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.