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Between the back-to-school season, office note-taking, bullet journaling and drawing projects, stationery supplies and creative materials cater to a wide range of needs. Yet product descriptions often focus on colours, the number of pieces or an appealing design, without dwelling on the criteria that truly make a difference in everyday use.
Here are the points to check before buying, along with a selection suited to pupils, students, parents, teachers, professionals and creative hobbyists in the UK.
A set of 60 or 72 colours may look tempting, but a large palette doesn't make up for practical organisation or shades that actually suit your needs. For note-taking, 20 well-chosen pens and markers can be more than enough. On the other hand, a broader palette really comes into its own for detailed drawing or creating gradients.
So check the exact contents of the set: which colours are included, any duplicates, whether a case or accessories are provided, and whether refills are available when the manufacturer offers them.
A pen that doesn't bleed through thick paper can still leave marks on a thin notebook. Gel pens, colouring markers and water-based felt tips don't behave the same way on recycled paper, coated paper or the pages of a journal either.
For lettering and bullet journaling, check the paper's weight and always test a colour on an inconspicuous page. For whiteboards and slates, choose a tool designed for non-porous surfaces.
A metal tip, a retractable body or ink presented as resistant to drying can improve the user experience. But maintenance is still key: replacing caps, storing pens in good conditions and avoiding extreme temperatures will generally help them last longer.
Also check the safety and composition information, especially for young children. Small parts and tips can pose a risk for children under 3.
The stated width directly affects precision and the final result:
Fine-liner pens like the STABILO point 88 use a 0.4 mm tip. Conversely, chisel-tip highlighters are designed for underlining or covering a wider area.
Erasable gel pens use thermosensitive ink that can be corrected by friction. They're practical for notes and diaries, but aren't suitable for documents that need to remain permanent, nor for receipts printed on thermal paper.
HB graphite pencils are ideal for writing, exercises and light sketches. For drawing, soft-lead coloured pencils make it easier to create flat areas and blends, while oil-based leads are better suited to layering.
For school supplies, the Seyès ruling (French lined paper) remains perfectly suited to French writing habits. A 17 × 22 cm format slips easily into a school bag, while a 24 × 32 cm notebook offers more space for lessons, sketches and homework.
For a notebook you can take everywhere, the A6 format is particularly handy. Also check the paper weight: 90 to 100 gsm paper generally offers a much better feel than very thin sheets, especially with felt tips and gel pens.
Why this choice: A practical pack for school, the office or home, with pre-sharpened pencils and an integrated eraser.
The contents are clearly stated: 12 hexagonal HB pencils, with no unnecessary colour palette for everyday writing.
HB lead, anti-roll hexagonal body and eraser attached to the end of the pencil.
Why this choice: A palette designed for illustrations, portraits, landscapes and layered work.
The set states 36 shades and a 3.8 mm oil-based lead: you know exactly what you're buying.
Thick 3.8 mm lead, metal tin and SV bonding process mentioned in the product description.
Why this choice: With its 65 shades and 0.4 mm tip, this set is ideal for outlines, headings, diagrams, mandalas and bullet journal pages.
The metal tip and stated width give a clear indication of the line's precision.
65 pens, metal-sheathed nylon tip of 0.4 mm and caps to replace after use.
Why this choice: This pencil format can be used on whiteboards, slates, flip charts and for educational activities.
Compatibility with the surface is clearly stated: these pencils are intended for non-porous surfaces and wipe off with a dry or damp cloth, according to the product description.
PEFC-certified wood, solvent-free formula as stated, and tip renewable with a pencil sharpener.
We've gathered a selection of products for writing, drawing, school supplies and creative hobbies, complete with detailed specifications.
For highlighters, compare the tip width, the type of closure and the risk of bleed-through. The STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Pastel offers 14 pastel shades, a chisel tip of 2 and 5 mm and water-based ink, according to its product description.
For lettering, the WRITECH brush pens in 12 pastel colours have a flexible tip that responds to pressure. They're suitable for getting started with calligraphy, decorating a bullet journal and creating variable outlines, as long as you adjust the pressure you apply.
For notebooks, the OXFORD Easybook Oceanis consists of three notebooks in 17 × 22 cm format, with Seyès ruling and 96 pages each. The pack of five Koverbook Clairefontaine, in 24 × 32 cm format, features 90 gsm Vélin Velouté paper and storage flaps.
A gel pen of 0.5 to 0.7 mm is suitable for most uses. If you regularly correct your notes, Deli erasable gel pens in 0.5 mm have an integrated eraser and use thermosensitive ink. For a document that needs to remain permanent, choose a non-erasable ink instead.
Choose paper of at least 90 gsm when using felt tips and highlighters. Test on the last page and avoid layering too many times. Water-based inks can help reduce the risk of over-saturation, without completely guaranteeing no show-through on all papers.
It all depends on how often you use them, storage conditions and the type of tip. Replace caps carefully, keep felt tips away from heat and store pencils in their case. A notebook kept dry and flat will also better preserve its pages and cover.