Graduation Season Perks Freebies And Discounts For Class Of 2022 And 2023 Graduates

Graduation season offers more than just ceremonial pomp and circumstance—numerous brands and businesses across the United States extend special freebies and discounts to high school and college seniors. While the focus of this article is on offers most relevant to the Class of 2022, recent promotions for the Class of 2023 show continuity in brand traditions and the types of free benefits available. These promotions often center on food chains, gift cards, and event-based celebrations, making them accessible and impactful for graduates as they transition into new phases of life.

For the Class of 2022, several well-known chains like Krispy Kreme, Applebee’s, and Insomnia Cookies offered free food gifts and purchase incentives directly tied to graduation status. These offers typically required a form of verification, such as a cap and gown, diploma, or graduation announcements. Meanwhile, Class of 2023 graduates can also enjoy similar perks, including free doughnuts at Krispy Kreme, gourmet cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery, and cookies from Insomnia Cookies. These promotions illustrate a consistent strategy from brands to recognize and reward educational milestones, leveraging emotional value to build customer brand loyalty.

Beyond food-related gifts, several businesses and retailers provide special offers for gift cards, including bonus amounts with larger purchases—a tactic that encourages continued engagement with the brand. Offers are generally valid for a specific period, and while most are available nationwide, some are subject to regional availability. This article explores the types of freebies and incentives offered to graduates, focusing primarily on those associated with the Class of 2022 and 2023, as outlined in the provided documentation.

Food Chains and Free Meals for Graduating Seniors

Several food chains offer unique promotions during graduation season, with a focus on convenience, affordability, and brand visibility.

Krispy Kreme is one of the most recognizable brands associated with graduation celebrations. For the Class of 2022, the chain provided a free dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts on May 25, 2022, for any graduate who made the date with appropriate graduation “swag”—including a cap and gown. Similarly, for the Class of 2023, Krispy Kreme extended the promotion, although the date and conditions appear slightly different. One verified report indicates that the Class of 2023 could receive a free dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts on May 24 under similar verification rules.

Magnolia Bakery has also participated in graduation giveaways. In 2023, the bakery reportedly offered Classic Cupcakes to graduates who presented proof of their graduation by May 24. The promotion was available through June 30. While no documentation is available for the 2022 season for Magnolia Bakery, this suggests an ongoing commitment to graduation recognition.

Insomnia Cookies extended an offer in 2023 that combined a free 6-pack of classic cookies with a $5 store purchase, valid through June 18. Verification was not as strict as other chains; any form of graduation proof—such as a cap and gown or graduation announcement—made the offer accessible. In 2022, the brand also reportedly recognized graduates, though the specifics differ slightly from the 2023 version, making direct comparisons difficult.

Other food chains involved in past promotions include Applebee’s and Baskin Robbins. Applebee’s offered bonus gift cards through early June 2022, while Baskin Robbins was mentioned in the context of graduation as an offering, though no specific details were outlined. Blaze Pizza also participated in 2022, offering gift card rewards with certain purchase amounts.

It is important to note that while most of these promotions are offered as one-time seasonal gifts, none provide ongoing usage beyond the specified period. Verification is typically required, with brands expecting some form of graduation-related identification from participants.

Gift Card Bonuses and Rewards

Gift cards are a popular method of rewarding graduates with spending flexibility while also incentivizing continued brand interaction. From 2022 to 2023, several businesses offered bonus cards or discounts toward gift card purchases.

Applebee’s offered bonus gift cards for large purchases in 2022, valid through early July. For example, a $50 purchase included an extra $10, which had a specified expiration date. This type of promotion is common in food service and retail, especially during high-traffic, celebratory events like graduation season.

For the Class of 2023, a verified source lists an offer of a $5 bonus card when a $30 gift card is purchased online. This promotion was valid in May and June 2023, with restrictions noted on the page. While the documentation does not clarify whether the offer is available online or in-store, the inclusion of a purchasing link suggests an online component.

Duffy’s also participated in the 2023 season by offering a $10 MVP Bonus for every $50 in gift card purchases through mid-June. This incentive, which seems to be similar to Applebee's, aims to encourage larger spending and brand loyalty. It is unclear whether this offer carries over outside these dates or is strictly a limited-time event.

UNO stores also offer gift cards with a small incentive during graduation season, though fewer details are available for 2022. A 2023 source outlines the availability of a special UNO gift card promotion, with instructions to “stock up,” but precise details, such as the bonus amount or duration, are not provided in the documentation.

Chuy’s, Benihana, and Best Buy also feature in graduation-related gift card offers. For example, Chuy’s offers catering options for graduation parties, making it possible to celebrate with groups. Benihana’s gift cards are marketed as perfect graduation gifts, while Best Buy provides online access to gift cards, emphasizing ease of purchase and delivery. These promotions are often framed less as free samples and more as special seasonal discounts.

Automotive and Retail Offers for Graduates

Beyond food and gift cards, several businesses extend graduation-related incentives into the automotive and retail sectors. This type of offer is especially valuable for recent graduates transitioning to independent living.

Toyota and Scion provide incentives for graduating individuals interested in new or used vehicles. A source from 2023 mentions competitive APRs and available financing for all new, untitled Toyota and Scion models, as well as their certified used counterparts. This suggests a partnership between Toyota and graduation-focused marketing to attract new drivers. However, no confirmation is provided for the 2022 graduation season, though it is plausible that similar promotions existed under different marketing efforts.

BMW also participates in this category by offering an attractive rate and a $1,000 incentive toward the purchase or lease of a new or certified pre-owned vehicle. This is particularly beneficial for recent graduates who may be preparing for their first major purchase. These promotions are often regional and not all stores or dealers may participate, so graduates are encouraged to inquire at local locations.

Seasonal Promotions and Events

In addition to the direct graduation-based promotions, several stores and businesses offer seasonal or event-based freebies that may be available to graduates during the appropriate timeframe.

For example, multiple sources listed offers tied to specific dates, such as a free SmokeShack burger at Shake Shack during a promotional period in October. While this is not strictly a graduation-related promotion, the documentation did not separate it from other seasonal gifts, suggesting it may have coincided with a broader marketing initiative around major holidays or events.

Bass Pro Shops, Clarksburg Premium Outlets, and Williams Sonoma stores offer seasonal events that include free cooking classes, music festivals, and pumpkin giveaways. For example, a National Park Service event offered free admission on Veterans Day, which is a popular holiday for celebration but not directly tied to graduation. Despite this, such freebies may be relevant to recently graduated students celebrating with friends and family.

Conclusion

Graduation season brings a variety of freebies and promotional offers from a range of businesses, primarily centered on food, gift cards, and automotive incentives. These promotions are typically short-term and require some form of verification, such as a cap and gown, diploma, or graduation-related identification. Chains like Krispy Kreme, Insomnia Cookies, and Applebee’s have consistently participated in these events, offering both tangible goods and spending rewards. Retailers such as Best Buy and automotive brands like Toyota and BMW also offer significant incentives for graduates starting new chapters in their lives.

Graduates are encouraged to take advantage of these offers by verifying their eligibility and adhering to the promotion guidelines. By doing so, they can celebrate their achievements with meaningful free gifts that are both personal and practical.

Sources

1. Freebies for Graduating Seniors
2. Graduation Discounts and Freebies
3. Graduation Gift Ideas Austin
4. Friday Freebies
5. Free Prize Ideas for the Classroom