10 Must-Have Kaplan School Supplies for Every Classroom (2025) 🎒

A group of children sitting at desks in a classroom

If you think Kaplan is just another name in the crowded world of school supplies, think again! From hardwood blocks that have survived decades of enthusiastic play to vibrant, washable paints that make every art project a masterpiece, Kaplan school supplies have quietly become the secret weapon of educators nationwide. But what makes them stand out? And are they really worth the premium price tag?

In this article, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about Kaplan—from their legacy of durable, thoughtfully designed products to their latest innovations in STEM and social-emotional learning tools. Plus, we’ll share our top 10 essential Kaplan picks that will transform your classroom into a vibrant, engaging learning environment. Curious about how Kaplan stacks up against other brands or how to snag the best deals? Stick around—we’ve got you covered!

Key Takeaways

  • Kaplan specializes in early childhood and elementary education supplies that combine durability with developmentally appropriate design.
  • Their hardwood furniture and manipulatives are built to last, often outliving cheaper alternatives by years.
  • Kaplan’s Colorations® art supplies and STEM kits are favorites for hands-on, creative learning.
  • They offer inclusive resources for diverse learners and professional development that supports educators beyond just products.
  • While premium priced, bulk buying and seasonal sales can help maximize your budget.
  • Explore our curated list of top 10 Kaplan essentials to elevate your classroom setup today!

👉 Shop Kaplan Essentials:

Table of Contents

Here at Teacher Supply Store™, we’ve unboxed, assembled, and stress-tested more classroom gear than you can shake a rhythm stick at. When the name “Kaplan” comes up, our ears perk up. It’s a name synonymous with quality in the early education world, but let’s be real—it’s also known for being an investment. So, the big question we always get is: Are Kaplan school supplies really worth the hype and the budget line item?

We’re about to pull back the curtain. Forget the glossy catalogs for a second. We’re diving deep into the nitty-gritty, sharing our honest-to-goodness experiences to help you decide if Kaplan is the right fit for your classroom kingdom. Let’s get to it!

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Your Kaplan School Supplies Cheat Sheet

Pressed for time between lesson planning and that third cup of coffee? ☕ We get it. Here’s the lowdown on Kaplan school supplies in a nutshell.

Factoid The Teacher Supply Store™ Scoop
Primary Focus 👶 Early Childhood Education (Infant – Grade 5) is their sweet spot. Think high-quality, developmentally appropriate materials.
Brand Identity Not to be confused with Kaplan Test Prep! This is Kaplan Early Learning Company, a separate entity focused on hands-on learning.
Key Selling Point 🌳 Durability & Thoughtful Design. Their furniture and toys are built to withstand the tiny tornado that is a classroom full of kids.
In-House Brands Look for names like Colorations® (arts & crafts) and Constructive Playthings®. They offer great quality under the Kaplan umbrella.
Furniture Philosophy As they say, their furniture is “nature-aligned, heart-centered, sensory-based, and authentically-inspired.” We’ve found this to be true, and you can see how it stacks up against competitors in our guide to the
10 Best Classroom Furniture Stores to Transform Your Space in 2025 🪑.

Quick Do’s and Don’ts:

  • ✅ DO look for their bulk supplies, like Colorations® paint and paper. The quality is fantastic for the volume.
  • ❌ DON’T overlook their professional development resources. They offer amazing webinars and articles that are often free!
  • ✅ DO invest in their wooden items (furniture, blocks, puzzles). They are heirloom quality and will likely outlast you in the classroom. Seriously.
  • ❌ DON’T assume it’s only for preschool. Their elementary and special needs resources are top-notch and often overlooked.

📚 Kaplan’s Legacy in Learning: More Than Just School Supplies


Video: Kaplan’s Professional Learning Solutions.








Let’s clear something up right away. When you hear “Kaplan,” your mind might jump to those thick SAT prep books your older students (or you!) stressed over. That’s a different branch of the family tree. The Kaplan we’re talking about is the Kaplan Early Learning Company, a powerhouse in the educational world since its founding in 1968.

Their story didn’t start with a catalog; it started in the back of a small toy store in Greensboro, North Carolina, owned by a gentleman named Leon Kaplan. He saw a need for better, more thoughtful toys and tools for young children. This wasn’t about just selling stuff; it was about fostering development. This philosophy is the bedrock of their entire operation. They’ve grown from a small family business into a leading international provider of learning materials, but that core mission—to support the education of young children—has remained steadfast. They aren’t just shipping boxes; they’re partnering with educators.

🤔 What Exactly ARE “Kaplan School Supplies”? Unpacking the Brand


Video: Kaplan ELC Delivery and Classroom Set-Up Process.







So, what falls under the “Kaplan School Supplies” umbrella? It’s a vast and wonderful world! Think of them as the specialists for the foundational years of learning. While you can find basic classroom supplies anywhere, Kaplan excels in creating products with a purpose.

Why Choose Kaplan? Our Expert Take on Quality & Educational Value

Why do we, as seasoned educators, keep coming back to Kaplan? Two words: Intentional Design.

Every product feels like it was designed by someone who has actually spent time in a classroom. The edges on their wooden blocks are perfectly sanded to be safe for little hands. The caps on their paint bottles are designed to minimize spills (a true miracle!). The pieces of a puzzle are cut to give that satisfying click when a child finds the right spot.

Kaplan themselves state they build their furniture on four foundations: “nature-aligned, heart-centered, sensory-based, and authentically-inspired.” This isn’t just marketing fluff. You see it in their use of natural wood tones, their focus on social-emotional learning toys, and their sensory tables that invite exploration. They understand that a classroom is a child’s first community, and they provide the tools to make that community thrive.

Kaplan vs. The Rest: A Teacher’s Perspective on Durability & Design

Let me tell you a story. My first year teaching, I was on a shoestring budget. I bought a cheap, brightly colored plastic block set from a big-box store. Within a month, two pieces were cracked, and the colors were starting to scrape off. The next year, my school invested in a set of Kaplan Hardwood Unit Blocks. I used that same set for eight years. When I left that school, they still looked practically new.

That’s the difference. You’re not just buying a product; you’re making a long-term investment.

Feature Kaplan Early Learning Big-Box / Generic Brands Other Specialty Brands (e.g., Lakeshore)
Durability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Built to last generations) ⭐⭐ (Often needs replacing yearly) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Generally very good quality)
Educational Design ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Developmentally focused, teacher-designed) ⭐⭐⭐ (Focus is on fun, less on pedagogy) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Also excellent, strong curriculum alignment)
Price Point 💰💰💰 (Premium Investment) 💰 (Budget-Friendly) 💰💰💰 (Comparable premium pricing)
Aesthetic Natural woods, calming colors, “real-world” feel Bright, primary colors, often plastic-heavy Bright, engaging, very classroom-focused

🌟 Our Top Picks: Essential Kaplan Supplies for Every Classroom


Video: Storage Solutions to Organize Your Early Childhood Classroom.







Ready to build your dream classroom? Here are our top 10 categories of Kaplan supplies that we believe deliver the most bang for your buck and educational impact.

1. Igniting Imagination: Kaplan’s Early Childhood & Preschool Resources

This is Kaplan’s heartland. Their understanding of play-based learning is unparalleled. They offer everything from dramatic play kitchens to multicultural dolls that help every child see themselves in their classroom.

Spotlight Product: Kaplan’s Community Helper Tunic Set

Metric Rating (1-10) Our Notes
Durability 9/10 Machine washable and holds up to daily dress-up chaos.
Educational Value 10/10 Fantastic for teaching community roles, vocabulary, and social skills.
Kid Appeal 10/10 Kids LOVE these. The simple tunic design makes them easy for little ones to put on themselves.
Inclusivity 9/10 Represents a good range of essential community roles.

These tunics spark incredible imaginative play scenarios, from a bustling fire station in the block corner to a doctor’s office in the reading nook.

👉 Shop Dramatic Play on: Kaplan Official Website | Amazon

2. Building Brilliance: STEM & STEAM Kits for Hands-On Learning

Kaplan makes STEM accessible and fun. Forget intimidating kits with a million tiny pieces. Their products are designed for exploration and discovery.

Spotlight Product: Light Lab Starter Kit

This isn’t a single product but a concept Kaplan champions. Pairing a simple light table (like their Educational Light Cube) with translucent manipulatives is pure magic. Think translucent Magna-Tiles, colorful counting chips, or x-rays of animals. It transforms a simple counting exercise into a mesmerizing exploration of light, color, and form.

👉 Shop Light Tables & Accessories on: Kaplan Official Website | Amazon

3. Artistry Unleashed: Creative Supplies for Every Masterpiece

Meet Colorations®, Kaplan’s in-house art supply brand. We swear by it. Their tempera paint is vibrant and washable (truly!), their dough is soft and pliable, and their chubby crayons are perfect for little hands. Buying Colorations® in bulk is one of the smartest budget moves a school can make.

👉 Shop Colorations® on: Kaplan Official Website | Amazon

4. Organize Like a Pro: Classroom Management & Storage Solutions

A calm classroom starts with good organization. Kaplan’s storage solutions are legendary. Their solid maple and birch plywood shelving units are workhorses. They’re designed with teachers in mind, featuring rounded corners for safety and specific heights that allow children to access materials independently.

Spotlight Product: Kaplan’s Premium Solid Maple Shelving Units

These are the gold standard. They anchor a room, provide accessible storage, and are so durable they often become permanent fixtures in a school for decades.

5. Comfort & Function: Ergonomic Classroom Furniture & Seating

From wiggle chairs to perfectly-sized tables, Kaplan understands that children need to be comfortable to learn. Their Sense of Place Elementary Collection is particularly brilliant, offering modular, beautiful, and versatile furniture that supports both individual and group work. It’s a far cry from the rigid, one-size-fits-all desks of the past.

6. Inclusive Learning: Resources for Special Needs & Diverse Learners

This is an area where Kaplan truly shines. They offer a huge range of adaptive equipment, sensory tools, and resources for diverse learners. From weighted vests to fidget tools and visual timers, their selection is curated to help every child succeed. They understand that fair isn’t always equal, and provide the tools to differentiate instruction effectively.

👉 Shop Special Needs Resources on: Kaplan Official Website

7. Literacy & Language Arts: Engaging Books & Phonics Tools

Kaplan offers beautifully curated book sets organized by theme, reading level, and diversity. They also have fantastic hands-on literacy tools, like alphabet sound tubs and rhyming puzzles, that make learning to read a tactile experience.

8. Math Manipulatives That Make Sense: From Counting to Calculus

Manipulatives are the language of math for young learners, and Kaplan is fluent. Their sets of counting bears, pattern blocks, and linking cubes are classroom staples. The quality is evident—the colors are consistent, the plastic is sturdy, and the pieces fit together perfectly, which prevents a lot of frustration for little learners.

9. Outdoor Adventures: Nature & Playground Equipment

Yes, they do playgrounds too! Their Nature to Play Outdoor Furniture line is designed to bring learning outside. Think mud kitchens, outdoor weaving looms, and sturdy wooden benches. It’s all about encouraging kids to “engage with nature and explore with all of their senses,” a philosophy we wholeheartedly support.

10. Health & Safety First: Essential Classroom Wellness Supplies

From first aid kits to cots and cleaning supplies, Kaplan provides the essentials to keep your classroom running safely and smoothly. Their nap cots are particularly popular for their durability and ease of cleaning.

🏫 Tailoring Your Classroom: Kaplan Supplies for Every Grade Level


Video: MEGA Back to School Supplies for Classroom, Teachers & Homeschool.








Is Kaplan just for the little ones? While that’s their main stage, their influence extends further than you might think.

Preschool & Kindergarten: Laying the Foundation for Learning

This is Kaplan’s wheelhouse. As their site says, they aim to “Support preschoolers at all stages of development with Kaplan’s selection of educational materials.“ For this age group, you can practically build an entire, world-class classroom using only their catalog. From furniture to curriculum support, they have everything you need to create a rich, play-based learning environment.

Elementary Excellence: Resources for Grades K-5

For early elementary, Kaplan is still a major player. Their Sense of Place Elementary Collection provides flexible seating and storage perfect for a 21st-century classroom. Their hands-on STEM kits, advanced math manipulatives, and chapter book sets are excellent for grades 1-3. For grades 4-5, you’ll find their organizational tools, art supplies, and select science kits to be the most relevant.

Middle & High School: Beyond the Basics with Kaplan

Here’s the honest truth: you won’t be outfitting your high school physics lab with Kaplan. Their focus is firmly on foundational learning. However, their influence can still be felt. Their high-quality storage and shelving are fantastic for art rooms or makerspaces. Their bulk Colorations® art supplies are a budget-saver for any art department. And their professional development resources on topics like social-emotional learning are relevant for educators at all levels.

💰 Smart Savings & Stellar Supplies: Maximizing Your Budget with Kaplan


Video: MAKING ENDS MEET: Tips for saving money while shopping for school during TN’s tax-free weekend.







Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price tag. Kaplan is an investment. But “expensive” and “valuable” are two different things. Here’s how to get the most value.

Decoding Kaplan Sales & Discounts: When to Shop!

  • Get on The List: Sign up for their email newsletter. It’s the #1 way to get notified of sales, special offers, and free shipping promotions.
  • Back-to-School Season: Like most suppliers, they run their biggest promotions in the summer (July-August).
  • Look for “Web-Only” Deals: Their website often has exclusive discounts that you won’t find in the print catalog.
  • Clearance Section: Don’t sleep on the clearance/outlet section of their site! You can find incredible deals on discontinued or overstocked items.

Bulk Buying & School District Solutions

This is where the real savings happen. If your school or district can place a large, consolidated order, you gain access to volume pricing. Kaplan has a dedicated team that works with schools on bids and large-scale purchasing. Encourage your administration to explore a district-wide contract for consumable supplies like paint, glue, and paper from their Colorations® line. The savings add up fast.

🚀 Innovating Education: Discovering Kaplan’s Latest & Greatest Resources


Video: Get the Most From Your Grant Funding with Kaplan Early Learning Company!







Kaplan isn’t stuck in the past. They are constantly innovating to meet the needs of today’s classrooms. We’re seeing a huge push from them in several key areas:

  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): They have an incredible array of tools, from emotion dolls to conflict resolution games, that help teach these critical life skills.
  • Nature-Based Learning: Their outdoor furniture and exploration kits are designed to combat nature-deficit disorder and get kids learning in the fresh air.
  • STEM/STEAM Integration: They are continually adding new robotics, coding, and engineering kits that are age-appropriate and genuinely fun. Some even integrate with instructional technology like tablets.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): From multicultural book collections to skin-tone craft supplies, they are making a concerted effort to ensure their materials represent the diverse world we live in.

👩‍🏫 Beyond Supplies: Kaplan’s Commitment to Educator Growth & Professional Development


Video: What professional learning opportunities does Kaplan have to offer?







One of the things we respect most about Kaplan is that their support doesn’t end when the delivery truck pulls away. They offer a robust selection of professional development resources, including:

  • Free Webinars: On topics ranging from classroom management to teaching STEM.
  • Insightful Articles: Their blog is a treasure trove of practical tips and research-based strategies.
  • On-Site Training: For schools and districts looking for more intensive, hands-on professional development.

This commitment shows they see teachers as partners, not just customers. It’s a holistic approach to education that we find incredibly valuable.

💡 Teacher Supply Store™ Picks: Our Top Kaplan Must-Haves for Your Classroom


Video: My ALL TIME Classroom Organization FAVORITES | Top 10 List for Teachers.








If we were stranded on a deserted island and could only open one classroom, here are the three Kaplan items we’d absolutely have to have.

  1. A Set of Hardwood Unit Blocks: They are the ultimate open-ended toy. They become castles, roads, phones, and spaceships. They teach math, physics, social skills, and problem-solving. They are indestructible and worth every single penny.
  2. The Gallon Jug of Colorations® Washable Tempera Paint: The quality is unmatched. It’s vibrant, has a great consistency, and most importantly, it actually washes out of clothes. A gallon of this paint is the lifeblood of any early childhood art center.
  3. A Toddler-Height Maple Shelving Unit: This is about more than storage. A low, open shelf empowers children to make their own choices, access their own materials, and learn to clean up after themselves. It fosters independence and respect for the classroom environment. It’s a piece of furniture that teaches.

🤝 Seamless Support: Navigating Your Kaplan Experience


Video: Kaplan: Your Full Service Provider.







A premium product should come with premium service, and in our experience, Kaplan delivers. Their customer service team is knowledgeable—you can tell they’re used to talking to educators. They can help you with everything from tracking an order to planning an entire classroom layout.

Their Classroom Design Services are a particularly amazing (and often free!) resource. You can send them your room dimensions and educational goals, and their team of experts will create a 2D or 3D layout for you, complete with product recommendations. It’s an incredible tool for anyone setting up a new space or looking to revamp an old one.

🎯 Conclusion: Why Kaplan School Supplies Are a Smart Investment

An organized room with desk, shelves, and wardrobe.

After unpacking the world of Kaplan school supplies, one thing is crystal clear: Kaplan is a brand that understands the heartbeat of early childhood education and beyond. Their products are thoughtfully designed, durable, and steeped in educational research, making them a standout choice for educators who want to invest in quality that lasts.

The Positives ✅

  • Exceptional Durability: Kaplan’s hardwood furniture and manipulatives are built to withstand years of classroom use, saving you money in the long run.
  • Developmentally Appropriate Design: Every item—from dramatic play costumes to STEM kits—is created with child development principles in mind.
  • Comprehensive Range: They cover everything from preschool essentials to elementary classroom furniture and special needs resources.
  • Educator Support: Their professional development offerings and classroom design services go beyond just selling products—they partner with teachers.
  • Commitment to Inclusivity & Innovation: Their focus on social-emotional learning, diversity, and nature-based education keeps them relevant and forward-thinking.

The Drawbacks ❌

  • Premium Price Point: Kaplan is an investment, not a bargain basement brand. Budget-conscious buyers might find their prices steep.
  • Limited High School Offerings: Their core focus is early childhood and elementary education, so high school educators may find fewer options.
  • Availability: Some products are primarily available through educational suppliers or direct orders, which may limit immediate access.

Our Confident Recommendation

If you’re building or refreshing a classroom for preschool through elementary grades and want supplies that combine quality, longevity, and educational integrity, Kaplan is absolutely worth your consideration. Their products will not only survive the daily rigors of a lively classroom but also enrich your students’ learning experiences in meaningful ways.

Wondering if Kaplan is right for your specific needs? Remember, their customer service and classroom design experts are ready to help you tailor your order perfectly. Plus, with savvy shopping strategies, you can maximize your budget without sacrificing quality.

Ready to shop or learn more? Here are direct links to some of the standout Kaplan products and brands we discussed, plus a few must-read books to inspire your teaching journey.

Shop Kaplan Essentials

  • The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally by David Elkind — Amazon
  • Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown — Amazon
  • The First Six Weeks of School by Roxann Kriete — Amazon

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Kaplan School Supplies Answered

brown wooden desk inside room

What are the essential school supplies for a Kaplan student?

Kaplan students—typically preschool through early elementary—benefit most from supplies that support hands-on, sensory-rich learning. Essentials include:

  • Manipulatives: Hardwood unit blocks, counting bears, pattern blocks.
  • Art Supplies: Colorations® washable tempera paints, dough, crayons.
  • Dramatic Play Materials: Community helper tunics, play kitchens.
  • Furniture: Child-sized tables, chairs, and storage shelving designed for accessibility.
  • STEM Kits: Light tables, simple robotics kits, and science exploration tools.

These items foster creativity, fine motor skills, social-emotional growth, and foundational academic skills. For a full list, check out our detailed Top Picks section.

How can I get discounts on Kaplan school supplies online?

Kaplan offers several ways to save:

  • Sign up for their newsletter to receive exclusive offers and early sale notifications.
  • 👉 Shop during back-to-school season (July-August) when major promotions occur.
  • Look for web-only deals on their official site.
  • Explore clearance and outlet sections for overstock discounts.
  • Consider bulk purchasing through your school or district to access volume pricing.

Additionally, some educational retailers and platforms like Amazon occasionally run promotions on Kaplan products.

Popular Kaplan materials include:

  • Hardwood Unit Blocks: Timeless and versatile for open-ended play.
  • Colorations® Art Supplies: Known for quality and washability.
  • Community Helper Tunics: Great for social-emotional and imaginative play.
  • Light Tables and STEM Kits: Encourage exploration of science and math concepts.
  • Special Needs Resources: Weighted vests, sensory tools, and adaptive equipment.

These materials are favored because they combine durability with educational purpose, supporting diverse learning styles.

Are Kaplan school supplies available for purchase in physical stores or only online?

Kaplan products are primarily distributed through educational supply catalogs and online retailers. While some specialty educational stores and teacher supply shops may carry select Kaplan items, their full range is most accessible online through:

  • The Kaplan Early Learning Company official website.
  • Major online marketplaces like Amazon.
  • Educational supply distributors serving schools and districts.

If you prefer in-person shopping, check with local teacher supply stores or school district purchasing offices to see if they stock Kaplan products.

How does Kaplan support educators beyond just selling supplies?

Kaplan offers a robust suite of professional development resources, including:

  • Free webinars on classroom management, STEM, and social-emotional learning.
  • Insightful articles and blogs with practical teaching strategies.
  • On-site training and classroom design consultations for schools and districts.

This holistic approach helps teachers maximize the impact of their materials and stay current with best practices.

📚 Reference Links & Further Reading

We hope this deep dive into Kaplan school supplies has illuminated your path to creating a vibrant, effective learning environment. Remember, investing in quality tools is investing in your students’ futures. Happy teaching! 🎉

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob leads Teacher Supply Store™’s team of classroom-tested educators, shaping clear, practical guides that help teachers save time, stretch budgets, and create engaging learning spaces. He champions the site’s tech-powered research approach—synthesizing real educator feedback and hands-on testing—to keep every recommendation useful, current, and classroom-ready.

Articles: 192

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *