I don’t know about you, but as a kid I loved the feeling of walking down the Walmart school supplies aisle, picking out my favorite colors and patterns.
Today, Walmart can throw me into a mini anxiety attack. I MUCH prefer to do my shopping online. So here are some of my favorites to invest in before the back to school rush!
1. Rolling Cart: https://amzn.to/4jZJ9JG
Number one on the list. I use these things for EVERYTHING. My current favorite way to use this is as a Student Work Turn-In Station. But I’ve used them in my home also. When I had my first baby, I rolled it right out of my classroom, Clorox-ed it, and used it as the most perfect diaper caddy ever.
2. Water Bottle: https://amzn.to/4kTtRaN
I am a sucker for trendy water bottles . . . and I call myself a minimalist. I haven’t purchased an Owala yet, but it’s been on my wish list for a solid 14 months. It would make me drink so much water, right?!
Add another water bottle to your collection, haha! Seriously though. They actually fit in cup holders and don’t spill in your bag!
Update: THEY HAVE A DISNEY PRINCESS COLLECTION!! Seeing the yellow Belle rose design from Beauty and the Beast was the push I needed. It’ll be hanging out on my teacher desk and bedside table for the foreseeable future.
3. Wireless Doorbell: https://amzn.to/4nc6GKc
These things are so stinking cool. When I taught 6th grade, this was my go-to attention-getter. There are different chimes to choose from, so it doesn’t get boring. Some of my teacher friends even wear their chime remote on their lanyard to always keep it handy
My plan for this little guy this year in 7th-8th grade is to use as my station-change signal. Middle schoolers are LOUD, but this gets them quiet every time.
4. Teacher Bag: https://amzn.to/44r0B58
Do a “fit check” as the kids say. Has your current teacher bag seen better days? Are the handles barely handling it anymore? If so, upgrade friend! If not, save the money and get you a nice chair (coming later in this post, haha!).
These bags are SO cute. My favorite parts are the amazing pockets on each side and the front (perfect for your planner and Owala 😉). Right now my Bogg Bag is still kickin’, but I’m eyeing this for next year – check out the color options!!!
5. Lunchbox: https://amzn.to/46dTiz0
Now THIS is something I need this year. I’ve had the same $5 lunchbox since I started teaching 7+ years ago. Time for an upgrade. I love all of the compartments in this one!
6. Teacher Crockpot: https://amzn.to/3TyKT1A
Okay, y’all. Let’s get a little more bougie. I actually love a good school lunch, but in the fall and winter especially, a warm lunch can make school day so much better! Practically, I cringe every time I use 5 minutes of my 20 minute lunch to heat up my food in the microwave. Not to mention if I have to stand in line! So many of my teacher friends have this crock pot. It keeps your food warm all morning! This one is a new need for me!
7. Erin Condren Planner: https://amzn.to/44bC82n
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Okay, fam. It’s time. Time for a fancy planner. If you’re anything like me, you always make excuses to not treat yourself. The problem is, it happens year after year! If you love paper planners, think about treating yourself to the best!
Browse the beautiful Erin Condren planners. There are other amazing brands, too!
8. Affirmation & Encouragement Cards: https://amzn.to/3HTgOay
Everyone needs encouragement! I teach in a Capturing Kids’ Hearts district, and we are all about affirmations. My colleagues and I work really hard to make each other feel valued. Little cards make it SO easy! It is so sweet to see cards I’ve written to my teacher friends posted on their desks. I keep a cork board with mine. They’re a must have for me in each new school year!
9. New Teacher Lanyard: https://amzn.to/4ldQC8R
Again in the category of things-that-are-worn-out-and-need-replacing! This year, I’m getting a new teacher lanyard. Mine has definitely seen better day. Since this is an item we use every single day, be sure to make it something that makes you happy when you see it!
10. Label Maker: https://amzn.to/43UruON
Have you heard of Type C teachers or Type C Moms? The more I see hilarious reels about them, the more I realize I might be one! Type C teachers LOVE organization but likely have some undiagnosed ADHD which prevents them from keeping with those systems the entire year. It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem. It’s me.
Introducing the label-maker! I’ve wanted one of these little guys for so long, and I really think it might help me keep my papers and supplies organized! This one works with an app on your phone!
But I’m more inclined toward the old faithful!
11. Wireless Lamp: https://amzn.to/4lfhgyb
Not to be a raincloud, but most of us are at school for more waking hours than we’re in our own homes. This year, I’m making efforts to make my classroom more cozy. Not for my students (though they will definitely benefit), but for myself.
In the early morning and in my planning times, I NEED some softer lights. The problem? I have like four outlets in my entire classroom, and they are in the most inconvenient spaces. These lamps solve the problem completely, and there are so many colors to choose from!
12. Remotes for Lights: https://amzn.to/4kN1YB3
These little gadgets are TIME SAVERS to the max. If you have any cutesy decor, defusers, plug-in lamps, or other things that need plugged in every day, save yourself time in the morning & afternoon. Turn on all of your electronics with the click of a button! We use these in our house, too!
13. Comfy Teacher Chair: https://amzn.to/44sQCwf
This purchase changed. my. life. For 190 days of my year. That’s a ton of moments improved. My teacher chair is seriously comfier than most of the chairs in my own home.
When I first started teaching, I used the chair that was left in the classroom. I’m pretty sure it as as old as my, then, 22-year-old self. It was miserable. When I finally had some extra pocket change, I upgraded! Best purchase I’ve made for my classroom.
If you experience back (or butt!) pain after planning your lessons, it’s time friend. Check out some options here!
Thank you so much for reading until the end of the list! All joking aside, I am a true minimalist teacher, and these are items I feel are superstars to upgrade the day-to-day teacher grind.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. At no additional charge to you, I earn commission from items you purchase after clicking my links! You don’t even have to purchase those I’ve linked. Simply shopping on Amazon from my links helps me! THANK YOU!!
I hope you found this list to be useful! Please comment with your top teacher MUST HAVE!
Happy teaching!
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