How Preschool Teachers Can Save Money on Craft Supplies
Being a preschool teacher means getting creative—not just in the classroom, but also with your budget! Crafting is an essential part of early education, but the costs can add up quickly. From art supplies to project materials, it’s easy to overspend when trying to provide the best experiences for your little learners.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to save money on craft supplies while still giving your students hands-on, engaging learning opportunities. Plus, we’ll show you how Little Dreamers Dream Big can help stretch your budget even further with affordable resources and supplies.
1. Shop Smart for Craft Supplies
To cut costs, start by shopping strategically.
• Dollar Stores: Stock up on basics like crayons, markers, construction paper, and glue for a fraction of the price.
• Thrift Stores: Check for gently used craft supplies or unexpected finds like yarn, buttons, and fabric scraps.
• Clearance Sections: Keep an eye on craft store clearance racks for seasonal items and discounted materials.
2. Go for Bulk Buys
When it comes to craft staples like paper, glue, and paint, buying in bulk is your best friend.
• Look for teacher discounts at stores like Michaels, Joann, or even online retailers like Amazon.
• Consider pooling resources with other teachers to purchase larger quantities at a lower cost.
3. Use Recycled Materials
Get creative with everyday items that would otherwise go to waste.
• Save paper towel rolls, cereal boxes, and egg cartons for craft projects.
• Ask families to donate clean, recyclable materials for the classroom.
• Incorporate natural items like leaves, pinecones, and rocks for fun, budget-friendly crafts.
4. Stick to Multi-Use Supplies
Invest in materials that can be used for multiple crafts and lessons. For example:
• Washable paint can be used for everything from handprint art to science experiments.
• Popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners are versatile staples for countless projects.
• Reusable stencils and stamps can last for years.
5. Save Time and Money with Lil Dreamers Dream Big
At Lil Dreamers Dream Big, we understand the challenges of balancing creativity with a budget. That’s why we include affordable, ready-to-use materials with our preschool curriculum!
✔️ Affordable Craft Supplies: Our resources come with many of the craft essentials you need to bring your lessons to life—at a fraction of the cost you’d spend elsewhere.
✔️ Time-Saving Lesson Plans: Each curriculum pack is thoughtfully designed to provide fun, hands-on activities that use materials you already have or can access easily.
✔️ All-in-One Convenience: No more running to multiple stores or overspending on supplies. We make teaching simpler and more affordable.
👉 Check out our curriculum and start saving today: lildreamersdreambig.com
6. Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Costs
Avoid impulse buys by planning your crafts in advance.
• Align your craft activities with your lesson plans for each week.
• Use a shopping list to stick to what you need and avoid overspending.
• Take advantage of sales or discounts ahead of time to stock up on essentials.
7. Join a Craft Exchange
Swap supplies with other teachers! A craft exchange is a great way to trade materials you no longer need for items you can use in your classroom.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on craft supplies doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity or fun in your classroom. With a little planning and the right resources, you can keep costs low while providing high-quality, engaging experiences for your students.
Let Lil Dreamers Dream Big help you save both time and money with affordable supplies and stress-free curriculum solutions. Your budget—and your students—will thank you!
👉 Start dreaming big and saving smart today: lildreamersdreambig.com