Joybuy Insights

Stationery supplies: how to choose the right items for school, the office and home

Between bargain multipacks, promises of comfort and multicoloured sets, choosing your stationery supplies can quickly become a headache. A pen that dries out after just a few uses, felt-tip pens whose ink bleeds through the pages or accessories that are incompatible with a magnetic board are all unpleasant surprises that leave you having to buy replacements.

To avoid these problems, it is better to look at the products’ actual features rather than relying on the packaging alone. Here are the criteria to consider before choosing ballpoint pens, multicoloured pens, fineliners or office accessories.

Common pitfalls when buying stationery supplies

1. Confusing quantity with genuine savings

A large multipack may seem particularly good value, but it still needs to match the intended use. Forty black pens will easily find a place in a school, business or shared workspace. For a student or someone who does not write very much, however, a more compact assortment will prevent drawers from becoming cluttered with unused items.

The nib type, whether the pen has a cap and its suitability for everyday needs also deserve your attention. A fine-tip ballpoint pen is ideal for detailed note-taking, while a medium tip produces a more visible line on forms and everyday documents.

2. Relying on colours without checking the ink

Multicoloured sets are very practical for revision, journaling, planners and creative hobbies. However, a generous colour palette says nothing about the fineness of the line or the consistency of the ink.

For fineliners, check the line width, ink type and recommended storage conditions. For washable markers for children, information about water-based ink, cleaning and the recommended age is just as important.

3. Overlooking compatibility and dimensions

A refill is not necessarily compatible with every pen in the same range. Parker refills, for example, are designed for compatible Parker ballpoint pens. Before ordering, check the brand, format and tip width.

The same caution applies to whiteboard magnets. A 20 mm diameter does not meet the same needs as a 30 mm diameter. The magnet’s size, magnetic surface and the weight of the document it needs to hold must all be taken into account.

Technical criteria to check

Tip width

Tip width has a direct impact on the legibility and precision of your writing or drawing:

  • 0.4 mm: ideal for diagrams, fine annotations, mind maps and detailed drawings;
  • 0.7 mm: a versatile compromise for notes, forms and everyday writing;
  • medium tip: a bolder line, generally well suited to office work and correspondence.

STABILO Point 88 fineliners have a 0.4 mm tip protected by a metal sheath. This means they can be used with a ruler or stencil, provided you do not press too hard.

Ink type and storage conditions

Oil-based ink is common in ballpoint pens and is suitable for many uses on paper. Water-based felt-tip pens are better suited to drawing, colour coding and creative activities. After use, remember to close felt-tip pens carefully and store them horizontally when recommended by the manufacturer.

For markers intended for children, check the safety instructions, whether any small parts are present and the recommended age. The term ‘washable’ should be understood in relation to the relevant surfaces and the cleaning conditions specified in the product description.

Material, storage and safety

A case, box or stand makes it easier to organise office supplies and school equipment. Products with caps, springs or small parts should not be left within reach of children under 3 years old.

For magnets, read the product-specific warnings carefully. Small magnets pose a risk if swallowed and must be kept out of reach of young children. Some product descriptions also recommend keeping them away from pacemakers and other medical devices.

Our selection based on your profile

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
M&G multicoloured ballpoint pens, pack of 12

M&G multicoloured ballpoint pens, pack of 12

Why this choice suits this profile : Four colours in a single pen make it easy to take notes and quickly highlight important information without needing several writing accessories.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 0.7 mm tip and retractable mechanism are specified in the product description. You are therefore not choosing based solely on the number of colours.

Main benefit and key features

Four inks in one writing instrument and a retractable design that is easy to carry.

Recommended for : Premium stationery enthusiasts
Parker IM black lacquered ballpoint pen

Parker IM ballpoint pen

Why this choice suits this profile : Its black lacquered barrel, chrome details and presentation box give it an appearance suited to professional use, correspondence or gifting.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The included blue refill and retractable mechanism are clearly stated. This makes it easier to plan for replacing the refill.

Main benefit and key features

Lacquered barrel, medium tip, blue ink and presentation box.

Recommended for : Specific uses and frequent users
STABILO Point 88, set of 40 fineliners

STABILO Point 88 – 40 pieces

Why this choice suits this profile : This set is ideal for people who regularly use several colours for revision, diagrams, bullet journalling or creative hobbies.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 0.4 mm line width, metal-clad tip and storage box are all specified. The product therefore does not rely solely on the variety of its colour palette.

Main benefit and key features

40 fineliners, a 0.4 mm line and a transparent plastic box.

Recommended for : Creative activities for young children
Jar Melo washable dot markers, 6 colours

Jar Melo washable dot markers – 6 colours

Why this choice suits this profile : Their rounded tips and generous size are designed to be easy for little hands to hold during colouring and creative activities.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description mentions water-based ink and the markers’ washable properties, along with cleaning instructions to follow promptly.

Main benefit and key features

Six colours, a round sponge tip and activities suggested by the manufacturer.

Looking for more options ?

We have put together a comprehensive, real-time updated list of products that meet these demanding selection criteria as well as European safety regulations.

Caring for your stationery to reduce replacements

A few simple habits can help your stationery last longer:

  • close felt-tip pens and markers after every use;
  • store fineliners in their box and, if recommended by the manufacturer, horizontally;
  • keep pens away from heat and moisture;
  • replace a compatible refill rather than throwing away a reusable pen;
  • clean magnets with a soft, dry cloth;
  • store small accessories out of reach of young children.

For Parker refills, always check that your pen accepts the chosen format. Blue or black ink models with a medium tip may meet different needs. Some products also mention the ISO 12757.2 standard, intended for documentary use. This information applies to the model in question and is not a general promise applicable to all refills.

Stationery supplies FAQ

What stationery supplies should you prepare for the new school or office year?

A versatile pencil case may contain black and blue ballpoint pens, a few multicoloured pens, fineliners, a notepad or notebook, highlighters and filing accessories. For a class or business, large multipacks can make restocking easier.

How long do pens and felt-tip pens last in storage?

It depends on how often they are used, the type of ink and storage conditions. A cap that is not closed properly, exposure to heat or a tip left touching a surface can speed up drying. For instructions specific to each product, the manufacturer’s product description remains the best source.

Are whiteboard magnets suitable for all documents?

They are suitable for magnetic surfaces, but their holding capacity depends on their size and the weight of the document. A 20 mm diameter may be enough for a lightweight sheet. For several pages or a more prominent display, compare the dimensions and holding information before ordering.