Stationery must haves for the school year

By Katy Nguyen, Staff writer

Stationery supplies. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

Stationery supplies. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

School has finally started and we are all rushing to go last minute shopping for cute and practical stationery. Here are my favorite picks on pens, notebooks, paper and more!

Pens: 

Zebra Sarasa Clip Pen- Black 0.4 and 0.3. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

The ink from the Zebra Sarasa gel pens flow smoothly and dry fast as well, which is a bonus for highlighting. These come in a wide range of colors, sizes and even unique pen bodies, making it perfect for everyone!

Where to buy: Maido at Mitsuwa Marketplace, Amazon.com, Jetpens.com

Alternative:

A great alternative to the Zebra Sarasa Clip Pen is the Pentel Energel RTX Retractable gel pens. The ink flow in this pen is insane and is great for long periods of writing by hand.

Where to buy: Most stores like Office Depot, Staples, Target, and Walmart.

Pencils:

Pentel Twist-Erase Express Mechanical Pencil 0.5. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

Mechanical pencils are important for students everywhere. Pentel carries an amazing line of stationery supplies, and so it’s no surprise that their mechanical pencils are one of the best out there. The twist-eraser comes handy when you need to erase a lot and the grip is very comfortable also.

Where to buy: Most stores like Office Depot, Staples, Target and Walmart

Highlighters:

Zebra Mildliners, Pilot Frixion Erasable Highlighters (Japanese versions). Photo by Katy Nguyen.

Zebra Mildliners are extremely popular for their aesthetics on Instagram. The Japanese version currently has five sets of colorful highlighters. Recently, the U.S. version was released to Target, which also carries the Pilot Frixion Erasable Highlighters.

Where to buy: Maido at Mitsuwa Marketplace, Amazon.com, Jetpens.com, Target.com

Notebooks:

Mead Five Star 1 Subject College Ruled Notebook. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

Wire bound:

A popular well-known brand, Mead never disappoints. It carries the best quality paper and the lines are super light so you can see your writing.

Where to buy: Most stores like Office Depot, Staples, Target and Walmart.

Composition Books:

Staples College Ruled Composition Notebook, Daiso Kraft Notebook. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

Composition notebooks are small and perfect for keeping all your notes together. The ones from Daiso appeal to many aesthetics.

Where to buy: Any Staples store, and select Daiso stores.

Notebook Filler Paper:

Staples College Ruled Filler Paper. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

This is a must-have for all students. Personally, I prefer 8.5 x 11 paper because it fits in my binder neatly with standard printer paper. My favorite brand of filler paper is Mead Five Star, however it can get pricey and this Staples brand is a decent alternative.

Where to buy: Any Staples store

Index Cards:

Office Depot Ruled Index Cards. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

Index cards are great for studying and Office Depot offers excellent deals on those.

Where to buy: Any Office Depot store

Binders:

Tops 1″ R-Ring View Binder. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

Binders are a definite essential for the school year. Many places sell binders, but Costco has the best bang for the buck.

Where to buy: Any Costco Wholesale, Costco.com

Miscellaneous/Other supplies:

Glue/adhesives:

Elmer Washable Glue Stick, Tombow Mono Permanent Adhesive Tape. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

There are always things you need to glue into your notebook and these adhesives are the best out there. The Tombow Mono Permanent Adhesive Tape is handy and compact, perfect for everyday use without all the messy residue from regular glue sticks.

Where to buy: Amazon.com, Michael’s

Post-it notes:

Post-its Recycled Notes. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

These eco friendly Post-its are great for jotting down your notes.

Where to buy: Most stores like Office Depot, Staples, Target, Walmart and Costco Wholesales.

Stickers:

Daiso index stickers. Photo by Katy Nguyen.

Stickers are cute and personalizes your stationery supplies. These from Daiso feature adorable animals.

Where to buy: Select Daiso stores