Our Top 5 Most Used Homeschool Tools

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Over the years a few homeschool tools have stood out as genuinely useful and worth the investment for us. I’m a believer that most extras are just that, extra. You can homeschool your child with a library card and gumption. So when I was asked to share our must-haves, I instead decided to go with most-used, because none of these are musts. They’re super handy and fun to have though!

I will start by saying, I have a homeschool budget. A limit in my mind that I try hard not to pass (books are my weakness). So if any of the homeschools tools I share here are not within your budget, avert your eyes. I sure hope you find something useful here though that will add to the joy of your homeschooling experience!

Our most used homeschool tools:

1. Storage Clipboards

We started using our storage clipboards out of necessity after we realized the grooves in our dining table made writing difficult sometimes. They have quickly become favorites as the kids get older though. Using a clipboard makes school portable! Math in bed? No problem. Writing on the back porch? Why not! The added benefit of the storage clipboard is being able to keep everyones supplies separate. It’s totally normal to have a favorite pencil and now we know where everyone’s is. There’s also enough room inside each clipboard for scissors, a ruler, glue stick, dry erase marker, and a few other odds and ends. And they come in tons of colors! Super convenient!

2. Crayon and Marker Holder

The question I get asked the most on Instagram- “Where’s your crayon holder from?!” I don’t blame you though. It’s awesome! Literally the best center piece any kitchen table could have. Not only does it spark tons of creativity by having drawing supplies ready and available, but it’s just pretty! All that color! Ours is from Hobby Lobby and has been thoroughly “decorated” by my kids. I’m not the slightest bit mad about their sweet graffiti. Totally adds character. I love how big it is too, but unless you’re not a crazy lady like me, be prepared to purchase multiple extra boxes of crayons and markers just to fill it up. But can you really ever have too many art supplies?!

3. Epson EcoTank Printer

This is an investment for sure. We’ve had two Epson EcoTanks now and both have been amazing. We started with an Epson ET2720 and only upgraded to our current Epson ET8500 because I run a digital printable business and print more than anyone rationally needs to. We have had our new one over a year now and have only added ink once! Our first one was the same. Great with ink, got the job done, but when you’re printing activities for product photos and want color to really pop the higher quality is beneficial. And our homeschool benefits right along with my business! I can print tons of fun and educational resources without worrying about suddenly being out of ink.

4.Busy Binders

These cover such a wide range. You can literally organize any activity into a binder, and I have! I have used busy binders for our printable activities since Squeaks was in Preschool and there’s no end in sight. I’ve written multiple full blog posts on them and have starter kits listed in my shop so you can start your own. I’ve linked all my favorite assembly supplies (binder, storage pockets, velcro, etc.) in my Amazon shop and I even have a highlight flipping through them on my Instagram page. I’m just a little enthusiastic about them.

5. Laminating Machine

Would this even be a homeschool tools list without a laminator!? I am in love with laminating and I don’t care who knows it. So. Satisfying. I’ve had several Scotch brand laminators over the years and have never been disappointed. One on my kids even karate kicked one to the floor once and it kept on chuggin’. My current model has lasted a few years now and performs like the day I took it out of the box. The only way a laminator has ever been replaced in this house is by being donated to a friend or family member in need, or I simply couldn’t pass up a deal on a newer model (while obviously keeping the older as a backup).

What homeschool tools do you consider necessary or just plain fun to have?