May 2025 presents a diverse array of freebies and promotional offers for consumers across the United States. Businesses in the food and beverage, retail, and healthcare sectors are launching targeted campaigns to celebrate specific holidays and appreciation weeks, including Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, and National Nurses Week. These promotions range from complimentary food items and beverages to product discounts and exclusive event access. The availability of these offers is often time-sensitive, with specific eligibility requirements such as membership status, proof of profession, or minimum purchase thresholds. This article details the verified freebies and deals available during May, drawing from official brand announcements and trusted consumer deal aggregators.
Food and Beverage Freebies
The food and beverage sector is particularly active in May, offering free meals, snacks, and drinks to celebrate holidays and show appreciation to specific demographics. These offers vary by location, date, and eligibility requirements.
Cinco de Mayo Promotions
Several restaurants offered specials to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on May 5th. In the Phoenix Valley, The Mexicano hosted a weekend-long fiesta from May 3rd through May 5th. The promotion included specials such as $4 Mexican Candy Shots and $12 passion fruit palomas. Additionally, the first 100 guests received a complimentary Corona, though restrictions applied. Diego Pops also ran a Cinco de Mayo weekend promotion featuring a $20 taco special, which included five steak or chicken tacos with pico de gallo, lettuce, and cheese. Tocaya offered a catering special through May 5th; guests who ordered $150 or more on any catering package for pickup or delivery received a free 20 oz. guacamole using the code CINCO at checkout. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offered a $5 large beverage of any kind from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Mother's Day Dining
For Mother's Day on May 11th, Salt + Lime Modern Mexican Grill in the Valley offered a "moms eat free" promotion on both Saturday, May 10th, and Sunday, May 11th. Mothers received a free meal with the purchase of one entree during operating hours.
National Nurses Week Offers
National Nurses Week, observed from May 6th to May 12th, triggered a significant number of freebies and discounts for healthcare professionals. Many of these offers require verification of employment status.
Coffee and Beverages: * Dunkin' Donuts: On May 6th (Nurse's Day), Dunkin' offered a free medium hot or iced coffee to all nurses. * Starbucks: During the week of May 6th to May 13th, Starbucks provided a free Tall Hot or Iced Coffee to nurses. * Scooter's Coffee: On May 6th, 2025, nurses and healthcare workers with a valid ID received a free medium drink. A limited number of "Healthcare Heroes" stickers were also available at each location while supplies lasted. * Smoothie King: Participating restaurants offered 20% off on in-store orders from May 6th through May 8th to nurses with a valid badge. Some locations also conducted drawings.
Meals and Snacks: * Chipotle: Chipotle offered 250,000 free burritos to nurses during Nurses Week. Nurses could apply online and, if selected, receive a unique code via email to redeem at checkout. Separately, another source noted a chance to win a free Chipotle e-card with a promo code for an entrée, ending May 12th. * Insomnia Cookies: Nurses showing a valid ID received a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) offer on classic cookies through May 11th. * Mod Pizza: From May 5th through May 8th, nurses with a valid work ID could enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free MOD-size pizza or salad. * Mountain Mike's Pizza: Nurses received 15% off all pizza with the code "APPRECIATE25" from May 6th through May 9th. * Pizza Hut: Select locations offered free 1-topping pizzas on May 7th or free mini pizzas from May 5th through 9th for dine-in or carryout only. * Potbelly: Nurses could score a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of any entrée through May 11th in-store only. * Ruby Tuesday: A free add-on to the Garden Bar was available with the promo code THANKYOU25 in-store only from May 5th through May 8th. * Shipley Do-Nuts: Loyalty members who were nurses received a free half dozen doughnuts between May 4th and 6th. * Sonny's BBQ: Nurses received a free Pork Big Deal from Monday, May 5th, to Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 (until 8 p.m. EST). * Applebee's: Through May 10th, nurses could get a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée at participating restaurants owned by the Flynn Group. * Shake Shack: Participating locations gave nurses a free Classic or LTO shake with any purchase from May 6th through 12th (limit one per order). * Outback Steakhouse: Nurses and first responders received a 10% discount off their entire check with a valid medical ID. * Original ChopShop: Nurses could flash their badge to save 10% off dine-in and to-go orders from May 5th through 9th.
Discounts on Food Services: * Factor Meals: Offering 55% off the first box and free shipping, with 15% off for the following year upon verification with ID.me. * Home Chef: Sign up via ID.me to receive 50% off the first box and 10% off ongoing boxes. * Noodles & Company: All customers could save 15% off catering orders of $150 or more in honor of National Nurses Week through May 12th.
Walmart+ Week and Burger King
Walmart+ Week ran through May 4th, offering exclusive benefits to members. These included daily Burger King freebies, such as a free Whopper or other sandwich with any $1 purchase in the Burger King app, and a 50¢ per gallon discount on fuel. Members could also unlock free bonus Walmart Cash by taking advantage of two deals.
Retail and Product Promotions
Beyond food, May features several retail events and product promotions, including a notable trade-in event and specific holiday sales.
Target Car Seat Trade-In Event
Target hosted its popular Car Seat Trade-In Event during May. This program allows parents to trade in old or expired car seats for a 20% discount coupon, valid toward the purchase of a new car seat, stroller, or baby gear. This event is a significant opportunity for families to upgrade safety equipment at a reduced cost.
Star Wars Day (May 4th)
On May 4th, retailers offered various Star Wars-themed sales and promotions. Deals included discounted apparel and toys at Disney and Amazon, as well as promotions from LEGO and Vera Bradley. LEGO also offered an opportunity to register to build a free LEGO Star Wars Grogu at participating LEGO stores.
Clothing Discounts
Lululemon offered nurses up to a 25% discount on clothing.
Event-Based Freebies and Tax-Free Weeks
May also includes opportunities for free event participation and tax-free shopping in specific states.
Maryland and Virginia Tax-Free Weeks
- Maryland: August 10th through 16th was designated as Maryland Tax-Free Week, during which no sales tax was paid on clothing and shoes priced at $100 or less. The first $40 of backpacks and bookbags were also tax-free.
- Virginia: A sales tax holiday for back-to-school and hurricane preparedness items took place over a weekend in August.
National Mall of Pickleball
An event called the National Mall of Pickleball was scheduled for September 19th through 21st. Consumers could sign up to receive timely notifications about joining the free events.
Other Freebies and Discounts
Additional offers mentioned in the source data include: * Arby's: Rewards members could get free medium fries every day in August with a $10 online order placed for in-store pickup. * Krispy Kreme: On August 9th, customers could receive a free original glazed doughnut. * Instacart: From August 11th through 17th, Instacart offered a different free item daily for kids heading back to school. Items ranged from fruit snacks to protein shakes. A minimum purchase of $10 was required for delivery, but no minimum purchase was needed to receive the free item itself. * Carvel: Buying $25 in gift cards between August 18th and 31st resulted in a free small soft serve. On August 20th, soft serve sundaes were buy one get one free. * Awake Caffeinated Chocolate: 15% off after verifying status on ID.me. * Free Rein Coffee Company: 20% off through ID.me. * Purity Coffee: 30% off.
Conclusion
May 2025 offers a wide variety of freebies and discounts, particularly for nurses celebrating their appreciation week and consumers interested in Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day dining deals. Key opportunities include free coffee from Dunkin' and Starbucks, free burritos from Chipotle, and discounts at numerous restaurants and retailers. Time-sensitive events such as the Target Car Seat Trade-In and Walmart+ Week provide additional value. Consumers are advised to verify eligibility requirements, such as ID verification or loyalty membership, and to act quickly as many offers are limited to specific dates or while supplies last.