Get those teacher wish lists ready! If you're a teacher, you already do so much for your students, so adding the additional cost of classroom supplies can be an extra burden that’s difficult to carry. On average, teachers spend $895 out of their own pocket on must-have teacher supplies. For some, that can be a whole month’s rent and then some, even when using deals and discounts on teacher supplies. But fear not! With this comprehensive list of where to save and splurge on your students, you won’t have to break the bank to have a classroom that passes the vibe check. For the teachers looking for a little wish list inspo, you can’t go wrong with these essential teaching supplies!

Must-Have Classroom Supplies

1. Tissues for Classroom Colds

We know, tissues are such a boring pick, but think of all the use they get! You can never have too many tissues. They run out sooner than you’d expect.

2. Pre-Sharpened Pencils for Students​

Pencils are truly a necessity. But make sure you buy the pre-sharpened ones. You do not have time to sharpen 600 pencils.

3. Erasers To Show Mistakes Will Happen​

Where there are pencils, there need to be erasers. Get those classic pink ones students seem to love.

4. Pens For All Their Big Ideas​

Pens are especially useful for older age groups. They’re also useful for grading papers.

5. File Folders To Keep Those Papers Organized​

With so much paper flying around a classroom, file folders are perfect for you to store worksheets, graded papers, and more.

6. Expo Markers For Whiteboard Fun​

Dry-erase boards haven’t gone anywhere. That means Expo markers are still in style and just as useful. Get the multi-color pack for some added fun.

7. Glue Sticks For A Mess-Free Classroom Project​

No teacher wants dried, liquid glue all over their classroom. For arts and crafts, or even hanging decorations, glue sticks are the go-to. Regardless of the age group, arts and crafts are important to incorporate into the classroom, according to the Children's Museum of Sonoma County. They can help refine motor skills, build self-expression, and develop critical thinking skills.

8. Scissors For Those Impromptu Projects​

Speaking of arts and crafts, scissors are a must. You never realize how often students need to cut for a project or homework until it’s too late. Bonus if you get a left-handed pair, as well.

9. Post-its So You Can Remember Everything​

Post-its are essential for any teacher’s desk. They’re useful for making notes, grading papers, and so much more.

10. Disinfectant Wipes To Kill All Those Back-to-School Germs​

Students are germ-filled and messy—no matter what age they are. Running out of disinfectant wipes is a nightmare, so don’t forget to stock up.

11. Extra Note Pads Just In Case​

It’s always good to have lined paper on hand for students. Note pads are a great way to have some ready for students who need it.

12. Highlighters For The Color Coders​

Some students thrive with a bit of color-coding. Have highlighters ready for when a student needs important information highlighted with that iconic bright yellow hue (or another color of their choosing). In fact, color-coding can be built into your lesson plans. Success by Design, which creates student planners, says color coding teaches students to be more organized and can help identify important information.

13. Crayons To Bring Some Color​

If you have projects in your curriculum that require a touch of color, get some crayons. It's especially useful for younger groups.

14. Colored Pencils For Arts & Crafts​

The same goes for colored pencils. Have some at the ready for your next creative project.

15. Markers (But Only If You’re Prepared to Clean)​

While you’re at it, you might as well get some markers, too. Just be prepared with some all-purpose spray for when it inevitably gets on the desk.

16. Much-Needed Stapler For Tests​

Have you ever been in a classroom without a stapler? Probably not. So get a nice stapler for all of your test-making and essay-writing needs.

17. Colorful Paperclips For Fun Organization​

Paperclips are just as useful as the stapler, tbh. Sometimes you don’t want them stuck together and need the freedom of shuffling everything around. Get the fun colors for a little bit of pizzazz.

18. The Best Digital Timer For Classroom Time Management​

Teachers have to be great stewards of time. That’s why a digital timer will become any teacher’s best friend for time management in the classroom. It can also help you with your personal time management for a good work-life balance. Edutopia has all the tips for helping teachers manage their time, so that timer is even more important.

19. Your Go-To Lesson Planner (AKA Your Lifeline)​

So much time and effort go into lesson planning, so it’s important to stay organized. Find a lesson planner that works for you (including something you find aesthetically pleasing).

20. Rulers For Every Need​

Rulers aren’t only for math classes. A student might need to draw a straight line for a project or measure something in science class. It doesn’t hurt to have some in your classroom—and if you’re gifted extra, share with your teacher bestie across the hall.

21. Paper Towels To Clean Those Classroom Messes​

Paper towels are a must! From cleaning up messes to handing out snacks, you can’t have too many paper towels.

22. Books For Classroom Downtime​

There can be some downtime during the school day. Books keep students busy even if they finish their work early. Add a few books to your wish list.

23. Index Cards For Vocabulary & More​

Index cards are useful for test prep, vocabulary, and even classroom games. You never know when you might need them.

24. Clipboards For Field Trips & Restless Students​

Students love to wander—and we can’t blame them. For the teachers who allow their students to work from anywhere in the classroom, or even for field trips, clipboards are necessary.

25. Binder Clips To Make Grading More Organized​

Okay, back to paper. When you have, oh, 30 essays to grade, you need to keep your organization on lock. Binder clips help keep files grouped together and allow for easy transportation. They also come in many sizes for all your paper needs.

26. Scratch-n-Sniff Stickers For A Dash Of Fun​

Nothing makes grading homework more fun than stickers. They add a little pop of color to the drabbiest of white sheets, and students love them. You’ll be the coolest teacher ever if you get the scratch-n-sniff ones, too.

27. Candy To Reward Your Students​

Okay, maybe candy isn’t a necessity, but it is if you love bribing students. Jk. Candy is a great reward, though, and shows students that you see their hard work paying off. Make it personal by adding your favs to your wish list.

Classroom Decoration Ideas Students Will Love

1. Rugs For The Coziest Classroom​

Rugs can transform a cold classroom into a cozy place to learn—but they can be pricy. That’s why you’ll add it to your wish list or find a place near you that donates rugs to teachers.

2. Magnetic Calendar To Start Your Morning​

What is the first thing you do every day? Write the date on the whiteboard. If you want something that will stick a little better, opt for a magnetic calendar that you can change each day.

3. Desk Name Tags For Easy Assigned Seating​

If you’re going with assigned seating in your classroom, don’t forget the name tags. You can go with something basic or add a little flair. You don’t have to struggle to find the right seating arrangement for your classroom, either. Check out these pros and cons for each popular classrooom setup.

4. Teacher Desk Organizer For All Those Papers​

Keeping your desk tidy will save you sanity. Desk organizers are a must so you can easily find what you’re looking for.

5. Command Hooks & Strips To Make Classroom Setup So Much Easier​

Tbh, add more Command hooks and strips to your wish list than you think you need. The school year is long and some decorations might fall, or you might find more decorations as the year goes on.

6. Velcro Fasteners So You Can Change Your Vibes​

When hanging up decorations that you might want to move around, velcro is the way to go. Use it on the nametags for your seating arrangement to make mixing it up a bit easier.

7. Bins. Bins. Bins. Because You Need Classroom Storage​

You can never have too much storage. Bins are vital to any classroom. They can hold students’ belongings or hide classroom supplies you don’t need every day. Great storage is essential to any classroom. If you need clever ideas for how to organize your classroom, Teacher Starter provides some great inspo.

8. Magnetic Pocket Charts For Every Classroom Need​

Magnetic pocket charts are the most versatile item you can get for your classroom. They’re great for showing schedules, doing demonstrations, or keeping track of student progress and behavior.

9. Bean Bag Chairs To Become The Coolest Teacher​

If you want to score cool teacher points, get some bean bag chairs for your classroom. These are great when students don’t need to sit at their desk the whole day.

10. Floor Pillows For Every Kind Of Learner​

In addition to bean bag chairs, floor pillows are a great alternative to traditional seating. They are also key components for a sensory room, which aids in self-regulation, especially for kids with disabilities. According to The Children’s Guild, having a corner for pillows and blankets that can be designated as a mindfulness or meditation area is beneficial for everyone who learns in your classroom. Pair pillows and blankets with other sensory items (like washable rugs and wall accents in calming colors) to set the tone.

11. Banners To Add That Pop Of Color​

Pennant banners add a pop of color and flair to any classroom. Opt for a “welcome” pennant banner for a cheery bit of decor or turn your banner into interactive art with each flag representing a goal that the class achieves together (so that it grows longer and longer throughout the course of the school year!).

12. Fun and Inspirational Posters To Motivate Your Students​

The classroom is an opportunity to show off your personality. Posters allow you to show who you are and inspire your students. Think of all those teacher affirmations you repeat. Bringing that energy to your classroom can help your students feel grounded. You can even lean into a different theme each year to bring some good vibes.

13. Versatile Bulletin Board To Keep Your Classroom Fresh​

Bulletin boards provide you with the opportunity to decorate your classroom any way you want, and they give you the flexibility to mix things up with the seasons, current events, themes of the lessons you’re planning, and more! Take it from a fellow educator: they are one of the most powerful tools when setting up your classroom.

14. Fake (Or Real) Plants To Add A Bit Of Green​

Add a little greenery to your classroom with some fake (or real) plants. With fake plants, you don’t have to worry about them dying over winter break, and they’ll stay green year-round. If you opt to go the real plant route, get your students involved in taking care of them. Plants in the classroom have been found to improve focus, concentration, and even test scores, according to EdWeek. The benefits are endless!

Teacher Wish List Splurges That Are Worth The Money

1. Your Own Laminator (Sharing Optional)​

Don’t be shy about adding a laminator to your wish list. This will be useful when decorating your classroom or preparing certain activities. And who wants to share the school’s laminator anyway?

2. Paper Cutter For All Those Exit Tickets​

Every teacher needs a reliable paper cutter (emphasis on reliable). Don’t cut each exit slip by hand when you can use a paper cutter to get it done faster. And if you aren’t using exit tickets in your classroom, now is a great time to start! They help to check student understanding at the end of class or get valuable feedback from your students, according to Boston College.

3. Compact Mini Fridge To Store Your Diet Coke​

Look, you deserve a Diet Coke break at any point during the day. A mini fridge is great for storing emergency snacks and drinks. Just be sure to keep it close to your desk so students don’t steal your food.

4. Electric Hole Punch For Students With Binders​

Gone are the days of that pesky manual hole punch getting jammed up. This electric hole punch will save time and your hands.

5. Teacher Cart To Store Every Classroom Necessity​

Storage is super important, but storage on wheels is game-changing. For all of those classroom supplies that will get used frequently, get yourself a cart to store it all in.

6. Desk Chair To Support Your Back​

A comfortable, ergonomic desk chair is important for any job. Don’t be afraid to add a new chair to your teacher wish list, even if it’s on the pricier side. While you’re at it, add a nice pair of sneakers to ensure your feet don’t hurt.

7. Smart Bluetooth Speaker For Classroom Dance Parties​

Bluetooth speakers come in clutch when you need to play some ambient noise or want to have an impromptu dance break to regain your students’ attention. But a smart Bluetooth speaker is handy for setting timers, checking the weather, and so much more.

8. Tote Bag For Your Morning and Afternoon Commute​

Teachers unfortunately have to take their work home with them most nights. In fact, RAND’s 2025 State of American Teachers survey found teachers work an average of 49 hours per week—10 hours more than the average teacher's contract. That makes a tote bag a necessary purchase to hold all of those graded papers and lesson plans as you go from home to work and back again.

9. A Lunchbox Because You Need That Energy​

Packing your lunch is essential. If you don’t want to walk all the way to the teachers’ lounge or want to ensure no one steals your leftovers, get yourself a lunchbox that will fit everything (including that mid-afternoon snack). For those looking for great teacher meal prep recipes, Bored Teachers has you covered.

10. A Vibrant Water Bottle To Make Hydration Fun​

Staying hydrated is important, especially if you’re on your feet and talking all day. Because it’s something you’ll use all the time, don’t be afraid to splurge on the biggest, best, and brightest.