Joybuy Insights

Back-to-School Guide: How to Choose the Right Supplies

Back-to-school 2026 is just around the corner, and with it, the supplies marathon. Whether you're a parent filling a child's backpack, a student gearing up for university, or a professional optimising your office equipment, the mission is the same. Faced with overloaded shelves, the risk of making the wrong choice is very real. The goal? To go beyond the basic school supply list and invest in reliable materials that will last the entire year, and even longer.

As a product expert at Joybuy, my job is to unearth the hidden gems. Let me guide you through avoiding the most common pitfalls and making the right choices.

The 3 Classic Pitfalls to Avoid

  1. The all-in-one gadget mirage: The pen that also functions as a highlighter, pencil sharpener, and compass might seem like a great deal. In reality, these "all-in-one" products are often a source of frustration. Their frequently fragile mechanisms can easily jam, rendering the item useless.
  2. The fragility of low-end materials: The plastic organiser that cracks, the highlighters that are dry after two days, the compass whose screw goes missing... Giving in to the lowest price without inspecting the quality almost guarantees you'll have to buy everything again before the first term is even over.
  3. Overlooking ergonomics and comfort: Spending hours writing with a pen that lacks a comfortable grip? Cramps and fatigue are guaranteed. The same goes for a planner that's too heavy or a poorly designed accessory that becomes a daily burden.

The Criteria That Make a Difference

To equip yourself for the long term, whether for school or the office, a few technical points deserve your attention.

1. Durability Above All: Materials and Design

Durability is non-negotiable. For a compass, for example, a metal model will always be more stable and precise than its plastic counterpart. For desk organisation, a metal mesh pencil pot with a non-slip base will withstand daily knocks much better than a simple plastic model. The same logic applies to pencil sharpeners: quality metal blades and a sturdy reservoir are a guarantee of efficiency and longevity.

2. Ergonomics: The Key to Everyday Comfort

Pens and highlighters are your daily allies. A non-slip rubber grip or a well-thought-out shape makes all the difference during long note-taking sessions. For an academic planner, keep an eye on the paper weight! A 100?g/m? weight is a good standard to ensure ink doesn't bleed through the page. Also, remember to check the strength of the binding.

3. Smart Versatility

The right equipment is the kind that simplifies your life. The classic 4-colour pen, for example, is perfect for organising notes without overloading your pencil case. Similarly, a corkboard or an undated planner offers valuable flexibility to adapt to changing schedules. The idea is to look for solutions that meet a real need, not to collect useless features.

Our Top Picks for Every Profile

Because every profile has its own requirements, here are a few products that tick all the boxes: durable, functional, and smart.

PERFECT FOR: THE ORGANISED STUDENT
M&G Multicolor Ballpoint Pens, 3 Pack 4-in-1 Retractable Pens

M&G 4-Colour Retractable Ballpoint Pens, 3-Pack

The right choice for this profile: Ideal for the student who wants a light and tidy pencil case. It allows you to switch between black, blue, red, and green for perfectly structured notes, without wasting time searching for the right pen.

Why it's not a gadget

Far from a low-quality gadget, this pen is designed for intensive use. Its push-button mechanism is reliable, with no risk of jamming, and its ABS plastic body ensures excellent durability.

Its strengths

Its fine 0.7 mm tip ensures smooth and precise writing. Its soft rubber grip is a real bonus for comfort, reducing hand fatigue during long classes.

PERFECT FOR: THE REMOTE PROFESSIONAL
Senhoglb Mesh Desk Tidy,Black

Senhoglb Mesh Desk Organiser, Black

The right choice for this profile: The essential ally for keeping a desk clean and functional while working remotely. It's spacious enough to hold pens, notebooks, a stapler, and everything you need, freeing up valuable workspace.

Why it's not a gadget

No flimsy plastic here. Its sturdy cast iron structure with a neat finish makes it a durable investment, not an accessory that will warp at the first opportunity.

Its strengths

Its 7 compartments of various sizes allow for meticulous organisation. Bonus: the 4 non-slip pads protect your desk from scratches and ensure rock-solid stability.

PERFECT FOR: THE CREATIVE SOUL
Stabilo BOSS ORIGINAL NatureCOLORS - Highlighter - Deskset of 10

Stabilo BOSS ORIGINAL NatureCOLORS Highlighter, Set of 10

The right choice for this profile: Ideal for those who see highlighters as a creative tool, whether for bullet journaling, lettering, or simply brightening up their notes. The natural colour palette is a superb alternative to traditional fluorescent shades.

Why it's not a gadget

No more anxiety about highlighters drying out in minutes! Thanks to Stabilo's anti-dry-out technology, it can be left uncapped for up to 4 hours without the tip drying out.

Its strengths

Its versatile chisel tip offers two line widths (2 mm and 5 mm), perfect for highlighting large areas or underlining with precision. The water-based ink ensures consistent colour and a long lifespan.

Looking for other options?

We have curated a full range of products that meet our criteria for quality and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right academic planner?

The right academic planner is chosen based on three criteria: paper quality, format, and layout. Aim for paper that is at least 100?g/m?, like that of the Jubiluu A5 planner, to prevent ink from bleeding through. Then ask yourself if a dated format is essential or if a more flexible, undated planner would be more suitable. Finally, take a look at the layout: a weekly or daily view? Is there enough space to write down your homework and appointments?

Highlighters that don't dry out: myth or reality?

It's not a myth, it's real technology! Brands like Stabilo have developed an anti-dry-out system that allows a highlighter to be left uncapped for several hours (usually up to 4 hours) without the tip drying out. A real relief for anyone who systematically forgets to put the cap back on.

Is a metal desk organiser a good choice?

Yes, and it's an excellent choice if you're aiming for durability. A metal mesh or cast iron organiser, like the Senhoglb model, withstands shocks and wear much better than plastic. It is also more stable, especially with non-slip pads. Another advantage: its open structure allows you to see what's inside and prevents dust from accumulating. In short, it's a small investment for a long-lasting desk organisation solution.