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You are here: Home / Classroom / Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It’s Smart

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Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It’s Smart

August 2, 2019 by Sheryl Cooper

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Inside: Teachers are on a budget but need classroom supplies. The solution? Thrift stores and garage sales! Check out this collection of ideas that includes a free printable list.

One of the hardest parts of building classroom supplies is the cost. Some teachers are given a budget while others must pay for everything out of their own pocketbook.

I was in this situation when I first started teaching and was very thankful for garage sales and thrift stores. I found so many wonderful items for my classroom at a fraction of what they would have cost brand new.

While I know what I’m looking for when shopping for used classroom supplies, I decided to ask other teachers in my Facebook support group. Check out their answers below!

Note: Make sure to scroll down and pick up my free printable classroom supply list to take with you on your next shopping trip!

classroom supplies

Favorite Classroom Supplies from Thrift Stores and Garage Sales

CLICK HERE to see our tips for organizing supplies!

When I asked teachers what their favorite thrift store purchases were, I jotted them down here.

I’ve included photos of my recent finds, too!

Did we miss anything? Make sure to add your favorites in the comments!

Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart
  • baskets
  • flower vases
  • wooden items for loose parts play
  • wooden toys
  • kitchen gadgets
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart

We love using salad spinners at the art table! Read about the process here.

  • ribbon
  • yarn
  • fabric
  • flowers
  • musical instruments
  • dress up clothing
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart

Wood bowls are perfect for storing materials at the table.

  • bulletin board borders
  • building materials
  • sensory bin materials
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart
  • storage containers
  • boxes
  • tables
  • chairs
  • shelves
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart
  • small bowls
  • utensils
  • hand puppets
  • books
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart

We use muffin tins for dramatic play, playdough and for sorting. We’ve even used them in the sensory table!

  • muffin tins
  • pots and pans
  • trays
  • CDs
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart
  • keyboards
  • phones
  • tools
  • book holders
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart

I love to display books all over the classroom, often propping them on top of shelves.

  • lazy susan
  • play kitchen items
  • pretend food
  • aprons
  • oven mitts
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart
  • wood puzzle boxes
  • stickers
  • wood spools
  • items to count and sort
  • sorting bowls
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart
  • writing tools
  • writing materials
  • organizers
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart
  • beads from old necklaces
  • handbags
  • scarves
  • sunglasses
  • multi-cultural materials
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart
  • Legos
  • board games
  • Disney figures
  • Fisher Price little people
  • plastic animals
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart

Blocks are an everyday activity for our toddlers and preschoolers!

  • puzzles
  • Mr. Potato Heads
  • blocks
  • View Finders
Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart

Free Printable Classroom Supply List

Click on the photo below to get your free pdf download:

Finding Classroom Supplies at Thrift Stores and Why It's Smart - Printable List
classroom supplies

More back to school posts:

Back to School Activities for the Preschool Classroom

20 Money Saving Ideas for the Classroom

Setting Up a Classroom Environment

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Filed Under: Classroom, Teachers Tagged With: back to school, classroom, preschool, teachers, toddler

About Sheryl Cooper

Sheryl Cooper is the founder of Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds, a website full of activities for toddlers and preschoolers. She has been teaching this age group for over 20 years and loves to share her passion with teachers, parents, grandparents, and anyone with young children in their lives.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Patti

    August 3, 2019 at 4:54 pm

    I love these ideas! Thank you for sharing!

    • Sheryl Cooper

      August 29, 2019 at 10:21 pm

      I’m so glad you like them, Patti!

  2. Kathleen Jones

    August 4, 2019 at 3:30 pm

    Can I post a photo of one of my finds? It’s a very full plastic shoebox of Links. $2.99 for the whole thing. I also shop there for books and often find them in brand new condition for $1.99 to $2.99.

    • Sheryl Cooper

      August 29, 2019 at 10:21 pm

      Hi Kathleen – I’d love to see it!

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