We're celebrating The Gift of Nothing Day, a special holiday observed each year on or around December 15. The idea is simple: Give someone the present of your presence! Like Mooch, you can fill an "empty" box with the gift of your friendship or time, or with a promise to share an experience together in the future. Or, if symbolic wrappings aren't your thing, you can happily spend the holiday giving "nothing" but your time and attention.
The day was inspired by Patrick McDonnell’s beloved picture book The Gift of Nothing, a story that reminds us that the most meaningful gifts are often the ones we cannot hold. In the story, Mooch looks for the perfect gift for his friend Earl. Ultimately, he chooses a box filled with ... Nothing! Nothing, that is, but his friendship.
This year's holiday is extra special, as we're celebrating 20th anniversary of The Gift of Nothing, which first hit bookstore shelves in 2005! Earlier this fall, Patrick released an anniversary edition of this beloved book, along with a new rhyming companion book, The Gift of Everything. Both books are now national bestsellers, and we're endlessly grateful for the love they've received.
An Annual Tradition
Every year, we hear from readers who've made The Gift of Nothing part of their holiday traditions. Families read it together. Friends share it with those who "have everything" or "want nothing." Educators, in particular, tell us how meaningful the story has been for students and communities of all ages and backgrounds. And this year is no exception.
Throughout this month, classrooms, senior centers, libraries, and community spaces are creating gratitude walls, writing letters, and gathering to reflect on what truly matters. We look forward to sharing more about these projects with you soon!
To help even more readers experience the joy of this story, we offer free printable resources for libraries, families, classrooms, and community groups. You can find them here.
On the Road with Patrick
Patrick is on the final leg of his book tour, and this past weekend was filled with so many memorable moments! In California, he visited the Marin Theatre, where the musical adaptation of The Gift of Nothing came to life on stage (presented in partnership with Muttville Senior Dog Rescue). He also visited the Charles M. Schulz Museum to meet with readers, sign books, and chat about MUTTS!
Below, see a post from the Marin Theatre's Instagram account on the opening day of the musical.
We're so thankful to everyone who has come out to share these moments. Patrick’s final tour stop takes place on December 20 at An Unlikely Story, the wonderful bookstore owned by Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney.
The Gifts of Everything and Nothing In the Spotlight
This fall, The Gift of Nothing and The Gift of Everything have been featured in a variety of press stories, along with thoughtful podcast conversations where Patrick reflects on kindness, comics, and the importance of everyday gifts. You can explore recent press coverage and listen to podcast interviews here:
- PEOPLE: Exclusive Pre-Publication Peek at The Gift of Everything Book
-
LA Parent: December Books for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
- Colorado Sun: Booksellers Suggest Children's Titles
- SF Weekly: Spotlight on The Gift of Nothing Musical
- Comic Book Couples Counseling [PODCAST]: Interview With Patrick
- Comic Book Couples Counseling: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
Fetch Your Own Copies of These Bestselling Stories
If you're looking to add these books to your own shelves or share them with someone you love, signed copies are available exclusively online at the MUTTS Shop. You can also find the books at Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other booksellers — including your local bookshop!
On this Gift of Nothing Day, we hope you find a moment to pause, to sit with someone you care about, and to remember that being there can be more than enough.
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