Graduation represents a significant milestone for high school seniors, and numerous brands and retailers have established promotional programs to acknowledge this achievement. These initiatives range from complimentary food items to discounted services and exclusive access to cultural experiences. The availability of these offers often depends on specific verification methods, such as wearing academic regalia, presenting identification, or providing official documentation of graduation status. The following information details verified freebies and discounts available to high school seniors, based on current promotional data.
Food and Beverage Offers
Several food and beverage brands offer specific promotions for graduating seniors, particularly during the traditional graduation season. These offers frequently require the consumer to demonstrate their status as a graduate through visual cues or documentation.
Krispy Kreme has historically offered a "Senior Day Dozen" promotion. According to the data, seniors wearing Class of 2022 swag were eligible to receive a free dozen doughnuts at participating locations on a specific date in May. The required swag included a cap and gown, Class of 2022 shirt or jacket, or other brand-approved merchandise. The specific contents of the free dozen included eight Original Glazed doughnuts and four custom 2022 doughnuts. It is noted that this specific offer was tied to the Class of 2022, and consumers should verify if a similar program exists for current graduating classes.
Insomnia Cookies has offered promotions for graduates of high school, college, and graduate school. One iteration of this promotion required graduates to wear their cap and gown in-store and mention the offer to receive a free 6-pack of Classic cookies. This offer was contingent on a minimum purchase of $5 in-store and was valid at participating locations. For those without cap and gown, the brand indicated that showing any proof of graduation could suffice. Additionally, Insomnia Cookies has offered percentage discounts on cookie cakes using specific promo codes during the graduation period.
Yogurtland offered a promotion where recent high school and college graduates could receive a free 8oz cup of yogurt with toppings. Eligibility required wearing a cap and gown or showing proof of being a graduate of the specific year mentioned in the source material.
Chipotle has provided a Buy 1 Get 1 Free entree coupon to graduates. This coupon was valid for a single free entree with the purchase of an entree of equal or greater value. The offer was time-sensitive, with a specific expiration date noted in the data.
Buca di Beppo offered a complimentary cannoli for every graduate in a party when booking a graduation celebration. This offer was valid for dine-in only.
Krispy Kreme also offered a 20% discount to students with a valid school ID, distinct from the specific graduation swag promotion.
Retail and Apparel Discounts
Retailers frequently offer discounts to students and graduates to build brand loyalty and acknowledge financial constraints associated with education.
Amazon offers a Prime Student program which includes a free trial period (typically six months) followed by a discounted monthly rate. This subscription includes benefits such as free delivery, video streaming, and exclusive deals. The specific discounted rate after the trial period varies but is significantly lower than standard Prime membership.
Acura has offered a "2025 graduate offer" providing $500 in savings. This is likely a rebate or incentive applied toward the purchase or lease of a vehicle.
Audi offers a College Graduate Program designed to assist recent graduates in leasing or financing a new vehicle. A notable feature of this program is the potential eligibility for those without an established credit history or a co-signer.
Adobe Creative Cloud offers substantial discounts for students and graduates, with data indicating up to 60% off the full Creative Cloud suite. This discount applies to software essential for many creative and academic fields.
Adidas provides a 15% discount plus free shipping to students. Other apparel brands offering student discounts include Aerie (20%), American Eagle (20%), Aeropostale (15% one-time discount), ASOS (10% on full-priced purchases), and Ann Taylor (60% off with specific promo codes).
Electronics and Tech Brands such as Lenovo, Logitech, Samsung, and GoPro offer student discounts ranging from 5% to 30% on select products. These discounts often require verification through student email addresses or enrollment status.
Services and Entertainment
Beyond physical goods and food, services and entertainment venues also provide perks for the graduating class.
TDF (Theatre Development Fund) offers a specific "Graduation Gift" for NYC high school seniors. This program provides free TDF memberships, allowing access to deeply discounted tickets for Broadway and off-Broadway shows (ranging from $11 to $60). To verify eligibility, applicants must provide their OSIS number. Members also gain entry into drawings for free Broadway tickets.
Shipt offers a 50% discount on their first same-day grocery shipping service, in addition to a free 2-week trial. This service is useful for graduates moving into new living arrangements or managing household tasks.
Canva allows graduates to customize and print graduation announcement templates by signing up for a free account. While the account is free, printing services may incur costs.
General Student Discount Programs
Many brands offer ongoing discounts for students that are applicable to high school seniors, particularly those with valid student identification.
- Food Service: Discounts are available at Arby’s (10%), Applebee’s (10%), Buffalo Wild Wings (free shareable with minimum purchase at select universities), Chick-fil-A (10%), Dairy Queen (10%), Dog Haus ($5 off $15), Krispy Kreme (20%), McDonald’s (10%), and Pizza Hut (10-20%).
- Health and Beauty: Alex and Ani (15% on select accessories), Alternative Apparel (20%), Amy&Rose (11% with code), Ardene (10%), ASTR the Label (30% with specific code).
- Other Retail: Harry & David (20%), Home Chef (50% off), SmartSweets (10% off $30+), Young & Reckless (10%), Zaful (24% off).
Verification and Eligibility
Eligibility for these offers generally falls into two categories: visual verification or documentation verification.
Visual Verification: Many food-related offers require the consumer to wear a cap and gown or other Class of [Year] swag. This is the primary method for brands like Krispy Kreme, Insomnia Cookies, and Yogurtland. The requirement is often specific to the current graduating year.
Documentation Verification: Discounts on retail goods, software, and services often require proof of student status. This can include a valid school ID (physical or digital), an OSIS number (for NYC TDF program), or a verified student email address (for Amazon Prime Student, tech discounts).
Age-Based or Status-Based Verification: Some automotive programs (Audi, Acura) require proof of graduation within the last two years and may require proof of degree conferral or a letter from the registrar.
Conclusion
The landscape of graduation freebies and discounts is diverse, covering essential categories such as food, apparel, technology, and entertainment. While specific offers vary by year and participating location, the underlying structure of these promotions remains consistent: brands seek to reward academic achievement through financial incentives and complimentary products. High school seniors are encouraged to verify the validity of specific offers for their graduating class, as promotional details often change annually. Utilizing student identification and maintaining records of graduation status are key steps in accessing these benefits.