I love a sweet treat. For proof, just ask my family, who’ve learned the hard way to hide their desserts if they want to save them for later. So, it almost goes without saying that National Donut Day on Friday, June 6, is one of my most anticipated holidays this year. Luckily for me and unluckily for my wallet, plenty of donut shops across the country are coming up with promotions for these delicious pastries.

Duck Donuts and Krispy Kreme, for example, are both offering free donuts on Friday.

Dunkin’ is releasing an array of limited-edition branded merch just in time for National Donut Day.

One brand, however, is sweetening the deal with branded merchandise. On its 15th year of offering a free donut with any beverage purchase on Donut Day, Dunkin’ is collaborating with luxury lifestyle accessories brand Stoney Clover Lane on a line of limited-edition merch. Prices vary from $18 for a collectible patch to $78 for a Dunkin’ Donuts pouch.

Other items include bag charms shaped like an iced coffee or sprinkle doughnut. If you’re not one for online shopping, you can splurge in person at participating locations for drinkware and accessories. Items include an acrylic or stainless-steel tumbler, straw toppers and cup sleeves.

But not to fear if you, like myself, have splurged a little too much already this week. (Curse my caffeine addiction!) Dunkin’ locations across the country will serve single donuts in custom-designed mini-donut bags just for June 6 as an extra perk.

Somewhat surprisingly, no other major donut chain seems to be taking advantage of the holiday this year to sell branded merchandise the way Dunkin’ is, even though many brands have elaborate merch lines. In January, Duck Donuts gave out branded rubber ducks in celebration of National Rubber Ducky Day. Tim Hortons, which has a variety of branded items on its online store, collaborated with Justin Bieber in 2021 to offer limited-edition merch, including a beanie, fanny pack and tote bag. And recently, Krispy Kreme teamed up with fashion retailer Primark to launch a clothing and accessories collection that includes T-shirts, pajama sets, socks, slides and bucket hats.

So why miss an opportunity to catch customers’ attention on the year’s biggest day for donuts?

Of course, it’s perhaps not surprising that Dunkin’ seized at the chance for a time-sensitive merch drop. The brand is known for creating coveted and creative items. Just last year, “DunKings” merch sold out in less than 20 minutes after the airing of a Super Bowl commercial starring actor Ben Affleck.

Luckily, donut shops still have time to redeem themselves this year, since there’s a second National Donut Day each year celebrated in November. Your move, Duck Donuts.

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