A Day to Honor Our Everyday Heroes
Every Teacher Appreciation Day, we pause to acknowledge the dedication, patience, and passion that educators bring into classrooms across the nation. Teacher Appreciation Day 2025, falling on Tuesday, May 6, is more than a calendar event it’s a heartfelt moment to celebrate the teachers who shape the future, one student at a time.
While handwritten notes and classroom gifts go a long way, companies nationwide are stepping up with freebies and discounts to make sure teachers feel truly appreciated. From free coffee and meals to exclusive retail deals, this year’s offers are better than ever. Whether you’re a teacher or someone looking to share these perks with an educator you know, this guide will walk you through the best Teacher Appreciation Day 2025 freebies organized, updated, and full of surprises.
Why Businesses Celebrate Teachers with Freebies
Behind every successful student is a teacher who went above and beyond. But teachers often spend hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for classroom supplies and work long hours beyond the school day. Offering freebies and special deals is how many brands show gratitude in a tangible way.
A 2024 national survey found that:
- 94% of teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies each year.
- The average teacher works 53 hours per week, including evenings and weekends.
- Over 80% of educators say feeling appreciated motivates them to stay in the profession.
With these numbers in mind, it’s easy to see why companies are offering exclusive perks during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Section 1: Best Restaurant Freebies for Teachers
Nothing says “thank you” like a free meal or coffee. These restaurants are celebrating teachers with special offers available nationwide.
1. Starbucks – Free Coffee
Teachers can get a free tall hot or iced coffee on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Just show your school or faculty ID at participating locations. This yearly tradition has become a caffeine boost many educators look forward to.
2. McDonald’s – Free Breakfast Combo
From May 5–9, participating McDonald’s locations are offering free breakfast combos (such as an Egg McMuffin and coffee) to educators. Valid with school ID.
3. Chipotle – Burrito Giveaway
Chipotle is giving away 200,000 free burrito e-cards this year to teachers who sign up through their rewards platform. These go fast, so early sign-ups are encouraged.
4. Whataburger – Free Breakfast Item
During Teacher Appreciation Week, Whataburger offers a free breakfast item (choice of Taquito with cheese, Breakfast on a Bun, or Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit) from 5–9 a.m. at participating stores. Valid school ID required.
5. Sonic – Free Cheeseburger or Drink
On May 6, teachers using the Sonic app can redeem a free cheeseburger or large drink. No purchase necessary when using the Educator’s Rewards Program.
Section 2: Best Retail and Online Freebies for Teachers
Whether it’s for the classroom or personal use, retail stores are offering deep discounts and freebies for Teacher Appreciation Day 2025.
1. Staples – Free School Supplies Kit
Many Staples locations are giving away free supply kits, including pens, folders, and notebooks, for the first 50 teachers who visit on May 6. Teachers can also access a 20% discount with a valid ID all week.
2. Michaels – 15% Discount Plus Free Tote Bag
Michaels is offering a 15% discount to teachers year-round, but during Teacher Appreciation Week, the first 100 educators at each location will receive a free custom tote bag filled with classroom goodies.
3. Office Depot/OfficeMax – Bonus Rewards
Teachers receive triple rewards points on purchases during the week and 20% back in rewards when spending over $50 in-store.
4. Barnes & Noble – Free Tote and 20% Off Books
Book lovers rejoice teachers can enjoy 20% off all books and classroom resources, plus a free tote bag with purchases over $30 during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Section 3: Classroom-Friendly Freebies & Educational Tools
Supporting teachers goes beyond meals and merchandise. Many education-based companies offer valuable classroom resources for free during this time.
1. Canva for Education – Premium Tools for Free
Canva continues to provide its premium Pro features for free to teachers, including templates for lesson planning, posters, and infographics.
2. BrainPOP – Free One-Month Subscription
Educators can sign up for a free 30-day trial of BrainPOP, gaining access to animated learning content, quizzes, and teacher planning tools across subjects.
3. Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) – Free Download Day
TPT typically hosts a Free Resource Day during Teacher Appreciation Week, where teachers can download high-quality educational resources at no cost.
Section 4: Apparel and Lifestyle Freebies for Teachers
Teachers deserve to treat themselves and many lifestyle and clothing brands are offering just the way to do that.
1. Crocs – Free Pair Lottery
Crocs is bringing back their “Free Pair for Healthcare and Education” lottery. Teachers can register online for a chance to win a free pair of classic clogs or sandals.
2. Vera Bradley – Teacher Giveaway
Vera Bradley often hosts giveaways featuring stylish totes and accessories perfect for carrying school supplies in style.
3. J.Crew & Loft – Exclusive Educator Discounts
These fashion-forward retailers are offering 15–20% off in-store and online to teachers who verify their status. Some stores include bonus gifts with purchase during Teacher Appreciation Week.
Section 5: Local Business & Community Freebies
Don’t forget to check out what local businesses and community centers near you may be offering. Local salons, yoga studios, bookstores, and cafes often extend free services or special events to teachers in honor of the day.
Some examples include:
- Free haircuts or blowouts at local salons.
- Free yoga classes for teachers all week.
- Free coffee and pastries at independent coffee shops.
- Gift bag giveaways sponsored by local parent-teacher associations (PTAs).
How to Claim These Freebies
To make sure you get the most from Teacher Appreciation Day 2025:
- Bring Your School ID: Most businesses require proof of employment.
- Sign Up Early: Many online giveaways or limited-edition offers run out quickly.
- Check Local Participation: Offers can vary by location, especially for chains.
- Use Store Apps or Loyalty Programs: Some freebies require app downloads or memberships (which are free to join).
- Stay Informed via School Newsletters: Many schools share local perks that are not widely advertised.
Why It Matters: A Culture of Appreciation
Recognizing teachers isn’t just about gifts and freebies. It’s about showing that we see the value of education and the role teachers play in building resilient, informed communities. Research shows that appreciation can:
- Improve morale and retention among teachers.
- Encourage community engagement in schools.
- Inspire students to express gratitude and learn empathy.
Whether you’re a business offering a deal or a student writing a thank-you note, your gesture goes further than you think.
Key Takeaways
- Teacher Appreciation Day 2025 is on May 6, with many deals running all week.
- Restaurants like Starbucks, McDonald’s, Chipotle, and Whataburger offer free food and drinks.
- Retailers including Staples, Michaels, and Barnes & Noble provide free supplies and teacher discounts.
- Classroom tools like Canva, BrainPOP, and TPT offer helpful resources at no cost.
- Apparel brands like Crocs and Vera Bradley offer free products or exclusive giveaways.
- Local businesses also provide unique perks be sure to check near you!
- Always carry your school ID and plan ahead to claim the best offers.
Celebrate and Share the Joy
Teacher Appreciation Day 2025 is more than just a feel-good moment it’s a national opportunity to elevate the work of educators. From classroom freebies to breakfast burritos, each offering sends a message: “We see you. We value you. We thank you.”
So whether you’re a teacher or someone who loves one, take advantage of these freebies, share them widely, and let this be a week where educators feel empowered, appreciated, and celebrated because they deserve nothing less.
