Joybuy Insights

Stationery supplies: how to choose the right products for school, the office and journaling

Buying stationery supplies seems simple until product descriptions are competing with promises about comfort, colours and durability. A notebook that is too small, a pen that dries out within a few days or a notebook poorly suited to French-style handwriting can quickly end up at the back of a drawer. Pupils, students, teachers, professionals and drawing enthusiasts do not all have the same needs.

Here are the criteria to consider before making your choice, along with a selection of products suited to different uses.

Common pitfalls when buying stationery

1. Confusing appearance with functionality

An attractive cover or a selection of colours may catch your eye, but it tells you nothing about the paper weight, the strength of the binding or how easy the ruling is to read. For everyday use, start by checking the format, number of sheets and type of paper.

2. Overlooking how you will actually use it

An A7 notebook is handy for quick lists, but leaves little room for a lesson or meeting notes. Conversely, a large notebook can quickly become cumbersome in a bag or on a small desk. The right format depends on how you intend to use it: carrying it around, taking notes, drawing, organising or writing for extended periods.

3. Relying on unverified claims

Statements such as ‘no smudging’, ‘quick-drying’ or ‘intense colours’ describe advertised features, not a guarantee that applies in every situation. Results vary depending on the paper, the pressure applied and the drying time. Check the available technical information and prioritise detailed product descriptions.

Features to check before choosing

Format and ruling

  • A7: slips into a pocket, ideal for to-do lists and occasional notes.
  • A6: a compact notebook for notes, personal journaling or ideas to keep with you.
  • A5: a practical compromise for studying, work and journaling.
  • 17 × 22 cm with Seyès ruling: the standard format for school exercise books in France.
  • Large format: more space for projects, sketches and reports.

The ruling matters just as much as the notebook’s size. Seyès exercise books make structured school handwriting easier, while lined pages are suitable for general notes. Graph paper is useful for organising tables, diagrams and lists.

Paper and paper weight

Measured in g/m², paper weight gives an indication of the paper’s thickness, although it is not enough to predict how every type of ink will behave. 100 g/m² paper is generally sturdier than standard office paper and may be suitable for regular writing or certain gel pens. For felt-tip pens, markers and wet techniques, always check the risk of show-through or bleed-through.

Binding, closure and storage

A spiral binding often allows you to lay the notebook flat and turn the pages easily. A hard cover offers better protection for the contents in a bag, while a soft cover keeps the overall weight down. For a notebook you carry every day, an elastic closure, a bookmark and a pen loop help prevent dog-eared pages and misplaced accessories.

These criteria also apply to other school supplies and office stationery: choose durability and capacity according to how often an item will be used, rather than relying solely on its appearance.

Our selection based on your needs

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
OXFORD Easybook Oceanis pack of 3 17x22 Seyès 96-page notebooks

OXFORD Easybook Oceanis, pack of 3 Seyès exercise books

Why this choice suits this profile : The 17 × 22 cm format and Seyès ruling meet the everyday needs of secondary school, homework and guided handwriting.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dimensions, ruling and quantity are clearly stated, reducing the risk of buying a decorative notebook that is unsuitable for lessons.

Main benefit and key features

Pack of 3 exercise books, 96 pages per book, Seyès ruling and stapled binding.

Recommended for : Premium stationery enthusiasts
MOLESKINE Classic Notebook Large Format Blank Pages Black

MOLESKINE Classic Notebook, large format

Why this choice suits this profile : Its hard cover, blank pages and lay-flat opening make it equally suitable for writing, sketching and creative journaling.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description specifies a hard cover, 70 g/m² acid-free ivory paper, a bookmark and an inner pocket.

Main benefit and key features

Blank pages, elastic closure, binding designed to open to 180° and paper sourced from FSC-certified forests, according to the product description.

Recommended for : Specific uses and intensive users
Faber-Castell Black Edition set of 72 coloured pencils with pencil roll

Faber-Castell Black Edition, 72 coloured pencils

Why this choice suits this profile : Drawing enthusiasts get an extensive selection and a roll for easily carrying and organising their materials.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The number of shades, including six neon and six metallic tones, is clearly detailed rather than being reduced to a vague promise of variety.

Main benefit and key features

72 pencils, advertised SuperSoft leads, triangular shape and storage roll included.

Recommended for : Mobile organisation and note-taking
M&G pack of 3 multicolour 4-in-1 retractable ballpoint pens

M&G, 4-in-1 multicolour pens, pack of 3

Why this choice suits this profile : Students, teachers and professionals can quickly distinguish between different types of information without carrying several pens.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Each pen contains four inks and uses a push-button mechanism, making the multicolour function tangible and easy to verify.

Main benefit and key features

0.7 mm tip, four colours per pen, rubber grip and transparent barrel so you can monitor the ink level.

Looking for more options ?

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

Complete your stationery supplies

Depending on your activities, add the accessories you will genuinely use over time:

  • HB pencils for writing, sketching and making corrections.
  • A 0.5 mm mechanical pencil for consistent lines while reducing wood consumption.
  • Highlighters with a chisel tip, allowing you to switch between fine and broad strokes.
  • Notebooks and exercise books in different formats to keep projects separate.
  • Felt-tip pens or gel pens for creative journaling and visual coding.
  • Coloured pencils for colouring, diagrams and drawing activities.

For HB pencils, a hexagonal barrel stops the pencil from rolling off the table. With a mechanical pencil, check the compatible lead diameter and the availability of refills. As for highlighters, close the cap immediately after use to prevent the tip from drying out.

Stationery supplies FAQ

Which exercise book format should you choose for lessons in France ?

The 17 × 22 cm format with Seyès ruling is very common for schoolwork. A4 offers more space, but it also takes up more room in a bag. A5 is suitable for personal notes, revision cards and office work.

How long do pens and highlighters last ?

Their lifespan depends on how often they are used, the ink formulation and storage conditions. Keep the caps closed, avoid heat and protect them from direct sunlight. A pen whose ink skips, dries out or changes appearance should be replaced rather than forced.

How can you prevent ink from bleeding through the pages ?

Choose paper with a clearly stated paper weight and always test the pen on a page at the back of the notebook before writing. Liquid inks and some markers are more likely to bleed through paper than a pencil or ballpoint pen. For creative journaling, place a divider or protective sheet between two pages.