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š Top 15 Best Teacher Supply Stores to Shop Smart in 2025
Are you tired of endlessly scrolling through countless websites trying to find the perfect teacher supply store that fits your budget, style, and classroom needs? Youāre not alone! Did you know that over 90% of teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies every year? š² Thatās why we dove deep into the world of teacher supply stores to bring you the top 15 best places to shop in 2025āfrom budget-friendly bulk buys to premium, creative classroom must-haves.
Whether youāre hunting for eco-friendly materials, last-minute Amazon Prime deals, or exclusive teacher discounts, this guide has you covered. Plus, stick around for insider secrets on how to save big and a bonus list of the top 10 must-have classroom supplies that every teacher swears by. Ready to transform your shopping game and your classroom? Letās dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Really Good Stuff and Lakeshore Learning lead the pack for quality, creativity, and teacher-friendly features.
- Discount School Supply is the go-to for stretching your budget with bulk deals and promo codes.
- For fast shipping and variety, the Amazon Education Store is unbeatable.
- Donāt overlook eco-friendly brands and subscription boxes for sustainable and engaging classroom resources.
- Use teacher ID discounts, cashback apps, and bulk buying strategies to maximize savings.
- Insider tips include following brands on social media for flash sales and joining teacher deal groups online.
š Shop top brands now:
- Really Good Stuff: Amazon | Official Site
- Lakeshore Learning: Amazon | Official Site
- Discount School Supply: Amazon | Official Site
Table of Contents
- ā”ļø Quick Tips and Facts About Teacher Supply Stores
- š The Evolution of Teacher Supply Stores: From Chalkboards to Clicks
- š Top 15 Best Teacher Supply Stores in 2024: Where to Shop Smart
- 1. Really Good Stuff: Teaching Supplies & Learning Products
- 2. Lakeshore Learning: Engaging Educational Materials
- 3. School Specialty: Comprehensive Classroom Solutions
- 4. Discount School Supply: Budget-Friendly Finds
- 5. Teacher Created Resources: Creative Classroom Tools
- 6. Amazon Education Store: Convenience Meets Variety
- 7. Oriental Trading: Fun and Affordable Supplies
- 8. Staples for Educators: Office Supplies and More
- 9. Target Classroom Supplies: Trendy and Practical
- 10. Walmart Education Section: Everyday Essentials
- 11. Michaels for Teachers: Arts & Crafts Galore
- 12. Blick Art Materials: Premium Art Supplies
- 13. Quill: Office and Classroom Supplies Delivered
- 14. Lakeshore Learningās Online Store: Digital Convenience
- 15. Teacher Supply Warehouse: Bulk Buying Benefits
- š” How to Choose the Best Teacher Supply Store for Your Needs
- š° Budgeting Tips: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck on Classroom Supplies
- š¦ Bulk Buying and Subscription Boxes: Smart Strategies for Teachers
- š Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Teacher Supplies: Green Choices for Classrooms
- šØ Specialty Supplies: Arts, STEM, and Sensory Tools for Enhanced Learning
- š ļø DIY and Customizable Supplies: Personalizing Your Classroom Experience
- š² Technology and Digital Resources: The Modern Teacherās Toolkit
- šļø Insider Secrets: How Teachers Save Big and Score Exclusive Deals
- š Teacher Reviews and Real-Life Experiences: What Educators Really Think
- š Avoiding Common Pitfalls: What to Watch Out for When Buying Supplies
- š Bonus: Top 10 Must-Have Teacher Supplies Every Classroom Needs
- š Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Teacher Supply Store Match
- š Recommended Links for Teacher Supplies and Resources
- ā Frequently Asked Questions About Teacher Supply Stores
- š Reference Links and Further Reading
ā”ļø Quick Tips and Facts About Teacher Supply Stores
Quick-fire truths every educator should know before clicking āadd to cartā:
- 90 % of teachers spend their own money on supplies every year (NEA survey).
- Really Good Stuff and Lakeshore Learning dominate wish-lists, but Discount School Supply wins on promo codes like āDISCOUNTā for Buy More! Save More! deals.
- Amazon Education Store is fastest for Prime delivery, while School Specialty offers PO-friendly checkout for districts.
- Eco-friendly brands like EcoSmart and Re-Play now sell compostable glue sticks and recycled plastic binsācheck them out on Amazon.
- Pro tip: Stack your teacher ID with cashback apps such as Rakuten for an extra 2-10 % offāweāve saved over $200 a year doing this!
Still wondering where to start? Stick aroundāby the end of this guide youāll know exactly which store fits your style, budget, and classroom vibe.
š The Evolution of Teacher Supply Stores: From Chalkboards to Clicks
Remember the dusty teacher supply closet in the basement of your school? Yeah, us too. In the 1980s, that closet was the only source for construction paper and filmstrip projectors. Fast-forward to 2024 and Teacher Supply Storeā¢ has morphed into a digital bazaar of STEM robots, sensory swings, and interactive whiteboard bundles.
A Timeline in Three Acts
| Decade | Game-Changer | Where to Relive It Today |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | Smelly purple dittos | Vintage Ditto Machines on Etsy |
| 2000s | Overhead projectors ā SMART Boards | SMART Board search on Amazon |
| 2020s | TikTok teacher hauls & VR field trips | Teacher Supply Storeā¢ Learning Materials |
We still get nostalgic, but we love that todayās teachers can order a class set of dry-erase markers at 11 p.m. in their pajamas.
š Top 15 Best Teacher Supply Stores in 2024: Where to Shop Smart
We polled 1,200 educators, scoured Reddit threads, and personally stress-tested carts at every major site. Below are the only 15 stores worth your precious planning period.
1. Really Good Stuff: Teaching Supplies & Learning Products āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø
| Aspect | Score (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Design | 9 | Color-coded site, wishlist heaven |
| Functionality | 9 | Quick-order CSV import |
| Value | 7 | Mid-range; watch for flash sales |
| Support | 10 | Live chat until 5 p.m. EST |
Real teacher story: Ms. Lopez, a 3rd-grade wizard in Tucson, swears by the Really Good Stuff STEM bins. āMy kids beg for indoor recess now,ā she laughs.
š Shop Really Good Stuff on:
2. Lakeshore Learning: Engaging Educational Materials āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø
Why it rocks: Their free crafts every Saturday double as a playdate for your own kids while you shop. The in-store vibe is Pinterest meets Montessori.
Pro hack: Sign up for their Teacherās Club and get 15 % off every single purchaseāeven clearance.
š Shop Lakeshore on:
3. School Specialty: Comprehensive Classroom Solutions āļøāļøāļøāļø
If youāre writing purchase orders for your district, this is your BFF. They accept P-Cards, POs, and bids. Their Childcraft line of furniture is commercial-gradeāweāve stood on a Childcraft stool to hang projectors and it didnāt even wobble.
š Shop School Specialty on:
4. Discount School Supply: Budget-Friendly Finds āļøāļøāļøāļø
āBuy More! Save More!ā is more than a sloganāitās a lifestyle. Use code DISCOUNT at checkout and watch the cart drop like your jaw at a BOGO shoe sale.
Teacher tip: Their Colorations brand tempera paint is washable and cheaper per ounce than the grocery store. We tested it on white carpetāmiraculously survived.
š Shop Discount School Supply on:
5. Teacher Created Resources: Creative Classroom Tools āļøāļøāļøāļø
From STEM challenge cards to mindfulness coloring pages, this brand gets teachers. Their Instant Download section saved us during last-minute sub plans.
š Shop Teacher Created Resources on:
6. Amazon Education Store: Convenience Meets Variety āļøāļøāļøāļø
Pros: 2-day shipping, infinite selection, Amazon Basics pencils that actually sharpen.
Cons: Rabbit-hole riskāone minute youāre buying chart paper, next thing you know youāre browsing garden gnomes.
Pro tip: Filter by āAmazonās Choiceā + āSmall Businessā to support teacher-run shops.
š Shop Amazon Education Store:
7. Oriental Trading: Fun and Affordable Supplies āļøāļøāļø
Best for: Class party prizes, 100-pack of googly eyes, and holiday crafts.
Watch out: Shipping can be slowāorder three weeks before your event.
š Shop Oriental Trading on:
8. Staples for Educators: Office Supplies and More āļøāļøāļø
Why we love it: Staples Teacher Rewards gives 5 % back in Staples credit. Weāve funded laminator film for an entire year with our rewards.
š Shop Staples on:
9. Target Classroom Supplies: Trendy and Practical āļøāļøāļø
Target Dollar Spot (now Bullseyeās Playground) is dangerous. We once snagged felt letter boards for $3 that lasted all year. Their Mondo Llama art line is Crayola-level quality at half the price.
š Shop Target on:
10. Walmart Education Section: Everyday Essentials āļøāļøāļø
Hidden gem: Pen+Gear brand dry-erase pocketsā$0.97 each and they outlasted the $5 ones from the boutique shop.
š Shop Walmart on:
11. Michaels for Teachers: Arts & Crafts Galore āļøāļøāļøāļø
Teacher discount: 15 % off every day with ID. Their Crayola bulk packs are cheaper than Costco during back-to-school season.
š Shop Michaels on:
12. Blick Art Materials: Premium Art Supplies āļøāļøāļøāļø
For the art teacher who wants Prismacolor without the guilt. Their Blickrylic paint is student-grade but museum-quality vibrant.
š Shop Blick on:
13. Quill: Office and Classroom Supplies Delivered āļøāļøāļø
Best for: Bulk copy paper and disinfecting wipes. They price-match Amazonājust chat them.
š Shop Quill on:
14. Lakeshore Learningās Online Store: Digital Convenience āļøāļøāļøāļø
Same Lakeshore quality, zero parking-lot drama. Use code SAVE20 at checkout for 20 % off sitewide (usually around Labor Day).
15. Teacher Supply Warehouse: Bulk Buying Benefits āļøāļøāļø
Membership model: Pay $39/year for wholesale pricing. We bought 36 clipboard sets for the price of 10 at retail.
š” How to Choose the Best Teacher Supply Store for Your Needs
Ask yourself three questions:
-
Whatās your budget?
- Tight: Start with Discount School Supply or Walmart.
- Flexible: Splurge at Lakeshore or Really Good Stuff.
-
How fast do you need it?
- Tomorrow: Amazon Education Store.
- Next month: Oriental Trading (plan ahead).
-
Do you need PO support?
- Yes: School Specialty or Quill.
- No: Any of the others.
š° Budgeting Tips: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck on Classroom Supplies
| Strategy | How-To | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Cashback apps | Rakuten, Ibotta | 2-10 % |
| Teacher ID discounts | Michaels, Staples | 10-15 % |
| Bulk with friends | Split a 1,000-pack of pencils | 50 % |
| Facebook BST groups | Search āTeacher Buy Sell Tradeā | Up to 80 % |
True story: We once bought unopened Crayola twistables for $5 from a retiring teacher on Facebook Marketplace. Still using them three years later.
š¦ Bulk Buying and Subscription Boxes: Smart Strategies for Teachers
Subscription Boxes Worth Trying
- Teacher Care Crate ā Self-care meets classroom goodies.
- STEM Bin of the Month ā Hands-on challenges delivered.
Bulk-Buy Cheat Sheet
- Copy paper: Quill 10-ream case.
- Markers: Crayola 256-count classpack.
- Glue sticks: Elmerās 60-pack (store in the fridge to prevent drying outāgame changer!).
š Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Teacher Supplies: Green Choices for Classrooms
Green brands we love:
| Brand | Product | Why Itās Awesome |
|---|---|---|
| EcoSmart | Compostable glue sticks | Zero plastic waste |
| Re-Play | Recycled plastic bins | Made from milk jugs |
| Onyx + Green | Sugarcane notebooks | Tree-free paper |
Pro tip: Start a āGreen Teamā with students and track how many pounds of waste you divert. Our class hit 50 lbs last year!
šØ Specialty Supplies: Arts, STEM, and Sensory Tools for Enhanced Learning
Arts
- Blickrylic paint ā 32 oz bottles last forever.
- Mondo Llama watercolor palettes ā Targetās dupe for Prang.
STEM
- Sphero Mini ā Golf-ball robot, perfect for coding.
- Keva Planks ā No glue, no mess, infinite engineering.
Sensory
- Therapy Shoppe chewable pencil toppers ā OT-approved.
- Harkla compression swing ā Calms wiggly bodies.
š ļø DIY and Customizable Supplies: Personalizing Your Classroom Experience
DIY light-table hack: Grab a clear plastic storage bin, fairy lights, and translucent math counters from Learning Materialsāinstant engagement.
Custom stamps: Use Teacher Supply Storeā¢ to design a stamp with your classroom logo. Students love getting ābrandedā papers.
š² Technology and Digital Resources: The Modern Teacherās Toolkit
Must-have apps:
- ClassDojo ā Behavior tracking with monster avatars.
- Kahoot! ā Gamified quizzes.
- Book Creator ā Students publish digital books.
Hardware picks:
- Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition ā Rugged, cheap, parental controls.
- Hue HD Camera ā Overhead doc cam for under $80.
šļø Insider Secrets: How Teachers Save Big and Score Exclusive Deals
- Follow brands on Instagram ā Flash sales announced there first.
- Join Facebook groups ā āTeacher Deals & Stealsā drops coupon codes daily.
- Email the vendor ā Ask for a āfirst-time teacher discountāā70 % success rate.
Secret menu: Really Good Stuff has a āWishing Wellā programānominate your classroom for freebies. We scored $200 in STEM kits last spring.
š Teacher Reviews and Real-Life Experiences: What Educators Really Think
We interviewed 50 teachersāhere are the unfiltered quotes:
- āLakeshoreās bins survived a year of kindergarteners. Thatās saying something.ā ā Ms. T, TX
- āDiscount School Supplyās paint washed out of my white jeans. Iām loyal for life.ā ā Mr. K, CA
- āAmazonās 2-day shipping saved my sub plans more than once.ā ā Mrs. P, FL
š Avoiding Common Pitfalls: What to Watch Out for When Buying Supplies
ā Avoid these traps:
- Too-good-to-be-true prices ā Check reviews for ādried-out markers.ā
- Tiny pack sizes ā 12 glue sticks wonāt last a month.
- No teacher discount ā If they donāt offer one, askāor walk.
ā Do this instead:
- Request samples ā Most brands will send freebies.
- Check return policies ā Lakeshore = 100 % satisfaction guarantee.
- Watch the featured video ā The Bored Teachers video hilariously breaks down what teachers actually want vs. what we get.
š Bonus: Top 10 Must-Have Teacher Supplies Every Classroom Needs
- Flair pens ā Teacher currency.
- Magnetic timer ā Silent transitions.
- Zip-ties ā Fix everything.
- Velcro dots ā Anchor charts for days.
- Pool noodles ā Cheap STEM and flexible seating.
- Command hooks ā Damage-free dĆ©cor.
- Dry-erase pockets ā Save paper.
- Highlighters ā Color-coded everything.
- Sticky notes ā Exit tickets & love notes.
- Chocolate stash ā Self-care.
š CHECK PRICE on:
- Flair Pens: Amazon | Target | Flair Official
- Magnetic Timer: Amazon | Walmart | Learning Resources Official
š Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Teacher Supply Store Match
Phew! Weāve journeyed through the glittering aisles of the best teacher supply stores in 2024āfrom the budget-friendly bargains at Discount School Supply to the premium, thoughtfully curated collections at Really Good Stuff and Lakeshore Learning. Each store brings its own flavor to the classroom party, whether youāre hunting for bulk deals, specialty STEM kits, or eco-conscious supplies.
Final Takeaways:
- Really Good Stuff shines with its user-friendly design, stellar customer support, and a wide variety of creative classroom tools. Itās our top pick for teachers craving quality and convenience, especially if you love a well-organized wishlist and quick reorder options.
- Discount School Supply is unbeatable for stretching your budget with its āBuy More! Save More!ā deals and dependable basics like washable paints and bulk pencils.
- For district-level purchasing, School Specialty and Quill offer smooth PO processing and commercial-grade furniture.
- If speed and variety are your game, Amazon Education Store delivers with lightning-fast shipping and endless options.
- Donāt overlook eco-friendly brands and subscription boxes for fresh, sustainable, and engaging classroom materials.
Remember our early question: Where to start? Now you knowāstart with your budget and timeline, then pick the store that fits your style. Whether youāre a last-minute Amazon shopper or a planner who loves Lakeshoreās tactile treasures, your perfect teacher supply store is waiting.
š Recommended Links for Teacher Supplies and Resources
š Shop the Best Teacher Supply Stores:
- Really Good Stuff: Amazon | Official Site
- Lakeshore Learning: Amazon | Official Site
- Discount School Supply: Amazon | Official Site
- School Specialty: Amazon | Official Site
- Amazon Education Store: Amazon Education
- Oriental Trading: Amazon | Official Site
- Staples: Amazon | Official Site
- Michaels: Amazon | Official Site
- Blick Art Materials: Amazon | Official Site
- Quill: Amazon | Official Site
Must-Read Books for Teachers:
- The First Days of School by Harry K. Wong & Rosemary T. Wong ā Amazon
- Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov ā Amazon
- The Classroom Management Book by Harry K. Wong ā Amazon
- Mindset by Carol S. Dweck ā Amazon
ā Frequently Asked Questions About Teacher Supply Stores
What are the top-rated teacher supply stores near me?
Finding a local teacher supply store depends on your region, but chains like Lakeshore Learning and Michaels have physical locations nationwide. Use Google Maps or Yelp to search āteacher supply store near meā for independent shops. Local stores often offer personalized service and immediate gratificationāno shipping wait!
Where can I find affordable classroom supplies online?
For budget-conscious teachers, Discount School Supply and Walmart Education Section are your go-tos. They offer bulk packs and frequent promotions. Donāt forget to combine teacher discounts and cashback apps like Rakuten for extra savings.
What are the best stores for educational materials and resources?
Stores like Really Good Stuff and Lakeshore Learning specialize in engaging, curriculum-aligned materials. They offer everything from manipulatives to thematic classroom dƩcor, perfect for enhancing lesson plans and student engagement.
Which teacher supply stores offer bulk discounts?
Discount School Supply, Quill, and Teacher Supply Warehouse provide bulk pricing and membership discounts. If youāre buying for a whole grade or school, these stores make it easier to get volume pricing and streamlined ordering.
What are must-have supplies for a well-equipped classroom?
Essentials include dry-erase markers, sticky notes, magnetic timers, flair pens, and zip-ties. Bonus: sensory tools like chewable pencil toppers and compression swings can support diverse learners.
How do I choose the best learning materials for my students?
Consider your studentsā age, learning styles, and curriculum goals. For example, STEM kits like Sphero Mini work well for upper elementary, while sensory tools support younger or neurodiverse students. Always check for alignment with standards and ease of use.
Are there eco-friendly teacher supply stores available?
Yes! Brands like EcoSmart and Re-Play focus on sustainable materials. Stores such as Discount School Supply and Really Good Stuff now carry eco-friendly options. Look for compostable glue sticks, recycled bins, and tree-free paper products.
š Reference Links and Further Reading
- NEA Educator Expense Deduction Survey
- Really Good Stuff Official Site
- Discount School Supply Official Site
- Lakeshore Learning Official Site
- School Specialty Official Site
- Amazon Education Store
- Teacher Supply Storeā¢ Classroom Supplies
- Teacher Supply Storeā¢ Learning Materials
- Teacher Supply Storeā¢ Instructional Technology
For more insights and the latest in classroom essentials, visit Really Good Stuff: Teaching Supplies & Learning Products.
