Classroom Table/Chairs and Other Supplies

[butterfly]

Where is your favorite place to get larger daycare items - things like table/chairs, cubbies, etc?

I must be getting spring cleaning fever or something. Been looking around at my daycare and dreaming of some new items. Top of the list is a classroom table and chairs (school quality type), nap cots, new playhouse... Any suggestions of online stores that you love to use?

[snbauser]

For things like tables, chairs, shelving, etc that I want to last a long time I typically order from Lakeshore, Kaplan, Discount School Supply, or a local place called Wood Designs that has seconds sales in the spring. I know some people get stuff from Ikea as well.

[blandino]

I love IKEA for their children's furniture. It is sturdy enough for daycare use, and is attractive.

I really love a daycare closing sale. Last night I bought a very large kidney shaped table and 12 chairs from a lady who was closing her daycare, for $160.00. They are in really great shape, and I am very pleased. I had to stop looking though her things, otherwise I would have spent a fortune.

As far as other supplies, I use Scholastic teachers for books, Oriental Trading is great for supplies, and I raid the target clearance section for board books and sensory bin items.

I also post something for parents if I am looking for a larger piece of equipment (boppy, exersaucer, diaper genie, etc). And purchase it from them. A lot of the time they just wind up giving them to me, but I always ask with the intent of paying them.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Discount School Supply. All of my furniture is natural wood and very "matchy matchy." :: I can't stand things not matching.

[CedarCreek]

Craigslist mostly!

[MarinaVanessa]

I order mostly from Discount School Supply.

[Crazy In Mo]

Craigslist! I am el-Cheap-O

[butterfly]

Craigslist! I am el-Cheap-O

Yep, me too!! Unfortunately, in our rural area there really isn't anything on craigslist.

I'll keep looking. I really appreciate everyone's replies. I'm getting ideas atleast from the stores mentioned, I'm just not ready to shell out the dough.

[Patches]

I really love a daycare closing sale.

Me too! Almost all of my larger items, I've gotten from a daycare closing sale/auction.

[blandino]

Me too! Almost all of my larger items, I've gotten from a daycare closing sale/auction.

I have never been to/seen a daycare auction. Will you let me know next time you see one. I would be super interested to go.

[tenderhearts]

I took our old butcher block kitchen table, had my husband cut down the legs and I use plastic chairs, the ones you get in the summer. I lOVE it, it was cheap and it works great. My dck use it all the time, not just for activities.

[Crazy In Mo]

Yep, me too!! Unfortunately, in our rural area there really isn't anything on craigslist.

I'll keep looking. I really appreciate everyone's replies. I'm getting ideas atleast from the stores mentioned, I'm just not ready to shell out the dough.

Nothing in my small town either I usually have to drive about an hour and a half away to get the good stuff. Luckily we go shopping there sometime so ill always check Craigslist before we go so I can kill two bird with one stone

[frgsonmysox]

I checked out discount school supplies, but it all seems SUPER pricey and not at all discounted.

[KnoxMom]

I checked out discount school supplies, but it all seems SUPER pricey and not at all discounted.

Exactly. ecmdstore.com is a bit cheaper after calculating shipping. I've found a few items on Amazon, but the bigger ticket items I can usually find at my local wholesale furniture outlet. Also, look for closing daycares and items on craigslist!