3 Must-Have Classroom Supplies for Every Teacher

When I first started teaching I bought cheap supplies for my classroom, because that is what I could afford.  However, I ended up spending more money over time because I had to replace the items so often.  If you're on a budget (What teacher isn't?), then it's a good idea to buy quality classroom supplies from the beginning.  Here are three must-have classroom supplies that every teacher needs!

This post contains affiliate links.  That means that, at no cost to you, I make a small commission from these links.  However, I would never recommend a product that I don't believe in.  You deserve the best when you spend your hard-earned money!


Every teacher or homeschool needs quality classroom supplies.  If you're on a budget, these must-have classroom items are the place you need to spend money.  This list is perfect for elementary, middle school, or high school teachers.  Grab these supplies when you are buying things for classroom organization at back to school time!

A Good 3-Hole Punch

It drives me nuts when my 3-hole punch jams.  It always seems to happen when I'm in a hurry and then I end up with a stack of papers that are going to be ripped out.  It also drives me nuts when I don't get the paper in evenly and I end up punching the edge of the paper.  That's why it's important to me to have a good 3-hole punch!

As a teacher, you need a heavy-duty hole punch that will easily punch through a class set of papers without eating any.  This hole punch is sturdy enough, that I even let my students use it.  It's definitely a place where I would spend a little extra money on quality.

A Quality Pencil Sharpener

Recently, Classroom Friendly Supplies sent me one of their pencil sharpeners to try.  I was so impressed!  I usually go through at least one electric pencil sharpener every school year.  Students are so hard on them and don't treat them right.

The pencil sharpener from Classroom Friendly Supplies could certainly hold up against classroom use!  The face of the sharpener pulls away, which prevents pencils from being "oversharpened".  


Since it's a hand crank sharpener, I don't have to worry about the motor getting gummed up from colored pencils (which always ruined my electric pencil sharpeners!).  The sharpener works better than I was expecting and it's actually quiet.  I could continue to teach a lesson while a student is sharpening their pencil.  We all know that normally doesn't happen!

Every teacher or homeschool needs quality classroom supplies.  If you're on a budget, these must-have classroom items are the place you need to spend money.  This list is perfect for elementary, middle school, or high school teachers.  Grab these supplies when you are buying things for classroom organization at back to school time!

It's definitely worth the cost, especially since the company sells replacement parts.  If something breaks, you can buy a new part instead of buying a whole new pencil sharpener.  I was sent a nice blue color, but there are tons of color options to match your classroom decor.

A Heavy-Duty Stapler

If you're going to be in a classroom, you need a decent stapler.  I usually allow my students to use cheaper staplers.  I've even found some at garage sales.  So many students slam on the stapler and jam it, that I don't want them to use mine.

However, you need a nice stapler for yourself.  I really like this heavy duty stapler.  It staples 40 pages at a time (most staplers only do 25) and is a low force stapler.  If you're going to staple a bunch of student packets or paperwork, it's nice to have a low impact stapler.  This particular stapler has lasted me years and is still going strong.

Check out: 15 Items Every Teacher Needs for Back to School and my Top 5 Classroom Supplies for Secondary Teachers

What supplies do you think are needed in every classroom?  Let me know in the comments!

This blog post was sponsored by Classroom Friendly Supplies.