Teacher Appreciation Week is back—and brands big and small are stepping up to show their gratitude with some seriously good perks. From free meals to deep discounts, there are plenty of ways educators can treat themselves without spending a dime (or at least, not much of one!). Whether you’re a classroom teacher or school staff member, these limited-time deals are a well-deserved thank-you for your incredible dedication. Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 – 9) also overlaps with National Nurses Week (May 6 – 12) so some of these offers have been extended to healthcare professionals as well.
Check out the standout offers below and make the most of this appreciation-packed week!
Fuel Up & Feel the Love: Teacher Freebies from Your Favorite Restaurants
Applebee’s: Free App for Educators & Nurses
Applebee’s is saying thanks to teachers and nurses with a delicious dine-in deal: through May 10, educators and healthcare heroes can enjoy a free appetizer (up to $12 value) with the purchase of any adult entrée. Just show your school or work ID and mention the offer seen here to your server.
This special is available at all Flynn Applebee’s locations for dine-in only, and cannot be combined with other offers. It’s a small way to relax, recharge, and enjoy a little appreciation—on a plate.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim an Applebee’s gift card.
Chipotle: Free Entrees for Teachers & Healthcare Heroes
Chipotle is doubling down on gratitude this spring by giving away more than $2 million in free entrées to honor educators and healthcare professionals. In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9) and National Nurses Week (May 6–12), the brand is awarding 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers with free burrito e-cards.
From April 30 through May 12, eligible individuals can enter for a chance to win by visiting teacherthanks.chipotle.com or healthcarethanks.chipotle.com. Winners will be notified starting the week of May 13 and must verify their employment through ID.me within 48 hours to claim their free entrée.
Chipotle is also inviting guests to round up their orders on the app or website to support two mission-driven organizations: the Kids In Need Foundation, which helps supply teachers and students in underserved schools, and the American Nurses Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Nurses Association.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Chipotle gift card.
Whataburger: Free Breakfast for Teachers & School staff
Whataburger is dishing out a Whatasized thank-you to educators everywhere during National Teacher Appreciation Week, running May 5–9. Teachers and school staff can swing by participating locations from 5–9 a.m., Monday through Friday, to claim a free breakfast entrée—just show a valid school ID when ordering. Whether it’s a Taquito with Cheese, a Breakfast on a Bun, or a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, the choice is theirs. This offer is available in-restaurant only for dine-in, drive-thru, or takeout.
In addition to breakfast freebies, Whataburger is honoring its roots and giving back in a big way. As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, the brand is awarding $1,000 classroom grants to 75 outstanding educators, totaling $75,000 in funding. These WhataTeacher grants recognize the incredible impact of teachers across Whataburger’s 16-state footprint and are part of the company’s broader Feeding Student Success initiative, which supports education and fights food insecurity.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Whataburger gift card.
More Ways to Save: Teacher Discounts on Supplies, Streaming & More
Office Depot: 20% Off Coupon; 25% Bonus Rewards
Teachers can score two new benefits from Office Depot. Once verified with Id.Me teachers will get a coupon code for 20% off one qualifying regular or sale price purchase to be used by July 15, 2025 in-store or online. They’ll also get an online-only perk of 25% back in Bonus Rewards on qualifying purchases through June 28, 2025. Teachers can stock up on everything from school supplies to cleaning supplies with these offers.
Peacock: $3.99 a Month for Peacock Premium
Peacock is celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week by offering educators a full year of its Peacock Premium streaming service for only $3.99/month—a significant discount from the regular $7.99/month rate.
The offer is available to new and existing Peacock subscribers who verify their educator status through SheerID. With thousands of hours of hit shows, movies, and live sports, it’s a well-deserved break for those who make a difference every day in the classroom.
Budget-Friendly & Heartfelt Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas
Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time for our families to also say “thank you” to the wonderful educators who go above and beyond for our children. But showing appreciation doesn’t have to cost a lot—sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most. Here are some thoughtful and budget-friendly ideas that are sweet, creative, and easy to pull off, even at the last minute!
“Thanks a Latte” Coffee Treat
Buy an inexpensive $5 coffee shop gift card or a bottled iced coffee drink and add a cute note that says: “Thanks a latte for all you do!”
Teachers will love the caffeine boost—and the appreciation!
Thank-You Card/Drawing with a Personal Touch
Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note. Encourage your child to write a thank-you card sharing what they love most about their teacher. You can even have your kiddos color and/or fill out these teacher coloring and activity pages on Crayola.com
Add a piece of candy or a flower from your garden for a sweet finishing touch.
Bonus: Click here for your chance to claim a Crayola sample.
DIY Snack Bag with a Fun Message
Put together a small snack bag with things like popcorn, granola bars, or trail mix and include a little card that says: “You’re all that and a bag of chips!”
Use dollar store sandwich bags or snack containers to keep costs low.
Plant a Smile
Tiny succulents or mini flower pots can often be found at stores like Dollar Tree, Walmart, or your local nursery for a couple of dollars. Add a sign that says: “Thanks for helping us grow!”
This one’s perfect for spring and brings a touch of nature to any classroom.
Scent-sational Thanks
A small hand sanitizer, mini lotion, or candle from stores like Bath & Body Works or Target’s dollar section can be dressed up with a tag:“You’re scent-sational!”
Buy in bulk or during a sale to make these gifts extra affordable.
“Donut” Know What We’d Do Without You
Pick up a single donut (or a box for the whole staff!) and print or write a note that says: “We donut know what we’d do without you!”
Check out local bakeries or grocery stores that offer deals on dozen donuts to keep costs down.
Whether you’re in the mood for a free meal, planning to stock up on classroom essentials, or simply ready to unwind with a streaming marathon, these Teacher Appreciation Week deals are designed to celebrate you. Be sure to check each offer’s fine print and deadlines, and don’t forget—sometimes the smallest gestures from students and families are the ones that mean the most. Here’s to all the amazing teachers and staff who make a difference every single day—thank you for everything you do!