We love taking an annual trip over to IKEA every summer. We have the usual things we like to get from there but generally we just enjoy walking through the gigantic warehouse of a store seeing the creative designs on display. We challenge ourselves to try and find things we could not only use in our classroom, but to find things we could use differently than they were designed and marketed for. We often get questions about what we go for so we thought we would put a post together about some of of favorite finds from IKEA!
I use these boxes in my library. They come in patterns or just in white. They have to be assembled, but they hold up very well. They come in different sizes too. Tops come with them!
These paper file boxes come in packs of 5 for $1.99! They are sturdy and hold quite a bit book-wise.
Idea-have students decorate their own personal box on the first day of school.
We both have these bookcases in our classrooms. They do a great job holding up against the daily wear and tear of students. Mine are going strong after 5+ years!
Tip: You can also get wheels to put underneath to make them movable!
These tables sit low to the ground which makes them perfect for placing around the classroom. We found some this week for only $4.99!
This table has may variations but this particular one is pretty inexpensive. I like this table paired with high stools or chairs or even possibly used as a standing table.
We like to have these around for students to grab when using their iPads. They hold up well and keep those devices off the floor!
This is a newer stand we found this last trip. It is sized more for a laptop or Chromebook. Would also work for textbooks or notebooks.
Although the classroom is far from being like a kitchen, this could be a fun addition to the wall behind my standing desk. Most likely will use for my tablet and daily planning journal.
IKEA has a TON of affordable options for rugs. I have 2 of these in my 4th grade classroom. They hold up well, but are inexpensive if they need to be replaced.
This is a new find this year—and a bit hard to find. So many ideas on how this could be used—rewards, classroom management, literacy centers!
Keep the FUN and #interACTIVE lessons going with these. I envision some sort of Minute to Win It or Double Dare inspired game!
This paper holder and the roll that goes with it are a great addition to any maker space or art corner. I love just having the roll sit out so students can just pull the paper out and use it right on the counter.
This is the paper that goes with the roll above, but you don’t need the holder to get a good deal on a nice quality roll of paper.
This has been my solution to the earbud fiasco in fourth grade. I have round, magnetic tins from the Dollar Store numbered for each child. This hangs on the wall and holds their earbuds!
This chair is light weight and easy to move around. My classroom one is yellow and we got one for our son’s room in gray.
Over the years I have slowly phased out most of my chairs for these. They are light weight and can slide under our tables saving TONS of space in our room. They come in white and black.
If you haven’t been lucky enough to get a Flipgrid Voice pod yet, or if your students like to record videos in private, check out this inexpensive option. It zips up in the front and stands almost 5 feet tall.
This is great for anyone who wants a cheap easel. It could hold a big book, and with two sides maybe use one for posting a large poster, anchor chart etc. while using the other side for circle time lessons. One side is chalk and the other is whitboard.
IKEA is a fun place to visit even if you don’t bring back much for your classroom. But, regardless of what your do or do not buy, do yourself a favor and bring home on of IKEA’s famous cinnamon rolls!
~ K 👗