Productivity systems like GTD and the Bullet Journal have made paper notebooks all the rage again. But while it’s inspiring to see so many creative designs for notebooks and stationery, these can also get in the way when you just need to write or sketch something down. Bound notebooks might not have the right combination of grids and lines that you need, or they might have too many or too few pages. Ring binders let you add, remove, and move pages, but the rings tend to get in the way, and the holes lead to tears and unaesthetic pages. You could always make a DIY notebook combining just the sheets and designs that you need, but keeping them together can also be a hassle. If all these sound familiar to you, here’s how this simple yet ingenious clipboard removes the friction when it’s time to take notes while also letting you design your notebook your way.
Rather than limiting yourself to the type and number of pages a notebook comes with, this clipboard lets you mix and match any kind of paper that fits inside it. An A4 jacket, for example, can hold A4 paper or A3 paper folded in half, while the A5 version can use A5 and A4 sheets in the same way. You can use unmarked blank paper, grid paper, dotted sheets, printed designs, or anything you want or need to give your thoughts a physical form.
You can really use any paper that you can write on, even those with printed text on the back. This is an excellent way to make use of those discarded sheets before they’re dumped into the bin. Even perforated or loose leaf paper with holes is fair game because they can easily be hidden inside the jacket’s “margin.”
Clip Paper Easily in Any Order
Unlike typical binders, this clipboard uses a clever Magnet x Lever mechanism to hold those loose sheets together while still letting you easily remove them as needed. Simply pushing down on the edge lifts up the clip, releasing the paper and allowing you to add or remove sheets in a snap. The clip can hold up to 30 sheets of paper, but it can secure even a single sheet if that’s all that you have left.
This deceptively simple design gives you absolute freedom in how you arrange your notes. You can always put a blank page at the top of the stack, ready to meet the tip of your pen or pencil at a moment’s notice, or you can order them according to topic or a specific flow of thought. Or you can just leave them as-is and none will be the wiser.
Take Notes Anywhere
This ultra-minimalist paper notebook isn’t just easy to organize, it’s also super easy to use. Simply lift the flip tab to open the notebook and you’re good to go. You can even leave your pen inside so that it’s ready the next time inspiration strikes. The same strong magnets that keep the sheets of paper together also keep the cover from accidentally opening and exposing your precious scribbles. The jacket’s rigid hardcover and flexible angle make it trivial to fold it around and hold it in one hand, allowing you to take notes even while standing up.
Best of all, both the inside and outside of the jacket are waterproof and you can easily wipe any drops that fall on it. This gives you the flexibility to not just take notes anywhere but also take your notes everywhere. You can even put it up on a metallic surface or whiteboard thanks to its magnetic clip. Time to ditch those pretty but inflexible notebooks and embrace the freedom that this magnetic, loose paper jacket can bring to your creativity and productivity.
Arriving perfectly in time for Halloween season, this friendly little bat adds fun and flavor to your kitchen! With its unique design that’s easy to grip both from the inside as well as the outside, Elizabat (that has to be the cutest name ever) is a pair of culinary scissors that helps you cut, chop, and slice away at veggies and herbs in the kitchen. Its clever blade design also has a bottle opener, while the gap between the handle serves as a nut-cracker. Whatever it is you need, Elizabat is the perfect sous chef!
The folks at OTOTO are masters of storytelling through fun product designs and experiences. All their products have unique characters that lend a charm to the product and its overall experience, making using them a lot more fun without being too cumbersome. Elizabat follows the same logic, with a design that may look uncomfortable at first, but you soon realize that the bat-shaped grips are what make the scissors so useful!
Designed to be gripped both through the inside as well as the outside, the bat’s wings have an ergonomic profile to them that works well for the scissor’s various uses. Hold them traditionally and the scissor works well cutting and chopping through veggies and fruit, whether you’re trimming some green onions to sprinkle on your ramen, or cutting through tough artichoke leaves. One of the scissor’s blades has a clever cutout that works well as a bottle opener, while ridges in the metal tang between both handles work as a nut-cracker, allowing you to casually flip between lever types 1, 2, and 3 depending on the task at hand!
Elizabat features a simple steel, rubber, and plastic construction that gets elevated by its unique character-based design. The bat’s wings are delightfully accurate, with a tiny plastic bat right between them that has an adorable appeal altogether. In fact, it’s so adorable that we’d probably have to tell you to keep Elizabat away from kids!
The beauty of LEGO bricks lies in the fact that even though they were designed to help recreate life in a miniature scale, they can be used as actual building blocks to make functioning products and working prototypes. We’ve seen loads of examples of these on the site, from the functional orrery that accurately captures how our solar system moves, to something as benign as a working lawnmower that actually features moving plastic blades! LEGO bricks have endless potential and it seems like we’re still just scratching the surface with them, but ever so often we come across an example like this LEGO mechanical calendar that actually lets you change the date by turning a series of dials on its side.
The Mechanical Flip Calendar is the brainchild of LEGO builder ‘Sariels Bricks and Pets’ who created this marvel to explore the beauty of bricks to replicate complex mechanical linkages and interactions. Featuring three flip-down elements to represent the month and date, the calendar lets you manually change its display every day by rotating the dials on the side. The flip-down elements include all 12 months as well as all days of the month, with individual yellow rotary knobs on the side that let you adjust each element manually. Meanwhile, a slider on the right side of the calendar also lets you highlight the day of the week, completing the entire calendar experience. The entire process is analog (the date doesn’t change on its own), but there’s a joy to watching how the elements change when you turn the knobs on the side. It’s retro design at its very best.
“There is no mechanical synchronization between days and months to keep things simple, instead there are three knobs with stepper mechanisms, so you can easily move each counter flap by flap,” mentions the designer. “[The calendar] comes in a see-through casing, the flaps are just 3 studs thick and built using 4×4 tiles, so numbers can be easily printed or applied using stickers.”
With over 6,000 votes, the Mechanical Flip Clock is blazing through the LEGO Ideas online forum leaderboard. The purpose of the forum is to allow LEGO enthusiasts to share their own unique builds, which can be voted to the top by other members on the forum. If an entry reaches the coveted 10,000 vote threshold, LEGO’s official team internally reviews the entry before turning it into a box set that anyone can buy! You can cast your vote for the Mechanical Flip Clock here.
There are many tools whose existence we take for granted until the time comes that we urgently and desperately need them. It’s easy to overlook them, especially because of their mundane or cold, mechanical appearances that don’t help endear themselves to us, especially when they’re not in use. A pencil sharpener, for example, is just a simple block of plastic or metal that often gets lost in the mess of our drawers and shelves. This particular incarnation of the stationery tool, however, is something you will probably never be able to ignore, precisely because it calls attention to itself by becoming an object of beauty that you’ll want to always keep on your desk and always in sight.
What can be more mundane and infrequently used than a pencil sharpener? It is a critical tool for designers, artists, and engineers, but it is also being made irrelevant by mechanical pencils and digital tools. And even for those that do use pencil sharpeners regularly, these are often cast aside after use and shoved somewhere, sometimes never to be seen again.
Just one look at Funno, however, and you know this isn’t your typical pencil sharpener, not by a long shot. In fact, you might not even realize that it’s a pencil sharpener unless somebody actually points it out. It takes the form of a small cylinder, which is already uncommon for this kind of tool. But what really sets it apart is the lustrous sheen that makes it look more like a priceless desk decoration than something that cuts through wood and gets dirtied by black graphite.
Machined from a solid block of zinc alloy metal, the pencil sharpener is hand-polished to a mirror finish and given four different colors. Three of them look exquisite in polished gold, silver, and copper. The fourth and newest variant comes in a matte black finish that sets itself apart from the others by giving the object the appearance of cast iron. It might not look expensive, but it definitely still has an artisan quality to it.
Funno, fortunately, isn’t just all looks, bearing a German-made Möebius+Ruppert inside to make short work of dull pencils. And, when you’re done with it, the tool continues to be useful beyond its intended purpose, serving as a paperweight or just as a piece of decoration that brings something interesting and motivating for your eyes to see, giving your mind something to dwell on and hopefully draw inspiration from. The Funno pencil sharpener is definitely a beautiful example of how something mundane can be transformed into something glorious with a simple design and a touch of class.
We live in a world that gets a little bit smaller each day as advancements in transportation and communication connect us with anyone anywhere anytime. It isn’t unusual anymore to have family members living half a world from each other, or friends scattered across different countries. Unfortunately, that also means having to keep tabs on different timezones, lest you land in the awkward and embarrassing situation of calling someone at the wrong time. World clock apps have become a necessity for such people, but the information that they offer comes with complexity and inconvenience, especially when you have to dig through a handful of screens just to get the time you needed. You can have one clock for each timezone you’re interested in, but that can get messy really quickly. This minimalist one-handed analog clock, in contrast, offers a solution that is simple yet so clever that checking the time in other countries feels almost like a game instead of a chore.
Even at first glance, you can already tell that the World Clock is not your typical desk or shelf clock. Never mind its unusual but not unheard of dodecagonal shape, the clock only has one hand on its minimalist face. The design is intentional, of course, because it gives you just the right information you need when you want to know what time it is in another part of the world. With a quick look, you’ll be able to immediately tell the hour, and a closer inspection could even tell you which quarter of the hour it is.
Of course, this isn’t an ordinary clock that just tells your time, as its name plainly indicates. Without complicated screens or complex mechanisms, the World Clock can easily clue you in on another timezone with a single and simple action. Simply roll the clock on its side until the city of the timezone you want is pointing straight up (a.k.a. the 12 o’clock position) and watch the single hand stay in place, “converting” the current time to the correct timezone. Actually, you don’t have to literally roll the clock on a surface for it to work. The internal bearings ensure that the hand remains in the right position, no matter which side is pointing up. It’s a simple yet ingenious way of converting time without actually doing the math for it.
Each of the 12 sides of the clock has markings for a city that represents a particular timezone, starting with London at UTC+0. Admittedly, you’ll have to remember places with their respective time zones, but putting a name to that time zone is a lot more familiar than memorizing numbers. Unfortunately, if the place you’re interested in falls outside of these 12, you might find yourself still doing some mental math in the end.
The World Clock’s simplicity applies to both its function as well as its design. It uses a simple movement mechanism no different from wall clocks, except for the addition of that bearing that keeps the hand in place when rotating the clock. The clock also has a certain charm familiar to lovers of minimalist designs, allowing it to blend in with its surroundings in a subtle yet pleasant way. More importantly, the manual method of turning the clock to check different timezones gives it a more intentional and personal aspect, creating a stronger connection between the act of checking the time and thinking about the loved one living in that timezone.
It’s a common practice to put pictures of loved ones, including furry friends, on our desks as a source of inspiration or motivation, especially when our spirits are low. Despite this ordinary occurrence, most people don’t really pay much attention to what they attach their photos to. As long as they don’t look ugly or don’t clash with the rest of your desk’s motif, people will settle for any old picture frame they can grab. Of course, the photo inside is the most important thing, but just like any other product, the things that surround it can add more value, especially if the frame can serve multiple functions at the same time. This modular picture frame concept offers that kind of value, but it also tries to enhance the design’s appeal by using a material that embodies long-lasting memories.
Marble is one of the most distinctive types of rock-like materials that we use for creating products. It is durable and long-lasting but, more importantly, is beautiful and unique thanks to the patterns that never ever repeat, at least not naturally. It leaves a lasting impression, which is a fitting metaphor for memorializing someone, something, or some memory in a photo. It’s an admittedly heavier material, but that also lends some stability to the frame.
The MEMORABLE picture frame is more than just a pretty face, though. It uses a rudimentary rail system to slide different modules on both sides of the frame to expand its utility beyond just displaying a photo. There’s a module for a short cylinder for a pen holder, a longer cylinder that can be used as a small vase, and a square spiral wire for holding small notes. The latter might be useful for sticking notes or messages from the very same loved ones shown on the photo beside it.
Given the frame only has two vertical sides, you will have to pick two of the three modules to use at a time. The advantage is that you’re not locked down to these choices and you can change things around as needed. In fact, that sliding rail system also allows two or more MEMORABLE frames to be joined together, allowing you to have as many photos as your desk can accommodate. This expands the function of the frame significantly from a simple display to an organization tool.
Although marble is a refined material, its appearance gives the photo frame a certain raw appearance that is quite appealing to the eyes and especially to the touch. It’s also a more sustainable material that can become raw material for other products after the end of its life. If there’s one drawback to the MEMORABLE’s design is that it’s rail system is fixed to only work with certain modules, such as the pen holder and vase on the left and the note holder or another frame on the right. It’s also not clear where the rails also work when the frame is set to a wide or landscape orientation, which is how some photos are taken when groups of people or scenic views are involved.
Whether you’re working from home, or in a corporate office, the one thing that’s pretty much consistent in both these scenarios is a desk! Or, if you’re a digital nomad who works on the go, your desk could often switch between a typical work desk or a table at a cafe. 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, it’s really important that your desk 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! The desk accessories you place on your desk are an integral part of your home/corporate office. From a USB key that can fit into your keypad to a mechanical keyboard made from recyclable materials – these ingenious desk accessories are all you need to achieve your desk setup goals!
1. Saint Antoine USB Key
USB flash drives are usually tiny and compact, making them convenient to carry around. But the issue arises when you misplace that same USB drive owing to its small size. This concept design tries to eliminate that issue by making the drive so thin that you can stick it between your laptop’s screen and keyboard.
Why is it noteworthy?
What this concept does differently is to eschew the traditional rectangular form of these accessories into something that has small protrusions branching off a relatively thin stem. This shape isn’t without its purpose, though, since that shape makes it possible to fit the USB key in between the keys of a laptop keyboard.
What we like
It allows you to keep an eye on your USB key, and prevent you from misplacing it
Safe to close the laptop lid on it as it won’t puncture the screen
What we dislike
Since it is quite thin, it may not have enough space to store all your data
Removing it from the keyboard every time may also be very inconvenient, and it could impact your typing experience
2. The Altar I
Electronic Materials Office recently unveiled its first product – a keyboard made from sustainable materials. Post-consumer waste-derived plastic was used to create the keyboard, and it has a unibody aluminum framed peripheral amped with US and UK layouts with 78 and 77 keys.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Altar I’s keycaps are also forged out of recycled polymers, thereby making it a sensible accessory that doesn’t harm Planet Earth. The accessory is designed for touch typing and can be utilized on two devices simultaneously, which is suitable for those who switch between their laptop and tablet frequently.
What we like
Clean, crisp, and minimalist font
Crafted using recyclable and earth-friendly materials
What we dislike
No information on the pricing and availability for now
Only available in black, with no other color options, we would love some diversity
3. Mayku Accessories
The Mayku Accessories collection comprises a keyboard, a mouse, and a more traditional webcam that attaches to the top of a monitor. While their designs don’t show anything functionally new it’s their appearance that really catches the eye.
Why is it noteworthy?
Instead of using the usual flat surfaces and sharp corners, these products use “softer,” more curved forms, like the sides and tops of the keycaps, the entire surface of the mouse, or the body of the webcam.
What we like
The usually cold, impersonal, and traditional devices look like hard candy or even soft marshmallows
What we dislike
While the visuals are arresting, the functionality retained is the same, no innovation there
4. Portable Hard Drive Concept
This hard drive concept by CLAIRE + LÉA is designed to occupy minimum space while also looking good. It features a spring-loaded slider mechanism so that you can clamp and attach the hard drive to the edge of your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
This interesting feature has the effect of hiding the device from sight, even when it is being used. The hard drive has a simple and distinctive design that demands to be shown off on your desk.
What we like
Even though it is hidden, it is still quite easily accessible owing to the USB port on top
What we dislike
You could bump or hit your knee and leg against the drive since it is hanging from the edge
5. ovOlio
Finding some peace and calm in your chaotic day can often seem impossible. But this tranquil desk accessory is a revolutionary fusion of design and mindfulness, and it is created to enhance your workspace and state of mind.
Why is it noteworthy?
Called ovOlio, the desk accessory features a partial magnetic levitation of the wooden block at its center with just a small base for support. You can open the block and add in a few drops of your favorite essential oil, allowing the delicate aroma to spread in the room.
What we like
Promotes a calm and balanced workday
Combats anxiety and makes you feel more at peace
What we dislike
Looks easily breakable, and the oil could spill over if it falls
6. Belkin BoostCharge Accessories
The BoostCharge Convertible Qi2 Wireless Pad to Stand and the other dubbed BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with Qi2 are Belkin’s latest accessories for the iPhone 15.
Why is it noteworthy?
The BoostCharge Convertible Qi2 Wireless Pad to Stand is for people who want a wireless charging pad that can flip upwards so that they can easily watch content. The BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with Qi2 is for gadget lovers who frequently charge their array of devices in tandem.
What we like
Will juice up MagSafe-equipped iPhone with Qi2 standard at 15W
What we dislike
They’re not available yet in the market
No variations in color and style
7. Blocco
Dubbed Blocco, this functional yet good-looking calculator is no ordinary everyday calculator. It effortlessly combines grace and precision in a simple and minimal design, while adding a visually appealing element to your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Blocco calculator features a universal and ergonomic design that is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users. It features an angular chamfered surface that supports quick and effortless typing and enhances visual appeal.
What we like
Directly projects calculations onto paper further enhancing its user-friendliness
Aesthetically and visually pleasing looks, a far cry from boring old calculators
What we dislike
Feature a portable design, but its usage is limited as it needs a flat surface to project the equations clearly
8. The Peg-Mag System
If your desk isn’t large enough to accommodate your working gear, and you need more space but don’t want to splurge a butt load of money you may want to opt for the Peg-Mag System!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Peg-Mag System combines three clever strategies to help you maximize your desk’s space and potential. The first is a balcony-like Desk Extender that attaches to the side of your table, giving you an extra shelf that cantilevers off your table. Designed to hold a significant amount, the extender is perfect for books, stationery, speakers, or even a fairly heavy gaming rig or CPU.
What we like
Features a rail for attaching a pegboard slider
Transforms your desk into a pinnacle for productivity
What we dislike
No color/style customization
9. Wooden Pen Holder
This block of wood is actually the most zen and calming pen holder you could add to your desk. It creates an atmosphere where you can pick up your pen, much like the way you would pick up a brush or a fountain pen from an inkwell.
Why is it noteworthy?
Made from genuine maple wood, each piece has grains and patterns that make it unique and special. Together with an equally stylish pen, this block transforms any desk into a thinker’s workbench, where the tools of the trade are just at an arm’s reach.
What we like
The Wooden Pen Holder has a gently curving depression that can accommodate any pen with a standard-size
When you pick the pen up, you almost believe that the ink will also follow it up from an invisible well of ideas
What we dislike
It occupies precious real estate on a bench that cannot be adjusted/reduced
10. Flash Back
The Flash back is a conceptual product designed to be a digital photo frame that showcases one or more photos, from your smartphone’s gallery. The device is locked to a very specific presentation mode, unlike typical digital frames.
Why is it noteworthy?
Flash back slowly scrolls through the photos sideways, creating an interesting film reel rather than a slideshow. The curved shape of the device is a tribute to the physical medium, providing it with an old-school feel while maintaining modern functionality.
What we like
Multifunctional design that also serves as a pen holder, with a basin for clips and small items that would otherwise litter your desk
What we dislike
It’s a concept, not a real tangible product, so we don’t know how smoothly or efficiently it’ll work in actuality
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. 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.
1. The Note
This small desk whiteboard is dubbed the Note, and it enables you to take notes with complete efficiency. The unique note taker isn’t an ordinary note taker, and features a few tricks up its sleeve to make your workday fun!
Why is it noteworthy?
The “whiteboard” twists or rather flips over, giving you twice the space to write your notes down. One side can have a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other can be plain, or they can have the same design on both sides. As with any vertical slate, you can also place sticky notes on it, in case scribbling notes down on paper is quicker for you.
What we like
Equipped with a multi-purpose vertical screen you can use to view the time, calendar, and appointments
What we dislike
The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that may be important in some people’s fields of work
2. Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit
If you’re looking for the perfect product to effortlessly capture, process, and store your notes, then you’ve reached the right spot! Meet Grovemade’s newest note-taking 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 and tidy in the meantime.
What we like
Keeps your workdesk neat and tidy, helping you complete your important tasks first
What we dislike
Will occupy a lot of precious real estate on your desk
Wipe takes this simplicity and cuts it down to a smaller and more personal size that’s a little bit smaller than A4 paper. Despite the more portable size, the idea is still the same. You write on it, take a photo that you could save or send to the cloud, erase it, and write again. It’s fast, simple, and doesn’t require 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
4. Japanese Paper Memo Block
The Japanese paper Memo Block is perfect for capturing those itinerant thoughts of yours that may otherwise escape you.
Why is it noteworthy?
With no other markings, not even grids or lines, this white Memo Block lets you focus on the simplest task at hand, jotting that note down before you get distracted again. And with its smaller footprint, it’s easy to put a block of paper anywhere on your desk, in any position or orientation, so that it will always be within easy reach when your Muse or your colleague visits you.
What we like
Its pure black surface challenges the mind as if daring it to put an unconventional and exciting new thought on paper
Uses high-quality Japanese paper revered by many stationery connoisseurs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary notepad
5. Levitating Pen
Dubbed the Levitating Pen, the grand writing instrument, the pen is equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, making the pen rigid and easy to hold, creating a smooth writing experience for you.
Why is it noteworthy?
When done writing, you 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 position. To add to the fun, a simple twist leaves the pen spinning in its place for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with the pen on a whole new level!
What we like
Quite easy 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
Whether you’re working from home, or in a corporate office, you still need an ergonomic and well-designed 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, it’s really important that your desk 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 an excellent addition to your workdesk would be Grovemade’s planters and pen cups.
Grovemade’s desk accessories and office gear always tend to be pretty immaculate. They’re simple, well-designed, minimalist, and highly functional. They are utilitarian yet good-looking pieces that are an added bonus to your workdesk. And Grovemade’s newly expanded collection of planters and pen cups fit the bill perfectly! Made the hard old school way in Grovemade’s Portland OR factory, the cups, planters, and dishes are carved from solid maple or walnut. The detailed pieces are then hand-sanded and finished with a clear vegetable-based oil which highlights the natural warmth, elegance, and sheer beauty of the wood.
The collection basically consists of cups, dishes, and planters in a variety of different woods. The cups are tall containers that are ideal for holding your pens, pencils, scissors, markers, etc. The dishes are wider and can be used to store your paper clips, push pins, loose change, and other tiny workplace items. The planters feature a custom metallic liner cup to hold your favorite miniature flora! The cup comes in two metal options – brass and stainless steel. They’re an excellent means to add a touch of green and nature to your otherwise chaotic workdesk.
The entire range of hardwood containers is clean, thoughtfully designed and not to mentioned well-priced. The prices start at $50! You can deck up your desk with some new additions without burning a major hole in your pocket.
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 minimal Japanese drawing pads – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs.
1. The Everlasting Metal Pencil
The Everlasting Metal Pencil is almost like a Wacom stylus that has a tip that never needs to be replaced or sharpened. It’s an innovative pencil that enables you to focus completely on your creative process, and on the lead less.
Why is it noteworthy?
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
It doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does. That might be disappointing for those who use smudging techniques
2. The Horizon Key®
The Horizon Helvetica® is an artist-oriented piece of EDC designed to replace conventional stationery kits. And this year it has a new companion – the Horizon Key®.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Horizon Key® is a keychain-friendly multitool that not only looks, but also functions as a scale, a hex wrench, a bottle opener, a basic protractor, a flat-head screwdriver, a mini-saw, and a wire ripper.
What we like
It lets you sketch, ideate, plan, and measure anywhere
Portable and easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
The tool only comes in metal as an option.
3. 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
4. Japanese Drawing Pad
This simple yet beautiful Japanese drawing pad is what you need to get those brilliant ideas flowing from your brain. The black canvas invites your mind to pour out ideas, while the physicality and texture of the paper serve as an anchor for your brain.
Why is it noteworthy?
It is perfect for sketching art, creating designs, and any other creative pursuit, accepting your ideas and your mistakes with the serenity and openness of a blank page.
What we like
Utilizes high-quality Japanese paper that is preferred by stationery connoisseurs
What we dislike
It does seem like an ordinary notepad from the looks of it
5. The Gravity Pen
The Gravity Pen is pretty intriguing since it puts the center of gravity closer to where your fingers are, making it easier to make agile strokes. The pen does that by having a grip that’s larger than the barrel, expanding the area of the grip for a more 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
Extremely ergonomic to hold and use
Durable and lightweight
What we dislike
Not available in different color options
6. 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 “whiteboard” twists or rather flips over, giving you twice the space to write your notes down. One side can have a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other can be plain, or they can have the same design on both sides. As with any vertical slate, you can also place sticky notes on it, in case scribbling notes down on paper is quicker for you.
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
7. 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.
What we like
Sustainable + fashionable design
Minimal product with maximum functionality
What we dislike
The aesthetics are a bit simple and unassuming
8. The Scissors with Base
The Scissors with Base is a pretty unique design since it features wide flat blades that mimic industrial tools and a black Japanese steel body that is super durable. The scissors perfectly combine minimalistic good looks with excellent functionality.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Scissors with Base are not a brutish tool that needs to be stowed away. Their simple design sets them apart from other desk items. The extruded part of one of the finger rings, or the “tang,” becomes a visual anchor that guides the gaze toward the scissors’ center, drawing attention to their sturdy blades.
What we like
Doubles up as a box cutter
Minimal + clean aesthetics
What we dislike
The scissor is showcased in only one colour, making it difficult to match all desk setups
9. The Forest Tidy
The Forest Tidy is a set of neat and sturdy containers and stands carved from rosewood, that brings a whole new level of organization to your desk while tying into the wooden nature of the furniture around you.
Why is it noteworthy?
By splitting your workspace belongings into different categories, the Forest Tidy organizational kit gives you space for stationery, tech, EDC, cables, and even a dedicated stand for your monitor along with a stowaway space for your keyboard and mouse.
What we like
The containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, tailor-made to your tabletop belongings
There’s a dedicated phone stand that lets you dock your phone either in portrait or landscape
What we dislike
Unfortunately, the phone stand doesn’t come with a channel for a cable pass-through, which means it won’t function as a charging stand
10. The Levitating Pen 3.0
The Levitating Pen 3.0 is exactly what it sounds like! The pen looks like it is suspended in its holder at a 23.5-degree angle, and is intended to be a luxurious and grand writing instrument with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge that makes the pen sturdy and easy to hold.
Why is it noteworthy?
When done writing, you 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 position. To add to the fun, a simple twist leaves the pen spinning in its place for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with the pen on a whole new level!
What we like
Relatively easy to hold and write with
Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster
What we dislike
We wonder how ergonomic or comfortable the pen would be to use for longer durations of time
