Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day

Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day is observed each year on August 7, a lighthearted and humorous occasion that draws attention to the most absurd and excessive packaging practices we encounter in everyday life.

History of Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day

Although the exact founders remain partially unclear, the day is generally credited to Ruth and Thomas Roy, creators of whimsical holiday observances, and has been celebrated annually on August 7 since at least the early 2010s. Its aim? To give consumers a tongue-in-cheek platform to vent about packaging gone mad and to nudge manufacturers toward smarter design.

The holiday grew from foodie frustrations and viral packaging fiascoes—bulk‐sized boxes for tiny items, sealed clamshells impossible to open, bananas individually wrapped in plastic—into a moment of shared satire and subtle protest. Media outlets and consumer watchdogs like Consumer Reports have even spotlighted notorious offenders, giving out “Oyster Awards” for the most infuriatingly packaged products.

Why is Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day important?

On the surface, this day is funny. We’ve all fought with clamshells, searched for scissors to open pre‐sealed plastic, or rolled our eyes at ridiculously oversized boxes. That shared frustration builds camaraderie—and occasionally, viral comedy. But beneath the humor lies a sharper purpose: pointing out waste, inefficiency, and lack of user empathy in product packaging. Many of these packaging missteps not only provoke irritation but also accumulate unnecessary waste and environmental burden.

At its heart, the day invites reflection on the balance between practicality, sustainability, and usability. It’s a chance for consumers to voice annoyance constructively, and for brands to rethink designs—embracing eco-friendly materials, quieter unboxing experiences, and packaging that truly serves its purpose without excess.

• items too small for the enormous boxes they arrive in
• sealed blister packs that require tools or cause “wrap‑rage”
• the missed opportunity for reusable or recyclable materials
• single items wrapped in plastic unnecessarily
• packaging with poor or incorrect labeling

How to Celebrate Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day

Celebrating is simple and even satisfying. Start by reflecting on your own packaging pet peeves—maybe that USB drive shipped in a shoebox or scissors sealed in indestructible plastic. Share your stories online using #ParticularlyPreposterousPackagingDay, perhaps with a photo or short video for comedic effect.

You can also turn the day into a small act of advocacy: email or tweet at brands whose packaging drives you nuts. Let them know politely that less could be more, and better packaging could win customer loyalty. Finally, make conscious choices—opt for products with minimal or recyclable packaging, bring reusable bags, or buy in bulk to skip individual wrappings.

• share your most ridiculous unboxing experiences online
• campaign to brands about packaging you find absurd
• bring your own containers and avoid pre-wrapped produce
• choose products with minimal and recyclable packaging
• repurpose packaging you receive instead of discarding it

Particularly Preposterous Packaging Day Dates Table