Let’s go back to school shopping!!! There’s nothing better than seeing those smiling faces on the first day of school.
I always loved the excitement of my preschoolers as they walked into class, eager to start the new year. And while some may dread the prep work, I’ve always looked forward to decorating my speech room and creating a space where my students feel comfortable.
Plus, I love showing them how cooking can help with their speech – it’s such a fun and effective way to learn!
Now, if you’re looking to get all your back-to-school items for less and still be prepared, I’ve got a list of everything you’ll need for the year. If you follow me on Instagram (which you totally should @live.love.speech), you already know that Dollar Tree is my go-to spot!
I’m there way too often (I blame Landon lol), but it’s so worth it. You can find amazing low-cost goodies that can be adapted and used in so many FUNctional ways. It’s a total win for me!
So let’s dive right in! I’ve put together a list of 20 must-have items that you can grab at your local Dollar Tree. And to make it even better, I’ll share one or two creative ways you can use each item during your therapy sessions.
These are all practical, budget-friendly finds that will definitely come in handy throughout the school year!
Back-to-School List
1. Play Food & Cooking Tools
I absolutely love cooking and doing hands-on activities, but sometimes using “fake” food can be just as fun and effective! Play food is a fantastic way to engage kids in:
- Following directions (e.g., “cut the tomato”)
- Practicing verbs and prepositions (e.g., “mix your ingredients in a bowl”)
-
Labeling food items
You can never go wrong with pretend play – it’s a playful, low-pressure way to work on important skills while keeping kids fully engaged.
To make this even more effective, you can use my Play-Based Visual Recipe Bundle to enhance the activity! This resource is perfect for incorporating food into your speech therapy sessions without the need for real food. If you've picked up some food items from the dollar store but aren't sure how to use them effectively, this bundle is your answer!
This interactive and comprehensive resource gives you everything you need to use food in your speech sessions.
Included in this Play-Based Visual Recipe Bundle are:
- Pizza
- Ice cream
- Cookies
- Tacos
- Sandwiches
- Fruit
- Cupcakes
- Pasta
You can even cut out the interactive pieces and use them instead of dollar store food items, allowing you to adapt the resource if you don’t have matching toys. Plus, you can target fine motor skills by printing off the black-and-white pages and having students color them while focusing on key speech concepts!
Once you prep this resource, you can use it again and again. Store the interactive pieces in a task box or mesh file folder to keep everything organized for your sessions (you can find these at the dollar tree)!
2. Finger Puppets
Let me start by saying, these might not be available all year round (but they totally should be!). If you come across them at Dollar Tree, grab them while you can because finger puppets add a whole new level of fun to your sessions! These playful little props are fantastic for engaging students during receptive tasks, such as pointing to or touching pictures, identifying answers, or following directions.
In an SLP classroom, finger puppets can be a game-changer. They’re an easy, low-cost way to bring more interaction and excitement into your activities. Whether you’re working on identifying vocabulary words, sorting categories, or practicing turn-taking, kids love the added visual and tactile element that puppets bring. Plus, they can be used to:
- Act out stories or scenarios: Helping children understand and retell narratives with a hands-on element.
- Model language: Use the puppets to demonstrate correct sentence structure or dialogue.
- Encourage participation: Even shy students often feel more comfortable speaking through a puppet, which can help boost their confidence.
- Target social skills: Puppets are an excellent way to work on eye contact, greetings, and conversations in a fun, low-pressure way.
Finger puppets are also great for transitioning between tasks or for use in group activities, where they can help keep kids engaged and focused.
3. Play Dough 
You either love it or you hate it! Sure, it can be messy, and yes, kids love to mix all the colors together (AH!)… but despite that, play dough is an amazing tool that can be so much fun and perfect for targeting multiple goals during therapy! Here are a few ways you can incorporate it into your sessions:
- Work on requesting by color (e.g., “I want blue play dough”)
- Practice following directions (e.g., “open, take out, roll, cut”)
- Create shapes, letters, or even numbers to build fine motor skills and reinforce vocabulary
And if you want to skip the store-bought stuff, I’ve got you covered with a No-Cook Dough Visual Recipe that’s simple, easy to make, and a FREE resource!
4. Cooking Supplies
My love for cooking with preschoolers runs deep! Back when I was in the classroom, I did weekly in-class cooking and hands-on lessons with every one of my classes. It was such a joy to watch the kids light up while they learned new skills through cooking. And even now, I still have a passion for incorporating cooking into learning and helping others do the same.
If you’re interested in starting cooking lessons with your students, you can absolutely do it! You can read more about my experiences and how you can bring cooking into your classroom here.
Even though cooking activities might seem like they could be expensive, you don’t need to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable options to help you stock up on essentials.
Here are some must-have supplies you can grab to get started that are all at the dollar tree: 
- Mixing bowls (great for having kids help mix ingredients while practicing following directions)
- Spatulas and wooden spoons (perfect for those hands-on stirring tasks)
- Measuring cups and spoons (an excellent way to sneak in math concepts while cooking)
- Cutting boards and plastic knives (great for working on fine motor skills while cutting soft foods)
- Plates, napkins, and utensils (for setting up your snack or meal at the end of the lesson)
- Can opener and kitchen gadgets (for those little tasks that build independence)
With just these basics, you can set up so many simple, engaging cooking activities that don’t require much prep or cost. These hands-on lessons are an excellent way to target communication skills, following directions, social interactions, vocabulary building, and so much more. Cooking with kids is more than just about food—it’s about teaching them life skills, problem-solving, and teamwork in a fun and interactive way. I still love seeing these kinds of activities in action and encourage teachers to give them a try!
5. Glue
Did you know that Dollar Tree carries Elmer’s White Glue?! It’s a must-have in any classroom, and you can pick up a few bottles for all your art and craft projects.
But don’t forget about SLIME! If you’ve ever made slime with your students, you know it’s not only a fun sensory activity but also a fantastic way to engage them in learning.
There are hundreds of different slime recipes out there (check out my Pinterest board for some creative ideas!), and at least 75% of them require glue as one of the main ingredients. So, stock up!
Glue isn’t just for crafts anymore—it’s at the heart of every slime recipe. From classic puffy slime to glow-in-the-dark or glitter slime, this simple, affordable ingredient is the key to creating hours of hands-on fun. And the best part? Elmer’s White Glue is non-toxic, making it safe for your classroom and perfect for little hands.
In my Cooking and Crafts resource you have endless opportunity for dough and slime recipes, learn more about them here!
You can feel confident that even though your students are elbow-deep in their slime creations, the materials are safe and suitable for use with kids of all ages.
6. Mini Figurines & Animals
I was so excited to recently find these little figurines at Dollar Tree that are basically a “Lego” dupe! And the best part? They work perfectly with regular Legos (total WIN!). They’re an affordable way to add even more fun and functionality to your classroom activities, whether you're building, sorting, or creating imaginative play scenes.
But these aren’t just for building—figurines like these are perfect for boosting language and learning during therapy sessions.
I’m always on the lookout for mini bugs, animals, and other small figures that work great for sensory bins. These tiny treasures add so many opportunities for learning, especially when combined with sensory play.
Just imagine the possibilities when you mix them into a sensory bin filled with kinetic sand, rice, or water beads!
Here’s how you can incorporate these into your sessions:
- Core words: Use figurines to target important core words like IN, OUT, ON, GO, STOP, and more. The hands-on aspect makes it easier for kids to understand and practice these words in a meaningful way.
- Prepositions and directions: Practice putting the animals or figurines “on top of,” “under,” or “beside” different objects in the bin. This makes learning spatial concepts a lot more interactive!
- Expanding vocabulary: Use the mini animals or bugs to work on animal names, insect identification, or even habitats.
- Following directions: Give students instructions on what to do with the figurines, like “Put the bug on the leaf” or “Make the animal jump over the rock.” These multi-step directions help with comprehension and sequencing.
And if you’re using my Grab N’ Go Grammar resources, these figurines can take the learning to the next level.
Adding them to your sensory box opens up even more possibilities for teaching grammar, language, and social skills. The hands-on experience paired with the learning tools I’ve designed really enhances the engagement and understanding of key concepts.
7. Containers & Bins
This one’s a given, but trust me, there are more ways to use bins than just for storage! For example, my mini trashcan—it's probably one of the therapy tools I can’t live without. My preschoolers love “feeding” the “Old Lady,” and it works for almost any season or theme.
I also love using mini snap-top boxes. They fit my Grab N' Go Preschool Vocabulary cards perfectly (plus, the fun colors are a bonus!).
Bins from Dollar Tree aren’t just for keeping your space organized; they can also be used as interactive tools for activities like “feed the word,” making learning even more engaging for your students!
8. Dry Erase Board & Magnetic Erasers
Yes, another school supply—but seriously, these adorable erasers will be such a hit in your therapy room! They're not only cute, but they’re practical too. Kids love anything that's bright and fun, and these erasers bring an extra element of excitement to the classroom. Whether you’re using them during a lesson or as part of an activity, they’re sure to grab attention.
Pair them with dry-erase boards for an interactive, mess-free way to work on speech therapy goals. Dry-erase boards are perfect for quick activities—whether it’s practicing letter formation, spelling words, or drawing pictures to accompany storytelling. They’re easy for students to take out and store, which keeps things running smoothly in your sessions. Plus, they give students that sense of accomplishment when they can wipe away their work and start fresh!
9. Shaving Cream
Hear me out—I’m not suggesting you teach your students to shave or anything (lol), but shaving cream is an absolute must-have for your therapy room!
It’s incredibly versatile, whether you’re using it to make Puffy Paint, Shaving Cream Dough, or just as part of a sensory play activity. Plus, here’s a fun tip: Did you know that shaving cream can remove crayon from tables? Yup, works like a charm every time!
Shaving cream is also an awesome addition to my Cooking and Craft Visual Recipe Packs. You can use it as a key ingredient in various no-cook recipes like Shaving Cream Dough, which is simple to make and keeps kids engaged with hands-on learning.
The sensory aspect is great for encouraging language development, and the fun textures add an extra element of excitement to your sessions.
Believe it or not, shaving cream is more than just a sensory tool—it’s a fantastic resource to incorporate into visual recipes in the SLP classroom.
10. Chalk
A few years back, I used chalk as my end-of-the-year school gift, and it was a huge hit! But the fun doesn’t stop there. Depending on the weather, you can take your students outside and use chalk to work on shapes, colors, following directions, or practicing letters. It’s such a simple and engaging way to get kids moving while learning!
If outdoor activities aren’t an option, you can still bring the fun inside with mini chalkboards. They’re perfect for practicing those same skills—whether it's writing vocabulary words, drawing shapes, or even playing interactive games. Chalk is a fun and inexpensive tool that brings a creative twist to any lesson.
So grab some chalk from Dollar Tree and take learning to the next level, whether you’re outside or inside!
11. Stickers
Use stickers for sticker charts, “prizes,” and rewards—all the obvious things! But there’s so much more you can do with them. You can “create a scene” using stickers and easily work on expanding utterances, articulation, and even narrative skills.
This past school year, I had a blast using my beloved Cariboo game. Instead of the usual gems, I swapped them out for stickers, allowing my preschoolers to take home a little “prize” with them. It added an extra layer of excitement to our sessions!
You can also incorporate stickers into any board game or toy. Hide them in a sensory bin for a fun surprise, or use them as rewards for completed tasks. The possibilities are endless! Stickers are a versatile tool that can enhance learning while keeping things fun and engaging for your students.
them somewhere on the game board, put a few “under” a toy, get creative!
12. Puzzles
I recently came across these adorable mini wooden puzzles that are going to be fantastic for our transportation theme! Even if your local store doesn’t have them, don’t fret—there are plenty of other options out there! These puzzles are great for building language skills and, of course, developing fine motor skills.
Puzzles can be expensive, but they’re an amazing resource to use in your SLP classroom. That’s why getting them from Dollar Tree is a great way to save money while still getting what you need. Plus, don’t forget about my visuals for toys resource! It includes a puzzle visual aid that can enhance your sessions by providing clear instructions and encouraging communication while your students engage with the puzzles. Combining puzzles with visual supports not only makes learning more effective but also keeps it fun and interactive!
13. Ingredients
Yes, back to cooking (I told you, it’s my favorite!). For those who might not know, you can stock up on all your baking basics like flour, salt, sugar, and more right from the good ol’ Dollar Tree. It’s an excellent way to keep your pantry stocked without breaking the bank!
Oh, and don’t forget the food coloring! It’s a must-have for adding a splash of creativity to your fun food and “dough” recipes. I’m always on the lookout for ways to make cooking activities exciting and budget-friendly, and Dollar Tree is a goldmine for these essentials.
14. Bubbles
A few years back, I wrote a post about all the amazing ways you can use bubbles with your students while targeting language and articulation skills. Many people might think that bubbles are only for outdoor play, but trust me—you can do so much inside your speech room!
From practicing vocabulary and expanding utterances to working on articulation sounds, bubbles can make your therapy sessions engaging and interactive. If you're curious about how to incorporate bubbles into your activities, you can explore various creative ways to use them effectively here.
15. Paint supplies
I am a big believer in messy, creative play and using your imagination. That’s one of the best things about paint: you can watch your students' ideas come to life right before your eyes. Plus, it’s wonderful to send their creations home as little keepsakes for families to cherish.
To take it one step further, consider writing a brief blurb on the back of each project explaining the goals you targeted during your session. This not only highlights the skills your students practiced but also helps parents understand the value of the activity. It’s a great way to showcase their progress and keep the lines of communication open between you and the families!
16. Wind up toys
I can’t guarantee you’ll ALWAYS find these, but at various times throughout the year—especially around the holidays—you can score some fantastic goodies! Wind-up toys are some of the best reinforcers out there.
They’re not just fun; they’re also great for working on essential skills like asking for help and practicing core words (like go, stop, and more).
I’ve even used wind-up toys in conjunction with my Grab N’ Go cards to target language. Simply wind up the toy and let it go! Wherever it lands, students can label or describe the picture, answer questions, or make sentences based on what they see.
It adds an exciting twist to articulation activities in your SLP classroom. If you're interested, check out my Grab N’ Go articulation resource for more ideas!
17. Party Favors
This is one section of the Dollar Tree that is sometimes overlooked. I mean, if you aren’t planning a child’s birthday party, why would you go there? Well, you SHOULD, because you can find some hidden gems that are perfect for your classroom or therapy sessions!
I recently scored two awesome items: these fun Lego storage blocks and NEON jumping frogs! The storage blocks are not just for organizing; they can also be a creative way to engage students in building activities that target language skills, such as following directions and expanding vocabulary.
And those neon jumping frogs? They add an element of excitement to any lesson! You can use them for games that incorporate counting, describing, or even practicing action words as students take turns launching the frogs. Don’t miss out on exploring this often-overlooked section—you never know what fantastic tools you might find to enhance your activities!
18. Sensory toys
I have a whole bin of sensory toys in my speech room, and at least half have come from the Dollar Tree! When you're shopping, keep an eye out for items that light up, can be stretched, or make fun noises.
These sensory toys are perfect for helping students who need "breaks" during sessions—basically my entire caseload! 
You can structure their use in various ways: have students complete a task to earn a toy, or let them choose which one they want to work for at the beginning of the session.
This not only keeps them engaged but also provides a fun and rewarding way to reinforce their efforts. Sensory toys can help students refocus and regulate their energy, making them an essential part of my therapy toolkit!,
19. Bulletin Board Supplies
I get so inspired looking on Pinterest and Instagram for ways to decorate my bulletin boards. The creativity out there is truly incredible! While I would love to go all out and implement every pretty and fun idea I find, I also want to stay budget-friendly. Luckily, Dollar Tree has a fantastic selection of small posters, letter cut-outs, signs, and other essentials that work perfectly for bulletin board decorations.
And if you're fortunate enough, you might even snag some decorative borders to add that extra flair! These affordable options allow you to transform your space without breaking the bank. Plus, it's a great way to bring a touch of creativity to your classroom while keeping it organized and visually appealing. Get ready to make your bulletin boards pop!
20. Flash Cards & Books
Head over to the little “teacher” section, and prepare to be amazed! Dollar Tree has truly stepped up their game with an impressive selection of workbooks and flashcards. You’ll find resources covering everything from colors and shapes to letters, early readers, and writing—there are so many choices!
Even if you're not targeting the exact skills the books or cards are designed for, there's plenty of room for creativity. You can pull out pictures that focus on specific speech sounds you're working on or find similar items to practice categories. This versatility makes these resources not just budget-friendly but also incredibly useful for a range of activities. Don’t miss out on this treasure trove of teaching materials!
Start the School Year Strong with Back-to-School Smart Dollar Tree Buys
Whew! That’s quite a list, and I hope you find it helpful! Here are a few more must-have finds: crayons, pencils, paper plates, binder rings, pencil cases, tape, glue sticks, pens, markers, straws, beads, glitter, craft sticks, and so much more!
If you can’t find something at your local Dollar Tree (or if there's not one nearby), don’t worry! Visit www.dollartree.com. Just keep in mind that items are sold in bulk. But here’s a tip: team up with your co-workers, pitch in a few bucks, and split your haul! This way, you can maximize your back-to-school shopping while keeping it budget-friendly!
