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Etch A Sketch Day

Get ready to shake things up on Etch A Sketch Day! Show off your artistic skills and create unique masterpieces with just a few turns of the knobs.

Sunday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 12

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHobbies

SUBCATEGORYArts & Crafts

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to shake things up on July 12 as we celebrate Etch A Sketch Day! This iconic toy has been a staple in many childhoods since its invention in the late 1950s. It was created by French inventor André Cassagnes, who stumbled upon the idea while working on a light switch that used aluminum powder. Little did he know that his simple invention would become a beloved classic for generations to come. So let's take a trip down memory lane and embrace our inner artist with this fun and nostalgic toy!

TIMELINE

Etch A Sketch Day Timeline

Invention of the Magic Screen

French electrician André Cassagnes invents a drawing toy, then called the "Magic Screen".

Ohio Art Company Acquisition

Ohio Art Company buys the rights to the Magic Screen, renaming it to the "Etch A Sketch".

Etch A Sketch Launch

The Etch A Sketch is launched in the United States, quickly becoming one of the most popular toys.

Toy Story Boost

After an appearance in Disney's "Toy Story", sales of the Etch A Sketch see a significant resurgence.

National Toy Hall of Fame

The Etch A Sketch was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.

Etch A Sketch Day Proclamation

The first Etch A Sketch Day was proclaimed on July 12, marking the toy's 50th anniversary.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Etch A Sketch Day

Create an Etch A Sketch masterpiece

Get creative and use your Etch A Sketch to create a unique and intricate drawing. You can even challenge yourself by trying to recreate famous works of art on the small screen of the Etch A Sketch.

HAVE

Have an Etch A Sketch party

Invite friends over for an Etch A Sketch party! Have everyone bring their own Etch A Sketch and see who can create the most impressive drawing or have a competition to see who can draw the fastest.

ORGANIZE

Organize an Etch A Sketch scavenger hunt

Hide small Etch A Sketches around your house or neighborhood and have friends search for them as part of a fun scavenger hunt. This is a great way to get people moving and celebrating the holiday together.

LEARN

Learn some Etch A Sketch tricks

Check out online tutorials and learn some cool tricks to create more advanced drawings on your Etch A Sketch. You may be surprised at what you can achieve with a little practice and patience.

DONATE

Donate an Etch A Sketch

Spread the joy of Etch A Sketch by donating one to a local children's charity or hospital. This is a great way to celebrate the holiday while also bringing happiness to others.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Etch A Sketch Day

It's portable and mess-free

Unlike other art supplies, Etch A Sketch is easily transportable and doesn't create any mess. This makes it a perfect travel toy or activity for kids who love to draw but don't want the hassle of cleaning up afterwards.

It's a nostalgic toy

Etch A Sketch has been around for over 60 years and has captured the hearts of children and adults alike. Many people have fond memories of playing with this classic toy, making it a beloved part of their childhood.

It requires creativity and focus

Playing with an Etch A Sketch involves using both hands simultaneously to create elaborate drawings. This takes concentration and coordination, making it a fun challenge for kids and adults alike.