Teacher Appreciation Week Is May 4 – May 8, 2026 – See What Freebies You Can Get!

Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies 2026

Attention Teachers! Each year, we gather up freebies and deals you can score in honor of your appreciation week.  And here is what we’ve found so far for 2026! 

Teacher Appreciation Week always falls on the first full week in May.  Teacher Appreciation Week for 2026 will be May 4 – May 8. However, the official “Teacher Appreciation Day” is Tuesday, May 5, at many locations.

These teacher appreciation freebies are just a way to say “thanks!” for all the hard work you put in every single day. Honestly, Teacher Appreciation Day should be EVERY day! 🙂

Note that most of these deals and discounts you’ll need your teacher ID.  Also, be sure to check the dates as some freebies, discounts, and special pricing are only available for a limited time.

Here are the Teacher Appreciation Freebies We Spotted!

Abeulo’s Mexican Restaurant – Teachers and school staff will receive 20% off their entire check on May 6.

Aroma Joe’s – From 5/4-5/10, teachers receive a FREE 20 oz. Hot or Iced Coffee or an AJ Rush Energy Drink when they show their valid work ID.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s – Teachers get 15% off their entire purchase through May 8.

Capriotti’s – Teachers get 20% off in-store orders from May 4-12 with a valid ID.

Chicken Salad Chick – Teachers get a FREE Scoop of any Flavor with any purchase of an entree on May 5.

Chick-fil-A – Participating location will often celebrate Teachers with a FREE Sandwich or Nuggets. Check your local Chick-fil-A to see how they are celebrating this year.

Chipotle – Chipotle is saying “thank you” by giving away 100,000 FREE Burrito Cards. Enter to win by 5/12.

Dairy Queen – Through May 8, get a FREE Small Blizzaed with a valid ID. No purchase necessary.

Dog Haus – With a valid ID, Teachers can save 20% on dine-in orders from 5/4-5/8.

Eddie Merlot’s – Teachers get a FREE Dessert with the Purchase of an Entrée from 5/4-5/8 with a valid ID.

Einstein Bros Bagels – On 5/6, educators with a valid school ID will receive one FREE Bagel & Schmear of their choice with any purchase when they visit in-store.

First Watch – Educators receive a FREE Hot or Iced Coffee from 5/2-5/8. Limit one per customer; dine-in only.

Freebirds World Burrito – Teachers get a BOGO deal on Any Size Entrees when dining in with a valid ID.

Green Mill – Educators with a valid ID get half-price appetizers 5/4, 5/6, and 5/8. Plus, receive a FREE Appetizer with any food purchase on 5/5.

Grimaldi’s Pizza – Teachers get 15% off all orders with a valid ID from May 4-8.

Happy Joe’s Pizza – Teachers get a FREE Small Cheese Stix with the purchase of a Large Pizza, plus FREE delivery to schools! Call by 5/4 to schedule your delivery for 5/5.

Hash Kitchen – Teachers get 20% off dine-in and take-out orders with a valid ID.

HTeaO – Buy One Get One deal on all cups of tea with a valid ID 5/5-5/9

Insomnia Cookies – Teachers and School Staff who are rewards members can Buy One Classic or Deluxe Cookie and Get One FREE 5/5-5/12. Valid in stores only.

Krystal – Teachers get 50% off All Breakfast Combos with a valid ID.

McAlister’s Deli – Get a FREE Tea from May 5 – 8. No purchase necessary.

McDonald’s – During Teacher Appreciation Week, 5/4-5/8, many franchises are offering daily FREE Breakfast. Check with your local store and show your school ID when ordering.

Noodles Catering – Teachers can save 10% off a $150 catering order using code APPRECIATION2026 through May 5.

Original ChopShop – Teachers get 10% Off Meals with a valid ID.

Peet’s Coffee – On 5/5, teachers get a FREE Small Drip Coffee, Hot Tea Pouch, Cold Brew, or Iced Tea Pouch with a valid ID.

Potbelly – Teachers get a FREE Cookie or Regular-Size Fountain Drink with an in-store entree purchase from 5/4-5/12.

Shake Shack – Teachers get a FREE ShackBurger or Veggie Shack (up to $8.29) with a $10 purchase from May 4-12 with a valid ID and in-store only.

Starbird Chicken – Teachers with a valid ID who visit on 5/5 get a FREE entree valued up to $15.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse – From May 4-8, teachers get a FREE dessert with an entree purchase with a valid ID.

TGI Fridays – On 5/6, teachers get a FREE menu item from 11 am – 8 pm, no purchase necessary. Choose from Cheeseburger & Fries, Crispy Chicken Fingers with Fries & Coleslaw, Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, Half Rack of Ribs & a side, & a Half Portion of Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Pasta.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – From 5/4-5/12, teachers with a valid ID can enjoy a FREE Any Size Brewed Coffee or Tea (Hot or Iced),

The Green Turtle – Teachers get a FREE Meal (up to $15) on May 6 when dining in.

Varena Street Coffee – Teachers get 20% off all coffees when you verify your eligibility with GovX.

Via 313 – Teachers receive a 15% discount with a valid ID from May 4-8.

Wawa – Save 10% off Wawa Catering Orders with code APPRECIATE online in the app through 5/17.

Whataburger – Teachers and school employees can look for a FREE Breakfast Entree on May 7 from 5-9 am.

Remember to check your local establishments as well.  A local coffee shop in my area is giving a $1 per drink discount all week, as well as a giveaway for a $100 gift card! 

Did you know that teachers can get discounts at select retailers year-round?  Check out the BEST Teacher Discounts you can grab – never pay too much! 

Teacher Appreciation Week Discounts

In addition to the teacher discounts listed above, some retailers have discounts above and beyond for Teacher Appreciation Week.  Check these out!

Barnes & Noble – 20% off select books, toys, and more when you sign up for the free Barnes & Noble Educator Program.

Crocs – Get 15% off all full-priced styles for teachers through SheerID.

Eyemart – With a school ID, any employee at an accredited public or private school Pre-K through 12th, college, or university level (educators, custodial staff, nurses, food service, and bus drivers) will receive a 20% discount (in-store only) at Eyemart Express locations.

Cheap Caribbean Vacations – Sign up for the Beach4Teach Club and receive an offer for a unique promo code for $150 off your next vacation. It’s free to sign up.

Michaels – Teachers get 15% off entire in-store or online purchases for teachers EVERY DAY – just validate your school ID in the Michaels app. (If you have an area that used to have an AC Moore and was transitioned to a Michaels, this will work there!)

Lenovo – Teachers and Students receive an extra 5% off their entire site. This includes laptops and tablets.

J.Crew – Present your school ID at any store or online and receive 15% off your purchases. This one is for teachers AND students!

Steve Madden – Teachers can enjoy 25% off their entire purchase.

Zollipops – Educators can get FREE Zollipops for their class for a limited time. This is a campaign to encourage children to talk about taking care of their bodies. Fill out this form to join the campaign.

Cole Hann – Educators will receive 20% off online purchases with a valid school email address.

Half Price Books – Educators, including teachers and librarians, receive a 10% discount with a valid school ID – Year-round!

Colgate – This FREEBIE is for Kindergarten and First-Grade Teachers. Colgate is offering a free Bright Smiles Bright Futures Kit that you can request for your classroom.

Looking for a fun gift for your favorite teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week?  Check out our favorite easy Dollar Tree Teacher Appreciation Gifts!