We already know that teachers spend way too much of their own money on supplies for their classrooms. If you’re guilty of this, it’s time to find ways to save your money while still stocking your classroom. Creating an Amazon wish list is a great way to get teaching supplies without paying for them out of your own pocket. Setting up your wish list is easy, but it can sometimes be hard to figure out what to add to it. That’s why I’m sharing the best teaching supplies for your Amazon wish list.
The Best Teaching Supplies for Your Amazon Wish List
**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I only recommend products that I use and love.
If you haven’t started your wish list yet, read this post first for a step-by-step walkthrough of how to create one. Then, come back here to get some ideas for the best supplies to add to it.
For the Classroom
#1 – Dry Erase Whiteboard
A dry erase whiteboard is a necessity for your small group lessons. When you’re sitting at a small group table or on the floor, you usually don’t have access to your large blackboard or whiteboard. That’s why this small dry erase whiteboard will come in very handy!
It’s small enough to fit on a table, and it has a stand that will keep it from falling. You can use it to model math problems, display vocabulary words, or practice phonics skills. Plus, it’s light and portable, so it can travel with you as you move around during the day.
#2 – KleenSlate Whiteboards
Individual white boards are another necessity. You can use them to formatively assess your whole class or to have your students answer questions in small groups. My favorite individual whiteboards are KleenSlate Whiteboards. You can tell they were designed by a teacher.
My favorite features of these whiteboards are:
- Their handles – When your students hold up their answers, their fingers won’t cover their writing anymore. They can hold onto the handle and keep their hands out of the way.
- The included supplies – KleenSlate whiteboards come with markers and erasers, and they attach to the whiteboards so your students will never lose their supplies. The erasers attach to the bottom of the handle, and there is a holder for the marker on the back of the whiteboard.
- A pocket for templates – The back of the whiteboard has a special pocket that will hold templates, like part-part-whole diagrams and cause and effect charts. There are many different templates available online that you can print and use with the whiteboards.
#3 – Innox Sticky Notes
If you love using post-it notes in your classroom, you are going to want to try Innox Sticky Notes. These are game-changers because they are reuseable, and they’ll stick to any surface forever.
I love using sticky notes for exit tickets. Innox Sticky Notes work really well because your students can keep them on the sides of their desks until they’re ready to use them. They should write their names on the colored side, which will make it permanent.
Then, they can use dry erase markers to write their answers on the white sides of the sticky notes. After you check their answers, they can erase them and reuse the sticky notes.
#4 – Post-It Super Sticky Easel Pads
Another amazing teaching supply you should add to your Amazon wish list is an easel pad. I love using these to make anchor charts during reading and math mini lessons.
The Post-It Super Sticky Easel Pads are my favorite because you can easily display them around the classroom. Just pull off the page and stick it to the wall or a whiteboard in your classroom. You can easily switch them out throughout the school year.
#5 – Best-Rite Wheasel
If you don’t have an easel in your classroom yet, it’s time to get one. Put the easel in your whole group meeting area, and use it to create anchor charts with your students.
I love the Best-Rite Wheasel because it has wheels so you can easily move it around your classroom. It also has a shelf on the bottom where you can store your markers and other supplies. Plus, it’s double sided, so you can use it for two different subjects simultaneously.
For the Students
#1 – Class Set of Headphones
If your students have devices, like Chromebooks or iPads, a class set of headphones is a necessity. They will allow your students to listen to videos or books while your classroom stays silent.
This set of 30 pairs should have enough for all the students in your class.
#2 – Pencil Boxes
Help your students stay organized by giving each of them a pencil box. This is the perfect place for them to store their pencils, crayons, scissors, and other school supplies.
This set of 24 pencil boxes will provide one for each of your students.
#3 – Pencils
Let’s be honest. You can never have too many pencils, so it’s a great idea to add them to your Amazon wish list.
These Ticonderoga pencils are my favorites because they are already sharpened.
#4 – Folders
Keep your students organized by giving them a folder for each of their classes. I like to use a different color for each subject, so I can say, “Take out your blue math folder.” That makes it a lot easier for the students to find it in their desks.
You can add a set of folders in several different colors to your Amazon wish list.
#5 – Fidget Toys
Some of your students may need fidget toys to help them focus throughout the school day. Adding them to your Amazon wish list is a great way to get them.
I love this 50 piece set because it has a lot of different options for your students.
For You (the Teacher)
#1 – Flair Pens
As you’re creating your Amazon wish list, don’t forget to think about things for yourself. If you have a favorite brand of grading pens, add them to your list.
I love these flair pens because there are so many fun colors, and they make grading a little less boring.
#2 – A Mini Fridge
If you’re allowed to have a mini fridge in your classroom, I highly recommend getting one! It’s a great place to keep some healthy snacks, like fruits and vegetables. It’s also a great way to keep your lunch from being accidentally taken from the fridge in the faculty room.
If anyone asks you why you have a mini fridge on your wish list, you can tell them it’s for ice packs for your students because this Igloo mini fridge has a small freezer area.
#3 – A Wireless Doorbell
Save your voice by getting a wireless doorbell for your classroom. Just ring the doorbell to get your students’ attention instead of raising your voice.
This one has 36 different chimes, so you could use different ones to mean different things.
#4 – A Personal Laminator
Avoid standing in line to laminate by adding your own personal laminator to your wish list. This will save you so much time when you have small laminating jobs to do.
This Scotch Thermal Laminator is my favorite. Don’t forget to add some laminating pouches to your list, too.
#5 – A Printer
Having a printer in your classroom will allow you to print pages you need quickly and easily. You won’t have to wait in line for the school printer anymore, and if it’s broken, you can still print the pages you need.
This Epson EcoTank is my favorite printer. Remember to add some extra ink and printer paper to your wish list, too.
#6 – Your Favorite Read Aloud Books
Add a few of your favorite read aloud books to your Amazon wish list. I have too many to list all of them, but here are just a few.
If you want more book suggestions and more ideas for items to add to your Amazon wish list, check out my Amazon storefront.
Amazon Wish List Tips
Creating your Amazon wish list is a great first step. Now we need to get people to buy things from it. Here are a few ways to share your wish list.
- Post your wish list on your social media channels. Your family members and friends would love to support you and your classroom. Use the hashtags #clearthelists, #clearthelist, and #support_a_teacher to get even more reach.
- Send your wish list link to your students’ parents at the beginning of the school year. Many of them are looking for ways they can help you, so they will order things for your classroom.
- Watch for posts on social media that allow you to share your wish list. In some teacher Facebook groups, there are opportunities to share the link to your wish list. You never know when you’ll get something from someone you don’t even know.
- See if any companies are helping to clear teacher wish lists. I know Erin Condren purchases items from teachers’ wish lists during Teacher Appreciation Week. Other companies do the same thing at other times of the year. Submit your wish list and see if any of your wishes are granted.
One last tip: Make sure the items you added to your wish list are at a wide range of price points. Some people will just want to get you a small item while others will be willing to spend more money.
You’re Invited!
Looking for more ways to differentiate your lessons and meet the needs of all your students without adding more to your plate?
Join The Differentiation Conversation Community, a free community for elementary teachers where we share practical differentiation strategies, ready-to-use resources, and encouragement to help you meet the needs of all your learners.
What Do You Think?
What else will you add to your Amazon wish list?
Let me know in the comments below.
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