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Lost and Found Day

Celebrate Lost and Found Day by discovering what's been missing – Find the magic in old memories and unlock forgotten treasure!

Friday

December 2026

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

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YEARLY DATESecond Friday in December

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYLifestyle

SUBCATEGORYOrganization

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Rediscover the joy of forgotten possessions and the thrill of unexpected discoveries on Lost and Found Day this December 9th! This day is dedicated to celebrating the serendipity of finding things that were thought to have been lost forever, and reminds us the fun of unearthing forgotten items that bring up old memories. Tracing its origins back to the 1800s when a woman named Estelle Stembridge created the first lost and found office in New York City, this day continues to inspire people to hunt for their long-lost treasures. So let's delve into those corners, rummage through those old chests, open up those dusty boxes, and find the magic hiding in plain sight!

TIMELINE

Lost and Found Day Timeline

Stembridge's Lost and Found

Estelle Stembridge opened the first Lost and Found office in New York City, starting the tradition of keeping and returning lost items.

Disneyland's Lost and Found

Disneyland established its own Lost and Found department which is famous now for handling thousands of lost items every year.

Japan Lost Property Act

Japan enacted a law to handle lost items, entitling finders to lost property if not claimed by rightful owners within certain timeframes.

London Transport Lost Property Office

The London Transport Lost Property Office is recognized by the Guinness Book for handling the most number of lost properties per year.

First National Lost and Found Day

Lost and Found Day was first celebrated nationally, encouraging individuals to return and seek out lost items.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Lost and Found Day

Organize a treasure hunt

Take the thrill of lost and found to the next level by arranging a fun treasure hunt for your family or friends. Make a series of clues or riddles leading to hidden items around your house or garden. The thrill of the discovery will make for a memorable Lost and Found Day.

DONATE

Donate unused items

As you are rediscovering items you haven't used in years, consider donating them to charity. What is forgotten to you, could be a newfound treasure to someone else.

HOST

Host a swap party

Invite friends or family over to bring items they no longer want or need and organize a fun swap party. This could lead to some surprising finds and unexpected treasures.

DISCOVER

Discover forgotten recipes

Dive into your old cookbooks or recipe box and look for meals you haven't made in years. Take the day to recreate some favorites and rekindle your love for these "lost" dishes.

CREATE

Create a memory box

Compile a box of old photos, letters and trinkets that have been missing or forgotten. Stack it neatly in a box so that you can easily recall past memories. On Lost and Found Day each year, revisit this box to relive those cherished moments.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Lost and Found Day

Promotes Reuse and Charity

Lost and Found day is a reminder that one person's waste could be another's treasure. It creates space for donating items, reducing waste, and helping those in need. It encourages us to be mindful of our possessions and refresh our perspective on what we truly value.

Rediscovery and Remembrance

Lost and Found Day not only encourages us to find missing items, but it revives old memories associated with them. It is an opportunity to remember past experiences, flooring us with nostalgia and warmth.

Fosters Creativity and Fun

Be it organizing a treasure hunt or a swap party, Lost and Found day promotes fun and creativity. It lets you think out of the box, creates room for laughter, and brings friends and family together.