I have a love-hate relationship with Amazon. Sometimes you find the BEST items you can’t live without (and the one-day shipping makes it a dream), and other times you get a hunk of junk or a miniature version of what you thought you ordered. Like the beautiful neon envelopes I ordered that turned out to be so mini that I used them for the desk fairy (insert eye roll).
So I went through my purchases to find the best 20 Amazon teacher finds. Things I bought that I still use and can’t live without to share with you!
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My Favorite Amazon Teacher Tools
These are the items that cost a bit more, but make my life so much easier.
1. Personal Laminator
It took me so long to buy one of these personal laminators, but as soon as I did I thought why didn’t I get one sooner. I love to use this for items that I want to last year after year because the lamination is so much thicker (think station pages). If you do get one, don’t forget to add extra lamination pages to your order.
2. Pencil Sharpener
Not only is this pencil sharpener SO cute. He works a little too good. You can watch the full review of it here.
All you do is gently put the pencil in, and it automatically sharpens it and then when it’s done, it comes back up. It has 2 adjustable settings and can sharpen pencils and colored pencils.
3. Teacher Toolbox
I have this Arko-mils teacher toolbox, and I loved it when my classroom was black with neon colors. But since I’ve gone into the more trendy white. I love this Iris teacher toolbox even more. Plus, I feel like it’s better quality.
4. Rainbow Clock
Not only is this rainbow clock beautiful, it’s functional. To stay on schedule I constantly need to know what time it is. I love that the numbers are huge and that I can see it from anywhere.
5. Alexa
I’m not sure why it took me subbing in another classroom as an aide to realize I need an Alexa not just in my house, but also in my classroom. I love to use it to pick random numbers, play songs from our transition songs playlist, and to give me reminders.
6. Flat Plug
This is the least glamorous purchase, but one of the best I’ve made. I had some plugs that were ending up behind shelving units, and instead of fighting with moving furniture, I got one of these handy plugs.
I love that the top part is flat, and then it has an extension cord to keep things easy.
My Favorite Amazon Teacher Finds: Classroom Supplies
7. Magnetic Dots
If you have a classroom with a magnetic whiteboard, these magnetic dots are a MUST. I use these for everything. From my teacher contact cards, for meet the teacher, to my schedule.
I love that you just peel the back off and stick and that they don’t just fall like some of the other magnets I’ve tried.
8. Velcro Dots
These hook and loop dots are another thing I can’t live without. They were the only thing that I used that would keep all my items from falling off my cinderblock walls in my classroom (trust me I tried it all).
I also love to use them for student name tags to easily be able to move students around and for other various activities. This brand has a strong back and a good hook and loop strength.
9. Cardstock
I’m not sure why, but I’ve also tried too many kinds of white cardstock to count. This is my favorite brand. I love the whiteness of it and the thickness.
10. Anchor Chart Markers
There’s just something about a Mr.Sketch marker that makes your writing on your anchor chart pop.
I’ve had this same set of markers for over 5 years, and they are still holding strong. I’m not a huge fan of the scent, but the kids love it, and sometimes I let them use them for fun activities.
11. Markers For Examples
If you’ve taught in the lower grades, you know that you make lots of craft examples. I love these alcohol markers to make my examples. They make everything look so nice and pigmented, and it makes coloring fun. I even got myself a set for at-home coloring.
12. Dry Erase Pockets
Dry erase pockets are a must have for center work. Instead of making 24 copies, I make 6, and students just erase when they are finished. I also love that I can reuse them year after year.
13. Dry-Erase Marker Eraser Hack
My first year of teaching I had the mini dry-erase marker erasers, but December, they were barely working because they were so dirty. The next year I tried these makeup remover pads from Dollar Tree, and they worked perfectly! I love that when they get dirty and/or every summer, I throw them in the wash and they are as good as new. I love these makeup remover pads from Amazon because they have the little loop, and they are almost the same price as the Dollar Tree version.
My Favorite Classroom Setup Hacks
13. Magnetic Curtain Rod
These magnetic curtain rods were another thing I was hesitant to buy, and it took me a while before I pulled the plug, and of course, now I love them. I love to use mine for the date and to hold anchor charts.
14. Cordless Glue Gun
I didn’t even know they made cordless glue guns until I saw the PTO moms putting up posters in the hallway with one, and I knew I had to have one. Not having a cord makes it so much easier to use. And bonus this one is pink!
15. Paper Cutter
A parent actually got me one of these paper cutters, and I instantly fell in love! At the time, I was teaching Kindergarten, and I was in the workroom constantly waiting to use one of 2 paper cutters. Having one in my classroom is such a time saver, and I love it so much more than my sliding paper cutter I have.
16. Circle Cutter
I don’t know why, but I HATE cutting circles with scissors. I’m so bad at it. These circle cutters are so easy to use, I love it. I not only use it for school, I also use it for every birthday party we have. Just know that you also need a cutting mat for it or cardboard.
My Favorite Teacher Life Finds
17. Neck Fan
We live in Texas, and these neck fans are genius for recess duty. Now, honestly, I don’t have one, but this is the one we just got for my son’s teacher, and she LOVES it.
18. Teacher Backpack
This backpack is technically for traveling, but after using it on my last trip, I decided it would also be perfect for teaching. I love that it has a computer pouch and a water bottle clip.
19. Teacher Pants
These pants are so good. They do say they are sweatpants, but they don’t have that sweatpant lining. They are actually so light that I can wear them in the Texas heat, but not see through. I also love the detailing on the side and the elastic waistband. I plan to buy more colors.
20. Menu Planner
Okay, you got me, so this menu planner may not be for the classroom, but we are people too outside of the school building, and this has made my life so much easier. I love the magnet on the back and the fact that the little grocery list rips off the side. I could even see this used not for menu planning but for to-do lists.
For more classroom ideas, check out these posts:
- Cut Bulletin Board Letters in Minutes With a Cricut
- Noise Letters: My Favorite Tool to Quiet A Noisy Class
Save These Classroom Amazon Ideas
Save this post so you can come back to these Amazon teacher finds whenever you need them! Just pin it to one of your favorite teaching boards on Pinterest. That way it’s right there when you’re looking for the best things to buy on Amazon!
