Classroom and teaching supplies

What teachers say they never need to buy: 12 things to skip or wait on

Teachers often overspend in the first year. This list is common advice from teacher forums and blogs, not a survey, so use it as a starting point and check your school's budget before you spend.

Based on widely repeated teacher advice, not a formal survey; the links go to the product category for each item, checked Oct 2026. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.

Large posters and decor sets
Lakeshore Learning · Ages all
Many teachers wait to see what the room actually needs before decorating.
Watch for: Posters can cost $8-20 each.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Bulletin board borders
Lakeshore Learning · Ages all
Can be replaced with free paper or fabric.
Watch for: About $5-15.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Fancy storage furniture
Lakeshore Learning · Ages all
Start with cheaper bins and see what works.
Watch for: Units about $100-500.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Whole-class sets of manipulatives
Lakeshore Learning · Ages all
Check what the school already has in a storeroom.
Watch for: Can run $100+.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Laminating everything
Lakeshore Learning · Ages all
Most items last without lamination.
Watch for: Lamination supplies about $20-60.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Many kinds of markers
Expo · Ages all
One good set of dry-erase markers is enough.
Watch for: About $8-15.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Cheap pencils in huge quantities
Ticonderoga · Ages all
Buy a class pack and stop.
Watch for: About $5-15.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Themed award certificates
Lakeshore Learning · Ages all
Free printables work.
Watch for: About $5-10.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Special seating for every child
Lakeshore Learning · Ages all
Try a few and watch for use.
Watch for: About $20-80 each.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart
Gimmicky classroom economy kits
Lakeshore Learning · Ages all
Simple paper tokens work.
Watch for: About $15-40.
Buy: Amazon · Walmart

More lists

Best gifts for a classroom: 12 things parents can donate
Ask the teacher first.
DonorsChoose wish list ideas: 12 kinds of requests that get funded
DonorsChoose lets anyone fund a teacher's posted request.
Book bins, supply caddies and tubs for the classroom: 12 options
Bins and caddies are the cheapest way to turn a pile of books and markers into something kids can find and put back.
Classroom cubbies, bookcases and storage units: 10 picks
Furniture is the big-ticket part of a room, so buy it slowly.
Classroom library furniture and reading-nook pieces: 10 picks
A reading corner needs three things: book display, a place to sit, and something soft underfoot.
Labels and organization tools for a classroom: 10 picks
Labels cost little and save a lot of daily nagging.
Bulletin board sets, paper and trim: 12 picks
A bulletin board has three costs: paper, trim and the letters or pieces.
Bulletin board borders and trim: 10 picks
Borders frame a board and hide ragged edges.

All 348 lists →