Stationery refers to a wide range of paper-based items and other tools that are used for writing, organizing, and presenting documents. Over time, stationery has evolved to include various specialized items tailored for both professional and personal use.

Writing Tools

Pens

Pens are one of the most common and versatile writing tools. They come in various designs, types, and ink options, each serving a unique purpose.

Ballpoint Pens

Ballpoint pens are characterized by their use of a tiny rotating ball at the tip that dispenses ink as the pen moves across the paper. They are popular due to their smooth writing experience, long-lasting ink, and affordability. Ballpoint pens are ideal for everyday writing tasks, from taking notes to signing documents.

Fountain Pens

Fountain pens are considered a luxurious writing instrument, often used for formal writing and artistic endeavors. They feature a nib that allows ink to flow onto the paper in a steady stream. Fountain pens come with refillable ink cartridges, and they offer a more elegant writing style, ideal for calligraphy or professional correspondence.

Gel Pens

Gel pens use gel-based ink, providing a smoother and more vibrant writing experience compared to ballpoint pens. They are known for their quick-drying ink and wide array of colors, making them popular for both artistic work and everyday use. Gel pens are also favored by those who need a clean and bold line when writing.

Rollerball Pens

Rollerball pens are similar to ballpoint pens but use liquid ink instead of the oil-based ink used in ballpoints. The liquid ink in rollerball pens flows more freely, creating a smoother writing experience. Rollerball pens are known for their precision, clarity, and consistent ink flow.

Marker Pens

Marker pens have a larger, more flexible tip, which is perfect for making bold marks and highlighting text. They are available in various sizes, ranging from fine-tipped markers used for detailed artwork to large markers used for signage and labeling. Marker pens are commonly used in both professional and creative settings. See stationery manufacturers in China.

Pencils

Pencils, another key writing instrument, are widely used for everything from note-taking to artistic drawings.

Standard Pencils

The most common type of pencil is the standard wood pencil, typically used for general writing, note-taking, and sketching. These pencils are usually graded by hardness, with softer pencils (e.g., 2B) being darker and suitable for drawing, and harder pencils (e.g., 2H) being lighter and ideal for fine lines.

Mechanical Pencils

Mechanical pencils are designed for precision, as they use replaceable leads rather than being sharpened. These pencils are ideal for tasks that require consistent line thickness, such as technical drawing or detailed writing. They are favored for their convenience and neatness.

Colored Pencils

Colored pencils are primarily used for artistic purposes, offering a range of colors that can be blended and layered to create vibrant designs. These pencils are popular among artists and students for creating both intricate and broad illustrations.

Marking Tools

Highlighters

Highlighters are brightly colored markers used to emphasize or highlight important sections of text. They are essential for students, professionals, and anyone working with large volumes of text that need to be reviewed or referenced. Highlighters come in various colors and tip sizes to suit different needs.

Chalk and Whiteboard Markers

Chalk and whiteboard markers are used to write on chalkboards and whiteboards, respectively. They are frequently used in educational settings, conference rooms, and other environments that require quick and reusable writing tools. These markers come in different colors and are available with various tip sizes, from fine to broad.

Paper Products

Paper is the fundamental element of stationery, used in numerous forms for both professional and creative purposes.

Notebooks and Notepads

Spiral Notebooks

Spiral notebooks consist of pages bound together with a coil or spiral binding. These notebooks are favored for their flexibility, allowing the user to flip through the pages with ease. They are commonly used in schools and offices for note-taking and writing tasks.

Composition Notebooks

Composition notebooks have a simple sewn binding and are typically made with durable covers, often with marbled patterns. These notebooks are designed for everyday writing and note-taking, making them a staple in educational environments.

Legal Pads

Legal pads are large pads of paper, typically yellow, used primarily for business and legal purposes. They are known for their horizontal lines and perforated edges, making them easy to tear off and organize. Legal pads are used for meeting notes, memos, and other professional documentation.

Stationery Paper

Writing Paper

Writing paper is the most commonly used type of paper, primarily used for formal writing, letters, and documents. It comes in various weights, sizes, and colors, with premium options available for special occasions such as weddings and formal correspondence.

Letterhead Paper

Letterhead paper features pre-printed company or personal information at the top, such as a logo, address, or contact details. This type of paper is typically used for professional correspondence, ensuring that all communication from a business or individual maintains a consistent, branded appearance.

Resume Paper

Resume paper is a high-quality, heavier weight paper designed specifically for printing resumes and cover letters. It often has a more refined texture and appearance to create a professional impression.

Specialty Papers

Art Paper

Art paper is designed for artistic work, offering a surface that is suitable for various forms of creative expression, including watercolor painting, sketching, and printing. The texture and weight of art paper vary depending on the medium being used.

Cardstock

Cardstock is a thick, durable paper that is often used for printing cards, invitations, and business cards. It offers a sturdier option than standard paper, making it ideal for items that require durability or need to stand out.

Kraft Paper

Kraft paper is a type of brown paper that is commonly used for wrapping, crafts, and packaging. It is strong and versatile, often seen in shipping materials and as a background for DIY projects.

Office Supplies

Paper Clips and Fasteners

Paper Clips

Paper clips are a simple and effective way to keep papers together without causing damage. They come in various sizes and styles, from standard steel clips to decorative options. Paper clips are ideal for organizing documents in an office setting.

Binder Clips

Binder clips are larger than paper clips and feature two metal arms that fold over the paper to keep it secure. These clips are particularly useful for holding large stacks of paper together. They come in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for different paper volumes.

Push Pins and Tacks

Push pins and tacks are small fasteners used to attach paper to bulletin boards, corkboards, or walls. They come in various designs, and their sharp tips make them ideal for securing lightweight materials.

Filing Tools

File Folders

File folders are used to organize and store documents in an office or home setting. They typically come in various sizes, such as letter-size or legal-size, and are available in different colors to help with sorting and categorizing papers. File folders are an essential tool for managing paperwork efficiently.

Hanging File Folders

Hanging file folders have hooks that allow them to hang inside file cabinets. These folders provide additional organization, making it easy to store and access documents. They are particularly useful in office settings for keeping documents neatly sorted and easy to retrieve.

File Binders

File binders are designed to hold punched papers and keep them secure. They come in different sizes, such as 3-ring or 2-ring binders, and are available with various types of covers (e.g., plastic or leather). Binders are useful for storing contracts, reports, and other important documents.

Sticky Notes and Notepads

Post-it Notes

Post-it notes are small, sticky-backed pieces of paper used to jot down reminders, make notes, or highlight information. They come in different colors, sizes, and shapes, making them highly customizable for personal or office use. These notes are easy to stick to surfaces and can be moved without leaving residue.

Sticky Flags

Sticky flags are smaller than regular Post-it notes, and they are used to mark specific sections in documents or books. These flags are particularly useful for highlighting important pages or notes without covering the content.

Organizational Tools

Calendars and Planners

Wall Calendars

Wall calendars are typically large-sized calendars that hang on a wall for easy viewing. They are often used in offices and homes to display dates, holidays, and schedules. Wall calendars can feature various designs and layouts, with some including motivational quotes or beautiful imagery.

Desk Planners

Desk planners are smaller calendars designed for placement on desks or workstations. They allow individuals to jot down appointments, tasks, and deadlines. These planners help organize daily, weekly, or monthly schedules, offering a convenient reference point throughout the day.

Pocket Planners

Pocket planners are compact and portable, allowing individuals to carry their schedules and important dates wherever they go. These planners are often used by professionals and students for organizing appointments, meetings, and deadlines.

Envelopes

Standard Envelopes

Standard envelopes are commonly used to mail letters, cards, and invitations. They come in various sizes, with the most common being the #10 envelope. These envelopes are typically made of paper and have a gummed or adhesive flap to seal the contents.

Window Envelopes

Window envelopes feature a transparent plastic window through which the recipient’s address on the letter can be seen without having to manually address the envelope. These envelopes are commonly used for billing statements, invoices, and other professional correspondence.

Padded Envelopes

Padded envelopes have an additional layer of bubble wrap or foam padding inside, making them ideal for mailing fragile items. These envelopes help protect delicate objects during shipping and are commonly used for online retail shipments.

Creative Stationery

Scrapbooking Supplies

Decorative Paper

Scrapbooking is a popular hobby that involves creating personalized memory books using decorative paper, photos, and embellishments. Decorative paper is often used as the base layer for scrapbook pages, with patterns, textures, and colors to fit various themes.

Stickers and Embellishments

Stickers, stamps, and other embellishments are essential for adding decorative elements to scrapbook pages. These items come in a wide variety of designs, allowing scrapbookers to personalize their creations with images, words, and textures.

Ribbon and Washi Tape

Ribbon and washi tape are used to add color and texture to scrapbooking projects. Washi tape, in particular, is a decorative adhesive tape available in various patterns and colors. It is a versatile tool that can be used for framing photos, creating borders, or adding accents to pages.

Art Supplies

Watercolor Paper

Watercolor paper is specially designed for use with watercolor paints. It has a textured surface that allows the paint to blend and absorb properly, making it ideal for artists who work with water-based media.

Drawing Pads

Drawing pads are used for sketching, drawing, and illustration work. They typically feature thicker, heavier paper that can handle pencils, pens, and charcoal without bleeding through. Drawing pads are popular among both amateur and professional artists.

Easels

Easels are devices used by artists to hold their artwork while they paint, draw, or sketch. Easels come in different styles, from tabletop models to large standing versions, and they offer stability and support for creative work.

Specialty Stationery

Greeting Cards

Birthday Cards

Birthday cards are a popular form of stationery used to send well-wishes on someone’s birthday. These cards come in a variety of designs, from humorous to sentimental, and are often decorated with vibrant colors and images.

Thank You Cards

Thank you cards are used to express gratitude for gifts, services, or support. They are often sent after special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, or professional events.

Holiday Cards

Holiday cards are sent to celebrate seasonal events like Christmas, New Year, or other cultural celebrations. These cards often include festive images, messages, and greetings that reflect the spirit of the holiday season.

Invitations

Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. These cards are sent out to inform guests about the wedding date, location, and other details. They are often customized to reflect the theme or style of the wedding.

Event Invitations

Event invitations are used to invite people to various types of social and professional events, including parties, conferences, and galas. These invitations often include details about the event, such as the venue, time, and RSVP instructions.

RSVP Cards

RSVP cards are typically included with invitations to request confirmation of attendance at an event. Guests can fill out these cards to let the host know whether they will attend the event or not.