Ikea and Container Store Finds for Teachers

One of the most beautiful aspects of living near Atlanta is that we have awesome stores like Ikea and The Container Store so close.  I was so privileged to be able to make my first trip to The Container Store last year and I was in heaven.  If I ever win the lottery, a chunk of change will be spent on organizational stuff.  I am truly obsessed!  My first Ikea trip was about 2 weeks ago and it was heaven.  I loved every second of my trip and found some fantastic (and affordable!) treasures for my classroom next year.  Here are the goodies I found!

Lampan Table Lamp - $4.99

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20055421/

I am a huge believer in adapted lighting for all students.  My friend Ashley at Toughen Up, Buttercup sold me on the idea.  A classroom is so much more pleasant to be in when the lighting isn't so harsh.  I bought four of the babies to increase my lamp population.  They aren't insanely bright, but they will definitely contribute to the cause.

Toftbo Bathroom Mat - $9.99 (in turquoise and green)

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20163963/  (turquoise)

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10209339/ (green)

 I am excited to include these beautiful rugs in my classroom next year.  I am trying to create a homey feel and these will help so much.  They are so soft and I plan to place them around my board for extra seating.  The colors are really vibrant and they are washable which is always a plus.  

Fylt Magazine File - $1.49/5 files

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50022354/

The possibilities with these are endless! I plan to use them for my library for sure.  I also saw an awesome idea on Pinterest for them today for paper storage!  They are cardboard and would make great book boxes if the need was there.  I am excited about the simple color.  

Now onto my Container Store find (yes, just one this time!).  I will be teaching 3 grade levels next year and have been desperately looking for baskets to use to collect their homework and classwork.  As soon as I walked in, it was like the heavens opened up and angels sang.  I had found exactly what I was looking for.

Our Basic Stack Basket - $5.99 (I bought white, blue, and green)

http://www.containerstore.com/shop/storage/stackingStorage?productId=10006896&N=71232

I plan to label these for each grade level.  I wish they had purple, but white will suffice. I am excited about the size of these specifically.  They will hold more than just one stack of papers if need be.  I love how sturdy they are once stacked, also!

I hope you all found this helpful and beneficial.  Ikea and The Container Store can be a money pit if you're not careful.  However, with some restraint and planning, you will be one step closer to an awesome learning environment for your kiddos!