The time has come, y’all. Target has put out their school supplies! Do you have a love hate relationship with the Target Back to School section? It’s equal parts dread over summer ending and excitement for fresh starts! There’s something about browsing through the school supply aisles that just gives us those teacher warm fuzzies…am I right?!
What are some of your MUST HAVES for back to school? We all love new pens and stationary, but there are some other not-so-traditional school supplies that are on my list. Don’t worry, you can still buy all the pens! #teaminkjoy
*This post may contain affiliate links. All that means is that if you purchase something using my link, I get a small (like, a few cents) commission. Don’t worry though, it doesn’t cost you anything extra!
Planner or Notebook
Uh, Rachel…didn’t you say NON-traditional? Okay, yes I know that a planner is a pretty basic school supply. But it’s definitely a must have!
Are you team digital planning or team paper planning? I’m definitely a combo when it comes to planning. I love having my scope and sequence on Google Drive, but I write my day to day plans in a paper planner! (Here’s the one I use!)
Even if you’re a digital planner, it’s good to have a small notebook on hand at all times. Instead of having 729 post-it notes all over your desk, keep those quick thoughts and to do lists in a notebook! Let’s be real…we’re still going to have post-its covering our desk. 😂
Quality Lunchbox
Lunch! Our favorite time of the day! Just enough time to inhale our food, make copies, and maybe make it to the bathroom. Do yourself a favor and get a lunchbox that is functional and can hold #allthethings!
My husband actually just bought me a new Kavu lunchbox and I’m obsessed! It holds my meal prep containers perfectly and still has room for a snack or two! It’s also small enough to fit in my backpack!
Water Bottle
I have to know…are you one of those teachers that has 3 or 4 different cups on your desk at the end of the day? 😬 Same. It’s a little ridiculous. However, I’ve learned that taking my Yeti prevents this from happening (as much). If I focus on getting my water in, I usually don’t have as many drinks sitting around at the end of the day.
What is your favorite type of water bottle? I have a Yeti Rambler with a flip top straw lid thing. This lid is so much easier to deal with than the one that twists off. Of course, I have it completely covered in stickers too!
2020-2021 was a hard year for keeping up with water intake. Wearing a mask meant not thinking about drinking water as often! I don’t know about you, but I’m changing that this coming year.
Laminator
Now it’s time for a more traditional school supply. You know how we talked about my love hate relationship with the Target Back to School section? Well, I have a love love relationship with my laminator! So much so that I even bought a second one this year.
If you don’t have a personal laminator in your school supply collection, grab this one right now. Seriously, you won’t regret it! Have you ever laminated something on the school machine and it got all wrinkled and destroyed? It’s the worst. The big laminators are good for larger decor, but for everyday use, you can’t beat a personal size.
Not only is it easier to deal with, but the lamination is thicker. Kids are HARD on stuff, so I’ll take all the help I can get in making materials last longer!
Treat Yo’ Self!
The last must have is the most important one! Find ONE “school supply” you’re dying to have and just get the dang thing! We spend so much time, money, and effort providing for our kids that we hardly treat ourselves!
This splurge item will look different for everyone! Maybe, you’ve had your eye on a new set of InkJoy (or Flair) pens. Buy them! Is your desk at school falling apart? Time to order a new one. My favorite splurge is to schedule a massage for myself the last week of summer break. Now, is this a school supply? Nope. But you better believe it gets me in the right headspace for a new school year!
So, are you ready to hit the Target school supply section yet? If not, that’s cool. Comment below and let me know what your favorite back to school must haves are! I can’t wait to hear how you’re going to treat yourself!!!
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*These are affiliate links. All that means is that if you purchase something using one of my links, I get a small (like, a few cents) commission. Don’t worry though, it doesn’t cost you anything extra!
