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I've seen the call for help many times. "I have $1,000 in my programming budget that I need to spend by xxx. What should I buy?" Well, here is your list! These are items that I have purchased for my library and continue to use over and over again! In no particular order:
Button Maker
I have used this for DIY button programs (always a favorite), making pronoun buttons for Pride Month, and making promotional buttons. I know everyone swears by another famous brand, but this one is more cost-effective and has been a workhorse for us! We have found that the 1 1/2" size is the most popular.
Button Maker: https://amzn.to/44wTp65
Button Parts: https://amzn.to/44zdetq
Hole Puncher (extra not required, but HIGHLY recommended): https://amzn.to/3ykijtu
BONUS: Canva template to design your own buttons: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGEvdSUm1M/bwzKz8vy8YEvJrCDkaJ7_g/view?utm_content=DAGEvdSUm1M&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview
Plastic Activity Trays
I used to use disposable aluminum cookie sheets to keep messes, small parts & pieces, and individual settings together until I found these. They stack well, are sturdy, and wash well. We've used these for perler beads, bracelet making, sensory, painting, sorting, organizing program supplies, and much more! These measure 14" x 10" - the perfect size!
Plastic Activity Trays: https://amzn.to/44Chzfi
Condiment Cups
I keep these on hand in multiple sizes. They're great for a grab & go take-home craft, pre-measuring ingredients, divvying up supplies, storing leftover bits, the list goes on and on. They DO NOT LEAK. I've sent paint and glue in these many times without fail.
Condiment Cups: https://amzn.to/3JV19VW
Popsicle Sticks
Great for stirring, mixing, building catapults, handles, etc. Absolute staple! These are pretty sturdy, too.
Jumbo Popsicle Sticks: https://amzn.to/3UUEK1a
Storage Cups
These containers you often get take-out soup in have many uses! We use them for small parts storage, rinse cups for painting, mixing cups, they hold scissors, markers, or pencils for a program, etc. Easily washable! We even used the smaller size for slime containers when we made slime! I have them in all sizes and reuse them regularly. They do not leak.
Storage Cups: https://amzn.to/4bd8DQ6
Bluetooth Speaker
This speaker is a staple at most programs. We're mostly playing music, but it comes with a microphone - great for calling BINGO numbers! Biggest perks of this model are the wheels and handle and that it has an internal battery so it doesn't need to be plugged in! We've taken it for outreach programs and use it outside.
BlockRocker Speaker: https://amzn.to/3Uz9x2q
Wireless Mic
Do a storytime outside? This will help everyone hear! We use it with the BlockRocker speaker above. Comes with a clip-on mic and a headset.
Wireless Mic: https://amzn.to/3USQLUR
PA System
Need something louder? We rock the library with this Rockville system. It's perfect for hosting a dance or larger programs with a crowd. It is Bluetooth, or you can connect it to any device.
Rockville PA System: https://amzn.to/4b9zcG5
Wagon
For taking programs on the go, transporting materials, and hauling books, this wagon is sturdy and folds up for storage. Don't worry about toppling materials on an AV cart any longer! Save your back and make fewer trips!
Collapsible Wagon: https://amzn.to/3QDtqUQ
Cordless Tools
A cordless glue gun exists, and you need one! It and the cordless staple gun are an excellent investment. I use them every time I decorate (which is a lot)! Be sure to add an extra battery or two, so you are always ready to go! Mine are all Ryobi and share batteries and chargers.
Glue Gun: The compact version linked here is lightweight. The glue guns with the attached battery get heavy and are awkward to use https://amzn.to/3UWN8h2
Stapler: https://amzn.to/3QCFXYF Staples: https://amzn.to/3QFHeya
Extra Batteries: https://amzn.to/4a8Qba8
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