Small Business Saturday 2026: Deals for Teachers & Military
Plan November 28 shopping with verified teacher and military discounts and checkout limits in mind.
The U.S. Small Business Administration lists Small Business Saturday 2026 as Saturday, November 28, 2026, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, on its observance page. Teachers and military shoppers can pair everyday educator and service-linked savings with purchases from neighborhood small businesses that day.
Small Business Saturday is a yearly shopping day that asks shoppers to support local small businesses and shop small. Classroom and military discounts do not replace local-shop specials. They stretch supply budgets so readers can include small-business stops.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 02, 2026.
What does shopping small mean that day?
Shopping small means spending with independently owned neighborhood stores, makers, and service shops. Those shops set their own specials for the day. National educator and military programs can cover classroom and home supplies separately.
Plan two lists before the Saturday event. Put gifts, decor, and community services under small-business stops. Put classroom consumables and project materials under educator or military savings.
What teacher savings can you use?
Michaels states on its Teacher Discount page that verified educators save 15% on their entire purchase, including sale items, online and in store. Shoppers enroll in Michaels Rewards, verify educator status, and skip clearance, gift cards, custom framing, Cricut and Silhouette machines, and third-party items. Office Depot advertises on its Rewards page a Teacher Exclusive coupon for 25% back in Bonus Rewards on qualifying purchases.
It works in store only from December 28, 2025 to December 26, 2026 with teacher ID, a Rewards number, and the coupon at checkout.
What military saving can you use?
Home Depot notes on its Military Discount page that active service members, veterans, and spouses receive 10% off eligible purchases. Yearly savings stop at a 400-dollar maximum discount that resets each calendar year. Verify service status and join the retailer account before the shopping day.
Check whether your tools, materials, or appliances count as eligible.
How do you avoid checkout surprises?
Discount value changes with exclusions, annual caps, and channel rules. A cart with gift cards or clearance items totals differently than expected. An online checkout misses an in-store-only coupon.
Run these checks before you shop. They take a few minutes and prevent register friction. Bring required ID and any coupon to the register.
Confirm exclusions and channel limits before you wait in line.
- Join Rewards and complete educator or service verification early.
- Read exclusion and eligibility terms for each item.
- Confirm in-store versus online use.
- Track yearly discount totals where a cap applies.