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Come in teacher friends...
I finally got into my new classroom today and holy overwhelmed batman. I've got great classroom but it's going to take me forever to get it organized and the way I like it. I need some help/ideas/shopping sleuths to help me out with a few things.
1. I want a large wooden treasure chest to use as my "treasure box". I didn't think it would be hard to find but I'm not having any luck. I've already checked (online) US Toy, Oriental Trading, Michael's, and JoAnn's.
2. I need ideas for things to put in the treasure box that will appeal to older elementary boys. I think I've got the younger kids and the girls covered but I'm struggling with the boys.
(FYI- I'm a speech therapist and will be serving kids grades PK-5 this year. I've got the PK covered since that's what I've been doing for the past 4 years, but it's the older kids I'm struggling with on this one)
Thanks in advance girls 
Re: Come in teacher friends...
My DH has a treasure box in his "man cave". He got it at Hobby Lobby. I don't know if you have a Hobby Lobby near you.
Some things my 4th grade boys like-
*"Grown up" school supplies- nice looking mechanical pencils, etc.
*Matchbox cars
*Little toys that they can be active with- balls, poppers, etc.
I don't know if it would work for you but I like giving "no cost" rewards like sit in the teacher's chair, 5 minute of free time, etc.
Hmm... I'm not sure where to get a treasure box from. Maybe a flea market or year sale? You never know what people have around that they want to sell,
As far as treasure box for elementary boys. I'm not sure how much you're wanting to spend, but here's a few things my 2nd grade boys would like: bouncy balls, candy, magic tricks, pencils, stickers, etc.
I'll try to keep thinking.
They always have neat looking boxes at Home Goods. Sometimes they have some that have maps on them. Perhaps something like that would work?
I'm having a senior moment and can't think of anything for the boys, but check your school's protocol on sports cards. We don't allow any type of trading cards at my school.
Would something like this work for the treasure chest? You can either assemble it yourself or pay a little more for them to assemble it.
http://www.bullfrogmountain.com/brasstack/default.html
Not sure how much you"re wanting to spend.
My 4th grade boys actually really liked the army men I had in the treasure box. I'd also throw in some fun pencil grippers, lead pencils, bouncy balls, and other crap from the dollar store.
Last year I had a very gracious parent donate everything for my treasure box. There was all kinds of things like tic tac toe games, packs of crayons, etc.