Teacher Appreciation Week: Best Freebies & Deals to Look for in May

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During Teacher Appreciation Week, restaurants and stores celebrate teachers' hard work and dedication by showering them with discounts, deals, and freebies.

What can you expect in 2026? Educators will find a variety of discounts during Teacher Appreciation Week, including free coffee, free desserts, gift card offers, and exclusive discounts. We'll likely see teacher-only giveaways and sweepstakes. In every case, teachers will have to present a valid school ID.

Here's a look at the restaurant and retail offers we've confirmed and those we predict for this year. Be sure to bookmark this post. We'll update it with the latest Teacher Appreciation deals as they drop.

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Offers, prices, savings, and local participation may vary.

Teacher Appreciation Week happens once a year, recognizing teachers with special deals and freebies.

National Teacher Appreciation Week began in 1984 and wraps around National Teacher Appreciation Day, which is always the Tuesday of the first full week of May.

Restaurants, stores, and other businesses observe National Teacher Appreciation Week with discounts, specials, and freebies available only to educators.

Teacher Appreciation Week starts on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Teacher Appreciation Week always starts on the first Monday in May and runs through Friday of that week. In 2026, that’s Monday, May 4 - Friday, May 8.

Teacher Appreciation Week Food Deals 2026

Confirmed

Applebee's: From May 4 - 8, Applebee's locations owned and operated by T.I. Cannon Companies are offering teachers with a valid ID in Upstate New York, Connecticut and Sayre, Pennsylvania a free Triple Chocolate Meltdown, Cinnabon Mini Swirls, Sizzlin' Butter Pecan Blondie, Caramel Apple Pie, or Brownie Bite. Offer valid May 4 - 8. Plus, receive a BOGO free entree voucher that can be redeemed May 11 - June 7.
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar: Educators can enjoy a $4 Bad Ass Margarita at Bad Daddy's Burger Bar on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. You can also enjoy Happy Hour deals like $4 drinks and $6 food from 3 - 6 p.m. May 4 - 8.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse: Teachers can sign up for BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Awesome Achievement program at no cost. Each school year, get 90 certificates that reward K-6 students will a free full-size Pizookie — no purchase necessary. When they dine in, students will get a visit from the location manager and a BJ's Awesome Achievement silicone bracelet.
Capriotti's: From May 4 - 12, Capriotti's is offering teachers 20% off in-store orders (excludes catering) when you present a valid ID.
Chick-fil-A: Participating Chick-fil-A restaurants are offering teachers a freebie, like a Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, waffle fries, or a drink. Note these deals may require you to order using a specific method: online, in-app, or in-store.
Chipotle: In celebration of educators (verified with ID.me), Chipotle is giving away 100,000 burritos in the form of Burrito E-Cards to teachers and other school staff. The giveaway ends on May 12.
Dog Haus: Educators can save 20% at Dog Haus from May 4 - 8 when they dine in and present a valid ID.
Eddie Merlot's: Eddie Merlot's will offer teachers a free dessert with the purchase of an entree May 4 - 8. You must present a valid school ID.
Freebirds World Burrito: From May 4 - 12, teachers with valid ID get a BOGO deal on any size Freebirds World Burrito entrees. Offer valid in-store only.
Freebirds World Burrito: Save 15% on Freebirds World Burrito catering orders when you use the promo code APPRECI8 during checkout online or in-app. Offer valid May 4 - 12.
Grimaldi's Pizza: From May 4 - 8, teachers can enjoy 15% off all orders at any Grimaldi's location when they present a valid ID.
Happy Joe's Pizza: This year, Happy Joe's Pizza is offering teachers a free small Cheese Stix with the purchase of a large pizza. Plus, they're offering free delivery to schools. You'll need to call your local Happy Joe's by May 4 to schedule your delivery on National Teacher Appreciation Day, May 5.
Hash Kitchen: Teachers with valid ID can save 20% at Hash Kitchen. Offer valid on dine-in and takeout orders May 4 - 12.
HTeaO: In 2026, HTeaO is offering teachers half off cups of tea, valid during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4 - 8).
Insomnia Cookies: Teachers who are Insomnia Rewards members can enjoy a BOGO free deal on Classic and Deluxe cookies at Insomnia Cookies during National Teacher Appreciation Week, in-store only. Offer valid May 5 - 12. Rewards members can also save 20% on in-app or online orders of 50 - 200 cookie packs when they enter promo code EARNEDIT26 during checkout.
Krystal: In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Krystal is offering educators 50% off all breakfast combos. Valid ID required. Offer valid May 4 - 8.
Logan's Roadhouse: Get $50 Logan's Roadhouse gift card for $40 when you order online May 1 - 8.
McAlister’s Deli: This year, McAlister's Deli is celebrating teachers with a FREE Big Tea, no purchase necessary. Offer valid May 4 - 8. Limit one per person.
Noodles & Co.: Save 10% on Noodles & Co. catering orders of $150 or more with promo code APPRECIATION2026 at checkout online or in-app. Offer valid through May 5.
Nothing Bundt Cakes: Nothing Bundt Cakes Rewards members can earn 100, 200, or 300 bonus points with the purchase of a Single, Double, or Triple Bundtlet Tower. You must log in to your rewards account before making your purchase. Limit one transaction. Offer valid May 4 - 8.
Original ChopShop: During Teacher's Appreciation Week (May 4 - 8), teachers will get 10% off meals when you show valid ID in-shop only at Original ChopShop.
Peet's Coffee: On National Teacher Appreciation Day (May 5), teachers can enjoy a free small drip coffee, hot tea pouch, cold brew, or iced tea pouch at Peet's Coffee with a valid ID.
Potbelly: This year, Potbelly is offering teachers a free cookie or regular-sized fountain drink with an in-store entree purchase during National Teacher Appreciation Week. Offer valid May 4 - 12 in-store only. Potbelly also has a 10% off deal on catering orders over $200 with promo code SAVE10 during online or in-app checkout.
RaceTrac: Teachers can enjoy a FREE 13.7-ounce Dunkin' iced coffee and a free RaceTrac classic breakfast sandwich during National Teacher Appreciation Week when they verify eligibility at RaceTrac.com or in the RaceTrac app.
Shake Shack: Select Shake Shack locations are offering educators a free ShackBurger or VeggieShack with a purchase of $10 or more during National Teacher Appreciation Week. Offer valid May 4 - 12.
Stan's Donuts: From May 4 - 12, get a free 16-ounce drink at Stan's Donuts when you make any purchase of $2.30 or more and present your teacher's ID.
Starbird Chicken: On May 5, Starbird Chicken is offering teachers and educators a free entree (up to $15 value) when they order in-store and present a teacher ID. Excludes airport and stadium locations.
Sullivan's Steakhouse: From May 4 - 8, educators will receive a free dessert at Sullivan's Steakhouse with the purchase of an entree. You'll have to show a valid work ID.
TGI Fridays: Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day on May 6 with a FREE menu item at TGI Fridays (between 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.), no purchase necessary. You'll have a chance to select from several options. Here's what we saw during the last event.
- Cheeseburger and fries
- Crispy chicken fingers with fries and coleslaw
- Caesar Salad with grilled chicken
- Half rack of ribs + choice of side
- Half portion Cajun Chicken & Shrimp pasta
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: May 4 - 12, teachers with valid ID can enjoy a FREE any size brewed coffee or tea (hot or iced) at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
The Green Turtle: Teachers will get a FREE meal up to $15 at The Green Turtle when they dine-in and show a valid work ID on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 6, 2026.
Verena Street Coffee: This year, Verena Street Coffee is thanking teachers with a sitewide 20% discount on all coffees. Verify your eligibility with GovX.
Via 313: Teachers with valid ID can enjoy a 15% discount at Via 313 May 4 - 8.
Wawa: Save 10% off Wawa catering orders when you enter promo code APPRECIATE during online or in-app checkout. Offer valid through May 17.
Whataburger: Teachers and school employees can look for a free breakfast entree, like a Breakfast on a Bun or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, on May 7 from 5 - 9 a.m. at Whataburger. Limit one per person. Offer valid for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru orders.

Predicted

Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings: In 2026, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings will likely offer educators a discount when they dine in and show a valid ID.
Applebee’s: We anticipate teachers who dine in at Applebee’s will receive a free appetizer with an entree purchase during Teacher Appreciation Week this year. It will likely be exclusive to Flynn Applebee's locations in AL, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, MA, ME, MN, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OR, PA, RI, VT, WA, WI, WV, and Plattsburg, NY.
Aroma Joe's: Look for Aroma Joe's to offer teachers a free drink (no purchase necessary) when they show a valid work ID.
Atomic Wings: On Teacher Appreciation Day (May 5, 2026), teachers will likely receive a freebie when they dine in at Atomic Wings.
Beef 'O' Brady's: Teachers can look forward to an exclusive discount on Beef 'O' Brady's orders during Teacher Appreciation Week when they show a valid work ID.
Bubbakoo's Burritos: Watch for a discount on your entire in-store purchase at Bubbakoo's Burritos this year.
Buffalo Wild Wings: From May 4 - 10, teachers and school staff can look for a discount on their dine-in, walk-in, and call-in orders at Buffalo Wild Wings with valid work ID.
Burger King: Educators can look for a freebie, such as a FREE Whopper Jr. with any $1 online or in-app Burger King purchase on National Teacher Appreciation Day (May 5, 2026).
Chicken Salad Chick: Watch for Chicken Salad Chick to offer a BOGO free deal on their large Quick Chick Salads during National Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Look for a discount on your in-store purchase at Dickey's Barbecue Pit when you show a valid work ID.
Dunn Brothers Coffee: In 2026, look for a Teacher Appreciation offer like two medium coffee-based drinks for $10 at Dunn Brothers Coffee.
Green Mill: Look for half-price taps (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) during National Teacher Appreciation Week at Green Mill in 2026. Plus, you'll likely get a free appetizer with any food purchase on May 5. You'll have to show a valid school ID for these deals.
Hat Creek Burger Company: All school staff, including teachers, can anticipate a free Little Hat Burger when they dine-in or order takeout at any Hat Creek Burger Company location in 2026, no purchase necessary. All you'll have to do is show a valid school ID.
La Madeleine: We predict a BOGO offer on bakery items when you order through the La Madeleine Bonjour Rewards app on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 5.
Mod Pizza: Teachers can watch for a BOGO free Mod-size pizza or salad at Mod Pizza during National Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.
Mountain Mike's Pizza: Mountain Mike's Pizza will likely celebrate teachers with a discount on any pizza when they use a promo code at checkout online or in-app from May 4 - 8.
Peter Piper Pizza: Educators can look for a free 1-topping personal pan pizza at Peter Piper Pizza during Teacher Appreciation Week (it will likely only be available at Arizona and Albuquerque locations between 3 - 7 p.m.). You'll have to present a valid school ID.
Ruby Tuesday: Educators will likely get a free add-on Garden Bar at Ruby Tuesday when they use a promo code in-store this year.
Salata: In 2026, watch for a discount on a dine-in meal at Salata when you show a valid ID.
Shipley Do-Nuts: Teachers who are loyalty members can anticipate a free half-dozen glazed Do-nuts at Shipley Do-Nuts, no purchase necessary.
Smoothie King: We predict educators (with a valid ID) will get a discount on their Smoothie King order during this year's National Teacher Appreciation Week.
Sonic: Join the Sonic Teachers’ Circle Rewards (it's free to join) in the Sonic app, and you'll likely get exclusive deals from May 4 - 8, 2026. We anticipate each will require an online or in-app purchase. You may find deals like these:
- Free snack or side with purchase
- Buy one Sonic Blast and get one free
- $1.99 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger
Taco John's: Teachers, school faculty, and staff will likely get a FREE small beef Crispy or Softshell Taco Combo in-store at Taco John's during National Teacher Appreciation Week.
THB Bagels: This year, look for THB Bagels to offer a discount on catering orders for National Teacher Appreciation Week.
Tijuana Flats: At Tijuana Flats, watch for a discount on your entire dine-in or to-go order during National Teacher Appreciation Week.
Tim Hortons: Tim Hortons will likely have a BOGO free doughnut deal in 2026. Plus, we anticipate a BOGO deal, such as buy 12 doughnuts and get six free.
Vitality Bowls: In 2026, we predict educators will get a discount on all orders at Vitality Bowls when they show a valid teacher ID.
Which Wich: On May 5, 2026, we anticipate a teacher-exclusive discount on an in-store Which Wich order when you show a valid work ID.
WOB World of Beer Bar & Kitchen: Watch WOB Bar & Kitchen celebrate teachers with a discount when they dine-in during National Teacher Appreciation Week. You must show your teacher ID. We anticipate the offer will have a limit of one per check per day.

More Teacher Appreciation Week Deals and Discounts

Samsung: In 2026, Samsung will have deals for teachers, administrators, and school leaders once they verify eligibility through ID.me. Here are some savings you might find in May.
- Up to $800 off the Samsung WAD Interactive Display (65", 75", and 86" models)
- $620 off the 27" ViewFinity S9 monitor
- Up to $360 off ViewFinity curved monitors (34" S65VC and S65TC models)
Scholastic: Scholastic will likely have 50% off select items at Shop.Scholastic.com.
Stanley: This year, teachers can look forward to 40% off Stanley (not valid on Quenchers) with a one-time-use code they'll receive when they verify eligibility through ID.me.
Staples: Staples will likely have several deals during National Teacher Appreciation Week in 2026, including a 20% discount on an in-store purchase. Plus, look for a freebie, such as a free 12-pack of Tru Red Stick Pens, when you use an in-app coupon. We also anticipate an exclusive teacher discount on printing.
Stitch Fix: Teachers can anticipate a discount on their first Fix at Stitch Fix when they verify eligibility through ID.me.
Target: Watch for the 10% Target teacher discount during Teacher Appreciation Week 2026.
The Parking Spot: We predict The Parking Spot (the near-airport parking company) will offer educators 25% off parking in May for travel anytime through the end of 2026. You'll have to sign up with an associated education email account.

Everyday Teacher Discounts

In addition to offering teacher freebies, several retailers and other businesses have everyday teacher discounts.

Ann Taylor/Loft: Teachers can enjoy a 15% discount year-round at Ann Taylor and Loft. This discount is valid for in-store purchases only.
BJ's Wholesale Club: ID.me verified educators can get a $10 reward when they sign up for a BJ's Wholesale Club membership for $25 (regularly $60).
Canva: Teachers at eligible schools can get Canva for Education free.
Costco: Sign up for a Costco membership and receive a Shop Card. New Executive members will receive a $40 Shop Card, while Gold Star members will get a $20 Shop Card.
Crocs: Crocs offers educators who verify their eligibility through ID.me a 15% discount on full-priced items at Crocs.com.
Blick Art Materials: Teachers who join the Blick Preferred program can save 10% every day at Blick.
Evenflo: Teachers can save 15% on car seats, strollers, and other baby essentials with the Hero Discount at Evenflo.
Eyemart Express: Any school employee (including educators, nurses, custodial staff, food service, and even bus drivers) at an accredited public or private school, PK -12, college, or university can get a 20% discount (in-store only) at Eyemart Express with a proper school ID. Offer is valid year-round.
Lenovo: Educators can save 5% at Lenovo.com every day.
Office Depot/OfficeMax: Educators can get a 20% discount on a purchase at Office Depot/Office Max when they create a rewards account (it's free to join) and verify their eligibility through ID.me. Once verified, you'll receive your one-time coupon via email. Plus, if you're a rewards member, you can earn 25% back in Office Depot/Office Max Bonus Rewards when you log in to your rewards account and shop online. You can earn a max of $100 back in rewards per week. Offer valid through Dec. 26, 2026.
Peacock TV: Teachers can enjoy Peacock Premium for only $3.99 (regularly $7.99) a month for a year.
Samsung: Educators can save up to 30% on Samsung phones, PCs, tablets, smartwatches, accessories and more.
Willow: Willow offers teachers who are also moms a 30% discount on a Willow Breast Pump (not valid on accessories). Verification through SheerID is required for the discount.