What’s In Your Art Drawer?

We’re not talking about the drawer that holds your spare pencils and scratch paper and we definitely don’t mean your file cabinet. We want to know what’s in your personal drawer – your go-to for a moment’s peace during a crazy day. Check out our checklist for the top 20 items we recommend stashing in your secret space and let us know if we’ve missed anything!

1. Breath mints/spray

Because your principal always pops in for a quick chat after you’ve finished your morning cuppa’.

2. Band aids

Yes, there’s probably a first aid kit in the room somewhere and you just might be able to find someone to cover your class while you run to the nurse’s office, but…why?

3. Your favorite G-rated cartoons

For a little comic relief. Find more art humor on our Pinterest board!

4. Starbucks gift card

Sometimes you just need a little pick me up. And those are usually the days you forget your purse at home.

5. Hot cocoa pack

For those days you forgot your purse AND your Starbucks card.

6. Granola bars

Or, if we’re being honest, a Halloween-sized bag of chocolates.

7. Perfume or room spritzer

Delicious smells can have a dramatic effect on your mood.

8. Phone charger

Don’t let your link to the outside world fail you!

9. Lint roller

In case you weren’t going for cat-hair chic.

10. Deodorant

Never let ‘em see – or smell! – you sweat!

11. Toothbrush and toothpaste

Don’t be caught off guard by the everything bagels in the lounge…

12. Cough drops

Teachers talk a lot and sometimes it takes a toll!

13. Mirror

For checking your teeth before parent conferences.

14. Earplugs

Just kidding. Sort of.

15. Sweet notes from former student or parent

Teaching’s tough but those sincere thanks make it all worthwhile.

16. Note paper

In case you need to drop a line on something other than large-ruled paper.

17. Aspirin

Does this really require explanation?

18. Stain stick

A must-have for any teacher, but a requirement for art teachers, in particular.

19. Copy of your parent contact list(s)

These disappear like the socks in the dryer…

20. Stress ball

To squeeze while you take deep breaths and count to 10.

Your turn! What must-have items populate your personal desk drawer? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this post with your fellow teachers.