A humble $2.50 novelty toy is sparking a frenzy across the country, with Aussies scouring shelves at The Reject Shop in the hopes of snapping one up before they vanish.

The item? Rubber duckies.

Known as Novelty Duckies, these playful characters come dressed in more than 25 different costumes, from doctors and chefs to cowboys, superheroes, ballerinas, and fairies. 

What started as a quirky addition to the bargain chain’s shelves has suddenly exploded into a full-blown craze, leaving many stores sold out and shoppers determined to hunt them down.

The ducks are designed for both children and collectors, but customers say they’ve quickly become far more than bath-time toys. 

Some parents are using them as classroom rewards or Christmas presents, while others are stocking up for travel trends – cruise passengers have begun leaving them in cabins or hiding them around ships as part of an ongoing social media challenge. 

Collectors, meanwhile, say the thrill lies in finding new and unusual characters to add to their growing flocks.

‘I’m going to need a bigger bathroom,’ one shopper joked.

Known as Novelty Duckies, these playful characters come dressed in more than 25 different costumes, from doctors and chefs to cowboys, superheroes, ballerinas and fairies

While another confessed, ‘Oh my god, I need them all.’ 

One teacher tagged a colleague in a Facebook post, writing, ‘We should get these for our class as Christmas presents.’

The craze has sparked light-hearted frustration too, with one fan writing, ‘Still no librarian duckies? Sigh.’

The rush to collect has made the toys unexpectedly hard to find, with multiple shoppers claiming they’ve visited several stores only to find shelves empty.

The viral obsession mirrors a growing trend where cheap, quirky items suddenly become cult favourites. 

Earlier this year, shoppers were caught up in shortages of everything from Stanley-style cups to viral recipe ingredients. 

While the price point may be small, the excitement is huge – and customers admit they’re buying far more than they planned once they spot the ducks in store.

The phenomenon comes as The Reject Shop continues to step up its offerings beyond novelty toys. 

Known as Novelty Duckies, these playful characters come dressed in more than 25 different costumes, from doctors and chefs to cowboys, superheroes, ballerinas and fairies

The Reject Shop has wowed shoppers once again with a stunning new range – this time bringing European summer vibes to Australian homes

The chain has just launched two new homewares ranges – Riviera and World Travel – inspired by European summers.

Shoppers can now pick up Amalfi Coast-style dipping bowls for $2, dinner plates for $2.50, serving platters for $7 and even a vintage camera-shaped teapot for $14 that has already become a social media favourite.

One customer raved, ‘The teapot is so cute,’ while another laughed: ‘Can you please stop dropping all these amazing home décor. Not good for the budget.’ 

Others said the new ranges were perfect for Christmas gifts, with one mum admitting she was already stocking up, ‘My teenager loves bows; I’m getting her some of [the Riviera bow-themed frames] as presents.’

After the sell-out success of previous collections like Bistrot Bee, Porto, and French Provincial, The Reject Shop is increasingly competing with Kmart and Target in the affordable homewares market. 

And with a multi-million-dollar expansion promising 700 new stores across Australia, bargain hunters can expect more limited-edition ranges and viral hits to come.

But right now, it’s the $2.50 Novelty Duckies that have captured the nation’s imagination. 

Fans say the thrill of the hunt – never knowing which character will turn up on shelves – is fuelling the obsession.