay. His design was originally meant to attach tickets to fabric, but it worked just as well for holding papers. Several other inventors followed, creating new shapes and styles. The best-known version is the double-looped “Gem” clip, which became standard in the early 1900s.

During World War II, paperclips took on new meaning. In Nazi-occupied Norway, people wore them as a silent protest and symbol of unity. It became a sign of resistance, proving that this small object could carry a powerful message.

Today, National Paperclip Day is a celebration of creativity, history, and simplicity. It reminds us that even the smallest inventions can shape how we work and express ourselves.

Who Participates in National Paperclip Day?

• Office workers and students: Use and appreciate the paperclip every day for its reliable utility.
• Designers and engineers: Study the clip as a perfect example of form meeting function.
• Educators and historians: Explore its development, uses, and cultural symbolism.
• Craft enthusiasts: Create jewellery, sculptures, and decorations using paperclips.
• Organisers and planners: Use the day to highlight minimalist tools for productivity.

Slogans and Themes

Slogans include “Holding It All Together” and “Small But Strong.” The day’s themes focus on practical design, everyday innovation, and the beauty of simplicity. The paperclip is a quiet symbol of order in a chaotic world.

Colors symbols and patterns

Colors

• Silver: Reflects the standard metal finish of classic paperclips.
• Gold: Often used in decorative or luxury designs.
• Matte black: Popular in modern office aesthetics.

Symbols

• Double-looped paperclip: The iconic Gem clip remains the most recognisable.
• Wire coil: Represents invention and flexible design.
• Stylised “P” clip icons: Used in branding and minimalist posters.

Patterns

• Overlapping loops: Echo the paperclip’s continuous wire shape.
• Grid designs: Symbolise order, tidiness, and structure.
• Chain-link motifs: Used to reflect connection and unity.

Most Used Hashtags

• #NationalPaperclipDay
• #PaperclipDay
• #PaperclipArt
• #OfficeSupplies
• #SimpleDesign

How to Celebrate National Paperclip Day:

• Get creative: Use paperclips for crafts, jewellery, or DIY hacks.
• Learn the history: Explore how the clip was invented and how it became a symbol of resistance.
• Organise your desk: Use paperclips to sort notes, cables, or even loose keys.
• Share online: Post your own paperclip story or creation with the day’s hashtags.
• Appreciate the design: Take a moment to admire how something so small can be so perfect.

Why is National Paperclip Day Important?

Not all inventions have to be flashy. Some just work. The paperclip is a reminder that clever, humble design can last for generations. It’s cheap, accessible, and endlessly useful.

Whether you’re holding together a report or making art, the paperclip stands ready. National Paperclip Day reminds us to notice the everyday tools that shape how we think, create, and connect.