ransparency Note: We promise this post doesn't suck (pun intended). This post helps you celebrate! It contains affiliate links, meaning if you buy through them, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love.
You probably used one this morning for your iced coffee. Or maybe you're trying to drink more water in the new year.
But have you ever stopped to wonder why we drink through a tube?
This Saturday, January 3, is National Drinking Straw Day.
It marks the anniversary of the day Marvin Stone received the patent for the paper drinking straw in 1888. Before him, people were drinking out of actual hollow grass (rye grass), which made their drinks taste like... well, grass.
Manny (our resident penguin) prefers to drink straight from the ocean, but for humans, we suggest something a little more refined.
Here is how to celebrate the tube that changed beverages forever.
Why We Celebrate: A "Sucky" History (In a Good Way)
Marvin Stone was a cigarette holder manufacturer in Washington, D.C. One day, he was drinking a mint julep on a hot day, and the rye grass straw started disintegrating into his drink. Annoyed, he wound paper around a pencil, glued it together, and voilà—the paper straw was born.
(Ironically, we have now come full circle back to paper straws that disintegrate in 10 minutes. Sorry, Marvin).
The Big Why: We celebrate because straws make drinks fun, protect our teeth from coffee stains, and help toddlers drink without spilling an entire gallon of milk on the rug.
3 Ways to Make Today Memorable
1. The "Hydration" Upgrade (The Habit)
If your resolution is "Drink More Water," you need a straw. Science says (informally) that we drink faster and more often when using a straw.
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The Move: Get the tumbler that broke the internet.
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The Amazon Find: The Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler. Yes, it’s hype, but the straw design is genuinely leak-resistant and makes drinking 40oz of water feel easy.
2. The "Smoothie" Solution (The Gadget)
Regular straws are too thin for smoothies. They clog instantly.
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The Move: Go wide.
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The Amazon Find: Extra Wide Glass Smoothie Straws. These are thick enough for frozen fruit chunks and boba pearls. Plus, they are glass, so you can see if they are actually clean inside (unlike metal ones).
3. The "Kid-Proof" Fun (The Activity)
Kids love crazy straws. It’s a fact of life.
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The Move: Bring back the 90s.
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The Amazon Find: A pack of Silly Loop Straws (Eyeglasses Shape). You wear them like glasses, and the drink goes around your eyes before it hits your mouth. It is hilarious, costs $6, and will entertain your kids for an hour.
The Perfect Gift for the Eco-Warrior
Paper straws are mushy. Plastic straws are bad for turtles. So what is the solution?
Our Editors' Pick:
The "FinalStraw" Collapsible Metal Straw
Why we love it: It folds up into a tiny keychain case that fits on your car keys. When you pull it out, it self-assembles like a magic wand. You never have to use a soggy paper straw at a restaurant again.
Perfect for: The friend who carries a reusable grocery bag everywhere.
Join the Conversation
We need to know your stance on the "Soggy Straw" debate.
Do you actually like paper straws? Or are they the worst invention since unsliced bread?
Tell us your truth in the comments on Instagram or TikTok and tag us @OnManyOccasions!
Don't Miss the Next Celebration
January is just getting started! Do you know when National Apricot Day is? (It’s Jan 9!).
Download our Free 2026 Celebration Calendar and never miss a fun holiday again.
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