National Smarties® Day A Celebration of Candy, Curiosity, and Creativity - October 2

Amanda Moncrieff
Sep 8
3 min read

When Is It?

National Smarties® Day is celebrated every year on October 2. Unlike some holidays that move around the calendar, this one stays fixed—making it easy to mark your planner annually.

The day was officially established in 2022 by the Smarties Candy Company in honor of Edward Dee, the company’s founder, who was born on October 2, 1924.

What Is It About?

National Smarties® Day isn’t just about candy—it’s about celebrating learning, creativity, and curiosity. Edward Dee named his candy Smarties to encourage the pursuit of knowledge and positivity. Over 70 years later, Smarties remain a symbol of both sweet treats and bright ideas.

A Bit of History

1949: Edward Dee, an English immigrant, founded Ce De Candy in Bloomfield, NJ. Using a repurposed pellet machine, he began pressing colorful tablets we now know as Smarties®.
Company Growth: The company moved to Union Township, NJ, and later added a second factory in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada (where the candy is marketed as Rockets®).
Legacy: Edward Dee remained active in the business well into his later years. He passed away in 2019, but his daughters continue to run the company.
Holiday Founding: On October 2, 2022, the first official National Smarties® Day was observed through National Day Calendar, honoring Dee’s vision of candy that inspires lifelong learning.

(You can read more on the official Smarties website )

Ways to Celebrate

Here are creative, practical ways to join in—whether solo, with family, or in the workplace.

Celebrate By Yourself

Smarties & Study Session – Snack on a roll while reading or journaling.
DIY Candy Art – Use Smarties colors to make patterns, mosaics, or even framed art.
Sweet Meditation – Try mindful eating: focus on each color, flavor, and texture.
Try a Variety Pack – Taste-test classic, sour, and tropical flavors in one sitting.
Give Back – Drop a few Smarties in care packages, library boxes, or mail them to friends.

Celebrate With Your Spouse / Partner

Bake Together – Create cookies or cupcakes with Smarties mixed in.
Movie Night – Pair Smarties theater boxes with a romantic or nostalgic film.
Trivia Game – Reward correct answers with candy rolls.
Smarties Art Challenge – Build a small mosaic or candy sculpture together.
Gift Exchange – Hide a love note with a roll of Smarties.

Celebrate With Kids

Sorting Game – Practice colors and counting with Smarties.
Learning Rewards – A roll for finishing homework or chores.
Craft Time – Make rainbow bracelets or glue patterns on construction paper.
Smarties Science – Drop Smarties into water and observe dissolving colors.
Bake Together – Let kids decorate cupcakes with crushed Smarties on top.

Celebrate With Coworkers

Desk Drops – Leave mini rolls on colleagues’ desks with motivational notes.
Office Trivia – Hand out Smarties for correct answers at a lunch quiz.
Breakroom Jar – Fill a jar and invite guesses at the total number.
Team Challenge – Share Smarties during brainstorming as “fuel for smart ideas.”
Social Media Challenge – Encourage employees to post a #SmartiesMoment.

How Businesses Can Join In

This day offers fun opportunities for marketing, employee engagement, and community goodwill:

Bookstores / Libraries – Pair Smarties giveaways with literacy events.
Tutoring Centers / Teachers – Offer “Smarties Rewards” for achievements.
Corporate Offices – Use Smarties in wellness or recognition programs.
Cafés / Coffee Shops – Add Smarties-topped desserts or drinks for a limited time.
Retailers – Run a Smarties promo or trivia game in-store.

What to Buy for National Smarties® Day (Amazon Picks)

To prep for the holiday, here are Amazon-only Smarties options—perfect for classrooms, offices, or at home. These are all affiliate links. You may be able to find Smarties cheaper at other stores.

Smarties Candy Bulk Rolls, 5-Pound BagHuge bag for parties, classrooms, or office jars.
Smarties Candy Mega Rolls, 54 oz Countertop BoxMega-sized rolls in a display box—great for events or retail counters.
Smarties Candy Triple Variety Pack – Classic, Tropical & X-treme SourA flavor adventure in one purchase.
Smarties Necklaces - wear your Smarties to celebrate the day

Why Celebrate?

National Smarties® Day reminds us that life can be both sweet and smart. Whether you’re indulging in candy, sparking curiosity in children, or encouraging teamwork at work, the day is about making learning and connection enjoyable.

So this October 2, grab some Smarties, share them with others, and celebrate the joy of being curious, colorful, and clever.