Dollar Store Shopping List for Teachers

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Is it me, or have some dollar stores really kicked it up a notch with their inventory? Since originally posting my list of dollar store treasures for the classroom, I've found even more goodies during my weekly trips to my local dollar stores. So I've updated my list AND created a printable shopping list for you to take with you the next time you're looking to stock up your classroom!

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I enjoy browsing the aisles of dollar stores. So many practical items on the cheap. And now that they carry teaching and classroom supplies...oh, yeah! For some reason, though, dollar stores have yet to become my go-to for a teacher's little necessities. When the need arises, I often end up overpaying for the same stuff at the supermarket that's four doors down.

Enough is enough. The buck stops here (figuratively) and at the dollar store (literally). I have decided to make a running list of classroom items that I have bought/should buy/will buy at dollar stores.* 

(*I do realize that back-to-school sales at big box stores offer some of these items at ridiculously low prices, so I encourage everyone to stock up on 20 cent crayons and glue. However, when mid-school year hits, and you're in a bind, dollar stores can be your very best friend.)

This list will have a permanent home in my wallet, and you're welcome to make a home for it in yours as well. 

No more punch-in-the-gut realizations that I spent three times as much on glitter than necessary!

School Supplies

pens
pencils
erasers
highlighters
correction tape
crayons
glue
envelopes
notepads
notebooks
markers
scissors
decorative printer paper
note cards
push pins
paper clips
stapler
dry erase markers
rulers
composition books
calculators
white boards

Crafts

glitter

poster board

craft foam

clothes pins

safety pins

brown lunch bags

pipe cleaners

magnets

craft sticks

tissue paper

pompoms

paint

aluminum foil

aluminum pans
balloons

Rewards/Incentives

coupons

stickers

toys

candy

books

journals

book marks
coloring/activity books

Snazzy stickers and birthday coupons

Classroom Management

name plates

planning book

grade book
handheld signs

Kids LOVED these!

Recess Equipment

bouncy balls

footballs

ball pump

puzzles

checkers
dominoes

Storage

desk drawer organizers

plastic tubs and baskets

plastic baggies

pop-up hampers

plastic containers

pen and pencil cups

laundry baskets
hangers

Many sizes = many configurations

Classroom Decor

calendars

vinyl tablecloths 

photo frames

vases

bulletin board accents

die-cut letters

holiday décor

wrapping paper

decorative rocks
magnets

Love the die-cut letters!

Glittery holiday goodness

Curriculum

flash cards

dictionaries

sentence strips

word wall materials

anchor charts
maps

Couldn't pass up this word wall spinner

Personal Sundries

bandages

antibiotic ointment

aspirin (or ibuprofen)

generic Pepto-Bismol

tissues

anti-bacterial soap

hand sanitizer

toothbrush

toothpaste

hairspray

static spray

lint roller

mugs

plastic plates and cutlery

snacks

bottled water
1 liter bottles of Mountain Dew

Handy Stuff

electrical tape

batteries

flashlights

food coloring

masking tape

tool kit

light bulbs
super glue

Cleaning Supplies

air freshener

hand broom and dustpan

glass cleaner

cleaning wipes

trash bags

dish soap

buckets

paper towels

generic Swiffer pads

microfiber cloths
sponges

Okay, here's a printable shopping list to take with you the next time that you gather your George Washingtons for a trip to the dollar store.

Your turn to add to the list! What about your dollar store finds? Leave a comment with some of the other treasures you've found at dollar stores.

The Official Postcard Pals 2016-2017 Sign-Up is LIVE!

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Wow! I'm thrilled with the response to bringing back the classroom postcard exchange. With more than 100 classrooms expressing interest, that means that the 2016-2017 Postcard Pals Classroom Postcard Exchange is ON!

So now what?

The next step is for teachers to officially sign up. Here is the 2016-2017 Postcard Pals sign up form. The form will be open until AUGUST 20, 2016. At that point, I'll begin working on mailing group assignments.

By completing this form, YOU ARE COMMITTING to participating in the exchange. Participating means that you agree to do the following:

1. Use or create an e-mail address that accepts e-mail messages from my blog e-mail address. Some school addresses have very fortified firewalls so if you use your school e-mail, please make sure that it accepts e-mails from info@aspiretoinspireblog.com. If it doesn't, I recommend setting up an e-mail address specifically for this exchange at a free e-mail provider such as Gmail or Yahoo.

2. Send a one-time paper postcard to every class in your group (est. 30-40 cards) by the mailing deadline.

3. Update a Google spreadsheet to indicate that you have sent your postcards (simply entering a date--easy!).

4. Complete a short feedback survey about your experience after the exchange.

5. (Optional but appreciated!) Send a few photos of any postcard displays or your class in action as they participate. (I will protect student privacy and cover faces, etc. if I use your photos on a blog post.)
 

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Here is some important info to keep in mind:

By overwhelming preference, the postcard exchange will involve traditional paper postcards. Each class is responsible for supplying its own postcards and postage. I will provide you with some ideas for inexpensive or free postcards as well as funding options when I send out the instructions and mailing lists.  

You will receive your mailing list and instructions in early September, and postcards will need to be mailed by the end of October. Please make sure that you are able to work on this project within that timeframe before you commit to the exchange. 

The only information that will be shared with others on your mailing list is your name, school name, and address. All other information that I request from you will be seen and used by me to communicate updates about the exchange only.

Okay, I'm off to check the growing list of official participants. Hope to see your name on that list!