National Sweetest Day is observed on the third Saturday in October by people of all ages.

National Sweetest Day encourages everyone to be generous even in the smallest ways.  From its inception as Candy Day in 1916, this day reminds us that even small tokens improve the lives of those around us. While the observance started with candy and sweets given to our sweethearts and friends, the day is full of lessons in persistence, resilience, and doing small things greatly.  

On National Sweetest Day, take care of all those who need extra attention. Even those who need significant care, when given the smallest token, will feel the effects.  A little treat, a card, a show of support during a time of need may be the sweetest gift on this day.

NATIONAL SWEETEST DAY HISTORY

National Sweetest Day found its beginnings in a holiday founded by the National Confectioners’ Association in 1916 called Candy Day.  On October 14, 1916, candy shops around the country filled newspapers announcing their sweetest treats and delights.  Originally designated to be celebrated the second Saturday of every October, the confectioners’ convention in Detroit in May of 1916 made the final resolution. Walter C. Hughes, the secretary of the National Confectioners’ Association, encouraged Americans to patronizes their local candy shops, bakers, and druggist for the highest quality confections.

Candy Day

Early advertisements found in Indiana, Minnesota, and Texas newspapers mention the “Sweetest Day of the Year” in reference to Candy Day.  However, it was not the official name of the day – not yet.

By 1917 war raging in Europe, and many retailers encouraged patrons to “Get one for yourself and one for the boys overseas!”

Then in April of 1918, the United States officially entered the war in Europe, and with that came rationing.  Sugar, as well as many other commodities, became scarce.  Sponsors shelved the holiday just as it was starting to see such success.

Sweetest Day of the Year Returns

With the end of the war in 1919, sweetness returned to October.  So sweet, in fact, Candy Day became an entire week.  Then in 1923, the day kicked into the full charitable swing.

Sweetest Day’s theme of charity and giving became apparent in 1921. At the time, four Michigan confectioners united with the Red Cross. Those confectioners included the Detroit Retail Confectioners, Detroit Wholesale Confections Club, Detroit Jobbing Confectioners Association, and the Michigan Confectioners Club. Together, they distributed thousands of bags of candy to hospitals, orphanages, shelters, and homes across Michigan. The celebration also included 100 regulation army target balloons, which dropped coupons worth a box of candy.

In 1929, Sweetest Day settled into its current home, the third Saturday in October.

Explore More ways to make the world a little brighter and a little sweeter. Be an Angel Day, Random Acts of Kindness, World Kindness Day, Kiss of Hope Day, National Compliment Day, Do A Grouch A Favor Day, Cheer up the Lonely Day, National Joygerm Day, National Month of Hope, Inspire Your Heart with Art, Good Samaritan Day, National Soup It Forward Day, Make A Friend Day, Do Something Nice Day, Make A Difference Day, National Gratitude Day, National Day of Encouragement, National Brave Day, Care Bears Share Your Care Day, Love is Kind Day, Upsy Daisy Day, Self Care Awareness Month, Self Improvement Month, Universal Hour of Peace, World Smile Day,Happiness, Happens Day, Happiness Happens Month, National Cuddle Up Day, National Loving Day, Summersgiving, National Play Catch Week, International Drop A Rock Day, International Clown Week, International Top Spinning Day, Hunt For Happiness Week, Best Friends Day

National Candy Month, Chocolate, Milk Chocolate Day, World Chocolate Day, National Carmel Month, English Toffee Day, National Nougat Day, Butterchrunch Day, Salt Water Taffy Day, National Candy Cane Day, National Truffles Day, National Jelly Beans Day, Chocolate Mint Day, National Pralines Day, Candied Orange Peel Day, Peanut Clusters Day, National Gum Drops Day, Chocolate Covered Cherries, Chocolate Covered Everything, Chocolate Covered Pretzels Day, Peppermint Patties Day, Hard Candy Day, National Cotton Candy Day, National Candy Day, Trick or Treat, National Candy Corn Day, The Sweetest Day, Sour Candy Day, Lollipop Day, Peanut Brittle Day, Trail Mix Day, Gummy Worm Day,

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSweetestDay

Give a gift to someone who needs a reminder of the sweetness in the world. It is, after all, the Sweetest Day of the Year. Use #NationalSweetestDay to post on social media.