Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend classroom supplies and teacher favorites that I genuinely believe are useful and would recommend to fellow educators. Thank you for supporting my blog and helping me create more free resources for teachers!
I still remember walking into my classroom for the first time. It was completely empty except for a few desks, a whiteboard, and a teacher desk that had definitely seen better days. I had spent months scrolling Pinterest and watching classroom setup videos, dreaming about the perfect space for my future students. Then I looked around and realized...I needed way more supplies than I expected.
If you're a new teacher, you're probably feeling the same way.
The good news is that you don't have to buy everything on your own. Creating a classroom wish list is one of the best ways to let family, friends, and your community support your classroom. Most people genuinely want to help—you just have to tell them what you need!
Over the years, I've learned there are certain classroom items I reach for every single day. These are the supplies that make teaching easier, keep my classroom organized, and help create a welcoming environment for students.
Here are the classroom wish list ideas I recommend adding first.
1. Dry Erase Markers
You honestly can't have too many dry erase markers.
At the beginning of the school year, I always think one big pack will last forever. Somehow, by October, half of them have disappeared, a few have dried out, and I'm testing every marker before writing on the board.
Adding a few extra packs to your wish list is something you'll never regret.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4fxlMby
2. Flair Pens
If you've never used Flair pens before, prepare to become obsessed.
I use mine for lesson plans, grading, making anchor charts, writing notes, and organizing my planner. Color-coding makes everything feel so much more manageable during those busy weeks.
They're one of those little classroom luxuries that quickly become a necessity.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3RnIMk3
3. A Personal Laminator
I waited much longer than I should have to buy a laminator, and now I wish I had gotten one sooner.
Instead of waiting to use the school's laminator (or hoping it wasn't broken), I can laminate centers, classroom signs, games, and labels whenever I need them.
It's one of those purchases that pays for itself because you'll use it year after year.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4h8zbIi
4. Laminating Sheets
Once you own a laminator, laminating sheets become a regular classroom supply.
I use them for everything from name tags and classroom jobs to reading games and math centers. Students can use laminated activities with dry erase markers, which means I can reuse them all year long.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4bncBYE
5. Storage Bins
If there's one thing you'll quickly learn, it's that classrooms collect a lot of stuff.
Extra notebooks, pencils, seasonal activities, math manipulatives, art supplies, you'll need a place for all of it.
Matching storage bins not only keep everything organized but also make your classroom feel calm and put together.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4vZsmfG
6. Book Bins
Students are much more likely to put books back where they belong if your classroom library is organized.
I love sorting books into labeled bins by genre, author, holiday, or reading level. It makes finding books easier for students and cleanup goes much faster.
Plus, an organized classroom library just feels more inviting.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4xcol8L
7. Bulletin Board Borders
When I first started teaching, I changed my bulletin boards constantly because I thought they needed to match every season.
Now I keep things simple.
Neutral borders can stay up all year, and I only swap out student work or a few decorations. It saves so much time while still looking fresh.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/45xYKez
8. Classroom Posters
I like choosing posters that are both decorative and useful.
Growth mindset reminders, reading strategies, math vocabulary, and classroom expectations all become teaching tools throughout the year instead of just wall decorations.
Students really do refer to them more often than you might expect.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4x5Rh2i
9. Flexible Seating
If your school allows it, flexible seating has been one of my favorite classroom additions.
Not every student does their best work sitting in a traditional chair all day. Floor cushions, wobble seats, or lap desks can give students another option while keeping them engaged.
Even having just a few choices can make a big difference.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4bI3PVt
10. A Teacher Planner
There are weeks when I honestly don't know what I'd do without my planner.
Between meetings, lesson plans, parent emails, field trips, assessments, and deadlines, having everything written down keeps me from forgetting important tasks.
Find one that fits your planning style—you'll use it constantly.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4yQc5fT
11. Labels
One of the best pieces of classroom advice I ever received was, "Label everything."
Seriously—everything.
Bins, drawers, cabinets, supply tubs, student mailboxes...labels make it much easier for students to become independent because they always know where things belong.
It also makes cleanup much faster.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4vZu40A
12. Electric Pencil Sharpener
If you've ever listened to someone slowly sharpen a pencil during your lesson, you already understand why this made my list.
A good electric sharpener saves time, sharpens pencils quickly, and is one less thing you'll have to think about during the school day.
It's one of those classroom upgrades you'll appreciate every single day.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3TuxBGY
13. Classroom Library Books
Building a classroom library doesn't happen overnight.
Each year I add a few more books, and before long, you have a collection your students are excited to read.
Mixing picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, seasonal stories, and high-interest topics gives every student something they'll enjoy.
Links to My Book Recommendations:
14. Desk Organizer
Teacher desks have a way of collecting papers faster than anywhere else in the classroom.
A desk organizer helps keep everything from sticky notes to grading pens in one place, so you're not digging through piles looking for what you need.
Future you will definitely appreciate it.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4wC7nkq
15. Faux Plants
This might seem like a small thing, but adding a few faux plants completely changed how my classroom felt.
They make the room feel warmer, more welcoming, and less like a plain school classroom.
Best of all? They never need watering.
Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/4wC7GvA
Final Thoughts
If you're feeling overwhelmed while creating your classroom wishlist, know that every teacher has been there.
It's easy to look at beautifully decorated classrooms online and think you need everything before the first day of school. The truth is, you don't.
Some of my favorite classroom items were gifts from family, generous parents, coworkers, or things I slowly collected over several years. Your classroom will grow with you, and that's part of the fun.
Start with the basics, add items you'll use every day, and remember that your students won't remember whether your bulletin board matched perfectly. They'll remember how welcome you made them feel when they walked through your classroom door.
You've worked hard to get here, and your classroom doesn't have to be perfect to be an amazing place to learn. One thoughtful item at a time, you'll create a space that both you and your students will love.
💛 Third Grade Waz Squad
Add comment
Comments