Unpopular Opinion: Don't fall for Target's Dollar Spot!

I know, I know. How can I be a teacher and be against the Target Dollar Spot? I'm not totally against the Dollar Spot. But there are some things you need to avoid and ignore the beautiful Insta-teachers' trap.

What to Avoid & Why

Book Bins & Cubby Bins: Yes, they are beautiful. Yes, they are in all the colors that will match your theme. BUT what if...

• You underestimate how many you need...

• Or in the middle of the year, you get one more student in your class and need one more bin...

• Or currently don't have the money available to buy all the ones you needed and decide to come back later...

They are never there later! From a few days to the next summer, it is the worst irritation to not be able to find the exact colors you previously bought. Then you either need to make the decision to buy off-color, change your theme and do the process all over again, or make do with what you have. Avoid the headache. Instead, buy from a company that stocks the same colors routinely and has some consistency so you have the peace of mind to be able to go back later and get what you need.

Alternatives: Lakeshore Learning, Really Good Stuff, Walmart.

(I personally like the Walmart Pen+Gear cubbybins and bookbins)

Bulletin Board Borders: Ok, now here I am a hypocrite. I have Target Borders. They are adorable. But you know what... I can't get them anymore! It is the same issue as the bins as with the borders. You buy some, need some more, and they are sold out or discontinued. Unless you go in knowing exactly how much you want and plan on changing out the border next year or when they start to wear, it can become a problem.

Alternatives: Lakeshore Learning, Really Good Stuff, Schoolgirl Style.

Classroom "Knick-Knacks": You are probably thinking "now you have gone too far, Emily!" I know! But hear me out, you don't need to avoid the knick-knacks entirely but at least limit your intake.

Why do you need that apple-shaped wall clip? Is it going to hold up to constant use? Or are you just buying it because it's cute, you saw it on Instagram, it's just too good of a deal to pass up, or you will figure out later what you can use it for? Are you buying it for a need or are you making up a need in order to buy it?

Trust me, I have the apple-shaped wall clips and I told myself I would find a use for them later. Now going on 5 YEARS later, they are still in the bottom of a box of junk in my classroom, and I still haven't figured out a use for them.

So instead of buying all the teacher/classroom cuteness and figuring it out later, just take a minute and think about your 'why' in buying the knick-knack, and think if it's really worth it. Or if your money would be better spent on something else more meaningful to you or your students in the classroom.

Ok, I'm done being Debby-Downer for today. ;) These are just my opinions and suggestions. Obviously, it's your money and your classroom. I am just here as a word of advice. I wish you all the luck in creating your perfect classroom environment!

All the Best,

Emily

Photo Credit: Dude Dad. If you have never seen his videos they are HILLARIOUS! Especially his Target videos and the videos where he and his wife impersonate each other.