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Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4 to 8, 2026.
It’s typical for retailers and restaurants to offer special deals and freebies to educators during this time. We compile a list each year and invite you to click thru the links for details.
Note that some of these teacher discounts are valid all year round, while others are for one day or one week only.
And remember, participation can vary by location with chains and franchises. It’s always good to verify the deal is on before you head out to dine or shop.
2026 Teacher Appreciation Deals
Click thru the links for full details and fine print on the offers.
• Apple
Apple offers Apple education pricing on a new Mac or iPad to teachers, school staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels — also to college students and their parents. Prices vary, but amount to roughly 10% OFF. If you shop at an Apple store, make sure to ask about this discount!
• Applebee’s
From May 4 to 8, 2026, Applebee’s is offering teachers and nurses a FREE appetizer OR dessert (up to $12) with the purchase of an entrée.
Qualifying customers must mention the offer upon ordering.
• Cheap Caribbean
Teachers definitely deserve a vacation, and there’s no better place to relax than in a tropical locale.
Cheap Caribbean offers an exclusive Hero Discount for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders and members of the military.
Teachers can enjoy $150 off their next vacation package.
Get more details here.
Chipotle
Chipotle invites nurses and educators to enter for a chance to win a free Burrito e-card from April 28 through May 12, 2026, on the respective microsites:
Teachers: teacherthanks.chipotle.com
Healthcare professionals: healthcarethanks.chipotle.com
At the end of Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurse Appreciation Week, 100,000 teachers and 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected to receive an email to verify their employment status via ID.me, and receive a free Burrito e-card.
• Costco
Teachers who join Costo’s Gold Star membership program get a free $20 Costco shop card. Those who join with an Executive membership get a free $40 card.
Info here
• Einstein Bros. Bagels
On May 6, 2026, Einstein Bros. Bagels is giving teachers (and nurses!) a FREE Bagel & Shmear of their choice with any purchase.
• Eyemart Express
National optical retailer Eyemart Express is recognizing all teachers with 20% off on all prescription eyewear, along with 2,000 frames, lens upgrades and accessories. The offer is also extended to school administrators and school district employees, including janitors, counselors, and bus drivers. Simply present a valid school ID badge to take advantage of these savings.
Eyemart Express offers this discount all year.
• Gift card bonus offers
Teacher Appreciation Week falls during spring bonus card season, when many retailers and restaurants offer bonus cards with gift card purchases.
See our big list gift card bonus offers
• Insomnia Cookies
Nurses and teachers can get one cookie FREE when they buy one, in-store, May 5 to 12, 2026. (Free classic cookie with classic cookie purchase, or free deluxe cookie with deluxe cookie purchase.) Must show valid teacher/nurse identification and must be an Insomnia Rewards member to redeem. Participation may vary by location.
This info was received in an email.
• Lenovo Computers
Teachers of any grade level can save an extra 5% sitewide at Lenovo.
A discount is also available for students and parents.
• McAlister’s Deli
Teachers who show an educator ID at participating McAlister’s Deli locations from May 4 to 8, 2026, will receive a free 32 oz tea. You must order in person, and the offer is good for dine-in and takeout orders only. The same deal is available to nurses, for Nurses Appreciation Week, with valid ID.
More info
• Michaels
Teachers get a 15% discount at Michaels online and in-store. Bring an educator ID to shop in person, or verify your educator status through the Rewards Program. The discount is even valid on most sale items.
More info
• Museum of Illusions
Teachers can visit Museum of Illusions all year for FREE. Just show your school ID.
show proof of teacher status.
If you visit during Teacher Appreciation Week, there is usually a special gift or drawing.
The free admission offer is mentioned in the ticket price page — just scroll down.
• MOD Pizza
Teachers and nurses have a BOGO offer from MOD — from May 4 to 7, 2026.
Buy any regular-size pizza or salad and get one for free.
Just show your work ID at the register when you order in-restaurant.
• The Parking Spot
The Parking Spot is a great option for no-stress parking at Hartsfield.
Teachers get a 10% discount every day of the year — BUT, in the month of May, 2026, they can make a reservation for travel through the end of 2026, and get 25% off.
Nurses, use this link to make your reservation.
• Samsung
Teachers and educators can save up to 30% off on laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more when shopping on Samsung.com, thru the Samsung Education Offers Program.
• Target
From May 3 to 9, 2026, verified teachers* (who are also members of the store’s FREE Target Circle loyalty program) receive 10% off one storewide purchase — in-store or online.
Target also offers ongoing support for educators throughout the year. Verified teachers enjoy $50 off an annual Target Circle 360 membership, which includes FREE shipping, same-day delivery, monthly freebies and early access to select sales and collaborations. (Teachers pay only $49 for the annual membership — regularly $99.)
Get started here to qualify for the discount
• Tiff’s Treats
Tiff’s Treats is saying thank you to teachers and nurses with an offer of 15% OFF site-wide, through May 9, 2026.
Use code SITE15 at checkout.
This info was received in an email.
Offers in past years
In previous years, there were Teacher Appreciation deals at the venues listed below. We’ll be watching for offers from them this year.
- Firehouse Subs
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Zaxby’s
- Tijuana Flats
- Sonic Drive-In
- Great Wolf Lodge
- Subway
- Verizon
- More
