2020 Graduate Freebies And Promotional Offers

The year 2020 presented unique challenges for high school and college seniors, with traditional graduation ceremonies disrupted by global health concerns. In response, numerous brands and retailers launched promotional campaigns specifically targeting the Class of 2020. These initiatives ranged from complimentary food items to gift card bonuses and scholarship opportunities. This article details the verified freebies and deals available to graduates during that period, based on information provided in the source documents.

Food and Beverage Offers

The food and beverage sector provided the most visible support for graduates in 2020, with several major chains offering free products or purchase incentives.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme launched a prominent campaign for the Class of 2020. On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, the company offered a free dozen doughnuts (specifically the "2020 Graduate Dozen") to high school and college seniors. To claim this offer, students were required to visit a local Krispy Kreme shop wearing their graduation cap and gown or other "Class of 2020-themed" gear, such as a T-shirt and hat. No purchase was necessary to receive the free dozen. Additionally, the "2020 Graduate Dozen" was available for purchase during the week of May 18-24, 2020.

Chipotle

Chipotle offered a dual promotion for graduates. The first 5,000 customers who purchased a graduation-themed gift card between May 21 and June 30, 2020, received a coupon code for a free entree (valid with the purchase of an entree of equal or greater value). Beyond the gift card promotion, Chipotle also hosted an Instagram contest where students could enter to win a $25,000 scholarship.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box provided a mobile app-exclusive offer for the Class of 2020. From May 20 through May 26, 2020, customers could receive two free tacos with any purchase made through the Jack in the Box mobile app.

Yogurtland

Yogurtland offered a free treat to graduates on June 21, 2021 (noted in the source data as a 2021 promotion). Recent high school and college graduates could visit a local Yogurtland location to fill a free 8oz cup of yogurt with their choice of toppings. Eligibility required wearing a cap and gown or showing proof of being a 2021 graduate.

Gift Card Promotions and Bonus Offers

Several restaurants offered financial incentives in the form of bonus cards or vouchers when purchasing gift cards, which served as popular graduation gifts.

Applebee’s

Through June 29, 2025, Applebee's offered a $10 bonus card with the online or in-store purchase of $50 in Applebee’s gift cards. The bonus cards were valid from the day after purchase through August 3, 2025.

Auntie Anne’s

Auntie Anne’s ran a promotion through June 15, 2025, allowing customers to receive a $5 bonus reward for every $25 spent on Auntie Anne’s gift cards. Redemption of the bonus cards required a free rewards account, and the bonus cards were usable through July 15, 2025.

Benihana

Benihana offered up to $60 in bonuses through June 15, 2025, via two distinct gift card promotions.

Logan’s Roadhouse

Logan’s Roadhouse offered two $10 bonus cards to customers who spent $50 on gift cards through June 9, 2025. These bonus cards were valid for use anytime until July 31, 2025.

McAlister’s Deli

McAlister’s Deli provided a $5 reward voucher for every $25 gift card purchased through June 15, 2025. To redeem the voucher, customers were required to unlock it in a registered McAlister’s Rewards account.

Miller’s Ale House

Miller’s Ale House offered a $10 bonus gift card with the purchase of a $50 gift card for graduates. This offer was valid through June 29, 2025, and the bonus card was usable between June 30 and August 31, 2025.

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Moe’s Southwest Grill provided $5 in Moe’s Rewards for every $25 gift card purchased through June 16, 2025.

Retail and General Consumer Offers

Outside of food and beverage, other retailers provided discounts and freebies targeted at graduates.

Edible Arrangements

Edible Arrangements gave away free "Celebration Dipped Fruit Delights" to 2,020 graduates in 2020. To claim this free fruit bouquet, graduates were required to post a video on social media using the hashtag #EdibleMoments, including their name and an explanation of how they planned to celebrate. For non-graduates, the company offered 20% off all graduation-themed gifts purchased between May 14 and June 5, 2020.

Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery offered one free classic cupcake in-store through June 30, 2025. This offer was available to graduates of any age who visited the bakery wearing their cap and gown or carrying their 2025 diploma.

General Student Discounts

Source data also indicated a broader landscape of student discounts available during this era, though not all were strictly limited to 2020 graduates. These included: * Chipotle: Buy 1 Get 1 Free Entree coupon valid through July 8, 2021. * Arby’s: 10% discount to students with valid ID. * Applebee’s: 10% off with valid school ID. * Buffalo Wild Wings: Free shareable meal for every $10 minimum purchase (for college students from select universities). * Chick-fil-A: 10% discount on select orders. * Dairy Queen: 10% off at participating locations. * Dog Haus: $5 discount on orders of $15. * Freshly: 15% student discount code off the first 4 orders. * Harry & David: 20% off. * Home Chef: 50% off. * Krispy Kreme: 20% with valid school ID. * McDonald’s: 10% off select orders at participating restaurants. * Pizza Hut: 10-20% on select orders with valid ID. * Shipt: 50% off first same-day grocery shipping plus a free 2-week trial. * SmartSweets: 10% off $30 or more with code HERO10.

Conclusion

The Class of 2020 had access to a variety of free offers and promotional deals designed to celebrate their achievements despite unusual circumstances. The most direct freebies included free donuts from Krispy Kreme and free fruit arrangements from Edible Arrangements, both requiring specific verification of graduate status. Many other brands incentivized gift card purchases with bonus cards or vouchers, providing value to both the gift giver and the graduate. While some offers were strictly for 2020, others extended into subsequent years or represented general student discounts available to those with valid identification.

Sources

1. Hip2Save: Free Stuff for Graduates
2. Munchkin Freebies: Free Donuts for 2020 Graduates
3. Today: Krispy Kreme, Chipotle, More Honor 2020 Graduates
4. AJC: Graduation 2020 Deals and Freebies
5. Average Socialite: Perks for Seniors