Ever been typing away on your workdesk, only to find your mind flitting away to some far-off memory, as boredom and melancholy slowly creep through your system? Spending 8 hours on your desk can become quite tedious, and sometimes boosting your mood and upping your productivity can seem nearly impossible. But this is where a tiny thing like an adorable stationery design on your desk can truly come in handy. Cute little stationery items carefully dispersed on your desk can add little sparks of joy to your otherwise mundane day. They can bring a smile to your face, no matter how dreary your day feels. And one such lovely design is the Planet Pins by Duncan Shotton.
These colorful quirky little creations are hand-painted planet pins inspired by the solar system. This adorable stationery set includes eight extraterrestrial shapes, each one hand-painted in Tokyo and then presented in a compact polished acrylic display case. Accompanying the main case, are little moon pins, with realistic astronomical craters on their surface. The moons are concrete cast.
The adorable pins include Mercury in metallic silver, Venus in metallic gold, Earth in painted blue and green, Jupiter in yellow, dark orange, and translucent orange, Mars in red, Saturn in yellow with a metallic silver ring, Uranus in a metallic blue with a metallic silver ring, and Neptune in blue and a lovely white. The pins are beautifully delivered in serial-numbered display cases, so even when they aren’t in use, you can store them neatly in boxes, leaving them out to showcase.
For lovers of outer space and astronomy, the Planet Pins will make for a wonderful addition to their desk or home office, allowing them to integrate their love for the astral spheres into their daily lives and routines. The accompanying moon pins are a bonus, creating a full-fledged and complete solar system for you. Besides featuring little craters, the moons also have a tiny arrangement, representing the iconic “the man on the moon” image. The US flag has also been printed on a card insert, and placed behind each pin, making it a part of the famous setting.
If you’re currently in school or university, then you know how important the right set of stationery designs is. You need to have a collection of stationery designs that provide you with value and make your everyday tasks easy to complete with efficiency. These are the objects that are gonna help you get through your day, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. From an everlasting all-metal pencil to minimal Japanese drawing pads – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs at school.
1. Pen Fan
Called the Pen Fan, this nifty and unique stationery design is a must-have school supply. It is designed to be a cross between a Pantone shade card, and a stationery set, accommodating 8 different flat-head sketch pens in a nifty, compact, and pretty easy-to-carry set.
Why is it noteworthy?
The various flat pens are interconnected, creating a cute little Japanese-fan-style layout that proudly showcases all 8 colors, letting you pick and choose from them. The pens are detachable, and you can easily snap on and off the pens, to create a palette that caters to you.
What we like
Easy-to-carry portable set
Reduces the risk of losing any of the pens
What we dislike
There are only 8 colors to pick from, which can be limiting. There could have been more color options
2. Everlasting Metal Pencil
If you’re looking for a pencil to carry to school, you could consider the Everlasting Metal Pencil. It is a Wacom-like style with a tip that doesn’t need to be sharpened or replaced. It is a unique and one-of-a-kind pen that lets you focus on the task at hand – whether it is writing, drawing, sketching, etc.
The pencil’s octagonal shaft is built from aluminum, and it has a special alloy core. This may make you feel that it might just leave heavy grooves on your paper, but it draws like a real pencil, without the tip getting worn down, even after dozens of marks. It’s a great tool for school, where you constantly need to be scrolling or sketching something away.
What we like
Features a metal core, not a clay or charcoal one, so it wears away quite slowly, and might even outlive you
What we dislike
If you’re someone who uses smudging techniques at school, this pencil isn’t recommended, as it doesn’t smear or smudge like normal graphite
3. Japanese Drawing Pad
If you’re a true stationery connoisseur, then you are well aware of the value and beauty of Japanese paper. It’s a wonderful material that has been revered by artists and designers for its quality. And if you want to take some lovely Japanese paper to school with you, then you could get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad.
The Japanese Drawing Pad is a premium-quality pad that freely lets you jot down your thoughts, and sketch out your innovative ideas without the worry of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers. The Drawing Pad is a catalyst for the explosion and outpouring of your exciting and vivid ideas. It creates a smooth, cohesive, and engaging writing/sketching experience for you.
What we like
The Drawing Pad is microperforated, making the sheets of paper easy to tear and separate from the pad
It is available in different sizes and colors, letting you pick the pad that meets your stationery needs
What we dislike
The aesthetics of the pad are quite simple, and it seems like an ordinary pad with no USP. But its high quality and value can only be experienced, not simply seen
4. Bowl Sharpener
Designed by Jiachun LV, this adorable Bowl Sharpener is shaped like a cute little soup bowl. The base of the bowl includes a sharper opening, through which you can slip in the pencil, and sharpen it. As you sharpen the pencil, the pencil shavings and residue are collected in the bowl, creating an interesting visual.
Why is it noteworthy?
If you sharpen colored pencils in the bowl, then the multicolored shavings create a beautiful visual. Since all the shavings and residue are collected in the bowl, it is quite easy to throw them away, and they don’t fall or scatter anywhere, causing a little mess.
What we like
Collects the shavings in one place, and no shavings go astray
Minimalist form and pastel color options add an adorable touch to your desk
What we dislike
It is larger than typical sharpeners and isn’t an easy design to carry around
5. Gravity Pen
Called the Gravity Pen, this unique pen is the perfect sidekick to carry to school with you. It places the center of gravity closer to your fingers, creating a cohesive writing experience for you, where the pen is easy to hold and easy to make agile strokes with. It has a larger grip than the barrel, creating more space for a comfortable hold.
The grip has a faceted form, making the pen easy to hold, while providing a more stable grip. The Gravity Pen has a super ergonomic design since it was designed using the smart application of physics and minimalist design principles. It is a no-fuss and no-nonsense stationery design!
What we like
Ergonomic design that is easy to hold with a sturdy grip
A durable and lightweight body that is easy to carry around
What we dislike
There isn’t a variety of color options to choose from, limited choice of product
6. Serenity Pen Stand
A pen is one of the essentials we need to carry when we’re at school. However, a pen can be quite easy to lose, and if you’re always losing track of your prized pen, then you could procure the Serenity Pen Stand. It is a minimal design with a metallic hint designed to hold your pen upright, keeping it ready for you to use!
The Serenity pen stand ensures you always have easy access to your pen, safeguarding it, and ensuring you never lose it. Made using aluminum and copper, it forms a well-balanced cylinder, that adds a pop of subtle color and character to your study desk.
What we like
Features a heavy copper bottom that lowers the center of gravity, offering it a stable form
Sleek minimal design that is easy to carry and set up
What we dislike
The pen stand is quite small in size and could be easily misplaced if not handled carefully
There isn’t availability in different color options, you are limited
7. ForeverPen
Dubbed the ForeverPen, this pen is made of Ti + Ag, and it sits neatly on your keys! It resolves the issue of you needing a pen and never being able to find one. It is said to be the world’s smallest inkless pen, and it never needs refilling. In fact, it is not just a simple pen, you can even write underwater with it, or open boxes!
Why is it noteworthy?
The pen is made from specialist Silver composite, combined with the choice of material you choose. It is only one inch in length, but strong enough to jot down all your notes, while also letting you slide open packages and boxes, and prying open lids.
What we like
Portable and easy-to-carry design
Multifunctional tool that can be used as much more than just a pen
What we dislike
Not well-suited for users with big hands, can be difficult for them to hold and use it
Since it is quite tiny, you can easily lose or misplace it
8. The Horizon Helvetica®
If you’ve come across the Horizon Helvetica®, then you know that it is an artist-oriented piece of EDC that is designed to be an interesting alternative to conventional stationery kits. It is said to be one of the most creative-oriented EDC multitools on the market!
Why is it noteworthy?
It has a credit-card-shaped form that lets you sketch and doodle, form grids and circles for drawings, measure distances, and angles, and even feature a dedicated measuring scale for pixels and picas! It is also an excellent tool for graphic and interface designers who can utilize it to create UI sketch prototypes on paper.
What we like
Using the tool you can sketch, ideate, plan, and measure anywhere
Portable and easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
It is only available in metal, there are no other material options
9. ColorPik Pen
Meet the ColorPik Pen – a super cool and extraordinary pen that accommodates 16 million colors! With the ColorPik Pen, you don’t need to buy different pens, you can simply use it and have fun with an unlimited number of colors. You simply need to scan the item whose color you want to imitate, and then doodle with it.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ColorPik Pen uses a smart color, that is light fast, and water resistant, and can’t just be weathered away. You can control the texture and dimension for writing by selecting any of the multiple tips, allowing you to beautifully and write as well as draw.
What we like
Combines 16 million colors into one nifty pen
Features re-fillable smart cartridges
What we dislike
10. World Clock
Do you ever find yourself lagging in school, not able to complete your tasks in the expected duration?! Well, this is where this unique clock design comes in, but with a twist. The World Clock isn’t your typical desk clock, and has a dodecagonal shape, with only one hand on its clean minimalist face.
The design and form of the World Clock is intentional, as it gives you the right information about your country, but also some additional and fun details on the time in other parts of the world. One quick look and you can instantly tell the hour, while a closer inspection will tell you which quarter of the hour it is.
What we like
The 12 sides of the clock have individual markings for a city that represents a particular timezone
Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and if you’re someone who believes in making your own gifts for your partner, then it’s your lucky day! We’ve put together a dedicated list of craft supplies that will make gift making the easiest bit of Valentine’s Day. These handy tools and supplies will help you work effortlessly, creating the perfect little present for your partner. They’ll make the technical process of arts and crafts into a fun, efficient, and smooth experience. From lovely dual-tipped pens that create pretty patterns to sleek scissors made with lustrous Japanese steel – these are the ultimate craft supplies you need to make the ultimate V-Day gift.
1. Scissors W/ Base
Called the Scissors w/ Base, these innovative scissors feature a magnetic base making the design a unique and cutting-edge one, letting you completely reshape and rejuvenate your workspace organization.
The scissors’ magnet base is a complete game-changer, giving them a permanent VIP spot on your desk. They are made with lustrous Japanese steel and are an excellent tool to assemble a DIY gift for your partner on Valentine’s Day. Besides being handy tools, they’re also pretty cool desk decor.
What we like
The magnetic base provides your scissors with a dedicated spot
It features a built-in box cutter, which is a unique forward-thinking detail we love
What we dislike
They’re quite aesthetically pleasing and unique, but cannot replace the heavy-duty scissors you need for tougher tasks
2. Levitating Pen 3.0
Called the Levitating Pen, this good-looking writing accessory is a sleek pen with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge which makes it easy and sturdy to hold, creating a smooth writing experience. Aesthetically, it brings to mind a spacecraft or something we would find in the Marvel universe, floating around in the galaxy, similar to how the pen floats at a 60-degree angle when resting in it’s specially designed stand.
The Levitating Pen can be positioned in its holder which is magnetized and can be kept floating in that position. You need to give the pen a simple twist, which makes it spin for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with it.
What we like
The pen is easy and sturdy to hold
The act of spinning the pen can be a fun stress-buster
What we dislike
The pen can easily roll off when placed on a curved surface
3. CraftMaster EDC Utility Knife
Given the number of ASMR videos we have seen on Instagram that shows a person cutting everything from soap to foam, we know the value a good cutter has in our everyday life. Especially when creating crafts, a good cutter is a solid friend that will help you navigate those tight curves – which is exactly what this CraftMaster EDC Utility Knife does! It also comes with a scale on the side to make it easy to measure as you go when you lose your 10th ruler again.
The metal exterior is hefty, giving a solid holding grip that makes it easy to hold. The scale sports both metric and imperial markings so you can follow those DIY instructions with ease.
What we like
Merges a scale with the cutter, becoming an all-in-one package
It is only 8mm thick, balancing the healthy grip with a slim design for easy travel
What we dislike
While excellent for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail
4. ClampTape
Dubbed the ClampTape, this innovative and amusing tape dispenser by Peleg Dispenser ensures you always have some tape handy. It features a clothespin-inspire design that clamps onto the tabletop surface, providing you with an instant tape dispenser.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ClampTape is another ingenious design by Peleg Design, which combines emotional design with problem-solving abilities. It is cute and convenient, and is made from bent sheet metal, with a rubber/polymer sleeve wrapped around the clamping jaws, so it doesn’t cause any damage to your table.
What we like
The ClampTape comes with its own roll of tape
Gives a fun twist to an ordinary stationery item
What we dislike
The clamp may not open wide enough to hold onto all table or horizontal surfaces.
5. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil
Called the Everlasting All-Metal Pencil, this Wacom stylus has a tip that never needs to be sharpened or replaced. It is a unique pencil that let’s you focus entirely on your creative process, allowing you to build a beautiful DIY Valentine’s Day gift, instead of being bothered by the lead.
The pencil has an octagonal shaft which is made using aluminum, and it features a special alloy core. It does not leave heavy grooves on the paper, and instead it draws like a pencil, without the tip wearing down after dozens of marks.
What we like
Has a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so the pencil wears down very slowly and with time
What we dislike
Isn’t the best option for those who use smudging techniques, as it doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does
6. Japanese Memo Block
Called the Japanese Memo Block, this little stationery item is designed to function as a temporary shelter for your itinerant thoughts. It’s great to pen down your intimate and affectionate thoughts or to write an adorable love letter for your partner on Valentine’s Day.
A blank sheet of paper is often the most freeing and welcoming item, as you are able to record your fleeting thoughts, flashes of inspiration, or even the sudden tasks that have been handed to you. The Japanese Memo Block has no marking, grids, or lines, it is white or in color, letting you focus on your thoughts and tasks.
What we like
The pure white/black surface allows the mind to focus on important thoughts and put them down on paper
Made using high-quality Japanese paper which is revered by many stationery connoisseurs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary notepad and seems to have no special USP
7. Colored Curve Pens
Called the Colored Curve Pens, these unique dual-tipped pens by Aechy are a far cry from your typical dual-tipped pens. One end of the pen lets you lay down pretty patterns such as waves, heart roses, flowers, dashes and dots.
Why is it noteworthy?
It basically functions as a stamp-like roller that can you use for journalling, doodling, drawing, scraping, or to make a lovely Valentine’s Day gift or card for your better half. The dual-tip markers are available in eight different colors and five-mark line types.
What we like
Helps the artistically challenged with drawing and doodling
40% more ink than the brand’s regular pens
What we dislike
You can’t choose a specific color for a specific pattern so you’ll have to use the options that they have available
8. Japanese Drawing Pad
Japanese paper is a material that has always been loved by designers and artists for its quality. And if you want to get your hands on some of this beautiful paper, then you need to try the Japanese Drawing Pad. You can use it to create a lovely DIY gift this Valentine’s Day for your partner!
It is a premium-quality pad that lets you jot down your thoughts and passions without the stress of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers. It creates a smooth, engaging, and relaxing writing experience.
What we like
It is microperforated, making the paper easy to tear
Available in various sizes and colors, so you can pick the kind that meets your stationery and drawing needs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary pad with nothing special to offer, as its high quality can only be experienced, not seen
9. Ruler_C
Called the Ruler_C, this conceptual design minimizes how much contact the ruler makes with the paper or surface beneath, resulting in an unusual form that makes it quite pleasant to look at as well.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Ruler_C’s body curves up on one side, instead of being flat, creating one long edge, while the short edges are in contact with the drawing surface. This reduces the amount of damage the ruler causes, while also elevating the tool’s usability.
What we like
This gives the ruler an interesting shape that immediately calls attention without being loud and obnoxious
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it would translate into a real product
10. Gravity Pen
Called the Gravity Pen, this all-black pen puts the center of gravity closer to your fingers, making it quite an easy pen to hold, and make agile strokes with. It allows you to have a larger grip than the barrel, giving more area for a super comfy hold.
Why is it noteworthy?
The faceted form of that grip also makes it easier to grip the pen, allowing for a more stable grip as well. It’s the ultimate ergonomic pen design, thanks to a smart application of physics and minimalist design principles.
What we like
Ergonomic design which makes the pen quite easy to hold and use
Durable and lightweight body
What we dislike
Not available in different color options, hence there is a limited choice while purchasing it
Although a lot of the world today revolves around digital documents and files, there are definitely plenty of people who still espouse analog systems, especially when it comes to taking notes and productivity. In fact, there are many productivity systems today that utilize paper notebooks or even sticky notes, better known as Post-its, though the latter are also notorious for creating a mess rather than helping you stay on top of things. Part of the problem is that sticky notes make it too easy to, well, stick these square pieces of paper anywhere, which means potentially losing them or ending up being more disorganized than ever. This Post-it Note Holder design concept tries to solve that by providing a space for all your sticky notes needs, including a place to stick them.
Sticky notes today come in different sizes and even shapes, but the colored square format remains the most popular because of its ease of use and space efficiency. It forces you to condense what you need to write down to the most essential pieces of information, and they often don’t take up too much space either. That is until you find your desk, your board, or even your computer monitor littered with these sticky squares, at which point they defeat the entire purpose of trying to keep your life in order.
This concept encapsulates a whole system designed around sticky notes so that you don’t have to work hard to keep everything in a single place. Of course, there’s the actual holder for keeping a stack of notes always ready to receive your scribbles, but there’s also a curve at the back to hold a pen, saving you from having to scramble for one just when you really need it. The most prominent part of this note holder, however, is the very tall and narrow board that rises from the holder. This serves as a more limited space for sticking your notes after you’ve written them.
The design is intentionally limited in space, which forces you to only stick the really important notes the same way sticky notes themselves force you to be concise and quick. At the same time, it still leaves plenty of room for flexibility and personal workflows, like arranging your notes in a literal hierarchy of importance. Or you could order the notes according to their urgency or due dates, watching the colored squares slowly march down as you complete your tasks.
The concept also has room for variations in design, like one that could be hung on a wall and has an inclined note holder for easier access to the pad. And for the truly disciplined Post-it user, the “base” configuration of note and pen holder still gives the convenience of having the essentials always ready when inspiration strikes. You just have to be sure you don’t fall back into the habit of sticking your notes everywhere and then forgetting where you put them after just a few hours.
How much does it take to change the world? Some people would immediately think of literally big world-changing events, but it’s actually the little steps taken each day that gradually build up to make a longer-lasting difference. The same is true for design, where some of the most significant improvements don’t have to be drastic or even conspicuous. Little improvements here and there all add up to a whole new experience that turns an everyday tool into a delightful encounter each and every time. Case in point are these sleek scissors that look almost alien in their form, bringing just the right amount of design innovation that not only makes it seem like a piece of equipment from the future, it even makes using the simple tool a delightful quest as you snip, slice, and cut through your tasks every day.
The most distinctive thing about these sleek scissors is their form. The drop-shaped handle is something you’ll rarely see in scissors, but it’s a small change that makes plain, boring shears look a little more interesting. Especially when those handles are made from transparent resin that, together with the organic shape, gives the scissors a unique character not unlike alien spacecraft. Of course, that alone isn’t enough to elevate the status of the tool, and indeed its biggest benefits are from things you can’t see but can definitely feel.
Many people use scissors as makeshift box cutters with often disastrous results, forced to precariously hold the tool with the blades wide open. The smart SEKI-TEX scissors avoid this dangerous situation by using a simple yet ingenious sliding mechanism to push one of the blades forward just a little bit while still keeping the rest of the scissors closed. This lets you swiftly and safely cut through the adhesives keeping the box shut like you would with an actual box cutter. And when you’re done, simply slide the blade back to its original position to keep your fingers and hands safe.
Given that use case as well as many other uses of the scissors, there is a real concern that the blades will eventually get covered in sticky sludge from these adhesives. As before, the solution is both simple and clever, coating the blades with fluorine to stop the sticky substances from building up in the first place. Now a simple wipe every now and then is all that it will take to keep the blades always sharp and ready to cut through work tasks.
Such an innovative design doesn’t come from the future and is, in fact, well-rooted in the past. Crafted by expert knife makers from the swordsmith town of Seki in Japan, these scissors are made with meticulous attention to detail, yielding excellent sharpness married to an exquisite and almost organic design. Whether you’re cutting paper or opening boxes, these sleek scissors promise to not only make each task feel effortless, they also add a bit of excitement to your daily work.
It doesn’t matter where you’re working, whether at home or in a commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!
1. POD
This minimalist timer lets you enjoy the simple benefits of a Pomodoro timer without relying on a clunky analog timer, especially one that looks like an awkward little tomato on your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
Dubbed POD, this unique tool combines the feeling of an analog timer with the convenience and utility of an electronic device in a simple, minimalist, and appealing form. The only control it has is pushing the puck down like a button, which then starts the countdown.
What we like
Minimally distracting, utilizing only flashing lights to get your attention rather than sounds or vibrations
What we dislike
Replacing the battery seems a bit tedious and annoying
It is quite tiny, so can be easily misplaced
2. Grovemade Note-Taking Kit
Named the Grovemade Note-Taking Kit, this innovative kit helps you effortlessly and efficiently capture down, process, and store notes, hence boosting your daily productivity, and ensuring your process feels simple and free-flowing.
Why is it noteworthy?
The kit includes a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metallic base, alongside a display rail to hold and store your notes and devices, while also offering a vertical organizer that stores your notes until you need to use them.
What we like
Provides a neat workdesk, that helps you complete the important tasks at hand, and elevate productivity
What we dislike
Occupies a substantial amount of real estate on your desk, not well-suited for smaller desks
3. Quick-Access Organizer
Dubbed the Quick-Access Organizer, this minimal and compact organizer is designed to ensure you never lose all your essentials. It is a well-designed organizer that helps you perfectly organize your essentials so you’re never in fear of losing them, allowing you to have a tidy desk that boosts productivity.
Why is it noteworthy?
This smart organizer isn’t simply a storage solution, it revolutionizes your desk, using magnetic wizardry to keep your essentials organized and easily available. It perfectly combines form and functionality, offering an excellent 21st-century design philosophy.
Equipped with a rotating mechanism that will take all the annoying guesswork out of storage
It is a lid and tray, making it a dual-functional product
What we dislike
Those who possess a larger array of items will find this organizer limiting and may need a bigger one
It can be concerning having magnets around certain electronic devices or cards, hence you need to be selective about what you store
4. Nemonic Gen 2
Dubbed the Nemonic Gen 2, this inkless, thermal, and wireless printer lets you effectively and efficiently print your notes and even images on Ultra Sticky Notes, and they won’t easily fall off!
Why is it noteworthy?
The tiny printer can be connected to your desktop and mobile devices allowing you to print out any notes that you may have written, drawn, or typed on the connected app. You can even integrate it with the Microsoft Office apps, and Slack and Zapier too, allowing you to maintain smooth productivity.
What we like
It lets you print out your notes directly and has a de-curl feature too
What we dislike
They don’t sell refills individually at this point, which is inconvenient if you run out of the notes
5. Fold
Designed by Ganti and Teixeira Design Studio, Fold is a 3D-printed lamp that casts its light downwards and upwards serving as a functional lamp, as well as a source of some good lighting. It’s a unique lamp that helps you work properly, while also letting you relax.
Why is it noteworthy?
The wall light doesn’t need to be turned on or off, nor do you need to adjust it, as the design itself brings two kinds of light together. It is a space-saving design as it can be mounted on the wall, or placed on a small desk or side table.
What we like
Offers both ambient light and direct light, helping you save up on owning multiple lamps
What we dislike
It looks a bit bulkier when used as a desk lamp, as compared to when it is wall-mounted
6. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter
Having an organized desk is quite important, as it helps you work efficiently while boosting your daily productivity. Having the right tool can help you create the ideal organized desk, and one such tool to add to your desk is this unique letter cutter.
Why is it noteworthy?
This innovative letter cutter reimagines a standard office tool, and efficiently slices through paper, while also doubling up as a chic paperweight ensuring there is no unnecessary clutter on your desk. A decluttered desk is the best solution for boosting productivity!
Has a precision cut that ensures that no messy scraps are left behind
Doubles up as a paperweight, ensuring there is less clutter on your desk, making it a dual-functional product
What we dislike
While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail, so you may need a separate letter cutter for those
7. The Note
Called the Note, this small desk whiteboard lets you take notes with the utmost efficiency. Except it’s no ordinary note taker, it has a few tricks up its sleeve and adds some fun and spice to your work.
Why is it noteworthy?
The unique whiteboard can twist or flip over, giving you twice the space to write your notes down effectively and efficiently. One side features a dotted grid surface, while the other side can be plain, or they could have the same design on both sides.
What we like
Features a multi-purpose vertical screen that allows you to view the time, calendar, and appointments synced with your phone
What we dislike
The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that some people may need for their work
8. SCROOM
Dubbed SCROOM, this portable keyboard looks like a wireless mechanical keyboard at first glance, however when you slide down the keyboard or slide up its bottom, it unveils a display that’s almost the same size as the keyboard.
Why is it noteworthy?
This unique display is a touch screen that’s filled with large-sized buttons, sliders, and other controls that can help you multitask on a tablet that has otherwise pretty limited space for multitasking.
What we like
Features a to-do list so that you don’t have to switch back and forth between apps
What we dislike
The sliding mechanism is a risk, especially for devices that get carried around a lot
9. Current Task Light
Called the Current Task Light, UK-based Jones and Partners designed this simple, minimalist, and highly functional lighting design that would make an excellent addition to your work desk. It occupies minimum space while helping you work better and more efficiently.
Why is it noteworthy?
The award-winning task lighting + charging concept is a multifunctional product to aid in your daily multitasking and is perfectly complementary to both residential and commercial spaces.
What we like
Allows coworkers to plug their devices across a large desk while working together
What we dislike
It’s a concept right now, so we don’t know how the final product will turn out
10. Wipe
Dubbed Wipe, this unique and innovative whiteboard notebook features an eraser allowing you to write, erase, and write things over and over again. This helps you note down all your precious ideas and thoughts, letting you work in a streamlined and efficient manner.
Why is it noteworthy?
Wipe has a comfortable personal size that is a tad bit smaller than A4 paper. It is portable, and you can write on it, take a photo that you could save or send to the cloud, erase all of it, and write again. You don’t need any preparation to use it, it is a fast and effective product!
What we like
Equipped with a newly developed Mag Force system that combines magnets and rubber brands, building a handle that also doubles up as a pen holder
What we dislike
You need to specifically use a dry-erase or whiteboard pen, and not a permanent marker
The collection of stationery items placed on a desk is what makes it truly shine! The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. And if you’re someone who works better with taking notes and jotting down your plans and ideas, then this collection of note-taking accessories and designs is for you! From a personal whiteboard that lets you take notes anytime anywhere to a levitating pen – these accessories are a must-have for your desk. Happy writing!
1. The Note
Called the Note, this small desk whiteboard allows you to take down notes with complete ease and efficiency. It isn’t just your everyday note take, it has a couple of cool tricks to make your mundane workday fun!
Why is it noteworthy?
The unique whiteboard can be twisted or flipped over, giving you the space to write down your notes. One side features a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other side can be plain or you could have the same design on both sides.
What we like
Features a multi-purpose vertical screen that can be utilized to view the time, appointments, and calendar
What we dislike
The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that may be important in some people’s fields of work
2. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil
Meet the everlasting all-metal pencil, a unique pencil that will end the dreaded cycle of pencil sharpening and dealing with fragile mechanical leads1 This innovative note-taking accessory allows you to keep pace with, and jot down your notes. It lets your creative ideas flow freely and unhindered!
It is made with a special alloy core that is stored in a sleek aluminum body. It offers to provide a writing experience that is smooth, clean, and hassle-free while providing a sturdy and consistent performance.
What we like
Easily erased with regular erases
Ensures a smooth and clean writing experience
What we dislike
There is no replacement tip for the pencil
3. MagBoard Clipboard
The MagBoard Clipboard is a simple and well-designed solution that allows you to easily attach any paper – blank, dotted, grid in 2 sizes so you always have the fresh paper smell when you attach new stationery. You need to lift the magnetic panel and leave your pen inside for the next time a big idea strikes!
It is super easy to organize, and efficient to use. It features a Magnet x Lever mechanism that holds your paper through a busy day while you can easily shuffle your notes as you go!
What we like
Allows you to attach the clipboard to any metal surface
No ring that holds the paper together, so you don’t need to tear paper away when needed
What we dislike
The MagBoard Clipboard only holds a maximum of 30 sheets at a time
4. Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit
This is Grovemade’s newest note-taking kit, and it is designed to be the perfect product to effortlessly capture, process, and store your notes. It is a well-designed and aesthetic kit!
Why is it noteworthy?
Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit is essentially a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metal base, accompanied by a display rail to hold and accommodate your notes and devices, as well as a vertical organizer that will store your notes until you’re ready to use them – this keeps your workspace neat in the meantime.
What we like
Maintains a clean and tidy work desk, allowing you to complete your important tasks first
What we dislike
Will occupy a lot of precious real estate on your desk
5. XNote
This unique and innovative smart notebook is designed to upgrade the experience of harnessing the power of AI to make the best out of your scribbles and sketches and converting them into summaries, appointments, tasks, and even translation that takes your productivity to the next level.
Why is it noteworthy?
The XNote smart notebook makes use of ChatGPT to merge the absolute joy of writing on paper, and the convenience of digital technology in an intuitive, easy, and seamless manner.
What we like
Detects invisible patterns so that every stroke is accurately sent and mirrored to the app via Bluetooth
What we dislike
Not the best note-taking accessory for those who aren’t comfortable with AI
6. Japanese Paper Memo Block
Dubbed the Japanese paper Memo Block is designed to capture your exciting and itinerant thoughts that may otherwise escape you, if they’re not noted down in the nick of time!
Why is it noteworthy?
This white Japanese paper Memo Block lets you focus on the simple task at hand, allowing you to jot down your thoughts before you get distracted all over again. It has a small footprint, allowing you to put the block of paper anywhere on your desk, in any orientation or position.
What we like
Features a pure black surface that challenges the mind to put forward new thoughts on paper
Uses high-quality Japanese paper revered by many stationery connoisseurs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary notepad and doesn’t seem to have any USP or specialty
7. The Scripter
The Scripter sits right on your collar like a brooch while giving you quick access to a virtual assistant that lets you easily turn all your narrations and conversations into text transcripts, so you don’t need to struggle between thinking and typing/writing together.
Why is it noteworthy?
It transforms voices into paragraphs of text without the need for a keyboard, or without having to worry about typos. It works brilliantly across 16 languages. It is ideal for linguists, teachers, authors, and scriptwriters.
What we like
Designed to be a modern journaling tool, allowing people to focus on thinking, and interacting rather than on social cues
What we dislike
It can be inconvenient and uncomfortable to have a device on your collar
8. TP Pen
Coined the TP Pen, this unique writing tool is created to reform the basic everyday writing tool. It is a conceptual design that writes on paper, while also functioning as a marker, ruler, and stand.
Why is it noteworthy?
The unique pen features a “trixagonal” cap that allows it to serve as more than a pen. The shape of the pen is inspired by the New Age geometric pattern called the Flower of Life. This pattern is said to hold answers to the Universe and all living things.
What we like
Multifunctional and innovative design that functions as various stationery items
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so not sure how it will translate into a real tangible product, and how well it would function
9. Levitating Pen 3.0
The Levitating Pen is a grand writing instrument that is equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which makes the pen super easy to hold and use. It provides for a smooth writing experience!
Why is it noteworthy?
You can close the pen’s magnetic cap with a satisfying click and position the pen in its holder that has been magnetized to keep the pen floating in that particular position, allowing you to also interact with the pen!
What we like
Quite easy and smooth to hold and write with
Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster
What we dislike
The pen has smooth edges that may cause it to roll off when kept on a curved surface, so you could lose it
10. Wipe
Called Wipe, this one-of-a-kind innovative whiteboard notebook has an eraser, making it super easy to write, erase, and write over and over!
Why is it noteworthy?
Wipe has a small and personal size that’s a little bit smaller than A4 paper. It is portable in size, allowing you to write on it, take a photo to save, or send it to the cloud. It is a fast and simple device that doesn’t need much preparation just like good old paper!
What we like
Features a newly developed Mag Force system that combines magnets and rubber bands to create a handle that also functions as a pen holder
What we dislike
You’ll need to use a dry-erase or whiteboard pen instead of a permanent marker
What really makes a desk stand out to me is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that really lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and nifty stationery designs that you must own! From an everlasting all-metal pencil to an eerie desk pen holder – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs.
1. The Note
Dubbed the Note, this compact desk whiteboard enables you to take down notes with complete efficiency. The Note isn’t your everyday ordinary note taker, but it also has a few exciting tricks up its sleeve!
Why is it noteworthy?
This “whiteboard” twists or flips over, giving you twice the space to write down your notes. One side features a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other side is plain, or they both can have the same designs as well. You can also place sticky notes on it.
What we like
Equipped with a multi-purpose vertical screen that you can use to view the time, calendar, and appointments
What we dislike
The screen doesn’t support and show videos, a function that may be important in some people’s fields of work
2. Everlasting Metal Pencil
Dubbed the Everlasting Metal Pencil, this Wacom-like style has a tip that doesn’t need any replacing or sharpening. The innovative pencil allows you to focus on the creative process entirely.
The octagonal shaft is made of aluminum and houses a special alloy core. Knowing that, you might think that all it will do is leave heavy grooves on your paper, but your mind might be blown away when it draws like a real pencil without seeing the tip wear down even after dozens of marks.
What we like
It has a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so it wears down slowly, and may actually outlive you
What we dislike
The pencil doesn’t smudge or smear like normal graphite, which could be a disadvantage for those who use smudging techniques
3. Grovemade’s Hardwood Cups and Planters
Grovemade’s collection of cups, planters, and dishes is crafted from solid maple or walnut. The containers are functional and efficient while also being extremely good-looking. The containers are made the hard old school way in Grovemade’s Portland OR factory.
Why is it noteworthy?
The attractive and functional pieces are hand-sanded and finished using a clear vegetable-based oil which accentuates the natural warmth, and sheer beauty of the elegant wood. The entire collection includes cups, dishes, and planters in a bunch of different wood. The tall containers are excellent for storing your pencils, pens, scissors, and markers.
What we like
Available in various metal and material options so that you can pick and choose
What we dislike
Aesthetics are a bit unassuming and boring and could have been worked upon more
4. UFO Desk Pen Holder
Dubbed the UFO Desk Pen Holder, this unique pen holder is designed to hold your pen while suspending it in mid-air, giving the feeling that aliens are going to kidnap your pen! The pen stands completely straight and upright in the holder.
Why is it noteworthy?
The top of the pen holder looks exactly like your stereotypical alien spaceship in the shape of a flying saucer. You could place the USS Enterprise or a Star Destroyer, but the irregular shape would break apart the illusion, and take away from the eerier atmosphere of the design.
What we like
Adds a fun + functional element to your workdesk
The saucer also provides light, proving to be multifunctional
What we dislike
As a single pen holder, it takes up a lot of precious real estate on your desk
5. The KNOB.
Called the KNOB., this minimal and unique pen tray features soft rounded edges that provide your work desk with some personality and character. The tray is designed by Changho Lee and offers your desk a simple yet refreshing twist.
Why is it noteworthy?
The KNOB. pen tray is quite innovative as it is inspired by the knobs you find on a gas burner. The designer was influenced by the language of gas burner knobs, and replicated it in his tray, building a piece of stationery with interesting-looking knobs.
What we like
The knobs or multiport radar allow you to adjust the internal space of the pen tray, helping you store and place different kinds of stationery
What we dislike
Does not have a chance to accommodate unusually shaped objects, and isn’t a very large tray
6. The Gravity Pen
Dubbed the Gravity Pen, this unique pen puts the center of gravity closer to your fingers, making the pen quite easy to hold, and make agile strokes with. The pen ensures this by having a larger grip than the barrel, providing more area for a super comfy hold.
Why is it noteworthy?
The faceted form of that grip also makes it easier to grip the pen, allowing for a more stable grip as well. It’s the ultimate ergonomic pen design, thanks to a smart application of physics and minimalist design principles.
What we like
Ergonomic design that is easy to hold and use
Durable and lightweight body
What we dislike
Not available in different color options, hence there is a limited choice
7. Grovemade Note-Taking Kit
Called the Grovemade Note-Taking Kit, this product is designed to effortlessly and efficiently capture, process, and store your notes, creating a note-taking process that feels simple, free-flowing, and enjoyable.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Note-Taking Kit essentially consists of a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metal base, with a display rail to hold and accommodate your notes and devices, creating a vertical organizer that stores your notes until you need them and are ready to use them.
What we like
Provides a neat workdesk, that helps you complete the important tasks at hand
What we dislike
Occupies a substantial amount of real estate on your desk
8. Wipe
Called Wipe, this innovative whiteboard notebook is a pretty unique one, since it is equipped with its own erase allowing you to write erase and write over things again, and again.
Why is it noteworthy?
Wipe features a personal size that’s a bit smaller than A4 paper. It is a portable size, and you can write on it, take a photo that you could save or send to the cloud, erase it, and write again. It is a fast and simple product that doesn’t need any preparation.
What we like
Features a newly developed Mag Force system that merges magnets and rubber bands creating a handle that also functions as a pen holder
What we dislike
You will need to utilize a dry-erase or whiteboard pen instead of a permanent marker
9. ONEBOX
This woodworking wonder is called the ONEBOX, and it combines multiple different tools into an intriguing interlocking Jenga-like structure, using the same traditional mortise and tenon jointing technique seen for centuries in large-scale buildings in ancient times.
Why is it noteworthy?
When assembled, the ONEBOX looks just like any ordinary wooden box. Pull the pieces apart and you discover that each piece is, in fact, a stationery tool or fidget toy.
What we like
It is meticulously crafted from solid wood, with flawless mortise and tenon joints and built-in magnets
What we dislike
The aesthetics are a bit unassuming and boring
10. The Oakywood Wooden Cubic Pot
Designed to be a stylish and elegant addition to your workdesk, the Oakywood Wooden Cubic Pot can easily and efficiently store your stationery, or be used to pot some greenery. It features a cup holder to pot a mini-plant!
Why is it noteworthy?
The unique dual-purpose design of the pot makes it a functional and excellent addition to your desk space. It features a stainless-steel insert to protect the wood from moisture and dirt. The surface of the pot has been coated with eco-wax oil, making it smooth to the touch.
Over the years I have learned to embrace a digital + analog hybrid workflow process. While most of my work goes straight to the computer, tablet, or mobile phone that I’m working on at the moment, I still like having a pen and paper with me at all times to jot down things I’m thinking about or things I need to do. There’s something therapeutic about writing it down rather than just typing it out so products that can give me that convenience are always welcome.
Designer: Cortex
The Sidekick Notepad is basically a writing pad where you can jot things down while having a meeting or while doing your normal, every day tasks. It is designed to fit either above or under your keyboard and is meant to be your “sidekick” if you’re like me that sometimes likes to put her to-do list on paper rather than on pixels. There’s a section to put the date, a huge section for notes, and then on the side, there’s a to-do list section with checkboxes so it’s easier to tick things off.
It’s not meant to be like a journal where you keep it even after the tasks or notes have served their purpose. It’s a tear-away kind of pad where you can just tear it off and then throw it (or compile it somewhere else if that’s your thing). You can also scan your notes for posterity and then save it on your preferred notes app. It doesn’t seem to have a dedicated app that can automatically scan and store things for you so you have to do it the manual way.
The Sidekick Notepad has 60 pages of Munken Lynx paper so if you run out, you’ll have to buy a new notepad since it’s not refillable. The cover is made from something called “Extract”, a paper made from recycled coffee cups. This adds another layer of things that I love so this product seems to be created especially for people like me who still can’t let go of the analog stuff.
We’ve all been through those panicked moments when we try to scramble for a pen or even a pencil and neither is in sight, let alone within reach. Thanks to a renaissance of paper notebooks and analog productivity systems, it’s no longer weird to be carrying a writing instrument with you all the time, sometimes even in your pocket. Not all pens and pencils, however, are made to be shoved in pockets, especially when it comes to pencils that have fragile leads that easily break at the slightest pressure. But what if you had a writing tool that never ran out of ink, never needed to be sharpened, and never snapped in two when you accidentally sat on it? That’s the kind of handwriting bliss that the Pocket Everlasting Metal Pencil brings to your pocket, bag, or EDC toolkit, ensuring you’ll have something to write down your thoughts with at the moment that inspiration strikes.
Although an ink pen is the preferred tool for jotting down notes, some prefer the centuries-old pencil for its more forgiving and expressive properties. That’s mostly thanks to the nature of the graphite core that leaves its unique mark on paper or other mediums. But whether the pencil is traditional or mechanical, it has the almost innate drawback of needing to be sharpened or replaced because the “lead” has become dull or has broken off. When that happens, not only does your flow of thought get broken as well, you also start to get stressed while scrambling for a sharpener or replacement leads.
This all-metal pocket pencil removes that weakness by using an ingenious special alloy core that barely needs sharpening or not at all. That alloy, however, still contains graphite so it leaves the same marks that a regular clay or charcoal-based pencil would. In other words, you get the same writing experience and quality as a 2H pencil, but without the hassles of “running out” of lead or even ink.
What makes this everlasting pencil even more special is its size. At only 4.7 inches (120mm) long, it is the perfect length to keep in your pocket so you always have it at hand when you need it. At the same time, it isn’t too short to make writing for long periods of time uncomfortable. It strikes the perfect balance between portability and ergonomics, something that a regular pencil can’t even achieve.
The design of the pencil is quite distinctive as well, sporting a faceted metal barrel with a matte texture that improves your grip and prevents the pencil from rolling off desks. It also comes with a rather cute leather cap so you don’t accidentally leave marks inside your pockets. Whether you’re scribbling notes or drafting your next designs, you can enjoy a stress-free and expressive writing experience by having this everlasting all-metal pencil always in your pocket.
