The many uses of a Dollar Spot Bucket/ Pail

I promised I'd be back and while it took me 2 and a half weeks I kept my promise. :)

Back in June, while I was unpacking, I posted a picture on Instagram of just half of the Dollar Spot mini buckets I own. This isn't even half of them.

I mean there is really no reason to have THAT many mini buckets. What is even crazier is that I got rid of none, and have purchased many more since this pic. #ObssessedTeacher I think every time I walk into Target I leave with mini buckets.

I got lots of question about what I do with all the buckets. If I am honest, half or more of them are in a cabinet. They went with my old theme, but I hesitate to throw them away because they can come in handy in a pinch. Plus I still love them.

HOWEVER, that got me thinking, what DO I do with them?

Here is what I came up with.

1. Pencils

This is the obvious one.

Erasers too! 

Easy way for students to get to them.

I have different sharp pencil buckets around the room for workstations too. All the dull go into the same bucket so I can sharpen them.

2. Crayons

This year I decided to do away with my glad container, that the students could never close, and always made a mess of the crayons, and use these mini buckets. 

They are the perfect size. The students take the bucket out, use their crayons, and then put it back when the activity is over. Super clean, just the way I like it.

They would work great for makers and color pencils too.

3. Math Manipulatives

I don't teach math so I don't have a pic. Whomp whomp. However, you can use your imagination. All those little pieces that are always all over the place would go nicely in these little buckets.

4. Letter or word sorts

Again, no pic, BUT with my kinder kids I have them sort capital magnetic letters in one bucket and lowercase in the other. For my Firsties, I have them sort by vowel pairs, digraphs, long and short vowels, you name it.

5. Gifts

They make great gift bags.

6. Birthdays
They are great for birthday snack, or cutlery.

 

I know lots of teachers have a little treat for their students birthday. 

7. Student Name Sticks and Clips

You know those popsicle sticks or clothes pins that you write your students name on, they fit perfectly in the mini pails.
8. Table Arrangements
Ok, this one is not really classroom related, but I thought it was nice. Maybe you could do something for the teachers lounge.

9. Craft Supplies.
This person put them on a Lazy Susan for easy access to all her craft supplies.

I think you get the point.
I don't think there is a bad way to use the pails/ mini buckets.
Do you have any other ways YOU use the mini pails/buckets.