The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
When report card time arrives, it’s nice to reward your kid for a job well done. Fortunately, there are lots of freebies to be had for good grades! Getting a special treat at the end of the school year can be a great motivator as well a super-fun way to kick off summer vacation.
Here are some of the best deals, discounts and completely free stuff kids can get for acing their report cards this year.
MORE: 13 restaurants where kids eat free
Free Doughnuts at Krispy Kreme
Got A’s? Bring your report card to Krispy Kreme and get one free donut per A. Scholars can get up to six free doughnuts.
It’s a bit of an open secret — you won’t see the A’s-for-donuts giveaway advertised. But a Krispy Kreme rep confirmed to People that it’s real.
Not all locations do this, however, so call ahead to make sure your local Krispy Kreme participates.
Free Play Points at Chuck E. Cheese
Print out a Super Student Award certificate when your star pupil brings home a good report card. Bring it to Chuck E. Cheese to redeem for 10 free Play Points to use in the arcade after making a food purchase.
You can also print out awards for sports achievements, losing a tooth and other accomplishments.
Free Ice Cream at Baskin-Robbins
Bring your good report card to Baskin-Robbins for a free scoop of the good stuff.
Like Krispy Kreme, make sure the location you want to visit participates in the program before you head out to celebrate.
Free Kids’ Meal at Applebee’s
The under-12 set can get an A is for Applebee’s Award Card, which is good for a free meal from the restaurant chain’s kids’ menu. In order to redeem it, a teacher must fill out this form online to request “award cards.” The teacher then fills out the cards and distributes them, recognizing students for academic or non-academic achievements.
MORE: 15 free spring break activities to do with your kids
Good Student Discount from Progressive
If you have a teen driver in your family, you can take advantage of the good student discount from Progressive. Students who maintain a “B” average or better are eligible for the discount. Additionally, if you have a college student on your policy who goes to school more than 100 miles from your home and is 22 years old or younger, you can also get a discount. The amount of the discount varies, so contact the company for a quote.
$20 Per Year in Your Savings Account at Discovery Federal Credit Union
With the Straight “A” Pay-Day program at Discovery Federal Credit Union, students can bring in their most recent report cards and get a deposit of $1 for every A, up to $5 per quarter for a possible total of $20 per year. Year after year, that can really add up!
Discovery’s not the only bank that gives money for grades — check if your institution does something similar.
Don’t forget, plenty of retailers not listed here may also be offering deals they just don’t post officially, so check locally with businesses you go to for additional free stuff! Also, check with your locations of the businesses above to make sure they are participating in the giveaways before you go.
Of course, good grades are valuable in themselves, right? But these kid-friendly perks can sure sweeten up summer for the hardworking students in your family!
Kate Streit lives in Chicago. She enjoys stand-up comedy, mystery novels, memoirs, summer and pumpkin spice anything. More.
