It’s confession time: in this video I’m talking about something a lot of teachers quietly do—spend our own money on the classroom. I’m sharing my personal experience as an elementary art teacher and the specific kinds of things I ended up buying out-of-pocket, even when there were systems in place for ordering supplies. And yes… it adds up fast. I walk through the categories that I’ve consistently spent money on, starting with my biggest weakness: BOOKS. All the art books. I also show the kinds of classroom decorations that make the room feel cozy and welcoming (window coverings, string lights, the whole vibe), plus nonconsumable “choice” activities for kids like Legos, blocks, and Etch A Sketch. I explain why I sometimes buy items I personally want to use (and occasionally take home), why some supplies just aren’t available through approved vendor lists, and why I’ll grab cheaper consumables when I need them now—not 1–2 months from now. I also talk about paying for online resources like TpT and buying little prizes for students. Big disclaimer: I know every school and every teacher situation is different—this is simply my first confession and my experience.