One of the questions I get asked most often is:
Where did you get that?
After 28 years as a school-based occupational therapy assistant, the answer is simple…
Most likely either Dollar Tree or Amazon! Ok, well, sometimes a yard sale.
Each has its strengths, and over the years I’ve figured out which items are worth hunting for at the dollar store and which ones I prefer to order online.
My Favorite Dollar Tree Finds
I never walk into Dollar Tree expecting to find something specific because inventory changes all the time. Instead, I keep an eye out for materials I know I’ll use over and over.
Blank Yard Sale Stickers
These are one of my favorite alternative pencils.
Students can write on the stickers and build sentences, label pictures, sequence directions, or create stories without needing to write directly on paper.
Muffin Tins
Perfect for:
- Sorting
- Fine motor activities
- Color matching
- Counting
- Letter and number games
- Sensory bins
They’re inexpensive, durable, and incredibly versatile.
Small Cookie Sheets
Cookie sheets become instant magnetic workspaces.
I use them with:
- Magnetic letters
- Word building
- Letter matching
- Play dough
- Shaving cream writing
- Visual scanning activities
Shaving Cream
One can lasts a surprisingly long time.
It’s great for:
- Letter formation
- Sight words
- Name writing
- Numbers
- Shapes
- Sensory exploration
Small Plastic Characters
The toy section is probably my favorite aisle.
The selection changes constantly, but I’ve found characters from:
- Paw Patrol
- Peppa Pig
- Disney
- Sesame Street
Students are immediately more motivated when they recognize their favorite characters.
Seasonal Stickers, Mini Erasers, and More
I always stock up.
They work well for:
- I Spy sensory bins
- Sorting activities
- Fine motor games
- Rewards
- Counting
- Patterns
- Literacy activities
What I Prefer to Buy on Amazon
Some supplies get used so often that I want a specific brand or better quality.
These are the items I recommend ordering online.
- Brother label makers
- Label maker refills
- Plastic magnetic letters
- Kinetic sand and letter stamps
- Games like TENZI, Clack, Pass the Pigs, Left Center Right…
- Paint stick markers
- Mini bingo daubers
- Address labels
- Ferby pencils
- White craft paper
- Mini erasers
- A lot of Stickers
These are products I’ve used with hundreds of students over the years and continue to reach for every week.
Visit My Amazon Store
I’ve organized my favorite therapy supplies into easy-to-browse idea lists so you don’t have to spend hours searching.
Whether you’re setting up your first therapy room, replacing worn-out supplies, or looking for new ideas, you’ll find the products I actually use in school-based occupational therapy.
👉 Browse my Amazon Store here:
Final Thoughts
You don’t need an unlimited therapy budget to create engaging sessions.
Some of my most-used supplies came from Dollar Tree.
Others were investments that have lasted for years.
The key isn’t spending more—it’s finding materials that are flexible enough to use with students of different ages, abilities, and goals.
I’d love to hear from you!
What’s the best therapy supply you’ve ever found at Dollar Tree? I would love to hear from you.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Cindy, a school-based Occupational Therapy Assistant with nearly 30 years of experience helping neurodivergent and autistic elementary students succeed in the classroom. Through CreativeCOTA, I share practical therapy ideas, classroom strategies, printables, and resources that save time while making learning more meaningful and engaging.
I’m especially passionate about helping struggling writers become successful communicators through the use of alternative pencils. Whether that means using a label maker, magnet letters, address labels, keyboards, or AAC, I believe every child deserves the opportunity to generate text and share their ideas.
When I’m not working with students, you’ll usually find me creating new resources for teachers and therapists, writing on the CreativeCOTA blog, or testing new therapy ideas that make learning feel less like work and more like play.
If you’d like more practical ideas, be sure to explore my blog, browse my Teachers Pay Teachers store, or check out my on-demand course, Alternative Pencils for Literacy: Helping Every Child Become a Writer. I’m so glad you’re here!
This post contains affiliate links. If you use a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
