Joybuy Insights

School and office supplies: how to choose practical essentials without blowing your budget

Between the new school year, studying, working from home and creative hobbies, school and office supplies can quickly pile up. A pen that dries out, a notebook that is too flimsy or a poorly designed planner can turn an appealing purchase into a disappointment within just a few weeks.

To shop without unpleasant surprises, it is worth looking beyond colours and marketing claims. Here are the key criteria to consider, along with a selection of products suited to different uses.

Common pitfalls when buying stationery

1. Confusing quantity with genuine savings

Multipacks often seem like a great deal, but a large assortment is only worthwhile if you will actually use everything in it. For a pupil, twelve HB pencils may be perfectly justified. For a professional who only writes occasionally, a smaller pack will mainly help prevent drawers from becoming cluttered.

Always check the exact number of pieces, the format, the type of refill, if applicable, and the accessories included.

2. Underestimating the importance of paper and format

A notebook may look practical in a photo, but its dimensions need to suit your schoolbag, ring binder or available desk space. 17 × 22 cm, A5 and 24 × 32 cm formats are not designed for the same needs.

Paper weight matters too. 70 g/m² paper is suitable for everyday note-taking, while 90 to 100 g/m² paper will feel nicer when used with gel pens, for journalling or for certain creative activities.

3. Relying solely on ‘no smudging’ or ‘quick-drying’ claims

These claims indicate the intended design, but the result also depends on the paper, the pressure applied and the person writing. Left-handed writers, in particular, should consider quick-drying ink and read the product details carefully.

For highlighters, also remember to check how the shade appears on your documents. A pastel colour that is too pale may not be visible enough, while heavily pigmented ink can show through thin sheets.

Criteria to check before ordering

Writing instruments: nib, grip and mechanism

For multi-colour and gel pens, a 0.7 mm tip is a common compromise between precision and comfortable reading. A retractable mechanism means there is no cap to lose and lets you switch quickly from one colour to another.

The grip also deserves some attention. A non-slip coating can make a real difference during long note-taking sessions, but check that it does not make the pen too thick for your pencil case.

For HB pencils, this hardness is generally suitable for writing, exercises and light sketches. A hexagonal barrel stops the pencil from rolling across the table. An integrated eraser can reduce the number of accessories you need to carry, although it does not replace a suitable pencil sharpener.

Notebooks, pocket notebooks and planners: capacity and organisation

A Seyès exercise book remains particularly well suited to structured handwriting in the French educational context. Pockets, flaps and polypropylene covers protect the pages and keep a few documents close at hand.

For a notebook, look at the number of sheets rather than just the advertised number of pages. An A6 notebook slips easily into a bag, while an A5 notebook provides more room for lists, sketches and journalling.

A weekly school planner is suitable for appointments and scheduled homework. If your timetable changes frequently, an undated planner will save you from leaving pages blank. Depending on how you organise your time, check for monthly and weekly views, as well as a dedicated notes section.

Drawing and watercolour supplies for beginners

To get started, a pan watercolour set is easy to store and carry. The number of colours, whether a brush is included and the cleaning instructions are more informative than simply seeing the word ‘creative’.

When buying for children, check the recommended age, warnings about small parts and instructions for use. The set’s product details should also specify storage conditions. Even when paint is described as washable, it is best to protect clothing and rinse brushes promptly.

Our selection by user profile

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
M&G multicolour ballpoint pens, pack of 3

M&G Multicolour Ballpoint Pens, Pack of 3

Why this choice suits this profile : Each of these three pens combines four colours in a retractable design, making them practical for lecture notes, lists and colour-coded organisation.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The number of pens and the four inks in each model are clearly stated. The transparent barrel also lets you monitor the ink level.

Main benefit and key features

0.7 mm ballpoint tip, rubber grip and colour selection via push button.

Recommended for : Fans of premium stationery
Jubiluu A6 premium orange-brown hardback notebook

Jubiluu A6 Premium, PU hardback pocket notebook

Why this choice suits this profile : Its pocket-sized format and integrated accessories are ideal for anyone who wants to keep an elegant notebook for their ideas and appointments.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The A6 dimensions, 80 sheets and 100 g paper weight are clearly specified. This helps you avoid mistaking attractive looks for genuinely suitable capacity.

Main benefit and key features

PU cover, 100 g lined paper, ribbon bookmark, elastic closure and pen loop.

Recommended for : Specialist uses and intensive users
STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Pastel, pack of 15 highlighters

STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Pastel, pack of 15

Why this choice suits this profile : Students, teachers and creative stationery enthusiasts have an extensive palette for annotating, organising or decorating their documents.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details clearly distinguish the number of pieces, shades, chisel tip and the two stated line widths.

Main benefit and key features

14 pastel shades, 2 and 5 mm tips, water-based ink and made in Germany.

Recommended for : Beginners in drawing and creative activities
M&G So Many Cats, 12-colour watercolour set

M&G So Many Cats, 12-colour watercolour set

Why this choice suits this profile : Its compact format and included brush make it easy to get started with drawing at home, in art lessons or while out and about.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The set specifies the pan format, number of colours, approximate weight and cleaning instructions.

Main benefit and key features

12 solid colours, an included brush and a palette designed to be activated with water.

Looking for more options ?

We have put together a complete, real-time updated selection of products that meet these exacting criteria and European safety standards.

Frequently asked questions about school and office supplies

How much should I plan for a school or working year ?

Start with the essentials: notebooks suited to each subject, pens in the colours you use, HB pencils, a pencil sharpener, a 30 cm ruler and a few highlighters. Consumables such as refills or pens can be bought in multipacks if you use them regularly.

How can I make my pens and highlighters last longer ?

Close highlighters carefully after every use and store pens away from heat. For some gel pens, the product details recommend storing them horizontally or with the tip pointing downwards. Also avoid leaving your supplies in a car exposed to sunlight.

Which notebook should I choose for journalling or daily lists ?

An A6 notebook is easy to carry and suitable for quick notes. For detailed lists, sketches or monthly tracking, an A5 notebook or undated planner will provide more space. Depending on your habits, also check the paper weight and whether it has an elastic closure, bookmark or pen loop.