16 Ideas For Student Mailboxes That Fit Any Budget and Classroom

Source: 16 Ideas For Student Mailboxes That Fit Any Budget and Classroom

Sometimes it seems like teaching is an endless round of collecting and handing out papers. Student mailboxes keep fuss to a minimum and teach children the responsibility of checking their boxes every day. Mailbox options range from more expensive models that last for years to inexpensive and DIY options for more modest budgets. We’ve rounded up all of our favorite student mailbox ideas right here. (If you’re concerned about maintaining separation between students and materials this year, we’ve found a few options that work for that, too.)

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1. Customize pre-built student mailboxes

If you’re in it for the long haul, invest in this sturdy wooden organizer (available on Amazon). It comes in plain white, but with a little color and time, you can create a cute or funky piece that suits your own style.

Source: @ourelementarydaze

2. Try the milk crate system

Hang file folders in a box to create student mailboxes that don’t take up much space. And that clever flag on the side lets them know they’ve got mail: Brilliant!

Source: @abcsinroom123

3. Hang shoe organizer cubbies

Use a clothes rail or hang these student mailboxes on a clothes rail. In any case, a cost-effective and innovative solution! (Find these shoe organizers on Amazon.)

Source: @las.vegas.teacher

4. Or try a shoe bag organizer

These are usually sold as over-the-door organizers, but you can also hack them up to hang on a wall. And they are so affordable! Get a well-rated shoe organizer on Amazon.

Source: @mrburtsclassroom

5. Pin folders to their desks

Source: 2nd grade sandcastle

In a year when teachers and students need to keep their distance as much as possible, this simple idea might be your best bet. It discourages students from gathering in one area to pick up their papers.

6. Use magazine holders as student mailboxes

Whether you buy inexpensive cardboard models or invest in sturdier plastic or metal options, magazine holders make great mailboxes. We like these colorful ones from Amazon.

Source: @msk1ell

7. Magazine holders also work horizontally

Turn plain magazine boxes on their side and glue them together. Then cover them with contact paper and you have cool student mailboxes!

Source: @thegoteacher

8. Add photos for younger learners

Source: Nursery Nursery

Pictures help your youngest learners recognize which box is theirs. (This is especially nice if you have a class with 4 Emmas and 3 Jacobs.)

9. Invest in drawer organizers

Drawers make student mailboxes a little more private, which is great for returning graded work. Get a 4-pack of these stackable 3-drawer sets on Amazon.

Source: @sparkling_in_second

10. Label the students’ mailboxes with staples

Instead of attaching new stickers every year (and then trying to detach them later), try the clip trick! These are easy to make and easy to move if necessary.

Source: @theocblog

11. DIY with upcycled cans

How cute is this set of student mailboxes? These repurposed cans have a whole new life in the classroom!

Source: @classroom_diy

12. Turn a pocket card into mailboxes

Pocket charts have so many uses in any classroom. Here they serve as a very simple, space-saving mailbox solution. Buy this pocket chart on Amazon here.

13. Staple folders together

Source: organize class

This is similar to the pocket chart idea, but all you need is a stack of manila folders and a stapler. Low cost, high payout!

14. Do an IKEA run

Teachers love IKEA! For a long-term investment in student mailboxes, try IKEA’s popular TROFAST collection. These sturdy hanging bins are large enough to be filled with all sorts of items and will last for many years.

Source: @withaprimarypurpose

15. Use chair pockets as mailboxes

This is another good option to avoid heavy traffic at a central mailbox location. You can buy ready-made bean bags or learn how to make your own at Heather’s Handmade Life.

16. Create student mailboxes out of cereal boxes

Here’s a great inexpensive option: save old cereal boxes and stack them in student mailboxes. Cover them with wrapping paper or contact paper for an easy solution that works on even the tightest of budgets!

Now that you’ve got a handle on class mailboxes, it’s time to organize your takeaway folders! Here are 8 innovative ways to get a handle on them.

Plus, these DIY cubbies will brighten up your classroom organization.

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