National Donut Day
The sweetest day of the year celebrates the circular treat that fuels offices, brings joy to mornings, and makes everyone smile. Sometimes the simplest pleasures matter most.
What Is National Donut Day?
National Donut Day, celebrated on the first Friday of June (June 5 in 2026), was actually created in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor their volunteers who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. These "Donut Lassies" brought comfort and a taste of home to troops on the front lines, making donuts a symbol of kindness and morale.
Today, it's evolved into a fun celebration of the beloved treat itselfâwhether glazed, filled, frosted, or fancy. Many donut shops offer free donuts, offices bring in boxes to share, and people use it as an excuse to indulge guilt-free. It's lighthearted, delicious, and universally appreciated.
Why Celebrate?
Boosts Workplace Morale
Bringing donuts to the office is an instant mood lifter. It's a small gesture that shows appreciation, breaks routine, and gives people something to smile about.
Universally Loved
Donuts transcend age, background, and preferences. There's a donut for everyoneâfrom classic glazed purists to adventurous flavor enthusiasts.
Low-Effort, High-Impact
Celebrating National Donut Day requires minimal planningâjust show up with donuts. Yet it creates shared positive experiences and conversations.
Permission to Indulge
Sometimes we all need an excuse to treat ourselves. National Donut Day gives official permission to enjoy something sweet without guilt.
Ways to Celebrate
Bring Donuts to the Office
The classic move. Bring a variety box to share with your team. Get enough so everyone can have at least twoâpeople appreciate choices and seconds.
Create a Donut-Themed Group Card
Gather messages from the team thanking the person who always brings treats, appreciating workplace culture, or just sharing donut preferences. Make it fun and lighthearted.
Donut Bar or Decorating Station
Provide plain donuts and various toppingsâsprinkles, glazes, chocolate, candy. Let people customize their own. It's interactive and memorable.
Donut Delivery Surprise
Send donuts to remote team members, clients, or colleagues who could use a pick-me-up. Unexpected treats delivered to someone's door create genuine delight.
Local Shop Support
Skip the chains and support a local donut shop. Discover neighborhood favorites, build community connections, and often get better quality donuts.
Donut Trivia or Contest
Host donut trivia (history, flavors, shop names), a donut-eating contest (if appropriate), or have people vote on favorite flavors. Add playful competition.
National Donut Day Message Ideas
"Happy National Donut Day! Thanks for being a team that makes work sweeter. You're all the sprinkles on top. Enjoy the treats!"
"You're the person who always shows up with donuts when we need them most. You make mornings better and morale higher. Thank you for being the real MVP!"
"Even though we can't share a donut box in person, we're thinking of you on National Donut Day! Grab your favorite and join us in spirit (or on the video call with donut in hand)."
"Donut worry, be happy! It's National Donut Day and we're celebrating the team that makes every day a little sweeter. Thanks for being a-glaze-ing!"
"Happy National Donut Day! Just like donuts, working with you is always a treat. Thanks for being such a sweet partner!"
"Life is short, eat the donut! Happy National Donut Day to the colleague who makes work more fun. Thanks for being a bright spot in the office."
"It's National Donut Dayâthe official holiday of office morale, sugar rushes, and pretending calories don't count. Celebrate accordingly!"
"Donuts bring people together, just like great teams do. Happy National Donut Day to everyone who makes this workplace somewhere we actually want to be!"
Tips for National Donut Day Success
Variety Is Key
Get a mixâglazed, chocolate, filled, cake, old-fashioned. Include some "safe" classics and some adventurous options. Dietary preferences vary, so consider offering a few alternatives too.
Timing Matters
Bring donuts in the morning when people arrive or mid-afternoon for a pick-me-up. Donuts at 4 PM hit differently than donuts at 8 AMâboth good, different energy.
Announce It
Send a quick message or email when donuts arrive so people don\'t miss out. Nothing worse than finding out there WERE donuts but they\'re already gone.
Include Everyone
Remember remote workers, night shift teams, and people with dietary restrictions. A little extra effort to include everyone shows you care about the whole team, not just who\'s in front of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Donut Day 2026?
National Donut Day is always the first Friday of JuneâFriday, June 5, 2026.
Why was National Donut Day created?
The Salvation Army created it in 1938 to honor the "Donut Lassies" who served donuts to soldiers during World War I, bringing comfort and morale to troops on the front lines.
Do donut shops give free donuts on National Donut Day?
Many major donut chains (Dunkin', Krispy Kreme, etc.) offer free donuts with purchase or no purchase required. Check with your local shops for specific promotions.
How many donuts should I bring for my office?
Plan for 1.5-2 donuts per person. Better to have extras than run out. People appreciate having choices and possibly seconds.
What if people have dietary restrictions?
Many donut shops now offer vegan, gluten-free, or reduced-sugar options. Including even one or two alternatives shows thoughtfulness. If unavailable, consider adding fruit or other treats alongside donuts.
Create a Sweet Group eCard
Celebrate National Donut Day with a group card thanking the office donut hero or celebrating your sweet team culture.
Create Free Group eCard