I love stationery. Putting pen to paper is my jam, and I Will bury you under recommendations for good writing tools and office supplies. So I'm making a page for them, just because rounding up all my favorites sounds unbelievably fun to me. Of note: I will link to all of these products on JetPens.com because I love them, but none of these are sponsored or affiliate links of any kind. Buy them where you want to, but you will make me sad if you buy them on amazon.
Pens Ballpoint
Gel Pen
- Uni Jetstream :: This one is an excellent pen to start with upgrading your stationery game. It is a standard ballpoint pen, so it's the same kind of oil-based waterproof ink that you can hilight over that you would expect from a basic-ass Bic pen, but it's so much nicer. The ink flows more like a gel pen. If you make no other upgrades to your stationery, make this one. It is also gaining popularity in the States, so you may be able to find it at an office supply store near you. I've even seen them occasionally at Barnes & Noble.
Fountain Pen
- Zebra bLen :: This gel pen was designed to be quiet, and have no rattling sounds as you write. But what keeps me reaching for it is that ink. It is unbelievably smooth, and writing with it is such a nice experience that it makes me want to write more. The ink is beautifully dark, so not only is it pleasant to write with, but it's also nice to read back your own writing.
- Pilot Preppy :: [Black ink refill] [Ink converter] :: Look, here's the thing. If you want to get into fountain pens, start here. It is $5.50, and it absolutely keeps pace with the fanciest fountain pens out there. It is cheap enough that it won't be heartbreaking if you lose or break it, but it does not sacrifice any features. Usually fountain pens will dry out if left unused for too long, but the Preppy has a special cap designed to keep it from drying out for a year. My ADHD ass will confirm that you can leave this pen untouched for an entire year, and it will still write as soon as you pick it up. You can still open up the pen and clean it exactly as you would any other fountain pen, so it's also a good one to start teaching you basic fountain pen care. The ink cartridges mean that you can very easily pop in a refill when you just need a pen that writes, but the availability of the converter means that you can also use this pen with bottled inks if you want to expand your horizons beyond the basic colors that Pilot offers.
- Meister by Point Slim Liner :: A small upgrade in price ($13.50), this one is a big upgrade in style. You pull this shit out in a meeting, people are going to think you have your life together. It's a very thin pen, but brushed metal so it's still sturdy, and it is just. so. elegant. You can use this one with bottled inks using the converter that comes with it, or you can buy standard short or long ink cartridges to make your life easier. (Click the "Recommended refills & parts" button to see what you can use with it.)
- TWSBI Eco :: If you're ready to upgrade to a fancier fountain pen, TWSBI (said "TWIZ-bee") is a great one. Sitting at around $36, it's still in a reasonable price range while still being a nice sturdy pen that will last. You're going to need bottled ink with this pen, but it holds a great deal of ink, which means less refilling. The fine or medium nibs are good ones to start with, keeping in mind that a wider nib means you can't write quite as small but it shows off the subtleties of your bottled ink better than a fine point.
Paper
NotebooksPaper Pads