December 16, 2025

Teacher Wishlist: Creative and Unique Ideas, Tools, and Toys for the Classroom Part 2

31 minutes

“Get your arsenal ready, because when parents ask, ‘Oh, what would you like? Is there anything I can get you for your classroom?’ I always say I can’t think of anything right now. And then I regret it later because I wish I would have thought of something, because they’re so generous and sweet about wanting to get things that help the class, their child, their child’s teacher.” – Katie Klipp

Welcome back to Part Two of this fun series, where Jenny and Katie continue sharing their favorite classroom tools! If you’re looking for last-minute gifts for colleagues or creative ways to spend that gift card you received, this episode is packed with practical ideas. While Part One focused on student engagement and classroom management tools, Part Two is all about productivity and efficiency. From magnetic ceiling hooks to robot vacuums, they share the functional tools that save time, reduce stress, and help teachers be more productive in their daily work.

Tools & Toys Mentioned in This Episode:

For Classroom Setup & Organization:

Magnetic Ceiling Hooks – Easily hang items from drop ceilings without fighting with paper clips or getting ceiling dust in your face. Holds up to 10 pounds each. Available on Amazon for about $9 for 20 hooks

Velcro – Mark spots on carpet without residue, create coding grids, mark lines for activities, secure behavior management tools to desks, and provide sensory items for students who need tactile input

Binder Clips – Multipurpose organizational tool

For Hands-On Productivity:

Tape Gizmo (Hands-Free Wrist Tape Dispenser) – Wear it on your hand so you can use all your fingers while taping projects or hanging items on the wall. A weekly essential!

Paper Cutters – Including Fiskars brand cutters for precision work

Punches – For creating organized, professional materials

Pop Dots – Add dimension to bulletin boards and projects

For Student Learning & Communication:

Donut Seats (Wobble Cushions) – Provide sensory input and allow movement for students who need it

Plastic Plates as Whiteboards – Inexpensive alternative to individual whiteboards for student responses

Boogie Board (Digital Writing Tablet) – Reusable writing surface that eliminates paper waste

Rocket Book – Reusable notebook that digitally saves your notes

For Teacher Workspace & Efficiency:

Keyboard or Desktop Whiteboard with Glass Top – Write notes, reminders, or to-do lists right at your workspace

Print-on Post-It Notes – Customize sticky notes with your own designs or information

Weighted Post-It Note Holder – Keeps notes organized and accessible without blowing away

Laptop Riser – Improves ergonomics and desk organization

Second Computer Monitor – Doubles your workspace for increased productivity and multitasking

For Presentations & Recording:

Logitech Spotlight Presenter – Professional presentation remote with advanced features

Selfie Stick – Makes recording videos and taking classroom photos easier

Wireless Mics – Capture clear audio when recording videos, eliminating background classroom noise. Makes student recordings and parent communication videos much clearer. Available on Amazon for $15-20

Multi-Battery Charger (Charmast) – Keeps all your devices charged with multiple cord options built in. Shows battery percentage remaining. Perfect for the classroom.

For Classroom Maintenance:

Eufy Vacuum Cleaner (Robot Vacuum) – Vacuums your classroom automatically while you’re not there. Set it on a timer to run early morning or after school. Students learn to keep floors clear, and you wake up to a clean classroom. No need for expensive models with all the wifi features—basic on/off with timer works great!

Katie and Jenny share many practical, functional tools that streamline your work and make teaching more efficient. Remember, you don’t need every tool to be successful, but these extras can be game-changers that make your life easier and your classroom more productive. Start with one or two that resonate with your biggest pain points and build from there.

Special Thanks to Our Listeners:

Thank you to everyone who submitted their favorite classroom tools! Check out below to see the wonderful ideas shared by fellow educators. Congratulations to the five winners selected for gift cards!

Listener-Submitted Favorite Tools:

Salt Shakers – put glitter in clear salt shakers. It helps contain it and makes storage easier.

Magnetic Spice Containers – there are small magnetic containers with snap on lids with a clear view. Line the inside (sides and bottom) with felt and then put dice in them. They can be stored on the whiteboard for easily locating the dice and students or teachers can just shake the container (which is quiet due to the felt) and get random numbers…without dice flying across the classroom.

Colored Dots – place a colored dot on each desk. When needing to put students into groups, dismiss, take turns, etc., just call students or group students by their color.

Tension/Expandable Shelf – add a shelf to any spot and make space useful – in a cabinet, in a cubby, or anywhere.

Sticky Note Tower – keep stacks of sticky notes organized and not taking up drawer space.

Boot Rack – use a book rack to store puppets

Water Bottle Cage for Bike – attach these to desk or chair legs to help keep water bottles available but organized and not a tripping hazard

Over-the-Door Organizer – these can be used to organize student headphones, game pieces, gym shoes, anything!

Command Hooks – attach two to a wall/cabinet and punch them through the back of a tissue box so the tissue box is always available and not taking up counter/desk space. Better yet – place it near a trash can.

Balloon inflator Balloon Pump Electric – a quick way to inflate beach balls, balloons, anything…

Tiny Pump X Portable – a great inflater for beach balls or other inflatables

Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you.

Go do what God has called you to do!

About Our Guest Katie holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education and has taught first grade at Bob Jones Academy in Greenville, SC, for over twenty years. She also assists at BJU Press in writing, revising, and consulting. She enjoys hosting workshops for teachers and assisting teachers with classroom management, technology, and creative instruction.

Sponsored By Now, more than ever, children need a learning experience that enables them to think critically, advances them academically, and encourages them to live biblically. BJU Press serves Christian educators with academically rigorous resources written from a biblical worldview to prepare the next generation to be salt and light in society. We are committed to doing everything we can so Christian education can do everything it must. Visit our website today or contact your Territory Manager to learn more. [bjupress.com]

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