As the school year approaches, many teachers focus on arranging and decorating their classrooms as part of their summer prep. But, have you ever thought of creating a teacher survival kit? Your future “it is January and these kids are driving me bonkers” self will thank you! Read on to see just what a teacher survival kit is, how it can bring a smile to your face on those trying days and why you should put making a kit on your teacher to do list.

What is a teacher survival kit?

A teacher survival kit is something to get you through those rough days. A quick fix on those school moments that leave you wondering how things could get worse. (This is not a kit to help you survive a trek through a dense jungle!) This kit is not to be used all the time, but rather when you need a quick attitude uplift or have a mini emergency…expo on your pants again?!

What to put in your kit?

Although the survival kit packing list will vary based on interests and likes, there can be a common basics items list. I asked the Lucky Little Learners team what they would put in their survival kit, and we came up with the following items:

• Chocolate, candy, snacks (your favorite sweet treat!)
• Tide stick
• Chapstick
• Cough Drops
• Lint Roller
• Gum, Mints, toothbrush/toothpaste/floss (Did you eat garlic for lunch again?)
• Spare outfit, including shoes…for those unpredictable fashion catastrophes
• Pictures of your family and favorite place
• Lotion
• Feminine supplies
• Tylenol/Advil
• Stickers (for you!)
• Hand sanitizer
• Canned soup (We all forget lunch sometimes!)
• Thank you cards
• And more!

Want all of these items now? Browse our Teacher Survival Kit Amazon Shopping List.

What to keep your kit in?

Many of the smaller items can simply be kept in a desk drawer, but if you want the kit to feel extra special, try one of these options. (Click the images for a closer look.)

TEACH Tote Bag

This adorable bag can hold all of your kit items while hanging in a closet.

Set of 5 Mini Storage Baskets

Use one, two or all of these to categorize your survival kit items.

Stackable Plastic Containers

We all love things neat and organized. Your kit can be put away precisely with these stackable boxes. Bonus, since these containers are clear, it is easy to spot what you need without digging around.

Plastic Shoebox with Lid

Regular accessories in the classroom for ages, these boxes can store it all!

Gift Box

This is a great option if you are gifting the kit or if you want to feel like a VIP every time you access your kit.

Caboodle

A timeless classic for storing all the things.

Tackle Box

This is not your grandpa's tackle box! With ample storage, these containers work great to securely store anything you may need. Perk-you may already have one collecting dust!

Kids Feeling Crafty?

For an extra special feel, try having your own children, nieces/nephews, etc, decorate the box. This homemade treasure will bring a smile to your face when you need it most.

Bonus idea: Gift a Teacher Survival Kit

Know a first year teacher? Have a special teammate? Is a student teacher joining you this year? Or if you just want to spoil yourself, a teacher survival kit makes a fun gift! They will think of you each time they open it up!

Another Gift Idea

Gift the special teacher in your life a gift that will definitely keep on giving ALL school year long! What is this magical gift? Access to thousands of resources (and growing) library of all resources Lucky Little Learners has ever and will ever create!

OR, grab a Lucky Little Learners Gift Card!

Happy teaching!