WRITING MINDSET

View Original

Holiday Gift Guide for the Person Who Loves Notebooks and Office Supplies

Stephanie Hampton

10 Gift Ideas for the Person Who Gets Excited About New Pens or Sticky Notes

While I am a classroom teacher and love all things office supplies, I also have many people in my life who love all things paper, office supply and feeling organized. You have to admit: There is nothing like a new planner or journal to make you feel on top of it and ready to take on the world. This post gathers some ideas about the person in your life who appreciates the same feelings you may have toward sticky notes, new pens, and stickers that can make your day better. Remember, this is a gift guide for other people, but you may find yourself clicking “add to cart” for yourself as well. My favorite thing about gifting office supplies is that the “treat yo’ self” factor does not have to be a big one. Sometimes a small pack of pencils can make my day better. Have fun spreading some holiday cheer with all things paper, writing, journaling, and organization!

1. A new notebook

This one can be a bit tricky! I am picky about what notebook I use, but I often find that all people who love notebooks can find uses for almost any notebook that comes across their desks. Some people keep many notebooks. Some people only keep one. If you find out what kind of notebook that person likes, you can order one you know they will love. I also like to receive notebooks as gifts because, like books, I have the giver put a note within the inside cover. This makes a notebook gift extra special. Here are three of my favorites:

Photo from Archer & Olive

I talked in my November planning post about how much I love the Archer & Olive notebooks. I am currently using one right now. Highlights? The paper is amazing and thick enough to use markers without ghosting or bleeding. Also, you get two ribbon bookmarks, a back pocket, and beautiful linen covers. I love that my notebook comes in a traveler’s notebook size so it can fit in my traveler’s notebook cover.

2. Markers, pens, or pencils

Again, you may have a person in your life who loves a particular set of markers or pens. For example, I love the BIC mechanical pencils that twist up and use them for everything. A pack of those costs $2 or less, and I still get excited when I open a new one up. However, I find most people just love any good pen that writes well. I love those office sets of flair pens or even if you want to get fancy a new set of Tombow markers can make you feel giddy. Here are some of my favorite markers, pens, and pencils.

Photo from Target

Photo from Amazon

3. Pen or pencil pouch

My favorite pencil pouch is one that a student gave me years ago that says “Write On.” I can always find a use for a pencil pouch. I love to carry the monthly journal supplies I use the most often, or I can use these as little organizational pouches in my bag for makeup, sanitizing supplies, and more. Pencil pouches come in all sorts of cute designs and patterns. Sometimes finding one with a message and tucking some little sticky notes or a coffee gift card inside makes the perfect gift for the person in your life who loves to journal.

Photo from Amazon

Photo from Notebook Therapy

4. Pen holder or organizer for desk

I also like to use coffee cups for my pen holders on my desk and in my cart, but I know some people love the look of the clear acrylic organizers as well. The person in your life may want a small pen holder, or perhaps they want one that they can take on the go. I like to use my pen quiver as a pen organizer in my bag when I want to carry an extra pen or two, but I do not want a whole pen pouch in my bag. I do love all things Marvel, so getting a fun pen pot like the Groot one can be a nice touch for someone in your life who likes Avengers, Star Wars, or The Office.

Photo from Amazon

5. Journal cover for a traveler’s notebook

In October, I moved my bullet journaling system into a traveler’s notebook cover! I have not looked back, and dare I say, I think I may have found planner peace. I love how my cover feels. It is soft, yet it holds it shape around my notebook. There are many notebook covers out there available at a wide range of prices available. Chic Sparrow is on the higher-end, but my cover is absolutely beautiful. They offer second chance sales and have a clearance section as well. You can find a cover that you love in a size that you want. If you prefer or the person you are shopping for prefers a certain size, make sure to find out what they like. I love the traveler’s notebook size (4.76 x 8.74 inches), but you may have someone who loves a bigger notebook. You can also find out if the person likes notebooks to go in their cover, or really wants stapled or sewn paper inserts. Originally, traveler’s notebooks fit more than one notebook on the inside. However, I use one larger notebook instead of four smaller ones.

Photo from Chic Sparrow

Photo from Etsy

6. Journal charm or bow

My inspiration for December planning was my new bow charm from Peonies Paperie. I love this little shop that I found on Instagram with charms, but I also stumbled upon a little Etsy shop for journal charms named Colibri Charms. These little charms are great gifts for the journal or notebook lover in your life. Many of them have a bookmark option in case you have someone with a traditional notebook, but I like to attach my charms to the elastic bands on the inside of my traveler notebook cover. You can also attach a charm to the front elastic band that goes all the way around the notebook. I have ordered twice now from Colibri Charms, and each time my order was shipped out the next day!

Photo from Peonies Paperie

Photo from Etsy

7. Wire binder clips

I use standard binder clips when I take pictures of my journal, but there is something really fancy and sophisticated about wire binder clips. There are also tons of decorative binder clips out there. I would argue that this may be the small but unexpected gift you may be looking for when you are shopping for a notebook lover. I particularly like these rose gold ones and the rainbow one I found when I did some searching.

Photo from Etsy

8. Journaling or writing t-shirt or sweatshirt

One of the best parts of December is being able to cozy up and get comfortable with a notebook or journal. The person you are buying for should be just as comfortable. Here are some sweatshirts and t-shirts that may keep writer’s block away, but also make any notebook or journal lover proud to wear at home or out and about doing errands.

Photo from Teespring

9. Magnetic bookmarks or clips

Like the wire binder clips, these little accessories can take any notebook or journal to the next level. The person you gift them to can use them to separate pages, keep track of a specific spot in the notebook, or even loop them over the front cover. If you check out the #journaling tag on Instagram, you will see a ton of notebook covers dressed up with these beautiful bookmarks.

Photo from Etsy

10. Cute coffee cup to enjoy while journaling. Coffee accessories.

I grew up in a house that always had tons of coffee mugs. I still love a good coffee mug with a saying on the side. Whether it’s “I’m not feeling very worky today” or “Bibliophile,” a coffee mug makes a perfect accessory to journaling or working in a notebook. Whether it is tea or coffee or cocoa, this is the perfect season to create an atmosphere of cozy and comfort while grabbing your favorite notebook or journal.

Photo from Barnes & Noble

In case you haven’t tried a milk frother to elevate your coffee or tea latte drinking game at home, now is the time to start! This tiny milk frother sits nicely next to your coffee maker. You can use it to froth in your favorite creamer or create a tea latte at home with the milk of your choice.

Writing Mindset Reflection: What would you add to the list? What would you buy for yourself?

See this social icon list in the original post