Though some of us don’t want to admit it, we’re at the crux of back-to-school season.
This year, the Post Wanted team isn’t only focusing on back-to-school deals for students, though it is important to pick up a new backpack or lunch box. It’s time to spotlight the classroom essentials for teachers.
One of the most respected professions comes with a hefty price to pay for supplies. According to the National Education Association (NEA), “over 90% of teachers spend their own money on school supplies, with an average of $500 per year before the pandemic. The NEA estimated that this number would increase to over $800 for the 2023–2024 school year.”
RELATED: 150+ Amazon best-sellers to shop now
After covering teacher essentials for quite some time, we decided to curate an edit of those items *you know* you’re going to pick up before the first bell rings in September. Oh, and our top picks start at only $7 to keep you well-prepared and on budget.
Better yet, with an Amazon Prime membership, you can receive all your necessities in two days — and ship them directly to your classroom.
RELATED: Is Amazon Prime worth it?
The Paper Mate InkJoy Retractable Ballpoint Pens (20-Count) is a rainbow-colored variety pack that makes planning, taking notes and organizing as clear as day. With ultra-smooth ink, you’ll be glad you restocked your supply closet for only $7.
One thing you can never have too much of? Storage bins. The IRIS USA 6-Quart Clear Storage Boxes (20-Pack) is a buy-in-bulk option we recommend on Amazon that’s less than $25.
Every teacher we know always stocks up on the EXPO Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers (36-Pack) before the school year starts. Offering a plethora of colors at a discount, these chisel tip writing tools are every teacher’s BFF.
For packets, study guides and other materials, including the Bostitch Impulse Drive 30-Sheet Electric Stapler in your classroom this year will streamline everyone’s work. Durably made with no-jam technology, it’s no surprise than more than 5,000 shoppers flock to purchase it monthly.
For classroom collaboration, the SUNEE Reusable Dry Erase Pocket Sleeves (30-Pack) is a bundle we recommend picking up for this year’s school season. Each one reinforces teamwork and organization.
One of the most tedious tasks teachers tend to each year is bulletin-board making. The Better than Paper Bulletin Board Roll helps simplify the process as it’s reusable and is clad with non-woven fabric to save time. Plus, more than 8,000 educators purchased the essential this month alone.
An Amazon product for your desk, found. Shop the AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener before this school year so you never have to worry about dull or broken pencils again. Among all of the models the retailer has to offer, this one is the most respected.
For various classroom decor pieces and projects for students, the Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine is an investment we recommend making. The small but mighty machine works with more than 50 materials, including vinyl, iron-on and card stock. Not to mention, it’s compatible with your home inkjet printer to print, and then cut, full-color designs.
A hit among elementary educators, specifically, the Post-It Super Sticky 30-Sheet Easel Pad (2-Pack) is an essential that comes with a fairly high price tag. While it’s on sale, bundle and save to be well-prepared for all of your classroom lessons this year.
If we’re being honest, teachers and non-teachers alike should opt for this deal. The Amazon Basics Woodcased Pre-Sharpened #2 Pencils (150-Pack) is the restock your classroom has been waiting for, with more than 100,000 happy customers adding it to their carts on a monthly basis. You can say it’s a sharp bundle.
Easily forgotten is the Puffs Ultra Soft 56-Count Facial Tissues (18-Pack). Whether placed on your desk or at a table by your whiteboard, having tissues on hand for classroom use will be appreciated by everyone who enters your door.
While teaching supplies are important, maintaining a fresh and clean classroom is just as imperative. Save the day by buying the Clorox 75-Count Disinfecting Wipes (3-Pack). For less than $15, you may want to add more than one trio to your cart.
When working with a small classroom, storage options are deserving of that precious real estate. Add the Simple Houseware 3-Tier Metal Utility Rolling Cart to your cart for a portable option that boasts spacious, deep bins to store all of your essentials.
The Command Large Utility Hooks (12 Strips; 7 Hooks) is a bundle that’s worth having on hand for hanging up photos or learning posters on your classroom walls. The brand is a household name for a reason, and you never know when you’re going to need one next.
If you haven’t yet mapped out your lessons and this year’s tasks, order the SUNEE 2024-2025 Teacher Planner that’s well-organized and budget-friendly. Plus, each page will make you want to use your colored pens.
For completed tests, graded papers and student work, you basically need the Supeasy 5-Tray Paper Organizer with Handle. It’s one of the no-brainer, practical purchases on this list that we highly encourage — especially while it’s on sale.
Modernize your teaching experience with one of our favorite products, the Apple iPad (10th Generation). This slim tablet is perfect for note-taking — with the Apple Pencil ($100), of course — and comes in a variety of sleek colors to choose from.
Perfect for any age group you’re teaching, the homyfort Over-the-Door Hanging File Organizer is one of the best ways to organize your materials and save space. Plus, we love how it makes submitting assignments easy-peasy.
Up the ante on your classroom presentations with the ELISWEEN 2-in-1 USB Type C Wireless Presenter Remote with Volume Control that more than 10,000 Amazon shoppers buy each month. It’s wonderful for progressing through each slide and is compatible with a variety of your devices.
After interviewing dozens of teachers, the majority named a laminator as one of the best classroom items to invest in. So, we’re one-upping what they’re all saying with the Scotch Thermal Laminator & Pouch Bundle. Now, you don’t have to spend money on pouches separately.
Remember the Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks? For a limited time, you can score a 30-pack for 70% off on Amazon. It’s the mess-free supply that makes arts projects and other learning activities ten times better.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.