Joybuy Insights

Stationery supplies and creative materials: how to choose without buying unnecessarily

Between overloaded sets, inks advertised as “smudge-free” and notebooks presented as all-purpose, choosing your stationery supplies and creative materials can quickly become a headache. A pupil, parent, student, teacher, office professional or drawing enthusiast will not all have the same expectations.

Before filling your basket, check that the products suit your intended use, as well as their format, materials and the accessories actually included. Here are the criteria to consider when choosing coloured pencils, multicolour pens, pastel highlighters, notebooks or drawing materials suited to everyday life in France.

Common pitfalls before buying

1. Confusing quantity with usefulness

A set of 48 or 72 pieces may seem like good value, but not every colour or nib will necessarily be used. For taking notes, a few gel pens or a four-colour pen may sometimes be much more practical than an XXL assortment. For drawing and creative hobbies, however, a broad palette makes gradients and colour mixing easier.

So examine the contents in detail: number of pieces, shades, nib types, refills and storage solutions.

2. Overlooking the surface being used

An ink may be perfectly suited to a notebook but bleed through paper that is too thin. Dry pastels, on the other hand, produce a light dust and require a suitable surface. As for acrylic markers, they may be suitable for several surfaces, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

For school or professional use, compare the paper weight, texture and type. A drawing pad designed for sketching will not necessarily be suitable for ink or pastel work.

3. Forgetting about care and storage

A pencil sharpener without a container can quickly turn a pencil case into a tray full of shavings. A marker that is not capped properly will dry out faster, while pastels stored upright are more likely to break. A pouch, case or storage roll can therefore genuinely extend the life of your materials.

Criteria to check before choosing

Nib type and precision

For writing or annotating, a 0.5 to 0.7 mm tip will generally produce a precise, legible line. HB graphite pencils offer medium hardness, making them suitable for writing, exercises and light sketches. A 0.5 mm mechanical pencil is suitable for fine lines, provided you use compatible leads.

For creative activities, brush pens have a flexible tip whose line varies according to the pressure applied. Chisel-tip markers, meanwhile, allow you to switch from a fine line to a broad stroke. Rely on the stated width rather than the product photos alone.

Paper and paper weight

Expressed in g/m², paper weight indicates the paper’s weight and gives an initial idea of its strength. Paper weighing 90 to 100 g/m² is generally suitable for writing and note-taking. More fluid techniques or layers of colour often require a thicker surface, so always check the recommendations for the product you are using.

A Clairefontaine notebook may be appreciated for its smooth surface and school-friendly format. The Clairefontaine Koverbook shown below features Velin Velouté 90 g paper, polypropylene covers and storage flaps.

Safety and precautions for use

For children, check the recommended age and the warnings shown on the product page. Some items contain small parts or produce dust, such as dry pastels. Use them in a suitable environment, recap inks after use and avoid any contact with the mouth or eyes.

Compliance information, the manufacturer’s identity and the presence of a responsible person in the European Union are also details to check before buying.

Our selection for different needs

Recommended for : Budget-conscious beginners
M&G multicolour ballpoint pens, pack of 3

M&G, multicolour pens, pack of 3

Why this choice suits this profile : Each pen combines four colours, so you do not need to carry several separate items to school, university or the office.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The retractable mechanism means you do not have several caps to lose, and lets you change colour with a simple click.

Main benefit and key features

0.7 mm ballpoint tip, non-slip grip and three four-colour pens in the pack.

Recommended for : Premium stationery enthusiasts
Faber-Castell Black Edition coloured pencil set, 72

Faber-Castell Black Edition, set of 72 coloured pencils

Why this choice suits this profile : This extensive assortment is designed for anyone who wants to work on drawings, shading and colour effects on different types of paper.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The included roll keeps all 72 pencils organised and makes them easier to carry, without letting the leads knock against one another at the bottom of a pencil case.

Main benefit and key features

Triangular shape, SuperSoft leads, with 6 neon shades and 6 metallic shades.

Recommended for : Specific uses and intensive users
Ohuhu 48-piece acrylic paint pens

Ohuhu, pack of 48 acrylic markers

Why this choice suits this profile : The two nib sizes and the stated compatible surfaces open up a wide range of decoration, drawing and creative hobby projects.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The set includes 0.7 mm fine tips as well as reversible round and chisel tips, rather than limiting you to a single format.

Main benefit and key features

24 colours supplied in duplicate with two nib types, water-based ink and stated use on paper, wood, glass, ceramic or fabric.

Recommended for : Pupils, families and school organisation
Clairefontaine pack of 5 Koverbook notebooks

Clairefontaine Koverbook, pack of 5 notebooks

Why this choice suits this profile : The pack makes it easy to keep several subjects or projects separate, with a 24 × 32 cm format suited to notes and homework.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The polypropylene cover protects the notebooks, while the two flaps keep loose documents safely stored.

Main benefit and key features

96 pages, wide ruling, Clairefontaine Velin Velouté 90 g paper and stated PEFC certification.

Looking for more options ?

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

Complete your stationery without unnecessary duplicates

To put together a versatile pencil case, choose your items according to how you plan to use them:

  • Everyday writing : HB graphite pencils, 0.5 mm mechanical pencil and gel pens.
  • Revision and organisation : pastel highlighters, four-colour pen and notebooks with suitable ruling.
  • Drawing : coloured pencils, drawing pad and pencil sharpener with container.
  • Journaling and lettering : notebooks and pads, brush pens and fine-tip markers.
  • Creative hobbies : dry pastels or acrylic markers, checking that they are compatible with the surface.

For a personal notebook, the Jubiluu A6 models focus on portability, with their 100 g/m² paper, elastic closure, bookmark and pen loop. The A5 format offers more room for journaling, lists and writing projects.

FAQ about stationery supplies and creative materials

What paper weight should you choose for a notebook?

For writing with a pencil, ballpoint pen or highlighter, 90 to 100 g/m² paper provides a reliable basis. With wetter inks, brush pens or acrylic markers, check the manufacturer’s recommendations and test them on a page before you begin.

How can you keep markers and pens in good condition for longer?

Carefully replace every cap after use. Store acrylic markers flat when recommended on the product page, and shake them before first use if instructed. For gel pens, avoid extreme temperatures and replace compatible refills when the ink runs out.

What stationery should you prepare for the new school year?

A practical starter set includes HB pencils, an eraser, a pencil sharpener with container, blue, black, red and green pens, a few highlighters, notebooks in the required format and a pencil case with enough compartments. Add coloured pencils or a drawing pad only if the planned activities require them.