Teacher Shopping Finds {w/ iTeachSTEM}

It's been a tradition in my family - since I was a little kid - to go shopping the week after Christmas for calendars. Starting the day after Christmas, all calendars at the "calendar store" (aka mall kiosk that sold calendars) were marked down to 50% off. Talk about a deal! I always looked forward to going to the mall with my mom to browse the many colorful calendars and try my best to choose one I would love seeing on my wall all year long. While my tastes have certainly changed since I was little, the tradition is just as exciting for me each year.


Did you know that Go! Calendars (that calendar store from my childhood) sells more than just calendars?!? And EVERYTHING in the store is 50% off starting on December 26. It's hard to resist a deal that good! My new tradition (as a teacher) is to pick out a wall calendar for my home office, a planner of some sort, and a game for my classroom. ALL at 50% off! Of course, my own kids get to choose a calendar for their rooms too - keeping to the tradition from my childhood.

Here's what I ended up choosing this year.

WALL CALENDAR:
Years ago, my mom worked for a store called The Lang Co that sold beautiful calendars, mugs, coffee and assorted gifts. Maybe that's why I gravitated toward this calendar this year. I love the artwork and the uplifting words on each page.

My favorite month's artwork for 2017 is May. It's simple and beautiful. But what I love the most is the statement: "Sometimes it's best to just let go." I think this might be my mantra this year. To let things go rather than spending time stressing and obsessing over things I can't change or control.

PLANNER:
Each year I choose an amazing planner with so many awesome pages and features. And I use it religiously on January and less in February and by the time March rolls around I'm back to making multiple lists in spiral notebooks and on Post-It notes.So this year I went a different route when choosing my planner.

I bought this simple folder planner. I actually think it's going to be ideal for me. I may use it ALL year instead of just the first month or two of 2017. Isn't it cute?!? But in addition to being super cute, it's functional - for me.

Inside is a page-per-month calendar so I can keep track of the date and even jot a couple things on days I have appointments or meetings. Or better yet, the dates I have OFF of school or can wear JEANS to school. It also has a notepad (that can be switched out/refilled as needed and a pen loop so I will always have something to write with. That's it. Simple. Functional. And for me - PERFECT. (not to mention, cheap at 50% off)

CLASSROOM GAME:
I have so many of the classics already: Monopoly, Scrabble, UNO, Twister, Checkers and Mancala. I even have some that my fifth graders make fun of because they say they are "baby games" (as they sit and play them during recess). I've got a few puzzles and several sets of dominoes. So this year I went a different direction completely.

Keep in mind - I teach fifth graders. 10 and 11-year-olds who LOVE stuff like this. I can't wait to see their faces when I pull this card game out. If nothing else, it will keep them laughing during indoor recess.

And for my own kids? Well...

Sammy adores cats and also wanted a calendar that she could fit in her purse. She turns 20 this month, so she is always on the go.

Derek would be happy with anything, but this year chose a calendar that has "activities" for his to do each month. Can't wait to see him try some of these.

Abbie loves all things pink, Frozen, and Barbie. Since her calendar last year was a Frozen calendar, she chose to go with Barbie this year. I personally like the way each month has a positive affirmation along with the Barbie pictures.

And an added bonus? They gave me an extra 10% off military discount since my hubby is a veteran. Four calendars, a planner, a card game and a puzzle for only $41.79? I'd say that's a deal worth taking!

What fun things did YOU snag during the after Christmas sales? Share in the comments below!