Story Behind Those Jeep Ducks
If you’re a Jeep owner or enthusiast, you may have heard the term Jeep Ducking floating around. But what exactly does it mean, and why do Jeep Wranglers get “ducked”? Let’s dive into this unique tradition and explore the origins and significance in the Jeep community.
What is Jeep Ducking?
Jeep ducking is a fun and lighthearted tradition among Wrangler owners where they attach rubber ducks to their dashboard. These rubber ducks come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, adding a whimsical touch to the vehicle’s appearance.
Where Jeep Ducking Started
The practice of Jeep Ducking originated in a small town in Canada in 2020. A woman named Allision Parliament, from Ontario, randomly bought a bunch of rubber ducks from a convenience store and gave one to another Jeep owner with a note that said, “Have a Great Day.” The intent was to bring a smile to the individual and spread a little cheer that we all needed during the pandemic.
The small interaction turned out much better than expected. The Jeep owner walked out of the store and at first, was confused when he saw a rubber duck being placed on his Jeep. However, after reading the note that was left behind, left a huge smile on his face. That night, #DuckDuckJeep was born after being posted on Instagram and the rest is history.
A Fun Tradition That Keeps Growing
Whether you’re a seasoned Jeep owner or new to the Jeep community, Jeep Ducking is a fun and meaningful tradition that celebrates the spirit of adventure and camaraderie among Jeep enthusiasts.
67 comment(s) so far on Story Behind Those Jeep Ducks
I’ve wondered how this “duck” thing got started. The real story! I’m new to this having just bought a 2012 Sahara and have received five so far. Bought me some ducks on eBay , along with some note cards. It really helps to see others get a smile on their face! It just makes you feel good
Hi William! It’s quite a fun and interesting story – many people have been wondering where it originated from and how long this fun trend has been going on for! Certainly puts a smile on one’s face!
I’ve had my jeep wrangler since last october.still waiting for my 1st duck.ive placed ducks on other jeeps. Cone on people please duck me
Good
Sorry to hear she passed
Charlene, yes we are sorry to hear as well. Gone way too soon. Her act of kindness certainly has such a positive impact on us,
My boss literally just mentioned to me. He was like Ranesha what is this duck thing and Jeeps. I said I have no idea. So then I looked it up and found out about this. I do not own one duck. But ill def get some buy some and spread some cheer.
It’s such a fun idea! Easy way to spready cheer around (and make your Jeep look cute!)
I don’t own a jeep, but rented one recently for 7 days while both my girls car and my bike were in the shop. We’d been having hard times recently, especially with both vehicles down, she got ducked and it made her so ridiculously happy I want to get a jeep eventually just to see that smile more often.
Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your story with us! It’s amazing to hear how a simple gesture like “getting ducked” brought such joy to your daughter during a tough time. The Jeep community truly is something special, and we’re glad it made a positive impact on your family. If you ever decide to get a Jeep, know that you’ll not only be getting a great vehicle but also joining a community that’s all about support, fun, and creating moments that bring smiles. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance in finding the perfect Jeep for you and your daughter.
Wishing you all the best!
My new Jeep Wrangler will be delivered Monday,,,for reasons I really can’t explain I already own a couple bags of rubber ducks,,,,guess it was destiny !!
Can’t wait to “duck” someone !!
When did this all begin?
Hi Tim! The Jeep Ducking trend began back in 2020 by a woman named Allison Parliament, a dual U.S. and Canadian citizen. Parliament was traveling from Alabama to her family home in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was assaulted by another driver at a gas station. To cheer herself up, she bought rubber ducks to put around her friend’s house. Later that day, she placed a rubber duck on the mirror of a stranger’s Jeep with a note that said, “Nice Jeep, have a great day!” . The driver’s positive response inspired Parliament to post about the experience on social media, which helped the tradition catch on
Hey: I bought my 2000 jeep TJ in 2006 when I started seeing the ducks on jeep dash boards I didn’t realize what they was until my oldest son got his Jeep then one day he told me he had got ducked I asked him what was that he said it’s a new jeep thing. Then I started getting them to so I started doing it as well. It’s a cool thing. I wondered who and how it got started now I know.
Hey Rick! Hey there! Thanks for sharing your Jeep story with us! 🦆 It’s always great to hear about fellow Jeep enthusiasts and the fun traditions that bring us together. The “ducking” phenomenon has certainly become a unique and beloved part of the Jeep community, spreading smiles and a sense of camaraderie. We’re glad you and your son are enjoying it too! Keep spreading the Jeep love and happy trails!
Hey: I bought my 2000 jeep TJ in 2006 when I started seeing the ducks on jeep dash boards I didn’t realize what they was until my oldest son got his Jeep then one day he told me he had got ducked I asked him what was that he said it’s a new jeep thing. Then I started getting them to so I started doing it as well. It’s a cool thing. I wondered who and how it got started now I know.
Going to make copies of the origin of “ducking” and leave with each duck…
2 yrs. ago…got my very first duck and didn’t have a clue about it…now I have a dashboard covered in my jeep…
That’s a great idea, Charlene! Sharing the origin of “ducking” with others is a wonderful way to spread the joy and history of this fun Jeep community tradition. We’re glad to hear you’ve enjoyed collecting ducks for your dashboard over the past two years. Keep on ducking, and thanks for being part of the Jeep family! 🚙🦆
Love this!!! i’ve done it many times myself and been the recipient.
Love to hear that, Michael! Such a fun and happy trend!
I don’t own a Jeep but I love ❤️ this! I duck people for fun!!
Hi Julie! It certainly is a fun trend that puts a smile on everyone’s face!
Just bought red Wrangler and put my ducks in their pond on dash. Have ordered ducks w/tags so I can leave one and make someone smile [I hope]
Congratulations on your new Wrangler, Kathy! It sounds like you’re embracing the Jeep spirit in style with your ducks on the dash. Sharing ducks with tags to spread some smiles is such a thoughtful idea – we’re sure it’ll brighten someone’s day! Enjoy your adventures in your new Wrangler!
What a lovely way to spread some kindness.I drive my father’s 2017 Sierra Jeep. He passed away almost 2 months ago. We went a lot of places together and I took over driving a lot. I never imagined that I would One Day end up with his jeep. I just wish that he was in the seat beside me like it was.He was ducked 3 times. When I go places I noticed people have ducks on the dash of their Jeeps. I’ve never been ducked however I have the three he received and I would love to purchase some to duck people’s Jeeps.I am very much looking forward to receiving my first duck. Thank you for being such a lovely person and to all that spread the love.
Bettye, thank you so very much for sharing this comment. We’re deeply sorry for your loss and we’re so inspired by you honoring your father and driving his Jeep. We know very soon you’ll receive your first duck, we’re certain of it! Come back here and let us know as soon as you get your first duck (maybe with a photo?) and thank you so much for reading our blog and joining in the conversation.
Back in the 80’s and 90’s a few of my offroad group had them as a joke to know when the water is too deep
Jesse, what a clever way to gauge water levels! That’s too funny! Thanks for bringing a smile to our day with that memory and we appreciate you taking a little time out of your busy day to read our article and leave a comment. Have a great day Jesse!
Hi! Jeep grand Cherokees get ducks too!!! We proud of the Jeep Family, too! 😁❤️
Hi! Jeep grand Cherokees get ducks too!!! We proud of the Jeep Family, too! 😁❤️
Absolutely! The Jeep family is truly special, and it’s awesome to see the love and camaraderie we share. Ducks or not, we’re proud to be part of such an incredible community! 🦆💙
I’ve always done this and I don’t own a jeep. I used to be the so called weird one bc of it. Lol. Now it’s COOL. Love toys on the dash especially duckies!
Love that! It’s great to see how the Jeep family is spreading the joy with fun traditions like ducks on the dash. Keep rocking those toys—duckies included! 🦆😎
We just got Ducked today. Very beautiful gesture. Made our day.
Love that! Such a small thing really can make your day!
Hi I just bought a 2015 Jeep Patriot , do you think I’ll get ducked too ?
Hi I just bought a 2015 Jeep Patriot , do you think I’ll get ducked too ? I hope so
Hi Karen! Absolutely! Welcome to the Jeep family!
I learned of Jeep ducking after I bought a Jeep Commander. A lady gave me a blue duck and a red duck and ask me to pass one on to another Jeep owner. She explained the reason to me and I was on board.
Thank you for sharing your story, Tracy! Jeep Ducking is such a fun and unique tradition that truly brings the Jeep community together. It’s great to hear that someone introduced you to it with such kindness, and it’s wonderful that you’re keeping the tradition alive by passing it on. Jeep life is all about camaraderie and shared adventures—welcome to the Ducking family!
Jeep Ducking is such a fun and uplifting tradition that perfectly captures the sense of community among Jeep owners. It’s amazing how a small act of kindness can grow into such a cherished part of Jeep culture!
We couldn’t agree more – Jeep Ducking truly embodies the incredible sense of community and kindness among Jeep owners. It’s amazing how something as simple as a little rubber duck can bring so much joy and connection. We’re thrilled to see this tradition continue to grow and bring smiles to Jeep drivers everywhere!
I’ve had ducks in my older bronco way before this girl started doing it to jeeps in 2020 and I even bought a new bronco and put my ducks back in it and people are trying to say it’s only for jeeps when I was doing it since the 90s in my bronco it’s really not be a jeep thing.
Thanks for sharing your story, Chris! It’s great to hear that you’ve been putting ducks in your Bronco long before it became a trend. While “Duck Duck Jeep” has gained popularity in recent years, it’s clear that people have been adding personal touches to their vehicles for a long time. At the end of the day, it’s all about spreading positivity and making your ride your own—whether it’s a Jeep, a Bronco, or anything else. Keep on ducking!
I bought my first jeep in 1997. Wouldn’t buy anything else. But I never owned a Wrangler. I have owned Grande Cherokee Laredo’s. The last one I purchased was in 2019. I love it and wouldn’t buy anything but a jeep. I have seen a few ducks. They do look cute. Great story.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Anita! It’s amazing to hear how loyal you’ve been to the Jeep brand since 1997. The Grand Cherokee Laredo is such a great vehicle, and we can totally understand why you wouldn’t choose anything else. The ducks do add a fun, charming touch to the Wrangler community! We appreciate you taking the time to comment and hope you continue to enjoy your Jeep for many more years to come!
A jeep club been doing that since early 2000. she just the first to post it online
That’s awesome to hear, Smitty! Jeep clubs have such a strong sense of community, and it’s great that you’ve been part of that tradition since the early 2000s. It’s fun to see how these things evolve and make their way online, sharing the joy with even more Jeep lovers. Thanks for the insight!
i think every brand of vehicle
needs a: #DuckDuckBrand hashtag ….
We love that idea! A #DuckDuckBrand hashtag would definitely add some fun and community spirit across all vehicle brands. Imagine the creative duck-themed surprises for every type of car! It’s all about spreading positivity and connecting with others who share the same love for their rides. Thanks for sharing that suggestion!
Have had my jeep renegade for about 10months and haven’t been given one yet.
It sounds like you’re still waiting for your first duck! The Jeep community is full of surprises, and you never know when one might come your way. Hopefully, you’ll find one soon! In the meantime, enjoy your Renegade—it’s a fantastic ride, and maybe you’ll be the one to start a new duck trend!
Hey Dylan! It sounds like you’re still waiting for your first duck! The Jeep community is full of surprises, and you never know when one might come your way. Hopefully, you’ll find one soon! In the meantime, enjoy your Renegade—it’s a fantastic ride, and maybe you’ll be the one to start a new duck trend!
Today I was given a little rubber duck with a stethoscope. As a boy I dreamt of becoming a doctor making house calls in a Red Jeep. 60 years later I got my Red Jeep. I have been a doctor for 44 years and now I’ll put the duck on my dashboard.
What an incredible story, George —thank you for sharing! It’s amazing how life comes full circle, and it’s so special that you’ve achieved both of your childhood dreams. A red Jeep and a lifelong career in medicine—what a journey! That little duck with a stethoscope couldn’t have found a more perfect home. Wishing you many more adventures with your Jeep and your new dashboard companion!
urban legend… it actually refers to the choice to be different as in duck duck goose as the children used to play and started long before 2020 and covid
Hi my mane is Mary. i own a 2021 Wangler Rubicon 2 door jeep! I love ducking other jeeps. I have about 35 jeeps on my dash or somewhere inside. They are all different. Love them and hope the trend keeps going. Thanks Allison! Wished I could have met you.
Hi Mary! Thanks so much for sharing – we love hearing from fellow Jeep lovers like you! Your 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 2-door sounds awesome, and it’s so cool that you’ve collected about 35 ducks already – what a fun way to connect with the Jeep community! 🐥🚙 The ducking trend is such a unique part of Jeep life, and we hope it keeps going strong too.
Wow, I had no idea there was such a cool story behind the Jeep ducks! I always thought people were just leaving them for fun, but learning that it started as a way to spread kindness and community makes it even more meaningful. It’s such a unique way to connect with fellow Jeep owners—like our own secret little language on the road. 🐥🚙 Thanks for sharing this story! Definitely going to keep a few ducks in my glove box from now on.
it’s great if you’re a UO duck and have a jeep. lol
Yes, i am a jeep owner, and I have a family of ducks on my dash.if you see me in my jeep, i hope i Quack you up. If you see me , Honk your horn, and I will honk back. I hope it makes you smile. Have an amazing day.
Hi Joseph! Thank you so much for your service, and for taking the time to share your story with us. We’re so glad to hear that the duck brought a smile to your face — that’s exactly what the Jeep ducking tradition is all about! It’s amazing how something so simple can spread so much joy. Keep an eye out… you never know when another duck might show up! 🐥🚙
Hi, again. I am a Vietnam veteran. I got ducked a while back,and there was a note. It sure made my day. It is a wonderful way to get people to smile and be happy again. Now when ever i 👀 a jeep i look for the ducks.
As a long time cheaper I was really confused and almost offended by seeing all the ducks on a dashboard I remember when you used to go on a Jeep run and you had metal plaques that you put on your Jeep for what the Jeep did but now that I have read what Jeep talking is all about I think it’s a wonderful idea though my personal opinion I do not want them on my dash I think it’s a wonderful concept and I hope everybody that involved keeps doing it signed Don colson Jr
Hi Don! Thank you so much or sharing your perspective and Jeep history with us! We truly appreciate hearing from longtime Jeepers like yourself who have seen the culture evolve over the years. While ducking might not be for everyone, it’s great to hear you recognize the positivity and community behind the tradition. Whether it’s metal plaques or rubber ducks, it’s all about celebrating the adventure, camaraderie, and unique bond within the Jeep family.
We’ve seen the ducks around for a lot longer than 2020. At least 10 years prior.