Joybuy Insights

School and office supplies: how to choose without wasting money

School and office supplies can quickly add up when you let yourself be guided by looks, the number of pieces, or a tempting discount. A pack of pens that dry out in a few weeks, a notebook with paper that doesn't feel right, or a planner that's too bulky often end up at the back of a drawer.

Pupils, students, parents, teachers, remote workers, or journaling enthusiasts: the same mistakes keep cropping up.

  • Confusing quantity with usefulness: a bulk pack is only worthwhile if the size, colours, and tip type genuinely match how you'll use them.
  • Underestimating dimensions: a notebook that doesn't fit in your bag, a ruler that's too flimsy, or a notepad too small for professional notes can quickly become a daily annoyance.
  • Taking marketing claims at face value: "quick-drying", "smudge-free", or "long-lasting" need to be taken in context. It's better to check the tip, the ink type, the paper weight, and the storage conditions.

The criteria to check before buying

1. The tip and ink type

For pens, a 0.5 mm tip works well for precise annotations and compact handwriting. With 0.7 mm, the line is bolder – a handy format for quick note-taking and everyday documents.

Erasable gel ink pens can be useful for homework, lists, or planners. However, avoid them for documents that need to stay legible over time. Heat can alter thermosensitive ink. The Deli 0.5 mm erasable gel pen, for instance, states it is not suitable for receipts printed on thermal paper or for documents requiring permanent ink.

For pastel highlighters, the chisel tip remains the most versatile. The STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Pastel offers two line widths, 2 and 5 mm, while some Deli markers cover a variable width of 1 to 5 mm. These details are far more telling than a vague mention of "multi-function tip".

2. Paper and size

The paper weight gives an indication of thickness, but it isn't enough to determine writing comfort. The texture, ruling, and binding type also play a part.

  • A 17 × 22 cm notebook slips easily into a bag and is suitable for everyday exercises.
  • The 24 × 32 cm size leaves more room for homework, diagrams, and documents to keep.
  • An A6 notepad is easy to carry around for jotting down an idea, a list, or information on the go.
  • An A5 size offers a good compromise between a compact footprint and writing surface, especially for planning.

Clairefontaine Koverbook notebooks use 90 gsm Velin Velouté paper and offer 96 pages, along with two flaps with pockets. Oxford Easybook Oceanis notebooks use the Seyès ruling, very common in French schools, with 96 pages per notebook.

3. Durability and care

A polypropylene or PVC cover protects the pages better from scuffs and light moisture splashes than a thin paper cover. On a planner or notepad, an elastic closure, a bookmark, or a pen loop also help keep accessories within reach.

Lifespan also depends on how the supplies are used. Closing felt-tips after use, keeping pens away from extreme temperatures, and storing notebooks in a dry place is often enough to limit damage. Sharpeners with a reservoir prevent scattering shavings on the desk, provided you empty the compartment regularly and keep the blades clean.

Which selection suits your profile?

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget
M&G Multicolor Ballpoint Pens, 3 Pack

M&G Multicolor Ballpoint Pens, 3 Pack

Why this choice suits this profile: Each retractable pen combines four colours. You buy and carry fewer items while keeping the essential shades at hand.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack of three pens doesn't multiply the barrels to get four colours. The push-button mechanism also avoids caps that disappear to the bottom of the pencil case.

Main advantage and key features

0.7 mm ballpoint tip, non-slip grip, and black, blue, red, and green inks in each pen.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts
STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Pastel Highlighter Set

STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Pastel, set of 15 highlighters

Why this choice suits this profile: Those who like to organise their lessons, documents, or planner by colour have 14 pastel shades gathered in a case that's easy to keep on the desk.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The chisel tip delivers the two stated line widths. The water-based ink clearly separates highlighting from decorative use.

Main advantage and key features

15 pieces, 2 and 5 mm tips, stated capacity up to 375 m, and anti-dry technology for up to 4 hours without a cap.

Recommended for: Specific uses and heavy users
Clairefontaine Pack of 5 Koverbook Notebooks

Clairefontaine Koverbook, pack of 5 notebooks

Why this choice suits this profile: A pupil, teacher, or professional who handles their notebooks regularly will find a large format paired with a protective cover here.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 24 × 32 cm size and integrated flaps prevent you from folding loose sheets or stacking separate folders.

Main advantage and key features

96 pages per notebook, 90 gsm paper, transparent polypropylene cover, and stated manufacture in France.

Recommended for: Personal organisation and journaling
Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover Planner

Jubiluu A5, undated hardcover planner

Why this choice suits this profile: Its undated layout suits those who alternate between busy periods, personal projects, and goal tracking, without leaving pages unused.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The A5 size keeps it compact while still offering space for monthly and weekly pages, plus free notes.

Main advantage and key features

112 sheets of 100 gsm offset paper, hard cover, elastic closure, and bookmark.

Accessories to add according to your needs

To complete a pencil case or set up a workspace, a few accessories can really make a difference:

  • HB pencils are suitable for writing, light drawing, and school exercises. Their hexagonal body stops them rolling off the edge of the desk.
  • A two-hole sharpener accepts standard pencils as well as some thicker coloured pencils. With a built-in reservoir, it's easy to use in class or on the go.
  • A 30 cm transparent ruler lets you see the sheet underneath the markings and measure in centimetres, millimetres, and inches.
  • A6 notepads with 100 gsm offset paper, an elastic band, a bookmark, and a pen loop are ideal for lists and ideas jotted down on the spot.
  • To structure lessons, meeting notes, or planners with a colour code, pastel highlighters and multicolour pens prevent you from accumulating accessories.

Looking for other options?

We've put together a comprehensive, real-time updated selection of products that meet these exacting criteria as well as European safety requirements.

Frequently asked questions about school and office supplies

What paper weight should I choose for a notebook or notepad?

80 to 90 gsm paper is generally fine for everyday writing. 100 gsm feels denser and works well with gel pens, planning, or certain annotations. However, the result depends on the ink type and the pressure applied to the paper.

How long can pens and highlighters be kept?

There is no universal shelf life. Close highlighters after use, protect them from heat and moisture, and store pens following the manufacturer's recommendations. An erasable pen should be reserved for uses where the ink doesn't need to be permanent.

How can I reduce the cost of a stationery assortment?

Start by making a list based on your uses: writing, correcting, measuring, filing, and planning. Then compare the number of pieces, dimensions, and features that will genuinely be useful to you. Packs of notebooks, pencils, or pens can lower the unit price, but only if the formats match your regular needs.