My Top 25 in '25: My Top 25 Amazon Teacher Must Haves

Even before I became a teacher, I loved all things related to school supplies--pens, pencils, notebooks, notepads–-anything school or office supplies related. Even when I don’t need it, I feel compelled to buy it. Becoming a teacher just gave me the perfect excuse

Amazon is a teacher’s best friend.

With Amazon becoming the go-to marketplace for everything, finding the right classroom supplies has never been easier. I have compiled a list of my top 25 favorite teacher must-have classroom supplies from Amazon.

This post may contain affiliate links to Amazon or other affiliate partnerships. I earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through a link. However, I do not recommend products unless I have personally used AND loved them.

Pencil Sharpeners

This X-ACTO SchoolPro Electric Pencil Sharpener is a great heavy duty pencil sharpener for the classroom. I've been using this in my middle school classroom for the past several years now.

Another great brand I recently started using is STAPLES. This STAPLES electric pencil sharpener is also a great buy for the classroom. The main difference with this sharpener is that it has an auto stop function, so when the pencil is sharpened the motor stops to let you know it is done.

*STAPLES also offers this sharpener in a 2-pack for a better deal than buying them separate*

Class Pencils

As we all know, there is a strange black hole that causes pencils to disappear in the classroom, especially if the pencils are yours. This 144 pack of golf pencils is a budget-friendly alternative to buying a pack of nice pencils only to have them go missing after being used once.

Other Classroom Needs

I have been using this Kensington Wireless Presenter with Red Laser Pointer for about 17 years now, and I love it. When I started teaching at my last school, the previous teacher left hers behind, so I started using it. I loved it so much, I immediately bought my own (you know, just in case she came back looking for it). I love the way the shape fits in my hand, so I prefer it compared to the long shaped presenters. They make one without the red pointer, but I think it comes in handy.

I love to keep organized by labeling everything, so I use my Dymo LetraTag LT-100H Portable Label Maker to do it. I really like that I can hold the label maker in one hand when I carry it around.

Previously, I had this version of Dymo’s Label Maker. The only difference I could tell between them was simply the shape. I still have and use both frequently. I keep one at home and have one at school.

Teacher Pens

This Pack of 15 assorted color Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pens (Fine Point 0.7 mm) has been an awesome addition to my ever growing favorite pen collection. These erasable pens write dark and erase clean. Erasable pens have come a long way since the 80’s.

My all-time favorite pens to write with are the RSVP pens. This 5 pack of Pentel RSVP Ballpoint Pen (Fine Line 0.7mm) comes in assorted colors, which is always more fun than basic black.

Another favorite of mine is the BIC Gel-ocity Quick Dry Retractable Gel Pens. This pack has 8 smear free, super bright, assorted colors (Medium Point 0.7mm). I love that they are retractable so I don’t have to worry about losing the caps.

Organization

One of my absolute favorites is this Adir Wood Paper Storage Organizer. This organizer is fairly heavy duty but can be put together and taken apart multiple times very easily. Complete assembly and disassembly can be done in about 5-10 minutes. It is much better than the cheaper cardboard organizers but not as expensive as the nice thick wood ones. The one I have is in black, hopefully it will come back in stock.
I love this multicolor 6 pocket hanging file folders from Amazon Basics.
It can be folded up and carried with a handle or cascades down when it is hung up. I hang it in my room and use it to hold absent work for each of my classes, but it can be used in a variety of ways to help keep you organized.
Another way I keep things organized is by using these 36 Pack Plastic File Folders that come in 6 colors. I color-code my classes, so these file folders were perfect for me and because they are plastic, I can use them year after year without getting worn out or falling apart.
This 12-pack of BAZIC Expanding File Folders (7 Pockets w/Color Tab) is one of my new favorites. I used to keep all of my papers for my chapters/units in ½ inch binders, but I am at a school that likes to move teachers around from year-to-year. I hated lugging all of those heavy binders back and forth from one room to another year-after-year, so I decided to go for a much lighter solution. These file folders can easily organize the different types of papers I have (notes, assessments, labs, worksheets, etc) and are so much easier to carry.
I love these ZKOO Art Portfolio Bags to keep my bulletin board items clean and organized. These bags come in a few different sizes, so you can choose the one(s) that fit your particular needs. The handles are very secure and the plastic is heavy duty, so you don’t have to worry about anything tearing or breaking. And because they are clear, you can always see what is inside without having to take everything out.
I usually just use whatever cups I have laying around to hold my pens, but this year I splurged on this Rotating Desk Organizer with 2 Pen Holders (10 Slots) and 3 Drawers. I love that it has sooo much room for all my favorite pens (that rotate so I can see all of them) and the drawers are perfect for things like post its, paper clips, white out, etc. I even have room on top of the drawers to put a little plant. And it comes in a few different colors.

Teacher Supplies

For the past two years I have used a Deluxe Teacher Planner from Global Printed Products. This deluxe edition has it all, such as daily, weekly, and monthly organizers, planning room for up to 7 periods/blocks, a pocket folder, page tabs, a bookmark, stickers, and more. They also have a huge variety of planners, from regular to deluxe, dated or undated, and several different images/themes to choose from.
For most of my teaching career I have used a clipboard that I carry around with me during the day. I recently bought a new one because my old one was getting very ragged from all the use. I came across this Ospelelf Clipboard Folio with Notepad and I love it. This clipboard folder has plenty of storage (5 Folders with 10 Pockets), a pen loop,and an elastic closure. It also comes in several different images/themes to choose from. I was even able to find one that matched my planner!
My favorite desk calendar is this 18-month Desk Calendar by Lemome (16.8" x 12"). My favorite part is the ruled blocks, so I can keep my information neat and organized. It also has corner protectors to keep it neat. This calendar can be used as a desk or wall calendar, and the size is perfect–not too small for the wall and not too gigantic for your desk. They also come in a variety of themes.
I love this teacher bag. It is the Trunab Teacher Tote Bag-a large utility tote with multiple pockets and fits a 15.6'' laptop. This bag is ginormous, but it doesn’t feel like you are carrying a suitcase. You can put so much stuff in here it's crazy, and it comes in black or grey.
I have used this lunch box for several years now, and I love it. It is the Nicole Miller Insulated Lunch Bag Tote. It’s my favorite because it is so roomy but not too bulky. It has a very large waterproof, insulated interior that can stretch out to hold fairly large containers. There are two large pockets on either side of the main compartment good for holding a variety of things, such as keys, phone, silverware, etc. There is also a smaller zipped pocket on the outside that can hold smaller items, such as lip balm, hand sanitizer, mints/gum, etc.
I just recently purchased this Set of 3 Bento Lunch Containers. My favorite part about this set is that each container has 4 removable compartments, so you can customize it to fit your needs for that meal. So if you have a large entree with only 2 sides, you can remove two of the sections and have a larger section for the entree and the other two smaller sections for the sides. I love that I can switch it up depending on the needs of my meal.

This set, click here, is very similar to the one pictured above and looks to be just as good.
A new favorite for me is this SAM & LORI Retractable Lanyard that holds my school ID Badge, fob, and keys. There are three things about this lanyard that I love. The first is that it’s retractable, so when I need to use my keys or fob, I can just stretch it out instead of having to bend down. The second reason is that it has a place for felt pads that act like essential oil diffusers. This comes in handy when I get migraines. The third feature is that it looks like a nice necklace with a pretty design, and it comes in over 10 different designs.
This Small Pill Organizer is a must have for any teacher. This small box allows you to have a variety of pills (pain relief, stomach relief, allergy, etc.) handy without taking up too much space in your drawer (or purse). The one I have is currently unavailable, so this MEACOLIA Pill Organizer is an alternative that actually looks even better than the one I have. It is a 3-pack and each organizer has 8 compartments and comes with labels.
I don’t know about you, but I tend to get hot when I teach. I also work in an old building that always has air conditioning issues, so this Dreo Fan for Desk with Remote (11 inch) is a lifesaver. It is very powerful for a small fan. I can keep it on the corner of my desk and turn it on whenever I need it.
I use these YOUOWO Lanyards with ID Badge Holder (8 Pack, Black) for my hall passes. I create my own hall pass that fit inside the plastic sleeve. The plastic cover is waterproof, resealable, and durable. The neck straps have a swivel metal trigger clasp rather than a simple clip that can accidentally be pushed and cause the hall pass to be lost. My hall passes lasted the whole year in a middle school classroom. Imagine that...
All classrooms can use timers for a variety of tasks. These Uigos 2 Pack Digital Kitchen Timer 2.0 has big digits, a loud alarm, magnetic backing, a stand, and they come in a 2 Pack! Timers are a very useful tool to help kids visualize time which helps them learn to self-pace teaching them time management skills.

This timer, found here, is even more of a visual timer to help kids self-pace. It also has. a few extra benefits, such as four different alarm modes, and its rechargeable.
And last but not least, I love this stuff. This White Grey Wood Self Adhesive Paper (17.71 in X 32.8 Ft) is peel and stick and removable. I've used this stuff for bulletin boards (not as a peel and stick...I left the backing on and just used it as paper.) I also used it to spice up my classroom and covered my teacher desk, bookcases, file cabinets, etc. to give it a unified shabby chic look.