Classroom supplies splurges

With all the hype around the “clear the list” Amazon movement just a few weeks ago I started to think about what my dream classroom would look like.

I didn’t generate a list and I did not participate in the clear the list campaign. I feel a little odd asking the world (or worse my friends and family) to provide my classroom with futons and other flexible seating options that cost over $100, while simultaneously believing the world will be a better place if our students, the workers and leaders of tomorrow, inhabit a school space that inspires them to be the best version of themselves.

With everyone around me creating clear the list pages on Amazon I decided to make lists of top education splurge items. Today’s list is office supplies. See future posts for suggestions in furniture, self-care, and more.

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Future teachers, you might consider asking for some of these items for Christmas. Just share the link to this page with your parents so they know what you really need for your classroom next year!

Office supplies

Hot glue gun

Did you know that you can use a hot glue gun to get posters to stick to your cinder block classroom walls and then take them down at the end of the year without leaving any marks? You just pull the glue right off the wall and it doesn’t leave a mark or take the paint with it.

An Easy-to-Use Label Maker

You have no idea how many things you’ll need to label in your classroom AND when you’ve finished at school, think about what you can label at home! I found this Brother P-touch, PTD210, Easy-to-Use Label Maker, One-Touch Keys, Multiple Font Styles, 27 User-Friendly Templates, White” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Easy-to-use Label Maker for less than twenty bucks! It is the best selling label maker on Amazon and has 2,650 ratings! It boasts a ton of font options and 99 different frames to choose from to personalize the labels.

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes

The germs are real. Many teachers and students in my building are already sick. I like to wipe my keyboard down every once in a while with a Lysol Disinfecting wipe and I keep a giant tub of Purell on my desk for myself and students.

A giant tub of Purell

I use my giant tub of Purell multiple times a day every day and I encourage my students to use it as well. I always squirt my hands before I eat a snack, after I touch the bathroom pass, or after I sneeze. The kids see me do it and they appreciate it and do the same.

Fine Tip Drawing Pens

Do you geek out over writing utensils as much as I do. These pens are the best selling and best rated drawing pens on Amazon. They have 4.6 out of 5 stars and nearly 3,000 reviews! Geeking out yet?

Academic Year Weekly & Monthly Planner

This is not the first time I’ve harked on the importance of a good paper planner. I buy this one. I like it because it has a flexible, lightweight cover so I can jam it into my school bag. It’s also super important to me that it has a spiral spine so that I can lay it flat on my desk or invert it to see only one page. I don’t know why planners are so expensive, but to me it’s worth it to get a good one.

AmazonBasics Letter Size Sheets Laminating Pouches 9 x 11.5in, 100-pack” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Letter Size Sheets Laminating Pouches

I use these things all the time. It’s so nice to be able to put a sign up on the door and know it will last more than a week because it’s in aAmazonBasics Letter Size Sheets Laminating Pouches 9 x 11.5in, 100-pack” rel=”noopener noreferrer”> laminating pouch. I have long term objectives on my board in these too. They stay looking fresh and new even after the dust of a month of chalk has grazed by them.

Looking for more shopping distractions? Check out these posts:

5 Must-Haves for New Teachers

The Wannabe Teacher’s Guide 

5 Snacks teachers love

5 Recommended books for new teachers

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