Stationery and office supplies: how to choose without wasting money

Buying stationery and office supplies seems simple… until you find that your notebook fills up too quickly, your ring binder makes the pages curl or your organiser can’t hold your everyday accessories. Students, teachers, people working from home and craft enthusiasts all have different needs.

Yet the same pitfalls crop up time and again:

• Choosing based only on the page count: paper weight, size and binding have a greater impact on how comfortable a notebook is to use.
• Confusing compactness with capacity: a small desk organiser may be handy, but too limited for A4 documents, pens and various accessories.
• Overlooking how you’ll actually use it: everyday writing, journaling, homework and gift-wrapping all call for different features.
• Forgetting about compatibility: A4 and A4 XL paper, punched pockets and rings aren’t always interchangeable.

What to check before you buy

1. Size, paper weight and binding

For a school exercise book, the 17 × 22 cm size with Seyès ruling is a familiar choice for many pupils in France. An A6 notebook slips easily into a bag, while an A5 diary or planner gives you more room to note deadlines, ideas and progress towards your goals.

Paper weight also deserves your attention:

• 90 g/m² is suitable for everyday writing while keeping the notebook light.
• 100 g/m² feels better to write on and stands up better to gel pens or extended note-taking.
• 130 to 140 g/m² is better suited to card, postcards, cutting out and craft projects.

Binding matters just as much as the paper. A spiral binding lets the notebook lie flat and open through 360°, while a ring binder makes it easy to move documents around. If you’ll be carrying it with you, check the closure and cover durability too.

2. Filing system

Before choosing an A4 folder, ring binder or wall file holder, measure the space available and work out exactly which documents you need to store. A 40 mm ring binder can hold up to 250 sheets, according to the manufacturer, but it’s best not to fill it to the limit.

For wall storage or a hallway, check:

• the external dimensions and depth of each compartment ;
• whether it comes with fixings suitable for the surface ;
• the capacity of each slot ;
• whether you can label different categories.

A wall organiser should only be installed using wall plugs suitable for the type of wall. For a desk organiser, compare the number of compartments, its stability and whether it has a drawer.

3. Type of writing or activity

0.7 mm gel pens are suitable for everyday notes, journaling and taking notes in class. A 0.5 mm tip gives you finer lines, which is useful in the smaller boxes of a planner or for annotations.

Erasable pens are handy for correcting small mistakes, but make sure they’re suitable for the document you’re using them on. For official documents, signatures and exams, always check whether erasable ink is allowed.

For craft projects, don’t confuse coloured paper with card. Coloured paper is suitable for sticking, light folding and collages ; card is sturdier and better for cards, models and invitations.

Our recommendations for different needs

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget

Pack of 3 OXFORD Easybook Oceanis exercise books, 17 x 22 cm, Seyès ruling, 96 pages

Why this is a good fit for you : This pack of three exercise books is ideal for pupils, students and families who want to keep different subjects separate without buying lots of individual books.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfalls

The 17 × 22 cm size, Seyès ruling and 96 pages per exercise book are clearly specified, making it easier to compare them with your school requirements.

Key benefits and features

Pack of 3 exercise books, French ruling, stapled binding and a size that fits easily into a school bag.

Recommended for : Those who prefer premium products

Jubiluu A5 undated hardback planner, 18 months – 112 sheets

Why this is a good fit for you : The A5 size and undated pages are ideal if you want the freedom to plan projects, appointments or habits at your own pace.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfalls

The undated layout means you won’t be left with unused pages if you don’t use your planner for several weeks.

Key benefits and features

Hardback cover, 112 sheets of 100 g/m² offset paper, elastic closure and bookmark.

Recommended for : Specialist needs and frequent use

Senhoglb 6-tier A4 mesh wall file holder

Why this is a good fit for you : People working from home, teachers and professionals who handle lots of paperwork can keep bills, projects, letters and documents to action separate.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfalls

The six compartments and label holders help prevent A4 documents from getting mixed up. Make sure you use fixings suitable for your wall.

Key benefits and features

Six tiers, stated internal width of 315 mm and external dimensions of 32 × 10,3 × 40,5 cm.

Complete your setup without doubling up

For a well-organised workspace, choose supplies to suit the different ways you use it:

• Writing and note-taking: exercise book, A6 notebook, diary, planner and gel pens.
• Corrections and precision: 0.5 mm erasable pens, pencil sharpener with a container and coloured pencils.
• Filing: A4 folders, ring binder, wall file holder and labels.
• Desk: organiser with a drawer for small accessories.
• Crafting: 140 g/m² coloured paper, 130 g/m² card, scissors and adhesive.
• Posting and packing: parcel tape around 50 mm wide, compatible with a tape dispenser.
• Detailed work: LED magnifying lamp with adjustable brightness and USB power.

An A6 notebook with an elastic closure and pen loop is an easy way to complement your workspace without cluttering it. For craft projects or small repairs, choose a clamp-on LED magnifying lamp based on your desk thickness, lens diameter and power source.

FAQs about stationery and office supplies

How much should you budget for stationery and office supplies ?

It depends on how much you buy and how often you use it. A pack of exercise books or folders can bring down the cost per item, while a hardback planner or metal storage unit is a more durable investment. Always compare the number of items, paper weight, size and included accessories.

How can you make an exercise book or ring binder last longer ?

Store it somewhere dry, avoid overfilling the rings and use pockets that fit the paper size. Wipe a hardback cover with a soft, dry cloth. For ring binders, divide the sheets between several folders if the mechanism starts to become difficult to close.

How can you organise a home office effectively ?

Start by sorting documents according to how often you use them: to action, in progress and archived. Keep pens, your pencil sharpener and parcel tape in an organiser that’s easy to reach. Store documents you rarely consult in a ring binder or wall file holder to free up your desk.