Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 Complete Guide To Discounts Free Meals And Special Offers

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 will be celebrated from Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 9, with numerous businesses across the United States offering special discounts, freebies, and exclusive deals to honor educators. This annual tradition recognizes the hard work and dedication of teachers and school staff through a variety of offers ranging from complimentary food and beverages to reduced prices on classroom supplies and merchandise. Most offers require presentation of a valid school or teaching ID for verification.

Restaurant and Food Offers

During Teacher Appreciation Week, many restaurants and food establishments show their appreciation by offering free items or discounts specifically for educators. These offers provide an opportunity for teachers to enjoy a meal or refreshment at reduced cost or no cost at all.

Restaurant Specials

• Abuelo's will offer 20% off the entire check on Tuesday, May 6, at all locations. This discount is available for dine-in orders only and requires presentation of a valid teaching or school staff ID.

• Applebee's (at Flynn locations only) is providing a free appetizer up to $12 value with the purchase of an adult entrée from April 28 through May 10. Teachers and nurses can receive this offer by mentioning the promotion along with their school or work badge to their server. The offer is valid for dine-in orders only and cannot be combined with any other promotion. Only one coupon is permitted per order, per visit.

• Burger King is offering a FREE Whopper Jr. with any $1 or more purchase during the appreciation period.

• Logan's Roadhouse is extending appreciation with 20% off an entrée for teachers who present a valid ID from May 5 through May 12.

• Smoothie King will begin offering 20% off in-store orders starting May 6, requiring teachers to show a valid work ID.

• Taziki's Mediterranean Café is showing appreciation with a discount on orders during the spring period, though the specific percentage was not specified in the available information.

• McAlister's Deli is providing complimentary drinks to educators during Teacher Appreciation Week.

• Barnes & Noble Café is offering complimentary coffee to teachers as part of the appreciation celebration.

Food Retail Offers

• Einstein Bros. Bagels is making it easy to show appreciation with 20% off all gift card purchases exclusively online through June 24. This offer provides a simple way to thank educators and can be used for future purchases.

• DoodleFace Crayon Boards are available at a 20% discount on Amazon from May 5-9 with the code 20LOVETEACH. These reusable, mess-free boards feature jumbo, non-toxic crayons with a wipe-clean surface and come in six fun designs.

Retail Discounts and Classroom Supplies

Beyond food offerings, numerous retailers provide special discounts and promotions during Teacher Appreciation Week to help educators save on classroom supplies, personal items, and professional needs.

Office Supply Stores

• Office Depot/Office Max is currently offering teachers 25% back in bonus rewards on qualifying purchases through June 29. This promotion is valid in-store only and requires presentation of a valid teacher ID. The bonus rewards can be used for future purchases at these stores.

General Retailer Offers

• Target is anticipated to offer a 10% teacher discount during Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, though specific details about verification requirements were not available in the source material.

• Costco offers new teacher members a Shop Card with membership enrollment. New Executive members receive a $40 Shop Card, while Gold Star members receive a $20 Shop Card.

Everyday Teacher Discounts

In addition to the special offers during Teacher Appreciation Week, many businesses provide ongoing discounts and benefits for educators throughout the year. These everyday appreciation programs allow teachers to save consistently on various products and services.

Ongoing Retail Discounts

• BJ's Wholesale Club offers ID.me verified educators a $10 reward when they sign up for a BJ's membership for $25 (regularly $60).

• Canva provides Canva for Education free to teachers at eligible schools, offering design tools for classroom materials and presentations.

• Blick Art Materials gives teachers who join the Blick Preferred program a 10% discount every day on art supplies and materials.

• Eyemart Express extends a 20% discount in-store year-round to any school employee, including educators, nurses, custodial staff, food service workers, and bus drivers at accredited public or private schools (PK-12, college, or university) with proper school ID.

• Lenovo offers educators 5% off every day on purchases made through Lenovo.com.

Predicted Future Offers

Based on previous years' promotions and industry trends, several businesses are anticipated to offer teacher discounts during Teacher Appreciation Week 2025:

• Stitch Fix is expected to provide a discount on the first Fix when teachers verify eligibility through ID.me.

• The Parking Spot (near-airport parking company) may offer educators 25% off parking in May for travel anytime through the end of 2025, requiring sign-up with an associated education email account.

• Tijuana Flats is predicted to offer a discount on entire dine-in or to-go orders during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

• Tim Hortons may have a BOGO free doughnut deal, including offers like buy 12 doughnuts and get six free.

• Vitality Bowls is anticipated to provide educators with a discount on all orders when showing a valid teacher ID.

• Whataburger might offer teachers and school employees a free breakfast entree, such as a Breakfast on a Bun or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, from 5-9 a.m.

• Which Wich is predicted to have a teacher-exclusive discount on in-store orders when showing a valid work ID on May 5.

• WOB World of Beer Bar & Kitchen may celebrate teachers with a discount for dine-in customers who show their teacher ID, likely with a limit of one per check, per day.

• Office Depot/Office Max is expected to offer a 20% discount on purchases when educators create a rewards account (free to join) and verify eligibility through ID.me.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Offers

Several entertainment and lifestyle businesses also participate in Teacher Appreciation Week by offering special rates or discounts for educators.

• Lucky Strike has launched its 2025 Summer Season Pass, offering daily bowling, free shoe rentals, and exclusive perks from May 13 through September 1. Starting at $67.49, this pass is available at participating locations nationwide and is open to everyone, not just teachers. Premium passes include additional benefits such as arcade credits and food and drink discounts.

How to Access Teacher Discounts

To take advantage of these offers, educators typically need to:

1. Verify their status as a teacher or school employee through appropriate identification (school ID, work badge, etc.)
2. Present this identification when making purchases or redeeming offers
3. Some offers may require registration through specific platforms like ID.me
4. Certain promotions may have additional requirements such as minimum purchase amounts or specific dates/times of availability

Planning for Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers can maximize their benefits during Teacher Appreciation Week by:

1. Planning visits to participating establishments during the specified dates
2. Bringing proper identification to verify educator status
3. Checking with local locations as participation may vary by franchise or store
4. Reviewing terms and conditions for each offer, including any restrictions or limitations
5. Combining offers where permitted (though many promotions cannot be combined with other discounts)

The History of Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week has been observed annually since 1984, surrounding National Teacher Appreciation Day, which always falls on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. This tradition provides an opportunity for communities, businesses, and individuals to recognize and celebrate the contributions of educators to society.

Conclusion

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 offers numerous opportunities for educators to enjoy special deals, discounts, and free items from a wide range of participating businesses. From complimentary food and beverages to reduced prices on classroom supplies and personal items, these promotions provide tangible benefits to teachers who dedicate themselves to educating children. Most offers require presentation of valid school or teaching ID, and participation may vary by location. By planning ahead and taking advantage of these opportunities, teachers can enjoy well-deserved recognition and savings during this annual appreciation period.

Sources

1. Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies & Deals
2. Teacher Appreciation Week Deals & Freebies
3. National Teacher Appreciation Day Deals
4. Teacher Appreciation Week Freebies & Discounts